SH1690

CLASSIFICATIONS OF CLEANING AGENTS

• Surfactants, or surface-active ingredients, are chemical agents that aid in cleaning surfaces that
contain oil, stains, and dirt, which usually are not soluble in water. They include a hydrophilic (water-
loving) polar head and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) nonpolar tail. The head interacts with polar
molecules like water, while the tail that is usually comprised of a hydrocarbon chain attaches to nonpolar
substances like oil.
• Bleaching agents are formulations that cause whitening – or lightening – to an affected substrate by
solubilizing color-producing substances or by altering their light-absorbing properties. These
substances are usually oxidizing agents, such as peroxides and chlorine.
• Disinfectants are substances made to lessen, if not eradicate, harmful microbes on surfaces.
Sanitizers work in the same manner as disinfectants.

Types of Cleaning Agents:

1. General-purpose cleaners are substances that are weakly alkaline intended for a variety of uses.
Compounds found in these cleaners are generally alcohols, silicates, sodium carbonate, phosphates,
and sodium EDTA.
2. Bathroom cleaners are products specifically designed for bathroom surfaces, such as tubs, tiles, and
toilet bowls, which generally develop stains like mildew. They are either acidic or alkaline, depending
on the surface they will be used on. Alkaline cleaners are best to use for bathroom floors, walls, tiles,
and bathtubs because they preserve the enamel finishes of these surfaces; acidic cleansers can
damage enamels. Cleansers with acidic active ingredients like phosphoric acid and citric acid are
recommended for other bathroom parts with rust and mineral deposits. Some cleansers have additional
components, such as surfactants, that aid in the removal of soap and fatty deposits. Furthermore, toilet
bowl cleaners are usually liquid and acidic and may contain bleaching agents such as hydrogen
peroxide or hypochlorite.
3. Special surface cleaners are substances designed to clean certain surface materials such as glass,
vinyl, carpets, and upholstery, to name a few. Glass cleaners typically contain water, glycol ethers,
ammonia, and alcohols. They are commercially available as moistened towelettes or liquid or aerosol
sprays. Carpet and upholstery cleaners are sold as liquid shampoos or as powders. Both forms may
contain surfactants, foam stabilizers, alcohols, and/or glycol ethers, but the powders may have
additional porous carrier materials that trap dirt. One advantage of powders over liquids is that they
allow for more natural cleaning of the surface with vacuum cleaners.
4. Stain and deposit removers are substances designed to remove spots, usually with the aid of abrasive
materials such as steel wools and brushes. They are typically commercialized in fluids and stick forms,
but they can also be sold in powder and paste forms. These substances contain crystalline and
amorphous silica, feldspar, clay, and chalk alongside surfactants, solvents, and enzymes. They are
sometimes improved by adding ingredients such as sodium carbonate, bleaching agents, and oxalic
acid.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF COSMETICS
1. Lotions are substances that generally moisturize and soften the skin. They usually contain mineral oil,
beeswax, preservatives, and perfumes or fragrances. Lotions that contain a high amount of hydrating
ingredients are specifically called moisturizers. They contain emollients that decrease skin flaking by
creating a layer of oil on top of the skin. This layer traps water and prevents it from escaping the skin,
thus keeping the skin hydrated.
2. Deodorants are products designed to prevent and remove unpleasant body smells and are available
in the market as liquids, powders, or sprays. They contain aluminum or zirconium compounds as active
ingredients.
3. Perfumes are products that impart a fragrant odor and are usually composed of aromatic oils, alcohol,
and water.
4. Shaving creams soften hair strands in many different parts of the body, which allows for their easy
removal. They are mainly made up of stearic acid, mineral oils, water, perfume, and preservatives.
5. Toothpaste, which cleanse and polish teeth and freshen breath, contain polishing agents, surfactants,
sweetener, and flavoring agents.
6. Shampoos are used to cleanse hair, with their main ingredients include surfactants and antidandruff
substances. Other components include colors, perfumes, and preservatives.

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7. Skin whiteners, which are among the most popular products nowadays, contain bleaching or
antioxidant substances like glutathione, Metathione, hydroquinone, tretinoin, and kojic acid that inhibit
melanin production in the skin.

Reference:
Santiago, K.S., & Silverio, A. A. (2016). Exploring life through science: Physical science. Phoenix Publishing
House

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