아미노산 기반 계면활성제 시장 규모 : 유형별, 용도별, 지역별 예측

Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market Size And Forecast

Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market size was valued at USD 79.3 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 210.1 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.18% during the forecast period 2026-2032.

The Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market refers to the global industry focused on the production, distribution, and use of surfactants that are derived from natural amino acids such as glycine, glutamic acid, or sarcosine. Surfactants are substances that reduce surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid, making them essential ingredients in products like shampoos, facial cleansers, detergents, and industrial cleaners. What distinguishes amino acid-based surfactants is that they are typically biodegradable, mild on the skin, and derived from renewable resources, which makes them an attractive alternative to traditional petroleum based surfactants.

This market encompasses a wide range of product types, including anionic, cationic, and amphoteric amino acid surfactants, each suited for different applications. They are widely used in personal care and cosmetics due to their gentle cleansing properties and compatibility with sensitive skin. In addition, they are increasingly being adopted in household cleaning products and industrial formulations as consumers and manufacturers shift toward environmentally friendly and sustainable ingredients.

Global Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market Drivers

The Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a combination of consumer preferences, regulatory changes, technological advancements, and economic factors. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key drivers shaping this market.

Rising Demand for Natural & Eco Friendly Ingredients: The escalating global awareness surrounding environmental issues has profoundly impacted consumer choices across all sectors, including personal care and cleaning products. There is a growing preference for products formulated with natural and eco friendly ingredients. Amino acid based surfactants are ideally positioned to meet this demand, as they are biodegradable, bio based, and derived from renewable sources. This alignment with sustainability trends is a major growth driver, with consumers increasingly seeking "green" formulations and avoiding products perceived as harmful to the environment. This shift towards eco consciousness is particularly evident in the growing popularity of plant based and sustainable product lines.

Shift Toward Mild and Skin Friendly Surfactants: A noticeable trend in the personal care and cosmetics industry is the increasing demand for products that are gentle on the skin. Conventional surfactants, such as sulfates, can often cause irritation and dryness, especially for those with sensitive skin. Amino acid based surfactants offer a compelling alternative, characterized by their low irritation potential, gentle cleansing action, and high skin compatibility. These attributes make them ideal for various applications, including baby care, sensitive skin products, sulfate free shampoos, and dermatological cleansers. The growing awareness among consumers about skin health and the benefits of mild cleansing is a key driver for the adoption of amino acid based surfactants in various product categories.

Growth of Clean Beauty & Sulfate Free Products: The "clean beauty" movement, which emphasizes products free from ingredients considered to be potentially harmful or irritating, has gained significant momentum in recent years. One prominent aspect of this trend is the structural phase out of traditional surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) in response to consumer concerns about their potential to cause irritation and dryness. This shift towards sulfate free products has created a considerable demand for alternative surfactants that can deliver effective cleansing without compromising mildness. Amino acid based surfactants, due to their inherent gentleness and skin compatibility, are widely used in clean beauty formulations, hypoallergenic skincare, and premium haircare products, thereby driving market growth.

Stringent Environmental & Regulatory Pressure: Governments worldwide are increasingly implementing stringent environmental regulations to address pollution and waste management. In the context of surfactants, there is growing pressure to restrict the use of petrochemical based and toxic surfactants due to concerns about their impact on water bodies and ecosystems. This regulatory landscape is pushing manufacturers to explore and adopt sustainable alternatives. Amino acid based surfactants, known for their biodegradability and low eco toxicity, align well with these regulatory requirements. This environment favors the growth of bio based surfactants and creates a favorable market environment for amino acid based surfactants.

Expansion of Personal Care & Cosmetics Industry: The personal care and cosmetics industry is a major consumer of amino acid based surfactants. The increasing focus on personal hygiene, grooming, and skincare, coupled with rising disposable incomes, especially in developing economies, is driving the growth of this industry. Within this sector, there is a distinct preference for mild and skin friendly ingredients. The demand for shampoos, facial cleansers, and body washes formulated with gentle surfactants is fueling the growth of the Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market. Additionally, the proliferation of premium and specialized personal care products is creating new opportunities for these surfactants in high end formulations.

