Natural Surfactant Base Plus

• Rich, dense foam for gentle cleansing

• Suitable for sensitive skin and baby formulations

• Sulfate-free and non-ethoxylated

• Blend of mild surfactants

• From natural sources: palm, coconut, corn

• Good for shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes

• Gentle for shaving creams and baby products

• Semi-viscous liquid with minimal scent

• Vegan and cruelty-free

• Easy to thicken at pH 5 – perfect for cosmetic formulations

• High skin compatibility

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Ready to use and customizable

• Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive or dry skin. Spreads easily and evenly on skin and hair

Product Description

Natural Surfactant Base Plus is a ready-to-use blend of very mild surfactants to cleanse the skin and hair without stripping them of their natural moisture. Designed for sensitive skin, it combines three types of surfactants – anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric – from renewable palm, coconut and corn sources.

The molecular structure of these surfactants allows them to interact with oil and water, to remove dirt and improve the texture and usability of cosmetic formulations.

This sulfate-free base produces a rich, creamy foam that rinses clean without residue or irritation. Mild enough for daily use and suitable for a wide range of rinse-off products: facial cleansers, shampoos, body washes, baby products and shaving foams.

The semi-viscous liquid has a slight scent that disappears in the final product. Easy to work with, it can be thickened (especially at pH 5) and combined with natural preservatives. Whether you’re formulating a foaming face wash or a mild shampoo for everyday use, this natural surfactant base helps you create high quality, skin-friendly formulations.

Applications & Ideal Uses

For formulating:

• Sensitive skin shampoos

• Baby body washes and bubble baths

• Facial cleansers and foaming gels

• Shaving creams and foams

• Sulfate-free body washes

• Cleansing milks with added oils or botanical extracts

• Hand washes and mild soaps

• Customized personal care formulations for sensitive skin

• Haircare products for effective cleansing and application

Types of Surfactants

Surfactants come in different types, each with unique properties and uses. Anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate are known for their foaming and cleansing abilities, that’s why they are found in many personal care products. Cationic surfactants are found in hair care products due to their conditioning and antistatic properties. Nonionic surfactants like lauryl glucoside and coco glucoside are gentle and biodegradable, perfect for sensitive skin and eco-friendly formulations.

Amphoteric surfactants like coco betaine are a balance between anionic and cationic, gentle cleansing and conditioning. Knowing these types helps formulators create products that are both effective and skin-compatible.

Surfactant Safety and Regulations

Surfactant safety in personal care and household products is key. Regulatory bodies like the European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation and the US FDA’s Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have strict guidelines to ensure safe use. Organisations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the National Eczema Association (NEA) provide resources for consumers to make informed choices. Note that while some surfactants, like cationic surfactants, can be irritating to sensitive skin, others, like gentle anionic surfactants, are suitable for sensitive skin formulations. Following these regulations and guidelines ensures product safety and consumer trust.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of surfactants is a growing concern, especially with synthetic surfactants that can persist in the environment and harm aquatic life. Natural surfactants from coconut oil and sustainable palm oil are a more eco-friendly option. However, consider the entire environmental footprint of surfactant-based products, from production to packaging to disposal. Companies can reduce their environmental impact by using biodegradable surfactants, minimising packaging, and promoting sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. By doing so, they contribute to a healthier planet and effective, gentle cleansing.

Customising Surfactant Blends

Customising surfactant blends allows formulators to create products that meet specific performance and safety requirements. By combining different types of surfactants, anionic and non-ionic surfactants, formulators can achieve unique properties like gentle cleansing and rich foaming. Natural surfactants like lauryl glucoside and coco glucoside make these blends more eco-friendly and skin-friendly. Adding other ingredients like essential oils and fatty alcohols can further tailor the properties of surfactant blends, offering many options for product development. This customization ensures the final product performs well and meets consumer demand for natural and gentle formulations.

How to use it

• Use 20% to 50% in body washes and shampoos for adults.
  
  
• Use 20% to 30% in baby baths and baby shampoos.
  
  
• It is water-soluble so cannot be used in oil-only formulations. As it already contains glycerin, there is no need to add any more in your formulations.
  
  
• It can be added in Stage 1 when making an emulsified cleanser.

Skin Care

• Use in cleansers, bubble baths, facial washes and hand washes. Excellent for all sensitive skin types.

Hair Care

• Excellent for every-day shampoos to cleanse without stripping the scalp. Gentle for sensitive and irritated scalps.