Table 2.
The classification of most commonly used surfactants and their applications [58,59,[60], [61], [62]].
| Type | Compound name | Abbreviation | Formula | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anionic surfactants | Sodium dodecyl sulphate | SDS | NaC12H25SO4 | Cleaning and hygiene products |
| Sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate | SDBS | C18H30NaO3S | As a detergent in cleaning products | |
| Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate | LAS | – | Household detergents | |
| Sodium alkyl sulphate | SAS | CnH2n+1OSO2ONa | Personal care products | |
| Alkyl ethoxy sulphate | AES | – | Personal care products | |
| sodium lauryl sulphate | SLS | C12H25NaO4S | Household detergents | |
| Alpha olefin sulfonate | AOS | CnH2n-1SO3Na | Excellent foaming and detergency characteristics/shampoos and other bath products | |
| Cationic surfactants | Quaternary ammonium compound | QAC | – | Found in disinfectant wipes, sprays, and other household cleaners |
| Benzalkonium chloride | BAC | – | Antiseptic and disinfectant | |
| Cetylpyridinium bromide | CPB | C21H38BrN | Antiseptic | |
| Cetrimonium bromide | CTAB | C19H42BrN | Topical antiseptic/antiseptic agent against bacteria and fungi | |
| Non-ionic surfactants | Alcohol ethoxylates | AE | – | Degreasers, emollients/detergents |
| Amphoteric surfactants | Cocamidopropyl betaine | CAPB | C19H38N2O3 | Personal care products |