Surfactants are the hidden heroes of the cleaning world. These remarkable molecules play a crucial role in a wide range of products, from household cleaners to personal care products. But what exactly are surfactants and how do they work? That's exactly what you'll learn in the following article.

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What are surfactants?

Surfactants are chemical compounds known as surface-active substances . They have the unique ability to reduce the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. This property allows surfactants to act as effective cleaning agents and emulsifiers in cleaning products. They are also known as detergents. Generally speaking, they can be divided into two main categories.

• Natural surfactants: These are made from renewable raw materials.

• Synthetic surfactants: They are usually made from raw materials such as crude oil.

The structure of a surfactant typically includes a hydrophobic (water-repelling) part and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) part. The hydrophobic part binds to dirt and oil , while the hydrophilic part binds to water . This combination allows surfactants to disperse dirt particles and grease in water so they can be removed during rinsing or washing .

In cleaning products, surfactants are crucial for efficiency. Not only do they help to dissolve dirt and grease, but they also allow these contaminants to remain suspended in the washing solution and not settle back on the clean surface. Through the way they work, surfactants make a significant contribution to effectively cleaning surfaces and improving the appearance and hygiene of textiles , dishes and other cleaned items. But what types of surfactants are there and how do they differ?

Surfactants: Structure and classification of detergent substances

Surfactants are complex molecules. They have their own structure that determines their effectiveness in cleaning products. They can be divided into different categories based on their molecular structure and charge properties. Here is an overview of their structure and classification:

Structure of surfactants

Hydrophobic (water-repellent) part: This part of the surfactant molecule is usually a long hydrocarbon chain. It has an aversion to water but an affinity to oils and fats, which allows it to bind to dirt .

Hydrophilic (water-loving) part: This is the part of the molecule that attracts water and can dissolve well in water . It often consists of a group of atoms that carry a positive, negative, or no charge.

Classification of surfactants

Surfactants are classified based on the charge properties of their hydrophilic portion. The following four types are most commonly used in cleaning products:

• Anionic surfactants: These surfactants are negatively charged in the hydrophilic part. Due to their strong cleaning power and good foaming, anionic surfactants are often used in detergents and dishwashing detergents

• Cationic surfactants: These surfactants have a positive charge in the hydrophilic part. They often have a disinfectant effect and are used in fabric softeners and some cleaning products.

• Non-ionic surfactants: Their hydrophilic part carries no charge. They are milder than anionic surfactants and are often used in products for sensitive skin or surfaces.

• Amphoteric surfactants: Depending on the pH value of the medium, they can carry both a positive and a negative charge. Amphoteric surfactants are particularly mild and skin-friendly and are therefore often used in personal care products.

With the information mentioned, you have already gained a small overview of the world of surfactants. In order to expand your knowledge and be fully informed the next time you shop, we would like to take a closer look at the individual types of surfactants.

What are anionic surfactants?

Anionic surfactants are a class of surfactants in which the hydrophilic (water-loving) part of the molecule is negatively charged. This negative charge is created when the molecule dissociates in an aqueous solution, making it able to interact with water and clean effectively. The hydrophobic (water-repelling) part of these surfactants is usually made up of long hydrocarbon chains that bind to fats and oils.

Examples of anionic surfactants in cleaning agents

• Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): These surfactants are commonly used in detergents, dishwashing detergents and many personal care products such as shampoos and shower gels.

• Alkylbenzenesulfonates: A major ingredient in many detergents and all-purpose cleaners.

• Soaps (fatty acid salts): These soaps are biodegradable and are very often a component of environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Anionic surfactants: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of anionic surfactants

• Strong cleaning power: Anionic surfactants are particularly effective at removing grease and dirt.

• Good foaming: They produce plenty of foam that helps pick up and carry away dirt particles.

• Cost efficiency: Many anionic surfactants are relatively inexpensive to produce.

Possible disadvantages of anionic surfactants

• Skin irritation: Some anionic surfactants (SLS) can cause irritation on sensitive skin.

• Environmental impact: Some older types are difficult to degrade. If they get into the outside world, they can cause environmental problems.

• Difficulties in hard water: Anionic surfactants can react with the minerals in hard water and lose their cleaning efficiency.

