Heterocyclic Surfactants and Their Applications in Cosmetics

Abstract Surfactants are compounds with unique properties such as low toxicity, functionality under extreme conditions, and biologically degradable nature. The diversity of these molecules supports their potential application in the formulation of cosmetic products. Various functional properties of surfactants e. g. cleansing, foaming, solubilizing, wetting, emulsifying, thickening, antimicrobial effects etc are utilized for preparing beautifying agents for skin, hair, nail and other body parts. Presence of heterocyclic moieties is ubiquitous in therapeutic and pharmaceutical compounds. The biological activity of these heterocyclic skeletons is also helpful in cosmetic formulation. The present article discusses about various surface active compounds based on heterocyclic moieties for their possible application in cosmetic technology. The types and properties of surfactants that are commonly used for the preparation of cosmetic products have been discussed.