Surface-active-agents are substances capable of dissolving oils and holding dirt in suspension so it can be rinsed away with water. They are used in skin cleansers and shampoos.
Ethoxylated surfactants (those that utilize ethylene or propylene oxide in the chemical reaction) is that they can be contaminated with dioxane, a potent carcinogen. These surfactants are listed on labels as ingredients ending with --eth, (like laureth) or containing the phrase PEG (PolyEthylene Glycol),
or PPG (PolyPropylene Glycol).
Another dangerous class of surfactants are 'amides'. These are listed on labels containing the term TEA – TriEthanolAmine or DEA – DiEthanolAmine and MEA, MonoEthanolAmine. All compounds containing TEA, DEA and MEA can undergo nitrosation with other chemicals to form 'nitrosamines', which are carcinogenic. Natural saponified oils (foaming agents) are a safer choice for shampoos.
Some Synthetic Surfactants:
- Sodium or Ammonium Lauryl or Laureth Sulphate
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
- Sodium Lauroyl or Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Cocomidopropyl Betaine
- TEA (Triethanolamine) compounds
- DEA (Diethanolamine) compounds
- MEA (Monethanolamine) compounds
- PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) compounds
- Quaternium -7, 15, 31, 60 etc
- Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
- Disodium Oleamide or Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
Some Natural Surfactants:
- Castile Soap
- Yucca Extract
- Soapwort
