What are Surfactants?

Surfactants are chemicals that reduce the surface tension of oil and water, which helps make water-based products lather and sud. They attach themselves to filth that is released into water and carry the filth away when water is drained. While they aren’t toxic to humans (unless they get in your eyes or mouth in large quantities), surfactants accumulate in our waterways and are harmful to aquatic life.

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Want a hot take? Since surfactants don’t have high enough levels of toxicity to show scary long-term effects in humans, we suggest prioritizing other factors in your purchase decision, like packaging materials.

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Are Surfactants “good”?

Generally, no. Surfactants can make fish more vulnerable to pesticides and other pollutants in the water, and they can decrease breeding rates by impacting their endocrine systems. These molecules can get into the gills of fish and inhibit them from efficiently drawing oxygen from the water. Surfactants are also associated with the formation of foams in water, like rivers and effluent treatment plants, which reduces water quality.

What kind of products are made with Surfactants?

Products that lather or that make suds, like shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, dish soaps, bubble bath and detergents, contain surfactants. 

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Are there certifications I should look out for?

Unfortunately, there aren’t any. In fact, many of the chemical compounds found in surfactants are considered proprietary trade secrets, so companies are not required by law to disclose them on packaging. 

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Still want to learn more? Check out some of our favorite references:

• https://sciencing.com/environmental-impacts-of-detergent-5135590.html 
• https://www.chicagotribune.com/consumer-reviews/sns-bestreviews-fashion-the-best-eco-friendly-laundry-detergent-20191123-lk5p7gcyr5hepnbwt5h55jifiy-story.html 

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/garden/26greenhome.html?searchResultPosition=20