Question

Irritation power of the surfactants decrease in the following order _______

• A. \( \text{Cationic>Zwitterionic>Non-Ionic>Anionic} \)
• B. \( \text{Anionic>Cationic>Zwitterionic>Non-Ionic} \)
• C. \( \text{Zwitterionic>Anionic>Cationic>Non-Ionic} \)
• D. \( \text{Cationic>Anionic>Zwitterionic>Non-Ionic} \)

Hint:

Remember the charge interaction with skin (proteins are often negatively charged): highly charged surfactants (cationic, anionic) are more likely to be irritating than those with no net charge (non-ionic) or both charges (zwitterionic, which can neutralize some of the interaction).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The irritation potential of surfactants generally follows the order: Cationic>Anionic>Zwitterionic>Non-Ionic. Cationic surfactants are typically the most irritating due to their interaction with negatively charged skin proteins, which can disrupt the skin barrier. Anionic surfactants can also be irritating, depending on the specific molecule and concentration, as they can denature proteins and remove lipids from the skin. Zwitterionic surfactants, having both positive and negative charges, are generally milder. Non-ionic surfactants are usually the least irritating as they do not carry a net charge and have weaker interactions with skin components.