THE WORST [to avoid]
Ammonium lauryl sulfate (the worst one of the worse ones!!!)
Ammonium laureth sulfate (better than the above but very harsh )
Sodium lauryl sulfate (better than the above, but still a little harsh)
Sodium olefin (ed oleth) sulfonate
MEDIOCRE
Sodium laureth sulfate (gentle, great pick!)
GOOD
Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate (the recent popularity of the sulfosuccinates is due to the excellent foaming and extremely gentle cleansing qualities)
Cocamidopropyl betaine (this mild, high foaming amphoteric surfactant is often used to boost and stabilize foam and improve viscosity in shampoo and body wash formulations)
Sodium cocoamphoacetate (ultra-mild amphoterics used to detoxify and thicken anionics while contributing foam and cleansing properties)
THE BEST
Decyl glucoside (this nonionic surfactant is extremely mild and gentle and is naturally derived from sugar; it provides high foaming power to the product. For this reason it is recommended for sensitive skin, shampoo)
Lauryl polyglucose (derived from cornstarch and fatty alcohols; gentle cleanser, and foaming agent)
Capryl glucoside etc (this nonionic surfactant reduces the aggressiveness and the cutaneous irritation index. Particularly shown for delicate cleansing products)
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (derived from coconut oil; a safe, skin-friendly cleanser for both skin and hair that effectively removes surface oil, dirt and bacteria, without stripping or drying sensitive skin)
and all those finish with "glutamate"
Surfactants are classified as anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric: anionic surfactants are negatively charged, cationic surfactants are positively charged, and nonionic surfactants have no electrical charge
Surfactants are essential in a shampoo; they influence six essential attributes of shampoo: cleansing, foam, viscosity, aesthetic appeal, safety and mildness in use ! SO LOOK UP
