Understanding the Four Classes of Surfactants Through Molecular Charge: Application Logic of Anionic, Cationic, Amphoteric and Zwitterionic, and Nonionic Surfactants in Personal Care and Home Care

1 Why Surfactants Work

1.1 The Common Structural Basis of Surfactants

Surfactants are a class of molecules with an amphiphilic structure. They are typically composed of two parts: one end is a hydrophilic head group, which tends to interact with water; the other end is a hydrophobic chain segment, which tends to interact with oils, air, or nonpolar substances.

This structure enables surfactants to adsorb at interfaces such as water/oil, water/air, and water/solid interfaces. The hydrophilic head group remains on the aqueous-phase side, while the hydrophobic chain extends toward the oil phase, air, or a hydrophobic surface. As a result, interfacial tension is reduced, water can wet surfaces more easily, and oily soils can be detached, dispersed, or emulsified more readily. In personal care and home care products, cleansing, foaming, emulsification, solubilization, dispersion, conditioning, softening, and antistatic effects are all outcomes of surfactants acting at different interfaces and in different systems.

1.2 Micelles Are One of the Important Foundations of Solubilization and Cleansing

When the concentration of a surfactant is low, the molecules preferentially adsorb at interfaces. When the concentration increases to a certain range, the excess surfactant molecules self-assemble in water to form micelles. The concentration at which micelles begin to form noticeably is called the critical micelle concentration, or CMC.

Micelles typically have hydrophobic chain segments aggregated in the interior, with hydrophilic head groups facing the aqueous phase. Oils, sebum, fragrances, oil-soluble soils, and certain sunscreen or makeup components can enter the micellar core or adsorb onto the micellar surface, allowing them to be carried away by the aqueous phase.

The cleansing action of surfactants involves at least three consecutive processes:

Process	Molecular-Level Action	Impact on Product Performance
Wetting	Reduces the surface tension of water, allowing water to spread more easily	Improves washing speed and contact efficiency
Detachment	Surfactants adsorb at the oil/water interface, reducing the adhesion between soil and the substrate	Helps oils and particulate soils detach from the surface
Micellar solubilization or emulsification	Hydrophobic chain segments surround oily soils, while hydrophilic head groups maintain dispersion in water	Allows soils to be removed during rinsing

2 The Core Difference Among Surfactants: Charge of the Hydrophilic Head Group

2.1 Classification by Charge

In the personal care and home care industry, surfactants are commonly classified according to the charge properties of their hydrophilic head groups in aqueous solution. They are divided into anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. The charge properties of the hydrophilic head group significantly influence how a surfactant interacts with water, oily soils, the stratum corneum, hair surfaces, textile fibers, inorganic salts, thickeners, polymers, and other surfactants.

In the following structural formulas, R represents a hydrophobic alkyl or acyl chain, M⁺ represents a counter cation such as sodium, potassium, or ammonium, and X⁻ represents a counter anion such as chloride or bromide.

Type	Typical General Structure	Main Functional Characteristics
Anionic surfactants	R–OSO₃⁻ M⁺, R–SO₃⁻ M⁺, R–COO⁻ M⁺	Negatively charged head group; strong in cleansing, wetting, and foaming
Cationic surfactants	[R–N⁺(CH₃)₃] X⁻, [R₁R₂R₃R₄N⁺] X⁻	Positively charged head group; readily adsorbs onto negatively charged surfaces
Amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants	R–N⁺(CH₃)₂–CH₂COO⁻, R–N⁺(CH₃)₂–(CH₂)₃SO₃⁻	Contain both positive and negative charge characteristics; commonly used for mildness and synergistic effects
Nonionic surfactants	R–O–(CH₂CH₂O)n–H, R–O–(C₆H₁₀O₅)n–H	No obvious charge; strong in emulsification, solubilization, and formulation compatibility

2.2 Functional Roles of the Four Classes of Surfactants

Anionic surfactants are commonly used as primary cleansing components, responsible for detergency, foam, and wetting. Cationic surfactants are usually not the main cleansing agents; instead, they are used for conditioning, softening, and antistatic effects. Amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants are often used to reduce irritation, improve foam quality, and adjust the overall system. Nonionic surfactants more commonly serve roles in emulsification, solubilization, wetting, and improving formulation compatibility.

