Cleansing agents (surfactants) in skincare — what they do

Surfactants lift away oil, sunscreen and grime. K-beauty favours mild amino-acid and amphoteric surfactants that clean without stripping.

34 cleansing agents (surfactants) in the K-beauty INCI decoder

• Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside — A light sugar-derived cleanser that helps remove oil gently while supporting a soft skin feel.
• Cocamide DEA — A foam-stabilizing and thickening helper that supports a creamier lather in wash-off products.
• Cocamide MEA — A coconut-derived helper that supports thicker foam and a richer feel in cleansers.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine — A gentle coconut-derived cleanser that helps create foam and softens the harshness of stronger surfactants.
• Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine — A gentle cleanser that helps create stable foam and supports mildness even in hard water.
• Coco-Betaine — A coconut-derived cleanser that helps build foam and softens the feel of stronger surfactants.
• Coco-Glucoside — A sugar-and-coconut cleanser that helps remove grime gently and supports skin comfort during washing.
• Decyl Glucoside — A plant-sugar cleanser that helps create mild foam and supports gentle cleansing for delicate skin.
• Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate — A very gentle cleanser often used in baby and sensitive formulas to help cleanse without harshness.
• Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate — A soft co-cleanser that helps round out foam while supporting gentle, comfortable washing.
• Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate — A gentle co-surfactant that helps boost foam while softening the feel of stronger cleansers.
• Lauramidopropyl Betaine — A mild foam-boosting cleanser that helps soften formulas and supports gentle washing.
• Lauryl Betaine — A mild cleanser that helps foam gently and supports the softness of surfactant blends.
• Lauryl Glucoside — A gentle sugar-derived cleanser that helps loosen oil and dirt while keeping skin feeling soft.
• PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil — A solubilizer that helps dissolve fragrances and oils into clear water-based formulas.
• PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate — A very mild cleanser used in tear-free formulas that helps cleanse gently with light foam.
• Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate — A plant-based gentle cleanser and emulsifier that helps blend oils and supports mild cleansing.
• Polysorbate 20 — A mild solubilizer that helps blend oils and fragrances evenly into water-based formulas.
• Polysorbate 80 — A versatile solubilizer that helps disperse oils into water and supports stable, clear textures.
• Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate — A mild amino-acid cleanser that helps create creamy foam while keeping skin feeling comfortable.
• Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate — A foaming cleanser that helps produce strong lather and lift away oil and surface buildup.
• Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — A mild coconut-derived cleanser that helps foam gently and softens stronger surfactants.
• Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate — A gentle amino-acid cleanser that helps wash away impurities while supporting the skin's soft feel.
• Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate — A soft amino-acid cleanser that helps foam gently and supports a fresh, non-tight feel after rinsing.
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate — A soft coconut-based cleanser that helps lift away dirt and oil while supporting a creamy, gentle lather.
• Sodium Cocoyl Taurate — A taurine-derived cleanser that helps create silky foam and supports a gentle after-feel.
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) — A widely used foaming cleanser that helps produce rich lather and lift away oil and buildup.
• Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate — A mild amino-acid cleanser that helps produce fine foam and keeps skin feeling balanced.
• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate — A very mild cleansing agent that helps cleanse skin gently while keeping a soft, cushiony foam.
• Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate — An amino-acid-based cleanser that helps foam gently and supports a smooth after-wash feel.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) — A strong foaming cleanser that helps remove oil effectively but can feel stripping on sensitive skin.
• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate — A taurine-based cleanser that helps build dense, cushiony foam and supports a soft after-feel.
• Sodium Myreth Sulfate — A foaming cleanser that helps create lather and lift away oil and everyday buildup.
• Sorbitan Oleate (Span 80) — An oil-loving emulsifier that helps keep water and oil mixed together in creams and lotions.

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✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-08.

General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.