Questions You Should Know about Nonionic Surfactants

It can be challenging at times to conceptualize/imagine what a surfactant is doing from a spray tank mixture to a leaf surface. By the time a spray tank mixture (water, herbicide, Adjuvant/surfactant, etc.) is sprayed on to a leaf surface as liquid droplets, they are relatively small and indistinguishable from rain droplets to the naked eyes, and that which is taking place within the liquid droplet because of the surfactant is not always obvious. Our goal is to paint a clear picture of what the Nonionic surfactant functions within the mixture and its impact on the leaf surface.  

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As you may have heard many times over, a surfactant is a surface-acting-agent, and yes, this is true. You may have also heard that surfactant is a chemical substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, also true. The application of these definitions in relation to herbicide spray applications can be summarized as the ability of a chemical (called surfactant) to help liquid spray droplets spread across leaf surface. In addition to spreading, surfactants have features that allow for water and oil/oil-like chemicals to mix well. These features of surfactant are critical to why they are mandated on herbicide labels, so that there is reduction in over-using herbicides that possess the ability to significantly impact environment and those living within them.  

The term surfactant is generally used interchangeably with the term Adjuvants. Although, it should be noted that not all adjuvants are made up of surfactants, though most are. Within the Adjuvant formulation, surfactant make up, what is called, the Principal Functioning agent. Principal Functioning Agents (PFAs) are chemicals within an adjuvant formulation that play an important role in determining the features of the adjuvant. Many adjuvants have stated on their labels several Principal Functioning Agents. It is the combination of these PFAs that determines the features and overall classification of Adjuvants, such as Nonionic surfactants, Methylated Seed oil concentrates, High Surfactant Oil concentrates, etc. Hopefully we are not confused with the term nonionic surfactant which is also used to represent a type of surfactant. For the remainder of the article, we will use the term NIS when referring to the classification of adjuvants, and nonionic surfactants when referring to the type of surfactant based on its chemistry.  

It should be noted that there are two other type of surfactant worth mentioning, called Ionic and amphoteric surfactants, and these are sometimes used within the different types of Adjuvants, even Adjuvants that are classified as NIS. Some common ionic and amphoteric surfactants are Alkyl sulfates (anionic), alcohol ethoxylates phosphates (anionic), tallow amine ethoxylates (cationic) and lecithin/phosphatidylcholine (amphoteric). The different groups of surfactants, whether ionic or nonionic, are typically stated on Adjuvant labels.

Additionally, It is also important to be aware that other classifications of Adjuvants, other than NIS, may also contain nonionic surfactants in their formulations. However, the primary feature may not be because of the type of surfactant but due to the features of another component of the PFAs. For example, MSO concentrates, which is a type of adjuvant, are so called because ‘methylated seed oil’ provides the most important feature, among the PFAs that are present, to the MSO concentrate classification.

When choosing an adjuvant, the overall feature of the adjuvant along with the label recommendation classification should assist you in choosing an adjuvant to be used in your tank mix. For example, if spraying in relatively windy conditions and the label recommends using a NIS, a good choice would be a NIS that also has drift reduction features. Or if spraying in hot climate and a NIS is recommended, using a NIS with the added ability to reduce the rate of spray droplet evaporation would be a better choice.  

In summary, NIS causes your spray droplet to mix well in a tank and to spread well on a leaf surface. Both features are important to increasing the efficacy of herbicides where a NIS is recommended by the herbicide label. Brewer International supplies a variety of NIS surfactants: Big Sur 90 (APE-free/low foam), 90-10 surfactant (APE-free/low foam), Cide-Kick (penetrant/fragrant), Cide-kick II (penetrant/fragrant), Cide-kick II methylated (penetrant/fragrant), Sun Control (penetrant/buffer), PolyFilm R (APE-free/penetrant/fragrant), AquabupH (Sequestrant/Fragrant/buffer), Sun Control (APE-free/buffer/penetrant), SilNet200 (Premium APE-free NIS/low foam/slow drying), SilEnergy (low foam/slow drying). 

Surfactants play a pivotal role in modern personal care products, ensuring their efficacy and user satisfaction. Among the various types, non-ionic surfactants stand out for their versatility and mildness, making them a preferred choice in products ranging from shampoos to skincare formulations.

