Surfactants are usually organic compounds that are amphipathic, meaning they contain both hydrophobic groups (their "tails") and hydrophilic groups (their "heads"). Therefore, they are soluble in both organic solvents and water. Emulsifiers are surfactants but are usually referred to as emulsifiers whereas surfactants have cleaning/foaming properties.

Surfactant are used in the following applications: Toiletries