Biodegradable and skin-friendly variants are always preferable. This reduces the negative impact on the environment.

What are non-ionic surfactants?

Non-ionic surfactants are a type of surface-active substance characterized by the fact that their hydrophilic part does not carry an electrical charge. They achieve their cleaning effect by lowering the surface tension of water, which makes it easier to mix with oils and fats. Without a charge, non-ionic surfactants tend to be mild and less reactive with other chemical substances, which makes them very versatile.

Examples of non-ionic surfactants in cleaning agents

• Alcohol ethoxylates: Often used in detergents and all-purpose cleaners because they effectively remove dirt while being gentle on surfaces and skin.

• Alkylphenol ethoxylates: Used to be a component of many cleaning products. However, due to environmental concerns, they have now increasingly been replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Non-ionic surfactants: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of non-ionic surfactants

• Mild cleaning: They are less aggressive than other types of surfactants and therefore gentle on sensitive surfaces and the skin.

• Less sensitivity to water hardness: Non-ionic surfactants are less susceptible to the formation of insoluble salts in hard water, which improves their cleaning efficiency.

• Stability: They are stable across a wide pH spectrum and can be used in a variety of cleaning products.

Possible disadvantages of non-ionic surfactants

• Lower foaming: Compared to anionic surfactants, they often produce less foam, which may be perceived as less effective in some cleaning contexts.

• Environmental impact: Some older types, such as alkylphenol ethoxylates, are known for their harmful environmental impacts, although they are increasingly being replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives.

If you value environmental compatibility and gentle cleaning, then most cleaning products that contain non-ionic surfactants are generally a good choice. Because they offer an optimal balance between cleaning performance and environmental responsibility .

What are cationic surfactants?

Cationic surfactants are a category of surface-active substances whose hydrophilic head carries a positive charge. These positively charged molecules tend to bind to negatively charged surfaces, such as many types of dirt and microbial cell walls. This property makes them effective disinfectants and fabric softeners.

Examples of cationic surfactants in cleaning agents

• Quaternary ammonium compounds: These are often found in disinfectants because, in addition to their ability to remove dirt, they also have antimicrobial effects.

• Benzalkonium chloride: A widely used cationic surfactant used in disinfectants, sanitary cleaners and personal care products.

Cationic surfactants: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of cationic surfactants

• Antimicrobial properties: They can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, making them important ingredients in disinfectants.

• Softening effect: Used in fabric softeners, they give textiles a pleasant feel and reduce static charge.

• Efficiency in low concentrations: Cationic surfactants are often effective even in low doses.

Possible disadvantages of cationic surfactants

• Environmental concerns: They are often less biodegradable than other surfactants and can harm aquatic ecosystems.

• Potential toxicity: Some cationic surfactants can be toxic to humans and animals at higher concentrations.

• Limitations of use: Cationic surfactants are not compatible with anionic surfactants as they can neutralize each other.

Cleaning products containing cationic surfactants are not recommended . Where they are necessary, attention should be paid to more environmentally friendly formulations and safer applications in order to minimize environmental impact and health risks.

What are amphoteric surfactants?

Amphoteric surfactants, also known as zwitterionic surfactants, are characterized by their ability to carry both positive and negative charges depending on the pH of the solution in which they are found. They have a unique molecular structure that allows them to change their charge. At a low pH they behave more like cationic surfactants and at a high pH they resemble anionic surfactants.

Examples of amphoteric surfactants in cleaning agents

• Betaines, especially cocamidopropyl betaine: Often used in shampoos and body washes and valued for their skin compatibility and mild cleansing properties.

• Amine oxides, such as lauramine dipropylamine oxide: Found in household cleaners and personal care products.

Amphoteric surfactants: advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of amphoteric surfactants

• Mild cleansing: Amphoteric surfactants are considered to be particularly mild, which makes them ideal for use in products for sensitive skin.

• Good skin tolerance: They rarely cause irritation and are therefore a popular choice for baby products and care products for sensitive skin.

• Adaptability: Their ability to change their charge makes them versatile and effective across a wide pH range.

Possible disadvantages of amphoteric surfactants

• Cost: Amphoteric surfactants can be more expensive to produce than anionic or nonionic surfactants.

