surfactant
noun
sur·fac·tant
(ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt 
ˈsər-ˌfak-
: a surface-active substance (such as a detergent)
surfactant
adjective
Examples of surfactant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is why some brands add moisturizing agents to their shampoos or even skip surfactants altogether by going sulfate-free with their formulas.
—
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Sep. 2024
The scent was pleasant but faint, and the surfactant power was really lacking.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 18 Sep. 2024
This pharmacy favorite is oil-free and has moisturizing glycerin, gentle surfactants, and a foaming action that cleanses the skin without stripping it.
—April Benshosan, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2024
That's not the case with this silicone-free formula, which gently cleanses hair with sulfate-free surfactants.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for surfactant 
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Sep. 2024
The scent was pleasant but faint, and the surfactant power was really lacking.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 18 Sep. 2024
This pharmacy favorite is oil-free and has moisturizing glycerin, gentle surfactants, and a foaming action that cleanses the skin without stripping it.
—April Benshosan, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2024
That's not the case with this silicone-free formula, which gently cleanses hair with sulfate-free surfactants.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for surfactant
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'surfactant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near surfactant
Cite this Entry
“Surfactant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surfactant. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
surfactant
noun
sur·fac·tant
(ˌ)sər-ˈfak-tənt, ˈsər-ˌ
: a surface-active substance
specifically
: a surface-active lipoprotein mixture which coats the alveoli and which prevents collapse of the lungs by reducing the surface tension of pulmonary fluids
surfactant
adjective
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