A white powder used as a detergent, emulsifier, and surfectant in cosmetics. A very strong degreaser. Also used as a water "softener".
A common surfactant in household cleaners and personal care products. It is readily biodegradable but, like other surfactants, is a skin and eye irritant and is toxic to fish.
a caustic detergent useful for removing grease; although commonly included in personal care items (shampoos and toothpastes etc.) it can irritate skin and should not be swallowed
One of the original synthetic ingredients used in personal care products. Very aggressive and irritating, this chemical may have more far reaching toxic effects than previously thought.
This synthetic substance is used in soaps for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions.
a harsh detergent used in cleansers and shampoos.
A surfactant ("soap") commonly used in many food and household products (toothpaste, shampoo, dish soap). SLS also has insecticidal activity. By removing the naturally occurring hydrocarbons (oils) from insects' exoskeleton ("skin"), it causes them to dehydrate (dry out) and die.