Increasing Consumer Awareness of Ingredient Safety: Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the ingredients present in the products they use and are actively seeking transparency. This growing awareness regarding ingredient safety is driving demand for products formulated with safe, non toxic, and hypoallergenic ingredients. Consumers are avoiding harsh chemicals and looking for clean label products that provide clear information about their composition. This trend is pushing brands to reformulate their products using safer alternatives like amino acid based surfactants, which are known for their gentle nature and minimal adverse effects on the skin.

Technological Advancements Lowering Production Costs: The cost of production has historically been a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of amino acid based surfactants. However, ongoing technological advancements are playing a crucial role in reducing these costs. Improvements in enzymatic and fermentation based synthesis are making the production of these surfactants more efficient and cost effective. These advancements are lowering the price barrier, making amino acid based surfactants more competitive with traditional surfactants, and expanding their commercial viability. This trend is expected to continue, further driving the adoption of these surfactants across various industries.

Growing Demand in Emerging Economies: The Asia Pacific region is a major growth engine for the personal care and cosmetics industry, driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and a growing middle class population. Countries like India, China, and Southeast Asian nations are witnessing a significant increase in consumer spending on premium personal care products. This, in turn, is driving the demand for high quality, mild surfactants like amino acid based surfactants. The growing awareness about product ingredients and the preference for natural and skin friendly formulations in these emerging economies are key factors contributing to the market's growth in the region.

Global Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market Restraints

The global shift toward green chemistry has placed amino acid based surfactants in the spotlight. Celebrated for their biodegradability, low toxicity, and skin friendly properties, they are the "gold standard" for premium personal care. However, despite their eco friendly appeal, several significant barriers prevent them from completely dethroning traditional synthetic surfactants. Below, we explore the primary restraints currently shaping the market landscape.

High Production Costs and Premium Pricing: The most significant barrier to the widespread adoption of amino acid based surfactants is their high production cost, which typically ranges from 2 to 5 times more expensive than conventional sulfates like SLES. These costs are primarily driven by the complexity of the manufacturing process, which involves intricate fermentation and rigorous purification stages to ensure the final product is free of impurities. Furthermore, the requirement for high purity, food grade amino acids as precursors inflates the bill of materials. Consequently, these surfactants remain largely confined to "prestige" or "masstige" product lines, making them less attractive for mass market segments where profit margins are razor thin.

Formidable Competition from Conventional Surfactants: The market dominance of established synthetic surfactants, such as Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LAS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), creates a steep uphill battle for bio based alternatives. Conventional surfactants benefit from decades of mature production infrastructure and massive economies of scale that amino acid variants cannot yet match. Many industrial formulators hesitate to transition because traditional products offer a well documented "cost performance advantage," providing predictable results at a fraction of the price. Overcoming this entrenched industrial inertia requires not just an eco friendly profile, but a dramatic shift in the perceived value to cost ratio.

Raw Material Volatility and Supply Chain Constraints: Unlike petroleum based surfactants, which have highly developed (though carbon intensive) supply chains, amino acid surfactants rely on natural feedstocks like plant based oils (coconut, palm kernel) and fermented sugars. This dependence leaves manufacturers vulnerable to price fluctuations caused by crop yields, seasonal availability, and climate related disruptions. Any instability in the agricultural sector directly impacts the production stability and cost effectiveness of the surfactants, making it difficult for companies to offer long term fixed pricing to their downstream partners in the detergent and cosmetic industries.

Technical and Performance Limitations in Harsh Environments: While amino acid based surfactants are lauded for their mildness, they face specific technical performance gaps when compared to their synthetic counterparts. For instance, many amino acid derived cleansers exhibit reduced foam stability in hard water conditions or fail to maintain structural integrity in extreme pH levels often required for industrial cleaning. Additionally, compatibility issues can arise when blending them with certain polymers or thickeners, necessitating complex and expensive reformulation. These limitations often restrict their use to gentle personal care products, leaving high performance industrial and institutional (I&I) applications out of reach.