The advantages and limitations of each surfactant class usually arise from the same structural factors. Anionic surfactants have strong cleansing ability, but they may also interact more readily with skin proteins and lipids. Cationic surfactants have good deposition properties, but they are also more likely to encounter compatibility issues with anionic surfactants. Nonionic surfactants have good compatibility, but their immediate foaming impact is usually not as strong as that of typical anionic surfactants. Amphoteric surfactants generally offer good mildness and synergy, but when used alone for intensive cleansing, they are usually less efficient than classic anionic systems.

3 Anionic Surfactants: The Main Force for Cleansing, Wetting, and Foam

3.1 Typical Structures

After dissociation in water, anionic surfactants have negatively charged hydrophilic head groups. Common structures include sulfate salts, sulfonates, carboxylates, phosphate esters, and acyl amino acid salts.

Type	Typical General Structure	Representative Materials
Alkyl sulfates	R–OSO₃⁻ M⁺	Sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS
Fatty alcohol ether sulfates	R–O–(CH₂CH₂O)n–SO₃⁻ M⁺	Sodium laureth sulfate, SLES
Sulfonates	R–SO₃⁻ M⁺ or Ar–SO₃⁻ M⁺	Alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates
Carboxylates	R–COO⁻ M⁺	Fatty acid soaps, some mild carboxylate surfactants
Acyl amino acid salts	R–CO–NH–CHR′–COO⁻ M⁺	Acyl glutamates, acyl glycinates

3.2 Origin of Performance

The cleansing ability of anionic surfactants comes from three linked steps: interfacial adsorption, soil detachment, and micellar removal.

① Anionic surfactants can rapidly adsorb at the oil/water interface. Their hydrophobic chains insert into the oil or soil region, while their negatively charged head groups remain in the aqueous phase, reducing the interfacial tension between oil and water. Once the interfacial tension decreases, oily soils no longer adhere as firmly to the surfaces of skin, hair, fabrics, or utensils, and they become easier to disperse during washing.

② Micelles formed by anionic surfactants have strong oil solubilization and dispersion capacity. Oily soils are surrounded by hydrophobic chain segments, while the outer negatively charged head groups remain in contact with the aqueous phase. This allows the soils to remain suspended in water in the form of micelles or emulsified droplets, which are then removed by rinsing.

③ Electrostatic repulsion and hydration between charged head groups help form relatively stable foam films. Foam itself is not the only source of cleansing power, but it improves spreading, coverage, and the user’s perception of the cleansing process.

The dryness or irritation that anionic surfactants may cause is also related to these mechanisms. The cleansing process not only removes external soils but may also remove part of the sebum and interact with proteins in the stratum corneum and intercellular lipids. Interactions between anionic head groups and charged regions of proteins are among the mechanisms frequently discussed in studies of surfactant irritation.

3.3 Advantages and Limitations

Aspect	Performance	Molecular Reason
Main advantage	Strong detergency, wetting ability, and foaming performance	Strong hydration of the negatively charged head group; good affinity between the hydrophobic chain and oils
Main advantage	Diverse raw material types and wide cost range	Mature systems including sulfates, sulfonates, carboxylates, and amino acid salts
Main limitation	Mildness needs to be controlled	May interact too strongly with skin proteins, sebum, and intercellular lipids
Main limitation	Limited compatibility with cationic components	Oppositely charged species can easily form complexes, affecting solubility and stability
Main limitation	Some types are affected by hard water	Calcium and magnesium ions may reduce the solubility and cleansing efficiency of carboxylate surfactants

4 Cationic Surfactants: Key Components for Adsorption, Softening, and Antistatic Effects

4.1 Typical Structures

Cationic surfactants carry a positive charge in water, with typical structures including quaternary ammonium salts or protonated amine salts. In personal care and home care conditioning systems, quaternary ammonium salts are common because their positive charge is relatively stable and they readily adsorb onto negatively charged hair or fabric surfaces.

