What is a surfactant commonly referred to as?

A surfactant is commonly referred to as a base detergent because it is a substance that reduces the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. In the context of hair care products, surfactants serve as cleansing agents that help to lift dirt, oil, and product buildup from the hair and scalp. They work by allowing water to mix with both oil and dirt, making it easier to rinse away impurities during washing.

Surfactants are essential in many formulations, particularly in shampoos, where their primary function is to cleanse the hair without overly stripping it of essential moisture. The other options presented, such as hair conditioner, moisturizer, and protein treatment, serve different purposes in hair care. Hair conditioners and moisturizers focus on hydration and smoothing the hair, while protein treatments are designed to strengthen hair by reconstructing its structure. These functions vary from those of surfactants, which are primarily designed for cleansing.