The emulsifier inside common dish soap

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In summary, dish soaps commonly contain an emulsifier such as Sodium Xylene Sulfonate, alcohol, or Urea to keep the blend in one phase. However, other kinds of soaps, such as clothes or hand/body soap, may also contain these ingredients. The term "dish soap" is often a misnomer, as these blends usually contain detergents rather than actual soap.
  • #1
abdulbadii
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TL;DR Summary
The definitive stuff as an emulsifier inside dish soap
What actually typically is the emulsifier inside common dish soaps?

Isn't another kind of soap, clothes or hand/body soap, also has such emulsifier in its ingredient ?
But as what it seems and is found on internet, why commonly people make use of emulsifier only in the dish soap?
 
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  • #2
No, not "dish soap". Usually the blend is a "Detergent" or a blend containing detergents. No soap! (most generally).

Materials or ingredients included to help keep the blend in one phase may be any of Sodium Xylene Sulfonate, or an alcohol*, or Urea. (If needed for the blend , or depending on the blend)*Some of my memory may be confused. Isopropanol may often be used in some liquid cleaners but not sure if IPA nor ethanol often used in dishwashing detergents. They would more often contain either sodium xylene sulfonate or urea.
 

1. What is the emulsifier inside common dish soap?

The emulsifier inside common dish soap is a type of surfactant, which stands for surface-active agent. It is a compound that helps to reduce the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix together and form an emulsion.

2. Why is an emulsifier necessary in dish soap?

An emulsifier is necessary in dish soap because it helps to break down and remove grease and oil from dishes. Without an emulsifier, the water and oil would not mix and the soap would not be effective in cleaning greasy dishes.

3. Is the emulsifier in dish soap safe for the environment?

It depends on the specific emulsifier used in the dish soap. Some emulsifiers, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, have been found to be harmful to aquatic life. However, many dish soaps now use more environmentally-friendly emulsifiers, such as plant-based surfactants.

4. How does the emulsifier in dish soap work?

The emulsifier in dish soap works by having one end of its molecule attracted to water and the other end attracted to oil. This allows the emulsifier to surround and break apart oil molecules, allowing them to mix with the water and be washed away.

5. Can the emulsifier in dish soap cause skin irritation?

Some people may experience skin irritation from the emulsifier in dish soap, especially if they have sensitive skin. This is because the emulsifier can strip away natural oils from the skin. It is important to choose a dish soap that is gentle and suitable for your skin type.

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