Type	Typical General Structure	Structural Features
Alkyl trimethyl ammonium salts	[R–N⁺(CH₃)₃] X⁻	One long-chain alkyl group and one quaternary ammonium cationic head group
Di-long-chain quaternary ammonium salts	[R₂–N⁺(CH₃)₂] X⁻	Stronger hydrophobicity, more pronounced deposition and soft feel
Ester quats	Quaternary ammonium structures containing ester bonds	Can be used in fabric softeners, balancing softening performance with degradability-oriented design
Amine salt cationic surfactants	R–NH₃⁺ X⁻ or R–NHR′₂⁺ X⁻	Charge state is strongly influenced by pH

4.2 Origin of Performance

Under common hair-care and cleansing pH conditions, hair, damaged cuticles, cotton fibers, and some solid surfaces usually show a certain degree of negative charge. The strength of this charge can be affected by pH, degree of damage, pretreatment, and water quality. The positively charged head groups of cationic surfactants can adsorb onto these surfaces through electrostatic interactions, while the hydrophobic chains orient outward to form a lubricating hydrophobic layer. This deposited layer can reduce surface friction, make hair easier to comb, make fabrics softer, and reduce static buildup.

After hair is damaged, the cuticles become lifted, surface roughness increases, and the negative potential generally becomes stronger. As a result, cationic conditioning components are more readily adsorbed. Studies show that the deposition of cationic surfactants on hair surfaces is related to alkyl chain length, counter ion, concentration, and the degree of hair damage. Increased deposition usually reduces combing resistance.

The compatibility issues of cationic surfactants arise from the same mechanism. They readily form oppositely charged complexes with anionic surfactants, leading to turbidity, precipitation, abnormal viscosity, foam reduction, or deactivation of functional ingredients. Cationic surfactants are more commonly used in conditioners, hair masks, and fabric softeners, rather than as primary surfactants in shampoos or body washes.

4.3 Advantages and Limitations

Aspect	Performance	Molecular Reason
Main advantage	Softening, antistatic effects, and improved combability	Positively charged head groups adsorb onto negatively charged surfaces, while hydrophobic chains reduce friction
Main advantage	Clear conditioning effect on damaged hair	Damaged surfaces are rougher and more negatively charged, which favors deposition
Main limitation	Cleansing and foaming are usually not strengths	Molecular action is oriented more toward deposition than soil removal
Main limitation	Difficult compatibility with anionic surfactants	Oppositely charged complexes may affect system stability
Main limitation	Use concentration and safety must be strictly controlled	Strong interactions with biological membranes, proteins, and cellular structures

5 Amphoteric/Zwitterionic Surfactants: Modulating Components for Mildness and Formulation Compatibility

5.1 Typical Structures

Amphoteric surfactant molecules contain groups that can exhibit both positive and negative charge characteristics, and their charge state is often affected by pH. Zwitterionic surfactants usually contain both positively and negatively charged groups within the same molecule, with an overall charge close to neutral. Common examples in personal care and home care products include betaines, sulfobetaines, and some amino acid-type amphoteric surfactants.

Type	Typical General Structure	Representative Materials
Alkyl betaines	R–N⁺(CH₃)₂–CH₂COO⁻	Alkyl betaines
Amidopropyl betaines	R–CO–NH–(CH₂)₃–N⁺(CH₃)₂–CH₂COO⁻	Cocamidopropyl betaine
Sulfobetaines	R–N⁺(CH₃)₂–(CH₂)₃SO₃⁻	Alkyl sulfobetaines
Amino acid-type amphoteric surfactants	Structures containing both amino and carboxyl groups	Used in some mild cleansing systems

5.2 Origin of Performance

When amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants are added to an anionic surfactant system, mixed micelles often form. These mixed micelles can reduce the proportion of free anionic surfactant monomers and reduce their direct contact with skin proteins and lipids, thereby improving mildness. At the same time, the size, shape, and surface charge of the mixed micelles may also change, which can in turn affect viscosity, foam fineness, and rinse feel.

Amphoteric surfactants can also improve foam quality. They do not necessarily increase total foam volume significantly, but they often make foam finer and more stable, reducing the coarse foam and dryness associated with typical strong anionic systems. Amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants are commonly used as synergistic cleansing components in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and children’s cleansing products.

