Surfactants

Surfactants, classified under the “catalysts and various auxiliaries” branch of the fine chemicals industry, are an indispensable part of modern production. Often referred to as the “MSG of the industrial world,” they find applications across virtually all fine chemical sectors, including industrial processes, agriculture, personal care, and new material development.   In recent years, personal care and cleaning products have become two of the most significant global consumer markets. Surfactants are key ingredients in these products and are among the substances that come into frequent contact with the skin. Depending on their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value, surfactants can serve multiple functions, such as cleaning, foaming, emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing.   However, many widely used surfactants, such as alkyl sulfonates and alkyl sulfates, are directly applied to the skin in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos and body washes. These compounds may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, raising concerns about their safety.   Sophorolipids: A Safer, Eco-Friendly Alternative     Sophorolipids, a class of glycolipid biosurfactants produced by yeast fermentation, have gained attention for their unique properties. They are non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly, making them one of the most promising natural surfactants with significant market potential.   Sophorolipids provide multiple benefits, including:   Functional Advantages: Effective at dispersing, wetting, retaining moisture, lubricating, and emulsifying. Mild surfactant properties suitable for sensitive applications. Gentle antibacterial effects, efficiently inhibiting Propionibacterium acnes and Lactobacillus. Anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of lipase activity, preventing the breakdown of sebum into free fatty acids.   Skin Benefits: Stimulates dermal fibroblast metabolism and promotes collagen synthesis. Neutralizes free radicals and inhibits elastase activity, enhancing skin elasticity and repair. Activates macrophages and supports fibrinolytic functions.   Environmental and Safety Features: Heat-resistant and stable across a wide pH range. Safe and non-toxic with no irritation to the skin. Fully biodegradable and environmentally sustainable.   Growing Market Adoption   Due to their exceptional performance and safety profile, sophorolipids have already been adopted by leading international brands in personal care and cosmetic products. These end-use products are now widely available in markets across the EU, the US, Japan, and China.

In an era where consumers demand beauty products that are both kind to their skin and the planet, the cosmetics industry is turning to nature-inspired innovations. Among these, glycolipid biosurfactants—particularly sophorolipids—stand out as game-changers. But what makes these microbial-derived molecules indispensable in modern formulations? Let’s explore how sophorolipids are redefining clean, effective, and sustainable beauty.This article introduces two products—DropBio® Soph L 50 and DropBio® Soph L—and explores their strengths and ideal applications.   DropBio® Soph L & DropBio® Soph L 50：Antibacterial & Oil control   DropBio® Soph L/L 50 is a microbial secondary metabolite produced by Candida using sucrose, vegetable oil, inorganic salts, water, and growth factors as fermentation substrates under certain conditions.   The structure type can be simply divided into two types according to whether it is 1,4 esterified :one is lactonetype and the other is acid type, the specific structure is as follows: In general, lactone type sophorolipids canreduce the surface tension of liquid, have higher lipophilicity, and have more prominent bacteriostatic properties; The acid locust glycolipid is better water solubility and has more prominent foaming ability.      Clean: Gentle Yet Effective Cleansing   Sophorolipids excel as mild surfactants, but their performance can be tailored through structural modifications. For instance, DropBio® Soph L is engineered for enhanced foaming, making it ideal for lightweight facial cleansers or shampoo formulations where a delicate lather is desired. Meanwhile,  DropBio® Soph L 50 prioritizes bacteriostatic activity, offering dual benefits of cleansing and inhibiting microbial growth—perfect for acne-prone skin or preservative-free products.   Antibacterial: Beyond Basic Hygiene   While sophorolipids generally exhibit mild antimicrobial properties, specialized variants like DropBio® Soph L 50 amplify this trait. Its optimized structure enhances bacteriostatic effects against common skin pathogens, reducing the need for synthetic preservatives. This makes it a star in: Acne serums: Combats breakouts without over drying. Natural deodorants: Inhibits odor-causing bacteria. Sensitive-skin toners: Minimizes irritation while maintaining microbial balance.   If you are interested in our products and want to know more details, please contact judyzhou@drop-bio.com.