Non-ionic surfactants are surfactants that have polar head groups that are not electrically charged (see Fig. 20.18). They usually rely on a functional group able to deprotonate but only to a very low degree.

What is an example of non ionic surfactant?

Examples of some common nonionic surfactants include ethoxylates, alkoxylates, and cocamides.

Are nonionic surfactants safe?

Ingestion of anionic and nonionic surfactants most commonly result in mild and self-limiting gastrointestinal upset. They can cause irritation to the skin and eye; rarely aspiration or caustic injury to the gastrointestinal tract may occur.