• Foaming: Although they have good cleaning properties, they may not always produce the desired foam that some consumers associate with cleaning power.

• Compatibility: Their amphoteric nature can add complexity to product formulation as they can react both synergistically and antagonistically with other surfactants.

The properties mentioned make amphoteric surfactants particularly versatile and gentle in use, making them a popular choice in personal care products and for sensitive surfaces. They are able to clean effectively while being less irritating to the skin or material surfaces than other surfactant types .

How can you tell which surfactants are harmful when shopping?

To find out which surfactants you might want to avoid, it's important to look at the ingredient list. The following tips will help you make a good decision:

1. Pay attention to the ingredients: Look at the list of ingredients on the packaging. You can often find surfactants under terms that end in "-sulfate", "-betaine" or "-ethoxylate".

2. Avoid certain surfactants: If you have sensitive skin or want to be environmentally conscious, you should avoid surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) as these can be considered irritants. Avoid surfactants that are not biodegradable or come from petroleum-based sources.

3. Pay attention to seals and certificates: Look for environmental or organic seals. They make it clear that a product was manufactured without aggressive surfactants.

4. Manufacturer information: Find out about the surfactants used and their origin on the manufacturer&#;s website.

5. Monitor your skin's reactions: If your skin becomes irritated after using a product, check which surfactants it contains and avoid them in the future.

6. Choose milder alternatives: There are also gentler alternatives

As you have already noticed, you don't have to be a chemist to find your way through the product jungle. With the help of the tips mentioned, you can easily find products that are a good fit for your skin and your ecological awareness.

Synthetic surfactants vs. natural surfactants: which is the better choice?

If you have to choose between synthetic and natural surfactants, products with green surfactants such as sugar-based ones are always the better choice . Natural surfactants are obtained from renewable sources and are environmentally friendly as they tend to be more biodegradable.

Unlike their synthetic counterparts, which are often petroleum-based and can cause irritation on sensitive skin, natural surfactants are kinder to the skin. They offer effective cleaning power without compromising on environmental and skin-friendliness. Therefore, choosing products with green surfactants is not only a conscious choice for health, but also supports a sustainable lifestyle.

Conclusion: Surfactants and their properties

Surfactants are essential ingredients in the world of cleaning products that play a central role due to their ability to reduce surface tension. They allow water to interact with oils and fats, effectively removing dirt and grease from various surfaces. Their versatility allows the right surfactant to be found for every application, from powerful degreasing household cleaners to gentle personal care products.

FAQ: Questions & Answers

What are surfactants?

Surfactants are chemical compounds used in cleaning products to reduce the surface tension of liquids. This allows them to mix water with oils and fats, allowing the removal of dirt and grease from surfaces.

Are surfactants harmful to the environment?

Some conventional surfactants can be harmful to the environment, but there are many biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives. It is important to look for products with sustainably sourced and biodegradable surfactants.

How do surfactants affect water quality?

Surfactants can affect water quality, especially if they are not fully biodegradable. However, eco-friendly surfactants are designed to break down quickly in the environment without leaving harmful residues.

Can surfactants be used in organic cleaning products?

There are surfactants that are obtained from natural sources and are suitable for use in biological cleaning products. These are often of plant origin and meet ecological standards.

How to choose the right detergent with surfactants?

When buying cleaning products, it is important to pay attention to the type of surfactants and their origin. Products containing biodegradable and environmentally friendly surfactants are preferable, especially for households with children, pets or sensitive people.

Sources

1. https://utopia.de/ratgeber/tenside-so-wirken-die-stoffe-in-kosmetik-und-reinigungsmitteln/#google_vignette

2. https://www.waschbaer.de/magazin/tenside-wirkung-und-umweltaspekte/

3. https://www.studysmarter.de/schule/chemie/physikalisch-chemie/tenside/

4. https://initiative-frosch.de/umweltvertraegliche-tenside-darauf-sollte-man-achten/

5. https://ooohne.de/blogs/blog/was-sind-tenside

5 Effective Natural Surfactants for Household Products

By Marilee Nelson | 02/26/

Surfactants are an essential constituent of human-safe and conventional cleaning products. 

