Why Active Matter Matters for Detergent Performance and Cost-Efficiency
In the formulation of modern cleaning products, the term “surfactant active content”—also known as active matter—is a key performance indicator that formulators, manufacturers, and buyers should pay close attention to. It directly affects cleaning efficiency, formulation cost, product viscosity, and user experience.
At BookChem, we believe in equipping our partners with the technical knowledge needed to choose the right surfactants and optimize their cleaning systems. In this article, we’ll explain what surfactant active content is, why it matters, and how to make informed decisions when developing your products.
What Is Surfactant Active Content?
Surfactant active content refers to the percentage of actual active surfactant ingredient present in a surfactant formulation or raw material. This excludes water, solvents, or other non-surfactant additives.
For example:
A Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) 70% means it contains 70% active surfactant and 30% water/solvent.
Why Active Content Matters
1. Formulation Precision
Active content determines how much raw material you need to achieve your desired surfactant load. Using a 70% active surfactant will require less volume than using a 30% variant to achieve the same end concentration in your product.
✅ A higher active content allows for smaller batch sizes, simplified logistics, and reduced storage.
2. Cost and Pricing Strategy
Higher active materials often come at a higher price per kilogram, but deliver better cost-per-cleaning-gram efficiency. When formulating, it’s important to calculate the cost per unit of active matter, not just the bulk price.
| Example | Active Content | Price/kg | Cost per 1kg Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES A | 70% | $1.20 | $1.71 |
| SLES B | 30% | $0.80 | $2.67 |
The cheaper product may not be more cost-effective.
3. Performance and User Experience
The amount of surfactant affects:
- Foaming properties
- Viscosity
- Cleansing power
- Skin mildness
- Rinsability
Lower active products may dilute too easily or require stabilizers and thickeners, while higher active ones must be processed carefully to avoid irritation or instability.
Common Active Contents for Popular Surfactants
| Surfactant | Typical Active Range |
|---|---|
| SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) | 28% – 70% |
| LABSA (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid) | 90% – 96% |
| CAPB (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) | 30% |
| APG (Alkyl Polyglucoside) | 50% – 70% |
| CDEA / CMEA | 85% – 100% |
Always confirm the exact active percentage with the supplier’s TDS.
BookChem’s Approach to Active Content
We offer surfactants with clearly defined active matter percentages, and help clients choose the right concentration for:
- Shampoos
- Body washes
- Laundry liquids
- Industrial cleaners
- Dishwashing liquids
Each shipment includes a technical data sheet (TDS) and certificate of analysis (COA) verifying active content.
How to Choose the Right Active Content for Your Product
- Start with your final product’s desired surfactant load (e.g., 10% total active).
- Select raw materials based on active matter and compatibility.
- Calculate total input of each raw material to achieve the formulation goal.
- Adjust for viscosity, clarity, and mildness using thickeners or solubilizers as needed.
Need help? BookChem formulation experts can help you reverse-engineer or customize your surfactant system.
Let’s Build Smarter Formulas Together
Whether you’re producing household cleaners, cosmetics, or industrial detergents, BookChem provides premium surfactants with transparent specifications and expert support.
Contact us to learn more about our surfactant portfolio or request a formulation consultation.