5.3 Advantages and Limitations

Aspect	Performance	Molecular Reason
Main advantage	Improved mildness	Forms mixed micelles with anionic surfactants, reducing the proportion of free, strongly interacting monomers
Main advantage	Improved foam texture	Alters foam film stability, making foam finer
Main advantage	Good compatibility in blends	Molecules contain both positive and negative charge characteristics or charge-regulating ability
Main limitation	Usually not the strongest when used alone for detergency	Design focus is more on synergy, mildness, and skin feel
Main limitation	Cost is usually higher than bulk anionic surfactants	More complex structures and higher production costs
Main limitation	Performance is affected by pH and electrolytes	Charge state and micellar structure change with the system conditions

6 Nonionic Surfactants: Important Components for Emulsification, Solubilization, and Stability in Complex Systems

6.1 Typical Structures

The hydrophilic head groups of nonionic surfactants do not carry an obvious charge. Their hydrophilicity mainly comes from polyoxyethylene chains, sugar groups, polyols, amides, or ester structures. Because they do not rely on ionic charge, they usually have good hard-water tolerance and formulation compatibility.

Type	Typical General Structure	Representative Materials
Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers	R–O–(CH₂CH₂O)n–H	AEO-type nonionic surfactants
Alkyl glycosides	R–O–(C₆H₁₀O₅)n–H	Alkyl polyglucosides, APG
Sorbitan esters	Esters formed from fatty acids and sorbitan	Span-type emulsifiers
Polysorbates	Polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters	Tween-type emulsifiers
Fatty acid glycerides	R–COO–glycerol structure	Monoglycerides, blended emulsifiers

6.2 Origin of Performance

The core performance factor of nonionic surfactants is the adjustment of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. The stronger the hydrophilic portion, the more easily the molecule disperses in the aqueous phase; the stronger the hydrophobic portion, the more easily the molecule enters the oil phase or adsorbs onto the surface of oil droplets. The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, or HLB, is commonly used for selecting nonionic emulsifiers and can also serve as an empirical reference for designing other emulsification systems.

In emulsions, creams, and makeup-removing products, nonionic surfactants adsorb at the oil/water interface. Their hydrophobic chain segments insert into the oil phase, while their hydrophilic structures extend toward the aqueous phase, reducing the tendency of oil droplets to coalesce and thereby improving emulsion stability. In systems containing fragrance, oil-soluble actives, or sunscreen ingredients, nonionic surfactants can encapsulate hydrophobic components through micelles or micelle-like aggregates, increasing their apparent solubility in the aqueous phase.

Nonionic surfactants usually have fewer strong ionic interactions with proteins, and therefore show better mildness in many systems. However, not all nonionic surfactants are necessarily mild. Actual performance still depends on hydrophobic chain structure, hydrophilic group type, concentration, impurities, formulation, and usage conditions.

6.3 Advantages and Limitations

Aspect	Performance	Molecular Reason
Main advantage	Strong emulsification and solubilization ability	Adjustable hydrophilic-lipophilic ratio, suitable for stabilizing oil-water interfaces
Main advantage	Good compatibility	No obvious charge, less prone to strong ionic complexation
Main advantage	Good hard-water tolerance	Less likely to form insoluble salts with calcium and magnesium ions
Main advantage	Usually good mildness	Fewer strong electrostatic interactions with proteins
Main limitation	Foam performance is not necessarily strong	Uncharged head groups provide weaker electrostatic stabilization of foam films
Main limitation	Some polyoxyethylene-type surfactants have a cloud point	As temperature increases, hydration decreases, which may cause turbidity or phase separation
Main limitation	Rinse feel needs to be controlled	Excessive hydrophobic chains or high dosage may cause a residual feel

7 Blending Logic of the Four Classes of Surfactants in Personal Care and Home Care Formulations

7.1 Why Cleansing Products Often Use an “Anionic + Amphoteric + Nonionic” Combination

Shampoos, body washes, hand washes, and some facial cleansers usually do not rely on a single surfactant. Instead, they use blended surfactant systems. The purpose of blending is to balance cleansing power, foam, mildness, viscosity, rinse feel, and cost within a reasonable range.

Component Role	Common Surfactant Type	Role in the System	Why It Is Needed
Primary cleansing component	Anionic surfactants	Provides basic detergency, wetting, and foaming	In most foaming cleansing products, usually offers a favorable balance among cleansing efficiency, foam, and cost; the cost and processing technology are mature
Mildness and synergy component	Amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants	Improves foam texture, reduces strong degreasing feel, and helps thickening	Forms mixed micelles with anionics, reducing the proportion of free, strongly interacting monomers
Emulsification and solubilization component	Nonionic surfactants	Helps dissolve fragrances, oils, and oil-soluble components, and improves low-foam degreasing	Does not rely on charge, making it suitable for handling hydrophobic components and complex formulations
Conditioning deposition component	Cationic polymers or low levels of cationic conditioning agents	Improves hair combability and post-wash smoothness	Adsorbs onto hair surfaces through charge interactions, but strong conflict with anionic surfactants must be avoided

The core of this combination is functional division. Anionic surfactants are responsible for “effective cleansing”; amphoteric surfactants are responsible for “gentler cleansing”; nonionic surfactants are responsible for “solubilization and stabilization”; and cationic conditioning components are responsible for “leaving smoothness after washing.”