Surfactants serve many functions, including reducing the surface tension of water and helping water mix with other ingredients to form a homogenized and effective cleaner.  

Unfortunately, many synthetic surfactants, like those found in commercial cleaning products, can have detrimental health impacts on humans and the environment. 

This is why choosing natural cleaning products with safe surfactants is vital. 

In this article, we&#;ll cover the following: 

• What are surfactants?

• Why we want to use products with safe surfactants 

• How to spot toxic surfactants on labels 

• A brief evolution of surfactant use 

• A spotlight on the safest surfactants

• What surfactants did we chose to use in Branch Basics products and why.

Surfactants, Simplified 

The word surfactant means surface-acting agent.

As mentioned previously, surfactants reduce the surface tension of water.

What does that mean (and why does it matter)?

We&#;ve all observed water beading on a surface. The beading of the water droplets is surface tension in action.

To make water work as a cleaner or within a cleaning solution, we need it to disperse and emulsify so it can trap dirt and grime, and penetrate fabrics.

This is where surfactants come in.

Surfactants act like emulsifiers, allowing water to mix with soap, detergents, and other cleaning agents.

They also act as wetting agents and stir up activity on surfaces to help trap dirt and grime so it can be removed during cleaning. 

Here&#;s how that works:

When surfactants are added to water, their molecules combine to create structures called micelles. 

Micelles allow the water-loving components of the surfactant (known as hydrophilic heads) to attract and surround soils, while the water-hating components (known as hydrophobic tails) remove the surrounding soils from the surface and into the cleaning product.

The Unintended Consequences of Surfactants 

First, we will dive into why it is essential to understand the reasons we want to use products with safer surfactants in our homes.

Even the natural surfactants and natural soaps have consequences. Proper use is crucial to both human health and the environment.

For example, plant-based surfactants and pure natural soaps, which are safe for people, can impact waterways and aquatic life if they are not used appropriately.  

On the other hand, some synthetic surfactants shouldn't be used at all as human health and ecological balance are at stake! 

Health Risks of Synthetic Surfactants

We are learning the hard way that the priority in formulating products should always be human health and sustainability, alongside function and efficacy. 

We find ourselves amid a national health crisis as over 50% of adults and children have chronic illnesses, and this crisis has been linked to exposure to harmful chemicals. 

As you learn more about toxins, you quickly realize their environmental effects on are mirrored by their impact on humans and vice versa.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that synthetic surfactants found in cleaning, laundry, and personal care products pose safety concerns for people.

Exposure to synthetic surfactants listed above has been linked to:

Environmental Risks of Synthetic Surfactants

Awareness of the environmental impact of surfactants has been a growing public concern. Surfactants with high toxicity levels and low levels of biodegradability pose an increasing menace to all life forms on our planet.

Surfactants can increase the toxicity of other pollutants in the water and penetrate cell membranes, causing varying toxicological effects. 

For example, the discovery that the anionic perfluorinated surfactants (PFAS chemicals) are contaminating our waterways, farmlands, food supply, and municipal water alerts us to a human and environmental health emergency.  PFAS chemicals are called &#;forever chemicals&#; because they never break down in the environment and build up in the body. 

Studies show PFAS in rainwater, the blood and tissues of people and wildlife worldwide, including polar bears and other arctic life. For more information see our article, "Are Surfactants Toxic". 

Some of the documented environmental detriments of synthetic surfactants include:

• Biochemical, pathological, physiological, and other impacts on aquatic/terrestrial ecosystems

• Reduced resistance of aquatic biota against environmental stress, reproduction, and growth processes

• Surfactants can increase the solubility of other toxins, leading to more significant pollution and explosive growth of harmful microorganisms

• Surfactants can penetrate the cell membranes of aquatic life, leading to toxicity in living organisms

• Gill damage and loss of sight in fish

• Unnatural foaming in aquatic environments

Fortunately, we have tools to help us identify and avoid these toxins in cleaning, laundry, and personal care products.

How to Spot Toxic Surfactants on a Label

You don't have to be a chemist or a scientist, as there are tools that empower "YOU" to be your own product advocate.  See the excerpt below from this article, Three Tools You Need to Become Your Own Product Advocate:

Reviewing each ingredient in a product is the best way to ensure that the products in your home are safe. It is so simple. You can start right away!

