surfactant
noun
sur·fac·tant
(ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt 
ˈsər-ˌfak-
: a surface-active substance (such as a detergent)
surfactant
adjective
Examples of surfactant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, many shampoos contain surfactants called sulfates that can overly dry the hair and irritate the scalp.
—
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
Those mild surfactants are what give this gel the ability to form a very light, sudsy lather, which is important to me in a cleanser.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 7 May 2025
Non-active ingredients, namely ingredients that do not have a therapeutic effect (such as emollients, surfactants, and emulsifiers), cannot currently compete because they are not designed to target specific skin conditions.
—Joshua Britton, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
The formula uses coconut surfactants to effectively cleanse even the most sensitive scalps sans irritation—while still creating a satisfying lather.
—Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surfactant
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Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
Those mild surfactants are what give this gel the ability to form a very light, sudsy lather, which is important to me in a cleanser.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 7 May 2025
Non-active ingredients, namely ingredients that do not have a therapeutic effect (such as emollients, surfactants, and emulsifiers), cannot currently compete because they are not designed to target specific skin conditions.
—Joshua Britton, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
The formula uses coconut surfactants to effectively cleanse even the most sensitive scalps sans irritation—while still creating a satisfying lather.
—Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for surfactant
Cite this Entry
“Surfactant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surfactant. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
surfactant
noun
sur·fac·tant
(ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt, ˈsər-ˌ
: a surface-active substance
specifically
: a surface-active lipoprotein mixture which coats the alveoli and which prevents collapse of the lungs by reducing the surface tension of pulmonary fluids
surfactant
adjective
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