7.2 Key Considerations in Surfactant Selection for Different Products

Different personal care and home care products face different primary formulation challenges, and their surfactant combinations also differ.

Product Type	Main Objective	Key Surfactant Selection Focus	Core Logic
Shampoo	Removes sebum and soil while maintaining combability	Mainly anionic + amphoteric, with small amounts of nonionic and cationic conditioning components	Anionics provide cleansing, amphoterics improve mildness, and conditioning components reduce friction on the hair surface
Body wash/hand wash	Cleanses surface soils from skin and reduces post-wash tightness	Mild anionics + amphoterics + moisturizing aids	Controls degreasing power and reduces excessive interaction with stratum corneum lipids and proteins
Facial cleanser	Removes sebum, sunscreen, and makeup residues while maintaining barrier compatibility	Combination of mild anionics, amphoterics, and nonionics	Facial skin requires more attention to mildness and post-rinse skin feel; foam volume should not be the only goal
Cleansing oil/cleansing milk	Dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and oily soils	Mainly nonionic emulsifiers	The focus is oil-phase dissolution and emulsification upon contact with water; foam is not the core indicator
Conditioner/hair mask	Improves softness, antistatic properties, and combability	Cationic surfactants + structural agents such as fatty alcohols	Cationic surfactants adsorb onto negatively charged hair surfaces, while fatty alcohols help form a cream structure and lubricating network
Fabric softener	Reduces fiber friction and static electricity	Cationic or ester quat surfactants	Cationic surfactants adsorb onto fabric fiber surfaces and form a soft hydrophobic layer
Low-foam cleaner	Degreasing, wetting, and easy rinsing	Nonionic + an appropriate amount of anionic	Nonionics help emulsify oily soils, produce lower foam, and are suitable for machine cleaning or hard-surface cleaning

8 Common Misconceptions When Evaluating Surfactants

8.1 Mildness Cannot Be Judged Only by Category

“Anionic surfactants are irritating, and nonionic surfactants are mild” is an oversimplified judgment. Category can provide an initial reference, but it cannot replace the assessment of specific structures. For example, SLS, SLES, fatty acid soaps, and acyl amino acid salts all belong to anionic systems, but they differ significantly in cleansing power, foam, applicable pH range, and skin compatibility. Nonionic surfactants usually reduce strong electrostatic interactions, but if they are too hydrophobic, used at too high a level, or poorly rinsed from the formulation, they may still cause discomfort. A reasonable evaluation should consider the hydrophilic head group, hydrophobic chain, concentration, pH, blended surfactant system, and area of use.

8.2 Foam Volume Should Not Be Equated with Cleansing Power

Foam can improve spreading and user experience, but the amount of foam is not completely equivalent to cleansing power. Cleansing depends on wetting, soil detachment, micellar solubilization, emulsification and dispersion, and rinsing. Some nonionic systems do not foam strongly but have good degreasing and emulsifying ability. Some anionic systems produce rich foam, but if the formulation is overly degreasing, they may leave a dry feeling after washing. When evaluating cleansing products, cleansing efficiency, mildness, residual feel, and rinsability should all be considered.

8.3 Advantages and Disadvantages Cannot Be Discussed Separately from Product Goals

The same property may be an advantage in one product and a limitation in another. The strong cleansing power of anionic surfactants is suitable for dishwashing liquids and shampoos, but it needs to be controlled in facial cleansers for sensitive skin. The strong adsorption of cationic surfactants is suitable for conditioners and fabric softeners, but it may cause compatibility issues in anionic cleansing systems. The low foam, hard-water tolerance, and strong emulsification ability of nonionic surfactants make them suitable for makeup removal and low-foam cleaning, but they are not necessarily suitable as the only primary surfactant in high-foam products. The key to surfactant selection is to determine functional roles according to product goals.

