Best Lab Surfactants & Detergents of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Lab Surfactants & Detergents are essential tools in various scientific applications. These high-quality products are designed to reduce surface tension, facilitating the mixing of liquids and enhancing their wetting properties. With a wide range of formulations available, they offer excellent emulsifying, foaming, and dispersing properties, making them ideal for laboratory research, industrial processes, and even household use. Lab Surfactants & Detergents are known for their effectiveness in solubilizing and removing grease, oil, and other contaminants, ensuring optimal cleaning and improved analytical results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

PURE ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) 1 lb Cover #TOP 1
PURE ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) 1 lb
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Biopharm Triton X-100 Surfactant Cover #TOP 2
Biopharm Triton X-100 Surfactant
ftb score rating icon 9.7
33rd Parallel Cocamidopropyl Betaine 8oz Cover #TOP 3
33rd Parallel Cocamidopropyl Betaine 8oz
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lab Surfactants & Detergents

#TOP 1

PURE ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) 1 lb

PURE ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) 1 lb Cover
Pure Original Ingredients Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) (1 lb) Long Lasting Foam & Bubbles, Gentle on Skin

The PURE ORIGINAL SLSA Foam is a gentle cleansing ingredient that serves as a safer alternative to traditional Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), making it ideal for sensitive skin. It produces rich, long-lasting foam and bubbles, enhancing your bathing or cleaning experience with lasting lather. Derived naturally from coconut and palm oil, this product offers a more eco-friendly and skin-friendly option. You can trust that it contains only pure ingredients without any additives, ensuring a clean and natural formula for your personal care needs.

What We Like
Gentle alternative to SLS
Long-lasting foam and bubbles
Natural coconut and palm oil derived
Pure ingredients, no additives
#TOP 2

Biopharm Triton X-100 Surfactant

BT2020P
colorless
Biopharm Triton X-100 Surfactant Cover
Biopharm Triton X-100 Surfactant — 500 mL (1.06 Pint) | Nonionic Surfactant | Laboratory Cleaning Detergent | Not Diluted

Biopharm Surfactant is a high purity, nonionic laboratory cleaning detergent. It comes in a 500 ml plastic bottle and is commonly used in laboratories. With a CAS number of 9002-93-1, this surfactant is known for its 99% purity, ensuring that it is not diluted. The Biopharm Surfactant is an essential tool in laboratories, providing effective cleaning power to remove dirt and contaminants. Its high purity allows for precise and accurate results in experiments. The 500 ml size is convenient for easy handling and storage. With Biopharm Surfactant, you can trust that your laboratory cleaning needs will be met with efficiency and reliability.

What We Like
High purity (99%)
Effective cleaning power
Convenient 500 ml size
#TOP 3

33rd Parallel Cocamidopropyl Betaine 8oz

8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
33rd Parallel Cocamidopropyl Betaine 8oz Cover
Cocamidopropyl Betaine (8oz) Natural Surfactant | Premium Coco Betaine Liquid, Cosmetic Grade, Gentle on Skin | Suitable for Facial Cleansers, Shampoos, Body Washes, Bubble Baths, Soap | 8 OUNCES

The 33rd Parallel Coco Betaine is a natural surfactant derived from coconut oil, perfect for gentle yet effective cleansing. It works well in many personal care products like shampoos and facial cleansers, so you can enjoy versatile use across your daily routine. This ingredient helps create rich, creamy foam, making your products feel luxurious and satisfying to use. It also improves texture without relying on synthetic thickeners, giving you a better overall experience. Plus, it softens harsh ingredients, reducing irritation and making it ideal for sensitive skin or baby-friendly formulas. Overall, it offers gentle care with high performance.