Cleaning and Personal Care Products

• EWG Skin Deep is our favorite tool to rate cleaning, skin, beauty, and personal care products. In our &#;Toss the Toxins to Create a Healthy Home,&#; we recommend that products kept in the home should have all ingredients rated a 1 or 2 on EWG Skin Deep (with some usage exceptions). Go to EWG Skin Deep&#;s website and search the ingredients. The ingredients are rated 1-10, with 1 being the safest to 10 being the most toxic. Toss all products with any ingredient rated 3 or more. Hint: Start with the last ingredient on the list to save time. Typically, you will find preservatives here, and you may only have to look at one ingredient to find a rating of 3 or above. Once you find an ingredient rated 3 or more, look no more and &#;toss that product.&#;

Note: People trying to heal inflammatory skin conditions, hormone disruption, or chronic illness should also avoid products used on the skin with the following ingredients that can be inflammatory (citric acid, sodium coco sulfate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, and any ingredient with a quaternary ammonium component like polyquarternium - 11) even though they are rated a 1 or 2 on EWG Skin Deep.  

• Think Dirty is another great app to rate cleaning, skin, beauty, and personal care products; scan your product barcode, and Think Dirty will rate it immediately. We recommend products rated &#;0&#; on this app. Get the Think Dirty app here. 

The Evolution of Surfactant Use 

Natural Surfactants 

Since ancient times, people would grab plants growing near water sources to help scrub off dirt. People noticed that some plants would produce a lather and suds up when agitated in water, which aided the cleaning process. These plants had natural constituents with surfactant properties derived from the plants' fat-and water-soluble elements.

We now call the active component in plants that produces the suds and surfactant action saponins. The Latin word, Sapo, means soap! The name (genus Saponaria) comes from the soapwort plant's leaves and roots, from which soaps are made.

The sudsy, gentle cleaning action of plants like soapwort, quillaja, and yucca are examples of natural plants that have aided people around the world to clean throughout history.  

These surfactants are not typically used in premade human-safe cleaners because of their unpredictable foaming properties and tendency to degrade.

However, they often do the trick for DIY formulas. We love using Soap Nuts, for example, as an eco-friendly DIY laundry detergent alternative.

Here are some others to consider:

• Quillaja

  Are you interested in learning more about Amphoteric Detergent? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

• Shikakai powder

• Soapberry

• Soapwort

• Liquid yucca extract

Note: Our attempt to create our Branch Basics Concentrate included incorporating natural surfactants, but we could not make them work for the above reasons.

Natural Soaps

A seminal moment occurred in an ancient civilization in Mesopotamia, around B.C., when the art of soap making was born and the power of surfactant action began to change history.

Combining animal fat with an alkali (ash) resulted in a process called saponification.

The discovery that the end product of this concoction was a phenomenal cleaner proved to be a game changer. The surfactant molecules in the soap provided the cleansing function, paving the way to improved personal hygiene and sanitation practices throughout history! 

Unfortunately, the importance of personal cleanliness was not fully understood until the late s when people began to make the connection between disease and hygienics. The art of soap-making flourished, and bars of soap were manufactured.

The first liquid soap was developed in by B. J. Johnson. Palmolive was named after its ingredients, palm and olive oil (a far cry from Palmolive&#;s current ingredient list). 

Soap making is an art today. You can make your own natural soaps. There are endless recipes and tutorials online for DIY all-natural homemade soaps.

The Creation of Synthetic Surfactants

A new era in creating cleaning products was born out of necessity. Ingredients used to make natural soaps were in short supply due to World War I (&#;). 

German chemists produced a synthetic alternative to natural soaps, called a detergent, that remarkably removed the dull and grayish tinge that resulted from repeatedly washing whites and colored fabrics with natural soaps!

These detergents were used primarily in industry applications until after World War II. 

Harry A. Cole, a chemist, took advantage of the properties of the new synthetic surfactants (detergents) and created the first liquid cleaning soap, PineSol, during the Great Depression of . The original ingredient list reflected the rise of synthetic surfactants.

