Non-ionic tensides

Other names: Nonionic surfactants

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Nonionic surfactants, also known as non-ionic surfactants (PALs) or nonionic surfactants, are substances that reduce the surface tension of liquids and thus facilitate processes such as saponification, emulsification and solubilization. They have different chemical structures, but they all have in common that they are unable to form ions and are therefore neutral. They are less sensitive to water hardness and other salts compared to anionic and cationic tensides.

Non-ionic tensides are widely used in many industries because of their insensitivity to water and salts. They are most commonly found in the cosmetics industry where they are included in shampoos, shower gels, creams and other cosmetics because they are less irritating to the skin and less prone to foaming. Furthermore, non-ionic tensides are found in household cleaning products such as washing powders and gels, where they help to increase cleaning efficiency. In the food industry, they are used as emulsifiers and stabilisers. They are also important in the pharmaceutical industry, where they are used in the preparation of medicinal ointments and other dosage forms.