Surfactant vs. Emulsifier

Surfactantnoun

(chemistry) A surface active agent, or wetting agent, capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid; typically organic compounds having a hydrophilic "head" and a hydrophobic "tail".

Emulsifiernoun

A substance that helps an emulsion form, or helps keep an emulsion from separating.

‘The lecithin in egg yolks is often used as an emulsifier.’;

Surfactantnoun

(biochemistry) A lipoprotein in the tissues of the lung that reduces surface tension and permits more efficient gas transport.

Emulsifiernoun

a surface-active agent that promotes the formation of an emulsion

Surfactantnoun

a substance capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved

Surfactantnoun

a substance which tends to reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved.

Surfactant

Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, or dispersants.