Surfactants are substances that have been widely used for centuries in a growing number of business sectors (cleaning products, cosmetics, surface treatment, agriculture, etc.). Their use continues to grow, and it is estimated that their consumption will exceed USD 60 billion by 2030.1

Among the new generation of surfactants, which are plant-based, biodegradable, skin-friendly, and in some cases obtained from fermentation processes, one emerging group stands out: amino acid-inspired surfactants. Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins in the world. Twenty-four essential amino acids are the fundamental components of every existing protein. Some of these amino acids have long been known to also have surfactant properties. Specifically, for example, aspartic acid. Moving from academic studies to commercial reality, products for detergents and cosmetics based on natural aspartic acid have already begun to appear strongly in the polymer and surfactant market.

Presented in Berlin last week during the International Detergent Congress, Sepawa 2025, this is yet another example of how nature not only inspires but also provides solutions for markets that are not always highly specialized, but also have enormous potential.

1 Global Surfactants Market Review 2025 MarketWatch

2 Specifically, the company LYGOS with its new brand Soltellus