9 Classification Tables of Representative Surfactant-Related Chemicals

Table 1 Anionic Surfactants

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Anionic surfactant — fatty acid salt	143-19-1	S104196	Sodium oleate	Moligand™, ≥97% (T)	A typical carboxylate-type anionic surfactant, used for studies of soap-based systems, emulsification, wetting, micelle formation, and oil/water interfacial behavior.
Anionic surfactant — amino acid derivative	137-16-6	N476195	Sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate	UltraBio™, molecular biology grade, ultrapure grade, ≥99% (HPLC)	A mild sarcosinate-type anionic surfactant, used for protein sample processing, mild cleansing systems, and studies of foam and detergency performance.
Anionic surfactant — sulfate	151-21-3	S432157	Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)	Anhydrous grade, ACS, ≥99%	A classic sulfate-type anionic surfactant, used in experiments on micelles, critical micelle concentration, protein denaturation, wetting, foaming, and detergency.
Anionic surfactant — fatty acid salt	822-16-2	S108362	Sodium stearate	PharmPure™, USP	A saturated fatty acid salt-type anionic surfactant, used for soap-based systems, solid cleansers, emulsion stabilization, and comparative studies of the structure–performance relationship of fatty acid salts.
Anionic surfactant — alkylbenzene sulfonate	25155-30-0	S592217	Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)	Anion active matter, 85%	An aryl sulfonate-type anionic surfactant, used for studies of washing, dispersion, wetting, micellar behavior, and solubilization of hydrophobic pollutants.
Anionic surfactant — alcohol ether sulfate	68585-34-2	S304383	Sodium laureth sulfate	70%	A primary alcohol ether sulfate-type surfactant, used in shampoos, body washes, hand washes, foam cleansing products, and anionic surfactant blend systems.
Anionic surfactant — alkylbenzene sulfonic acid	27176-87-0	D432532	Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid solution in isopropanol, catalyst solution	70 wt. % in isopropanol	A sulfonic acid-type surfactant precursor and acidic surface-active component, used for detergent neutralization systems, acid catalysis, oil-soil emulsification, and interfacial activity studies.
Anionic surfactant — sulfoacetate	1847-58-1	S305259	Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate	≥97%	A sulfoacetate-type anionic surfactant, used for solid cleansers, bubble baths, facial cleansers, mild foaming systems, and foam stability studies.
Anionic surfactant — sulfonate ester salt	7381-01-3	S736361	Sodium ethyl 2-sulfolaurate	≥95%	A sulfonate ester salt-type anionic surfactant, used for mild cleansing, foam construction, wetting, and studies of ester-containing anionic structure–performance relationships.
Anionic surfactant — amino acid salt	29923-31-7	S339866	Sodium lauroyl glutamate	≥95%	A glutamate-type anionic surfactant, used for amino acid-based cleansing systems, mild facial cleansers, foam texture studies, and skin-compatibility research.
Anionic surfactant — alkenyl sulfonate	68439-57-6	S304377	Sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate	≥92%	An alkenyl sulfonate-type anionic surfactant, used for shampoos, body washes, household degreasing, hard-water-tolerant cleansing, and foam system studies.
Anionic surfactant — alcohol ether sulfate	9004-82-4	S196294	Sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate	≥25%	An alcohol ether sulfate-type anionic surfactant, used in cleansing formulations, foam performance studies, viscosity adjustment, and anionic–amphoteric blend research.