In , a few years after World War II (-), the sale of detergents in the United States eclipsed the sale of natural soaps. The continued development of synthetic surfactants began to govern the development of cleaning products (from automatic dishwasher powders to cleaning and laundry products to hand soaps). 

Types of Surfactants

From this history, the four types of surfactants used in today's cleaning industry arose: anionic, nonionic, amphoteric and cationic.  In this article, we will focus on safe anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants. 

Anionic Surfactants

Anionic surfactants have a strong negative charge. They are highly effective cleaners and are the surfactant category used most in household cleaning and personal care products. 

When added to water, these negatively charged surfactants ionize, allowing them to bind to positively charged particles like clay, dirt, and oily stains. They also act as foaming agents and thickeners.

• The very first anionic surfactant was natural soap. Natural soaps, along with the natural surfactants were the world's safe cleaning surfactants for thousands of years . Today, natural castile soaps are still very popular non-toxic cleaners.

Be aware that natural soaps are safe to use if you understand that:

Synthetic anionic surfactants, in general, are eye, lung, and skin irritants, and many have serious human health and environmental impacts. For more information, see our article "Are Surfactants Toxic?"

Note: For the above reasons, we did not choose to create our Branch Basics Concentrate with a natural soap as our surfactant.

Nonionic Surfactants

Nonionic surfactants, in comparison, have a neutral charge, are not skin, eye, and lung irritants, are often used in household cleaning and personal care products, and are best suited for emulsifying oils and removing organic soil. 

• The nonionic synthetic surfactants are mild and typically do not irritate the eyes, skin, or lungs but may have toxic by-products that impact human health, aquatic life, and the environment.

One category of nonionic surfactants, the alkyl glucoside family, stands out as a stellar option for safe, effective cleaning products for the following reasons:

• Do not irritate the skin, eyes, or lungs
• Have no toxic by-products
• Do not produce a soap scum
• They are readily biodegradable

• Some alkyl glucoside surfactants are so safe that the European Union (EU) sanctions their use in skin and baby products

Five Safe Naturally Derived Synthetic* Surfactants from the Alkyl Glucoside Family

*These naturally-derived surfactants are technically considered synthetic because of the processing of alcohols involved. However, they are considered safe, naturally derived products. 

1. Coco Glucoside

Coco Glucoside&#;s safety and versatility make it a common surfactant in many human-safe and natural cleaning, laundry, and personal care products.

As a nonionic surfactant, it acts as a natural emollient, moisturizer, conditioner, skin softener, cleanser, and excellent sulfate-free foaming agent.

Coco Glucoside is derived from coconut and rated a &#;2&#; by the Environmental Working Group. 

It is also 100% biodegradable, non-GMO, and considered &#;low risk&#; for development and reproductive health. It is appropriate for sensitive skin, irritated skin, or allergies. 

2. Decyl Glucoside

Nonionic Decyl Glucoside is a mild, natural, vegan, plant-derived, biodegradable, human-safe, and sustainable surfactant derived from corn or coconuts. 

It is suitable for the most sensitive and delicate skin. It is commonly used as a human-safe and environmentally safe alternative to conventional anionic surfactant sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate).

Decyl Glucoside produces less stable foam than Coco Glucoside but is excellent for enhancing viscosity.

Get the full scoop on the benefits and functions of Decyl Glucoside here. 

3. Lauryl Glucoside

Like Decyl and Coco Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside is a naturally derived surfactant that is ultra-gentle on even the most sensitive, delicate skin.

Lauryl Glucoside may be derived from palm kernel oil, corn sugar, or coconut and is rated 2 by the Environmental Working Group.

Lauryl Glucoside is a foaming agent, conditioner, and emulsifier and may be found in natural baby, personal care, cleaning, and laundry products.

4. Capryl Glucoside

Capryl Glucoside is a plant-derived surfactant from corn and natural oils like coconut and palm.

It is appropriate for sensitive skin and acts as a foaming agent, cleanser, and surfactant.

Capryl Glucoside is rated 2 by the Environmental Working Group, is ECOCERT certified, and is biodegradable.

