Surface active agent or surfactant is a molecule that are amphiphatic moieties and preferentially sits at an interface between two immiscible media when placed in them.

The presence of the molecule at the interface reduces the surface tension and promotes the miscinility of the two media. Because the molecule is active at the interface, it is called surface active agent or in short surfactant. Reduction in the surface tension is the factor contributing towards the desired outcome. Surfactant in laymen term is also known as the active ingredient.

Main Research: Dr Zahariah Ismail