Table 2 Cationic Surfactants and Cationic Conditioning Components

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Cationic surfactant — benzyl quaternary ammonium salt	63449-41-2	B103604	Alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride	Pharmaceutical grade, PharmPure™, ≥95%	A benzyl quaternary ammonium-type cationic surfactant, used for studies of antimicrobial activity, preservation, surface adsorption, membrane interactions, and cationic surfactants.
Cationic surfactant — alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt	57-09-0	C274355	Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)	High purity	A classic cationic surfactant, used in experiments on micelles, nanomaterial templating, protein interactions, head-group charge effects, and surface adsorption.
Cationic conditioning polymer	81859-24-7	P341830	Polyquaternium-10	Viscosity 300–500 mPa·s, 2% aqueous solution, 25 °C	A cationic cellulose-type conditioning polymer, used for shampoos, body washes, wet-combing improvement, deposition behavior, and cationic polymer blend research.
Cationic surfactant — benzyl quaternary ammonium salt	8001-54-5	A494099	Benzalkonium chloride	80% ethanol solution	A benzyl quaternary ammonium salt mixture, used for studies of antimicrobial activity, preservation, surface treatment, membrane-disruption mechanisms, and cationic surfactant applications.
Cationic conditioning polymer	26590-05-6	P493185	Dimethyldiallylammonium chloride/acrylamide copolymer	5 wt. % in H₂O	A cationic copolymer conditioning component, used for hair deposition, improvement of slip feel, compatibility with anionic systems, and polymer conditioning experiments.
Cationic surfactant — alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt	112-02-7	C466513	Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride solution (HTAC)	25 wt. % in H₂O	A long-chain quaternary ammonium-type cationic surfactant, used for hair-care conditioning, antistatic effects, softening deposition, and surface charge adsorption studies.
Cationic surfactant — alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt	112-03-8	S105314	Stearyltrimethylammonium chloride (STAC)	≥98%	A stearyl quaternary ammonium-type cationic surfactant, used for conditioners, fabric softeners, hydrophobic deposition layers, and comparative studies of long-chain cationic structures.
Cationic surfactant — di-long-chain quaternary ammonium salt	107-64-2	D113403	Dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride (D1821)	≥97%	A di-long-chain quaternary ammonium-type cationic surfactant, used for fabric softening, surface modification, hydrophobic layer construction, and antistatic systems.
Cationic surfactant — dialkyl quaternary ammonium salt	7173-51-5	N194743	Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC)	≥95%	A dialkyl quaternary ammonium-type cationic surfactant, used for antimicrobial studies, hard-surface treatment, membrane interactions, and evaluation of cationic surfactant performance.
Cationic surfactant — behenyl quaternary ammonium salt	17301-53-0	N587655	N,N,N-trimethyldocosan-1-aminium chloride	≥80%	A long-chain behenyl quaternary ammonium-type conditioning surfactant, used for hair masks, conditioners, softening deposition, antistatic effects, and studies of long-chain effects.

Table 3 Amphoteric, Zwitterionic, and Amine Oxide Surfactants

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Amine oxide surfactant	1643-20-5	N755731	N,N-dimethyldodecylamine N-oxide (DDAO)	BioReagent, ≥99%	An amine oxide surfactant, used for foam boosting, foam stabilization, protein solubilization, membrane protein experiments, and synergistic studies with anionic systems.
Zwitterionic surfactant — amidopropyl betaine	61789-40-0	C665446	Cocamidopropyl betaine	Active content 28%–32% in water	A betaine-type zwitterionic surfactant, used in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, foam refinement, mildness improvement, and blend thickening.
Zwitterionic surfactant — alkyl betaine	683-10-3	L196320	Lauryl betaine	25%–29%	An alkyl betaine-type zwitterionic surfactant, used for mild cleansing, foam adjustment, anionic surfactant blending, and studies of amphoteric charge behavior.
Amphoteric surfactant — amphoacetate	68334-21-4	I196318	Sodium cocoamphoacetate	≥40%	An amphoacetate-type surfactant, used for baby and children’s cleansing, sensitive-skin cleansing, low-irritation foam systems, and amphoteric surfactant compatibility studies.

Table 4 Nonionic Surfactants: Polysorbates, Sorbitan Esters, and Fatty Acid Esters

