Surfactant abbreviations simplify identification and reference in formulations, research, and product labels. These shorthand codes represent widely used compounds across anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric categories—key ingredients in cosmetics for cleansing, emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and foaming. Understanding common surfactant abbreviations helps formulators, researchers, and manufacturers quickly recognize structures and properties.
Anionic Surfactants
Anionic surfactants (charged negatively in solution) excel in detergency, foaming, dispersion, emulsification, and wetting. Primarily carboxylates, sulfates, sulfonates, and phosphates—core in detergents, foaming/wetting/emulsifying/dispersing agents.
- α-Olefin Sulfonate Sodium: AOS
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate: AESA-70 / K12A-70 / K12A-28
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: K12
- Lauryl Phosphate: MAP-85
- Potassium Lauryl Phosphate: MAP-K
- Triethanolamine Lauryl Phosphate: MAP-A
- Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: MES
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (2EO): AES-2EO-70
- Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate: TEXAPHON T42
- Secondary Alkane Sulfonate Sodium: SAS60
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: SCI85
- Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: Medialan LD30
- Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Taurate: Hostapon CT
- Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate: Hostapon CLG
- Magnesium Laureth Sulfate: Ganapol AMG
- Sodium Laureth Carboxylate: Sandopan LS-24
Cationic Surfactants
Cationic surfactants, nitrogen-containing amine derivatives, carry positive charge via lone electron pairs bonding hydrogen. Types: amine salts, quaternary ammonium, heterocyclic, pyrrolidinium.
- Octadecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride: 1831
- Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride: 1631
- Distearyl Hydroxyethyl Methyl Ammonium Methosulfate: TE-90
- Cetyl Stearyl Ether-2: EUMULGIN S2 / BRIJ72
- Cetyl Stearyl Ether-21: EUMULGIN S21 / BRIJ721
- Cetyl Stearyl Ether-20: EUMULGIN B2
- Lauryl Glucoside Polyglyceryl-2 Dihydroxystearate/Glycerin: EUMULGIN VL-75
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil: DEHYMULS PEG-7
- C16-18 Alcohol Citrate Glyceryl Ester: Emulgade PL 68/50
- Cetyl Stearyl Ether-20/Cetyl Stearyl Ether-12/Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol/Cetyl Palmitate: Emulgade SE-PE
- C16-18 Alcohol/PEG-20 C16-18 Alcohol Ether: Emulgade 1000NI
Amphoteric Surfactants
Amphoteric surfactants feature both anionic and cationic hydrophilic groups in one molecule—donate/accept protons, mild nature.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine: DEHYTON K
- Lauryl Betaine/Lauryl Propyl Betaine: BS-12
- Lauryl Dimethyl Amine Oxide: OA-12
- Cocamidopropyl Dimethyl Betaine: CAB-35
- Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine: CHS-35
- Cocoyl Imidazoline: CAMA-30
- Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: MES
Nonionic Surfactants
Nonionic surfactants hydrophilic via non-dissociating oxygen groups (neutral molecules). High activity, solubilization, antistatic, calcium soap dispersion; low irritation, excellent wetting/washing.
- Coco Fatty Acid Monoethanolamide: COMPERLAN 100C
- Coco Fatty Acid Diethanolamide: COMPERLAN COD
- C12-14 Alkyl Glucoside: 600 CSUP (APG)
- C8-14 Alkyl Glucoside: GLUCOPON 650 EC (APG)
- C12-16 Alkyl Glucoside: PLANTACARE 1200 UP (APG)
- C8-16 Alkyl Glucoside: PLANTACARE 2000 UP (APG)
- Fatty Alcohol +3/7/9 EO: AEO-3/7/9
- Nonylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether: TX-4.5/6.5/10/15/20/40
- Hydroxy Synthetic Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether: GENAPOL UD-080
- Coco Fatty Acid Monoethanolamide: CMEA
- Fatty Alcohol +4EO+5PO: DEHYPON LS45
- Hydroxy Synthetic Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether: UD-080
For more on related products, visit Surfactants. Questions? Contact us. In summary, mastering surfactant abbreviations and common surfactants list streamlines formulation and research across categories.