What We Like
Versatile personal care use
Gentle cleansing for sensitive skin
Enhances foam and texture
Reduces irritation from harsh ingredients
#TOP 4

Metrex MetriZyme Enzymatic Detergent 1 Quart

1156R61EA
Metrex MetriZyme Enzymatic Detergent 1 Quart Cover
Metrex MetriZyme Dual-Enzymatic Detergent, 1 Quart – Enzyme Cleaner for Medical Instrument Pre-Cleaning, Low-Foaming Formula with Surfactants, Gentle on Instruments, Mint Fragrance (Pack of 1)

The Metrex MetriZyme Enzyme Cleaner is designed to make cleaning medical instruments easier and more effective. Its dual-protease enzymes work to break down tough protein soils, helping you thoroughly pre-clean tools before disinfection. With added surfactants, it also tackles carbohydrate and lipid residues, ensuring a wide range of organic debris is removed. If you deal with instruments that have heavy organic buildup, this detergent simplifies your cleaning process by boosting soil removal. Plus, its low-foaming formula works well for both hand cleaning and automated systems, while being gentle on your equipment and leaving a fresh mint scent.

What We Like
Dual-protease enzymes
Effective on multiple soil types
Ideal for heavy organic debris
Low-foaming, gentle formula
Fresh mint fragrance
#TOP 5

Artekas Innovation Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Powder

1P-2
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Artekas Innovation Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Powder Cover
Artekas Innovation SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE (SCI) Powder - Mild Foaming Surfactant for DIY Shampoo Bars, Body Wash & Cleansers – Sulfate-Free, Plant-Based, Cosmetic Grade - 200 g | 7.06 oz

The Artekas SCI Powder is a gentle yet effective foaming agent that helps you create rich, creamy lathers without drying out your skin or hair. It’s perfect for making solid shampoo bars, facial cleansers, and body washes that feel soft and nourishing. Since it’s sulfate-free and plant-based, you can trust it’s kind to sensitive skin and free from harsh chemicals like SLS. Plus, it works well even if you have hard water, ensuring your homemade products foam consistently and cleanse effectively every time you use them.

What We Like
Mild foaming surfactant
Sulfate-free, plant-based
Works well in hard water
Ideal for DIY formulations
#TOP 6

Vaxxen Labs 99% Isopropyl Alcohol

u-c-6274
1 Liter
Vaxxen Labs 99% Isopropyl Alcohol Cover
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% (IPA) Made in USA - USP-NF Grade - 99 Percent Concentrated Rubbing Alcohol (1 Liter)

Vaxxen Labs IPA 99% is a high-quality isopropyl alcohol that is perfect for various uses. This product is made in the USA and is USP-NF Grade, ensuring its purity and quality. Unlike many other products on the market, Vaxxen Labs IPA 99% does not contain any additives or dilutions, making it highly concentrated and effective. It is suitable for external use only. With Vaxxen Labs IPA 99%, you can trust the transparent supply chain and the brand's commitment to providing exceptional products. If you ever encounter any issues, the company stands behind its products and is ready to assist you. Vaxxen Labs IPA 99% is a reliable and convenient choice for all your rubbing alcohol needs.

What We Like
USP-NF Grade
Made in the USA
99% Concentration
#TOP 7

Artekas Innovation Sodium Coco Sulfate 200g

White
200 g
Artekas Innovation Sodium Coco Sulfate 200g Cover
Artekas Innovation - SODIUM COCO SULFATE (SCS) - Fine Granules - Anionic, Foaming Surfactant - for Homemade Solid Shampoo Bars, Soap, Foamy, Bubbly Products, Hair, Body - 200 g | 7.06 Oz

The Artekas Sodium Coco Sulfate is a gentle cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oils without being harsh, making it a great choice if you have sensitive skin or hair. It creates a rich, creamy foam that makes your shampoo or soap feel luxurious and enjoyable to use. Because it contains no additives, preservatives, or colorants, you can trust it’s safe and eco-friendly, perfect for natural or organic cosmetic projects. Plus, it’s versatile enough to use in various products like shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, and solid bars, giving you plenty of options for your homemade skincare and haircare creations.