Amphoteric Surfactants 

Amphoteric Surfactants have both a positive and negative charge and are less irritating and foaming than anionic and cationic surfactants. Amphoteric surfactants have poor emulsification and cleaning capabilities but combine well with other surfactants. They are used primarily in personal care products, facial cleaners, and shampoos.   

Examples of safer amphoteric surfactants are cocoamidproply betaine (EWG rated 1-5) and sodium cocoamphoacetate (EWG rated 1).

5. Coco Betaine 

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a coconut-derived surfactant used in shampoo, conditioner, facial cleansers, soaps, body wash, bubble bath, hair dye, deodorant, and other personal care products.

Coco Betaine is biodegradable and does not cause harm to the environment.

It is considered harsher than Glucoside surfactants and is rated &#;1-5&#; by the Environmental Working Group due to potential concerns with contact allergies and immunotoxicity. We chose not to use Coco Betaine in Branch Basics products.

Cationic Surfactants 

Cationic surfactants are toxic to humans and the environment, even in very low concentrations. They are used in fabric softeners and disinfectants. There are no non-toxic options. For more information, see our article Are Surfactants Toxic?

Natural Surfactants in

 

Branch Basics

The journey to create our Branch Basics Concentrate was full of challenges!

We tried natural surfactants as well as natural soaps on our journey to formulate Branch Basics products.

Initially, we were adamant that we only wanted 100% natural, unrefined, botanical surfactants like quillaja, soapbark, soapwort, and soapberry.

Unfortunately, these were dead-ends because they did not provide the cleaning, foaming, and degreasing power we needed in an all-purpose and versatile Concentrate.

We rejected natural soaps because of issues with eye and lung irritation, and soap scum residues.

We were determined to offer a highly effective cleaner and a safe, super-gentle, plant-derived formula that didn't irritate the skin, eyes, or lungs.

We found a family of surfactants, the alkyl glucosides, that could be used separately or combined to produce a super-powerful, human-safe concentrate.

Even though glucosides are technically considered naturally derived synthetic surfactants because of the processing of alcohols involved, they are considered human-safe, natural ingredients.

The alkyl glucosides are the only surfactants the European Union (EU) sanctions in formulas for babies and those with sensitive skin. Glucosides are rated 2 on EWG, have no harmful by-products, do not form a soap scum, are environmentally safe, and could be sourced from non-GMO plants.

Once we considered this fresh perspective, it was clear Glucoside surfactants were the ultimate human-safe option.

Here&#;s what surfactants are used in Branch Basics products:

• Coco Glucoside is used in

  Branch Basics Concentrate

  , an all-natural, human-safe, Made-Safe, EWG-Verified, Cruelty-Free cleaning concentrate designed to replace every cleaning and laundry product in your home.

• Decyl Glucoside in

  Branch Basics Concentrate

  , our Gel Hand Soap,

  and

  our plastic-free

  Dishwasher Tablets

  where it is used as a wetting, cleansing, and foaming agent and a stabilizer.

• Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is used in our Branch Basics Gel Hand Soap as the most skin friendly glucoside with a pH of 5.5 - 6. It is non-drying and helps retain skin moisture even when used repeatedly. Caprylyl/Capryl glucoside helps prevent inflammation and itching.

That&#;s it!

Discover more about the ingredients in our products in our article Journey to Our New Formula. 

We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between synthetic and natural surfactants, and how they work.

Toss the Toxins With

Branch Basics

Surfactants and natural surfactants may not be the most exciting topics.

However, given their widespread use and toxicity issues, we must become aware of and toss products with harmful chemicals in our personal care, baby care, cleaning, food, and laundry products.

If this article has inspired you to kick synthetic surfactants to the curb, we&#;re here to help!

Branch Basics Starter Kits (available in reusable plastic or glass) contain everything you need to replace every synthetic surfactant-laden cleaning and laundry product in your home with just one Concentrate.

We also offer Oxygen Boost, a mineral-based surfactant-free bleach alternative, laundry booster, stain remover, and scouring agent, and  plastic-free Dishwashing Tablets.

If you&#;re looking for more information to help you toss the toxins, head over to our Wellness Center for hundreds of articles, podcasts, and guides on everything natural cleaning, holistic nutrition, natural parenting, human-safe building and home, and more. 

The company is the world’s best Natural Cationic Surfactants supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.