Surfactants

Surfactants (detergents) create the foaming commonly associated with dentifrices. They aid in the cleaning process by helping to loosen plaque and debris. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is the surfactant most commonly used, other popular surfactants are cocamidopropyl betaine and taurates. Without the surfactant in the toothpaste the flavor oil would not stay suspended in the product, causing oil separation from the product. Also, surfactants contribute to efficacy by distributing the therapeutic ingredient throughout the mouth as well as patient satisfaction for the mouth feel while using the product.