1. What Are Non-Ionic Surfactants?

To understand non-ionic surfactants, we must first grasp the broader category of surfactants. Surfactants are chemical compounds that reduce surface tension between two substances, such as oil and water, enabling them to mix more easily. These are broadly classified into four types:

Anionic Surfactants: Carry a negative charge and are often used for their powerful cleaning and foaming properties.

Cationic Surfactants: Carry a positive charge, known for their antimicrobial and conditioning abilities.

Zwitterionic Surfactants: Possess both positive and negative charges, providing mildness and compatibility with other surfactants.

Non-Ionic Surfactants: Do not carry any electrical charge, making them neutral in nature.

Non-ionic surfactants are characterized by their lack of charge in their hydrophilic (water-attracting) head. Their chemical structure typically consists of a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail linked to a hydrophilic head, often through ether or ester bonds. The absence of a charge minimizes interactions with ions in water, such as calcium and magnesium, giving them excellent stability in hard water and extreme pH conditions.

Key Differences from Ionic Surfactants:

Non-ionic surfactants are generally milder and less irritating, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

They have lower foaming capacity but excellent emulsifying and solubilizing properties.

Unlike ionic surfactants, they are less affected by water hardness or pH changes.

2. How Non-Ionic Surfactants Work in Personal Care Products

Non-ionic surfactants perform several essential functions in personal care formulations:

Cleansing: They effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin and hair without causing excessive dryness.

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Emulsification: These surfactants stabilize emulsions, enabling oil and water-based ingredients to mix seamlessly, as seen in lotions and creams.

Solubilization: Non-ionic surfactants help dissolve water-insoluble ingredients, such as essential oils and fragrances, ensuring even distribution in the product.

Mildness: Their gentle action makes them suitable for products targeting sensitive skin and baby care.

3. Common Non-Ionic Surfactants in Personal Care Products

Personal care products employ a variety of non-ionic surfactants, each tailored to specific functions. Here are ten commonly used non-ionic surfactants, including their roles in formulations:

• Laureth-7: A polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol, Laureth-7 is a gentle emulsifier and solubilizer used in shampoos and conditioners for a smooth feel.

• Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG): Derived from natural sources like glucose and fatty alcohol, APGs are eco-friendly surfactants found in facial cleansers and body washes for their mildness.

• Polysorbate 20: An emulsifier used to blend essential oils into water-based products such as toners and serums.

• Decyl Glucoside: A biodegradable surfactant popular in sulfate-free shampoos and cleansers for its gentle cleansing properties.

• Ceteareth-20: Often used in creams and lotions, it acts as an emulsifier to create stable, smooth formulations.

• Sorbitan Oleate: A plant-derived emulsifier found in moisturizers, ensuring a rich and even texture.

• Coco Glucoside: A mild surfactant used in baby shampoos and sensitive skin cleansers.

• PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: A solubilizer in fragrances and essential oil-based products.

• Steareth-2 and Steareth-21: Used together in creams and lotions to enhance emulsification and improve texture.

• Cetyl Alcohol: A fatty alcohol that provides moisturizing properties while stabilizing emulsions in skincare products.

4. Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Ionic Surfactants

(1) Are non-ionic surfactants suitable for sensitive skin? 

Yes, non-ionic surfactants are typically gentle and non-irritating, making them an excellent choice for sensitive skin or products designed for children.

(2) Is glycerin a non-ionic surfactant? 

No, glycerin is not a surfactant. It is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture in the skin.

(3) Why are surfactants needed in skincare products? 

Surfactants enable effective cleansing by emulsifying and solubilizing oils, dirt, and impurities. They also help stabilize emulsions and distribute active ingredients uniformly.

(4) Is baking soda a non-ionic surfactant? 

No, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is not a surfactant. It is an alkaline compound often used as a mild abrasive or deodorizing agent in personal care.

5. Conclusion

Non-ionic surfactants are indispensable in the personal care industry due to their mildness, stability, and versatility. From shampoos and cleansers to lotions and serums, these compounds enhance product performance and user satisfaction while catering to sensitive skin and eco-conscious consumers.

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