Surfactant Products
Biachem is a trusted UK supplier of surfactants, offering a broad portfolio of anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants to formulators and manufacturers across the UK and Ireland. Our range includes widely specified products such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dodecylbenzene Sulphonic Acid, and a comprehensive selection of Alkylpolyglucosides (APGs), all available from stock for prompt despatch. Whether you are developing household cleaning products, industrial detergents or personal care formulations, our surfactant range is selected to meet the performance and regulatory demands of modern formulation.
What are Surfactants?
Surfactants (short for surface-active agent) is a chemical compound that reduces tension between liquids, oils and solids, allowing them to mix more effectively. Surfactants are the active cleaning ingredient in most detergents, shampoos, body washes, dishwashing liquids and industrial cleaners.They help lift, disperse and emulsify dirt, grease and oils.
Amphoteric Surfactants
Non-Ionic Surfactants
Anionic Surfactants
Surfactants Applications sections
Surfactants for Industrial & Institutional Cleaning
Industrial and institutional cleaners require high-performance surfactants that deliver effective soil removal across a range of temperatures, water hardness levels and substrates. Biachem supplies LABSA, Alcohol Ethoxylates and other industrial-grade surfactants to formulators producing floor cleaners, degreasers, vehicle wash products and janitorial concentrates.
Surfactants for Household & Domestic Cleaning
Anionic surfactants such as SLES and LABSA are widely used as primary actives in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, bathroom cleaners and multipurpose sprays. Biachem supplies these ingredients in bulk to household cleaning product manufacturers across the UK and Ireland, with consistent grade and reliable stock availability.
Surfactants for Personal Care & Cosmetics
Mild surfactants including Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate are used extensively in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers and baby care products. Our personal care-grade surfactants are selected for their mildness, foaming profile and compatibility with cosmetic formulations.
Bio-Based & Natural Surfactants
For formulators developing natural, eco-label or certified organic products, Biachem supplies Alkyl Polyglucosides (APGs), a plant-derived, biodegradable surfactants with excellent skin compatibility and environmental profile. APGs are increasingly specified in green cleaning products, natural cosmetics and eco-certified formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of surfactant?
Surfactants are classified by their electrical charge in water. Anionic surfactants (such as SLES and LABSA) carry a negative charge and provide powerful foaming and cleaning performance. Non-ionic surfactants (such as Alcohol Ethoxylates and APGs) carry no charge and offer excellent emulsification and stability. Amphoteric surfactants (such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine) can carry either charge depending on pH, making them exceptionally mild and well suited to personal care formulations.
What is the difference between SLS and SLES?
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) are both anionic surfactants with strong foaming and cleansing properties, but SLES undergoes an additional ethoxylation step in production that makes it significantly milder on skin. SLES is therefore more commonly specified in personal care products, while SLS is widely used across both personal care and household cleaning formulations.
What are Alkyl Polyglucosides (APGs) and why are they used in natural products?
Alkyl Polyglucosides are plant-derived, biodegradable non-ionic surfactants produced from renewable raw materials such as glucose and fatty alcohols. They are mild to skin, readily biodegradable and compatible with eco-label and certified organic standards — making them the preferred choice for formulators developing natural cosmetics, green cleaning products and environmentally certified formulations.
Can Biachem supply surfactants in bulk?
Yes, Biachem supplies surfactants in drum, IBC and bulk tanker quantities depending on the product and volume required. Safety data sheets and technical data sheets are available for all products on request. Contact our sales team at sales@biachem.com or call 0207 250 1905 to discuss availability, lead times and pricing.
Why Source Your Surfactants from Biachem?
With over 40 years of experience in chemical distribution, Biachem offers formulators and manufacturers a reliable, single-source supply of surfactant raw materials. All products are held in stock at our UK distribution facilities, enabling prompt despatch on standard lead times. Our team can provide product specifications, safety data sheets and technical guidance to support your formulation and procurement requirements.
- Stock availability — all surfactant products held in the UK for fast turnaround
- Full documentation — SDS, TDS and REACH compliance information available on request
- Flexible pack sizes — drum, IBC and bulk tanker supply depending on volume requirements
- Technical support — our team can help you select the right surfactant for your application
- ISO 9001 certified — independently audited quality management across all Biachem operations
Need help selecting the right surfactant? Our technical team can help you choose the most suitable product for your application. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.
Looking for more than surfactants? In addition to our surfactant products, Biachem holds an extensive range of stock chemicals that complement surfactant-based formulations — including chelating agents such as EDTA and GLDA, builders, preservatives and functional additives. Please also explore our full range of stock chemicals and speciality products on the Stock Products page.