What We Like
Gentle cleansing
Rich creamy lather
No additives or preservatives
Versatile uses
#TOP 8

Talsen Chemicals Cocamidopropyl Betaine Coco Betaine Natural Surfactant Liquid Premium Organic Compounds Derived from Coconut oil Highest Purity 100%

Talsen Chemicals Cocamidopropyl Betaine Coco Betaine Natural Surfactant Liquid Premium Organic Compounds Derived from Coconut oil Highest Purity 100% Cover
Talsen Chemicals Cocamidopropyl Betaine 12 Ounce / 355 mL-100% Pure Coco Betaine Natural Surfactant Liquid Premium Organic Compounds Derived from Coconut Oil DIY Cosmetics Skincare

Talsen Chemicals Coco Betaine Natural Surfactant is a high-quality, 100% pure cocamidopropyl betaine derived from coconut oil. It is widely used in bath products like hand soaps and is also a popular ingredient in cosmetics. This natural surfactant acts as an emulsifying agent and thickener, making it ideal for DIY cosmetic products. One of its key benefits is its ability to reduce irritation that purely ionic surfactants would cause. With Talsen Chemicals Coco Betaine Natural Surfactant, you can enjoy the convenience of using a safe and effective ingredient in your facial, body, and hair products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and makeup removers.

What We Like
100% Pure
Derived from Coconut Oil
Reduces Irritation
#TOP 9

Sturelehub Triton X-100 Laboratory Surfactant 500ml

SEHQLT001
Clorless
Sturelehub Triton X-100 Laboratory Surfactant 500ml Cover
Sturelehub Triton X-100, 500ml, Laboratory Cleaning Detergent, Triton X-100 Surfactant, Laboratories Triton X-100 solution, DIY Record Cleaning Solution

The Sturelehub Triton X-100 is a versatile non-ionic surfactant ideal for various uses. It serves as a powerful detergent, emulsifier, and solubilizer, making it valuable in labs, industries, and biotech fields. This high-quality solution cleans surfaces effectively, helping you maintain a spotless workspace or equipment. In the lab, it’s perfect for cleaning countertops and instruments, which supports accurate experiment results by reducing contamination. Additionally, if you enjoy vinyl records, you can use this product to gently remove dust and grease, enhancing sound quality and protecting your collection. Overall, it’s a reliable, multi-purpose cleaning aid for different environments.

What We Like
Multi-purpose surfactant
Effective surface cleaning
Supports lab accuracy
Enhances vinyl record care
High-quality formulation
#TOP 10

Dr Joe Lab Lauryl Glucoside Natural Surfactant 1 Gallon

lryl-glu
Dr Joe Lab Lauryl Glucoside Natural Surfactant 1 Gallon Cover
Dr Joe Lab Lauryl Glucoside Natural Surfactant - Surfactants for Soap Making, Lauryl Glucoside, DIY Shower Gel, Skin Care, Body and Face Wash, Plant Derived, Natural - 1 Gallon (Pack of 1)

The Dr Joe Lab Lauryl Glucoside is a gentle, plant-based surfactant that stays stable even in low pH formulas, making it ideal for a variety of skincare products. Its natural foaming ability helps you create rich bubbles in items like hand soaps, shampoos, and facial cleansers, enhancing your washing experience without harsh chemicals. This surfactant is mild and safe for sensitive skin, so you can use it without worrying about irritation. Plus, it’s made from renewable, biodegradable plant materials, which means it’s kind to the environment while delivering effective cleansing power.

What We Like
Stable in low pH
Natural foaming agent
Gentle on sensitive skin
Plant-based and biodegradable
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an example of a surfactant in a detergent?

One commonly used surfactant in detergents is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). LAS is an inexpensive and easily accessible ingredient that is effective in removing dirt, although it may be less effective on greasy or oily stains.

2. What are surfactants in detergents used for?

Surfactants are added to detergents to allow them to mix into water. This helps the cleaning agents in the detergent remove dirt from the surface being cleaned. Without surfactants, the detergent would not mix with the water and would just roll off the surface, making the cleaning process more difficult.

3. Do all laundry detergents contain surfactants?

Almost all laundry detergents on the market contain surfactants. However, it is important to differentiate between petroleum-based surfactants and plant-based surfactants to make a more environmentally friendly choice.

Editor's Notes

During our lab surfactants & detergent research, we found 24 lab surfactants & detergent products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 41,824 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lab surfactants & detergents list. We found that most customers choose lab surfactants & detergents with an average price of $25.63.

The lab surfactants & detergents are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lab surfactants & detergents, including PURE ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS, Biopharm, 33RD PARALLEL SOAP CO., Metrex, Artekas Innovation. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 5,711 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.