Surfactants vs. Soap: Key Differences
|
Feature |
Surfactants |
Soap |
|
Definition |
Surface-active agents that reduce surface tension between substances |
A type of surfactant made from natural fats or oils and an alkali |
|
Origin |
Can be synthetic or natural |
Made from natural ingredients (fats/oils + lye) |
|
Chemical Structure |
Can be anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric |
Typically anionic (fatty acid + alkali salt) |
|
pH |
Can be adjusted for various applications |
Generally alkaline (pH ~9-10) |
|
Foaming Ability |
Some surfactants create more stable foam than soap |
Produces moderate foam but less stable than synthetic surfactants |
|
Hard Water Performance |
Some synthetic surfactants work well in hard water |
Soap reacts with hard water minerals, forming scum |
|
Biodegradability |
Some synthetic surfactants can be slow to degrade |
Natural soaps are generally biodegradable |
|
Uses |
Found in detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, etc. |
Primarily used for cleansing (body, clothes, dishes) |
Main Takeaway
- All soaps are surfactants, but not all surfactants are soaps.
- Soaps are a natural type of surfactant, while many surfactants are synthetic and designed for specific properties (e.g., better foaming, resistance to hard water). We only use plant derived surfactants.
- Surfactants are widely used beyond just cleaning, while soap is mainly for cleansing
We use naturally derived surfactants rather than synthetic. They are plant based so biodegradeable and sutainable:
SCS Sodium Coco Sulfate is a solid anionic surfactant of coconut origin. It is not the same thing as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and is generally accepted as a gentler alternative.
SLSA: Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate. A mild and gentle surfactant suitable for use in many cosmetic applications, is made from the extraction of natural oils and fibres of the Coconut plant.
CAPB Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a foaming agent which can be derived from a range of different plant oils. It is very well tolerated by the skin and is so mild that it is internationally recommended for use in foaming products designed for use by babies and infants. It is also suitable for those who may be prone to eczema and sensitive skin.
Decyl glucoside is a mild non-ionic surfactant, it is plant-derived, biodegradable, and gentle for all hair types. It is created by reacting glucose (from corn starch or sugar) with the fatty alcohol decanol (derived from coconut or palm oil) in a process called esterification.