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Nonionic surfactant — polysorbate	9005-65-6	T485985	Tween® 80	Viscous liquid, preservative-free, low peroxide, low carbonyl	A polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant, used for solubilization of oil-soluble components, emulsification, micellar carriers, cell experiments, and formulation studies.
Nonionic surfactant — polysorbate	9005-64-5	T476411	Tween® 20	Nonionic aqueous solution, 10% (w/v)	A hydrophilic polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant, used for fragrance solubilization, aqueous emulsion systems, washing in protein experiments, and interfacial stabilization studies.
Nonionic surfactant — sorbitan ester	1338-43-8	S431923	Span 80	Viscosity 1000–2000 mPa·s, 20 °C	A low-hydrophilicity sorbitan ester-type emulsifier, used for oil-phase emulsification, water-in-oil systems, emulsifier pairing, and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance studies.
Nonionic surfactant — polysorbate	9005-67-8	T112750	Tween 60	Nonionic detergent	A polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant, used for cream emulsification, dispersion of oil-soluble components, mild detergency, and emulsion stability experiments.
Nonionic surfactant — sorbitan ester	1338-39-2	S102859	Span 20	Nonionic	A sorbitan laurate-type nonionic surfactant, used for emulsifier blends, oil/water interfacial stabilization, and comparative studies of low-hydrophilicity surfactants.
Nonionic surfactant — sorbitan ester	1338-41-6	S112961	Span 60	Nonionic surfactant	A sorbitan stearate-type nonionic surfactant, used for cream structure, oil-phase emulsification, emulsion stability, and composite emulsification systems.
Nonionic surfactant — polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester	9004-99-3	P139719	Polyethylene glycol monostearate	n≈55	A polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester-type emulsifier, used for oil-in-water emulsions, cream systems, emulsion stabilization, and studies of hydrophilic-chain effects in surfactants.
Nonionic surfactant — glycerol fatty acid ester	123-94-4	S112705	Glyceryl monostearate, monoglyceride	≥99%	A glycerol fatty acid ester-type nonionic co-emulsifier, used for creams, emulsions, crystalline structures, consistency adjustment, and oil/water interfacial stabilization.
Nonionic surfactant — glycerol fatty acid ester	31566-31-1	G196240	Glyceryl monostearate, emulsifying grade	≥99%	An emulsifying-grade monoglyceride, used for cream emulsification, structural thickening, oil-phase stabilization, and blended emulsification systems.

Table 5 Nonionic Surfactants: Glycosides, Polyethers, Block Polyethers, and Amides

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Nonionic surfactant — block polyether	9003-11-6	K434429	Kolliphor® P 407	Oxyethylene content 71.5%–74.9%	A block polyether-type nonionic surfactant, used for micellar solubilization, thermosensitive gels, drug delivery, dispersion stabilization, and formulation studies.
Nonionic surfactant — fatty acid amide	68603-42-9	C304384	N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)cocoamide	Model: 6501 (1:1)	A fatty acid amide-type nonionic co-surfactant, used for foam stabilization, thickening, degreasing, detergent systems, and foam structure adjustment.
Nonionic surfactant — alkyl glycoside	58846-77-8	D112862	Decyl glucopyranoside	Biochemical reagent	A glycoside-type nonionic surfactant, used for mild cleansing, membrane protein extraction, cell experiments, low-irritation detergency, and glycoside surfactant research.
Nonionic surfactant — hydrogenated castor oil polyether	61788-85-0	P1520025	PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil	Cosmetic grade, HLB 14.0	A hydrogenated castor oil polyether-type solubilizer, used for solubilizing fragrances, essential oils, and oil-soluble components, as well as transparent aqueous systems.
Nonionic surfactant — fatty alcohol polyether	9004-98-2	B129088	BRIJ™ O10 polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether	Nonionic surfactant	A fatty alcohol polyether-type nonionic surfactant, used for membrane protein solubilization, emulsification, wetting, micellar systems, and studies of hydrophilic-chain length effects.
Nonionic surfactant — alkyl glycoside	68515-73-1	T476404	Decyl glucoside (APG)	Moligand™, 60% in H₂O	An alkyl glycoside-type nonionic surfactant, used for mild cleansing, plant-derived concept formulations, foam systems, and nonionic surfactant blends.
Nonionic surfactant — fatty alcohol polyether	68439-49-6	C196296	Ceteareth-13	100%	A fatty alcohol polyether-type emulsifier, used for creams, lotions, oil-in-water systems, emulsion stabilization, and fatty alcohol blend systems.
Nonionic surfactant — alkyl glycoside	110615-47-9	L196324	Lauryl glucoside	≥40%	A lauryl glycoside-type nonionic surfactant, used for mild cleansing, foam improvement, blend thickening, and studies of glycoside surfactant structure–performance relationships.

Note: The above products are representative Aladdin products intended for scientific research and formulation-development studies. The application directions listed in the tables are provided only as references for research, formulation development, and experimental design, and do not indicate direct suitability for use in finished personal care or home care products. Specific product specifications, grades, COA information, regulatory applicability, and use restrictions should be confirmed according to the Aladdin official website and the regulatory requirements of the target market. More product information can be searched on the Aladdin official website by product name, CAS number, or catalog number.

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