Scalability and Manufacturing Complexity: Scaling up the production of amino acid based surfactants is a capital intensive endeavor fraught with biochemical challenges. The production involves multi step synthesis and enzymatic processes that are far more delicate than the straightforward sulfonating or ethoxylating processes used for traditional surfactants. Maintaining consistent quality, color, and odor profiles across large commercial batches remains a significant hurdle for manufacturers. Because these processes are difficult to scale without massive investment in specialized bioreactors and purification equipment, the global supply remains bottlenecked compared to the massive output of the petrochemical industry.

Price Sensitivity in Emerging Markets: In rapidly growing economies, particularly across the Asia Pacific region, consumer behavior is heavily dictated by affordability. While there is a growing niche for sustainable products in urban centers, the vast majority of the population prioritizes functional performance at the lowest possible price point. This price sensitivity makes it difficult for premium amino acid based surfactants to penetrate the mass personal care and household cleaning markets in these regions. Until the price gap narrows, these sustainable alternatives will likely remain niche "luxury" ingredients rather than household staples in emerging markets.

Regulatory Disparities and Standardization Challenges: The global regulatory landscape for bio based ingredients is a patchwork of varying standards, which significantly increases compliance costs for international manufacturers. Different countries have distinct definitions for what constitutes "natural" or "bio derived," and the lack of a unified global certification for amino acid surfactants can lead to delays in product approvals and market entry. These administrative hurdles not only slow down the innovation cycle but also force companies to maintain different formulations for different regions, further eroding the benefits of a global supply chain.

Limited Awareness and Market Education: A final, often overlooked restraint is the lack of awareness among both manufacturers and end consumers regarding the specific benefits of amino acid based surfactants. While "sulfate free" has become a popular marketing buzzword, many stakeholders do not fully understand why amino acid derivatives are superior in terms of long term skin health and environmental impact. Without robust market education to justify the higher price tag, adoption remains slow outside of the premium organic and "clean beauty" sectors. Bridging this information gap is essential for moving these surfactants from a specialty ingredient to a mainstream solution.

Global Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market Segmentation Analysis

The Global Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market is Segmented on the basis of Type, Applications, and Geography.

Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market, By Type

Anionic Amino Acid based Surfactants

Cationic Amino Acid based Surfactants

At VMR, we observe that the Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market is currently undergoing a transformative shift toward bio based solutions, primarily segmented into Anionic Amino Acid based Surfactants and Cationic Amino Acid based Surfactants. Based on Type, the anionic subsegment stands as the clear market leader, commanding a significant revenue share of approximately 70% to 75% as of 2026. This dominance is fundamentally driven by the escalating consumer demand for sulfate free, "clean beauty" products and the structural phase out of traditional harsh detergents like SLS/SLES. Anionic variants, such as glutamic acid and glycine based surfactants, are the preferred choice for major personal care manufacturers due to their superior foaming capabilities, exceptional skin compatibility, and rapid biodegradability. Regionally, the Asia Pacific region acts as a primary growth engine for this subsegment, fueled by rising disposable incomes and a burgeoning middle class in China and India seeking premium, dermatologically safe facial cleansers and shampoos. Furthermore, industry trends such as the integration of green chemistry and enzymatic synthesis have allowed for a more sustainable production profile, aligning with global ESG mandates.

Following this, the Cationic Amino Acid based Surfactants represent the second most dominant subsegment, characterized by its specialized role in high performance conditioning and antimicrobial applications. While smaller in terms of total volume, this subsegment is witnessing a robust CAGR of approximately 6.1%, driven by the premiumization of the haircare industry where these molecules are valued for their ability to neutralize static and improve hair texture without the toxicity associated with traditional quaternary ammonium compounds. North American and European markets exhibit high adoption rates for cationic amino acid surfactants in boutique and eco certified professional salons. The remaining niche categories, including amphoteric and non ionic amino acid derivatives, play a crucial supporting role in stabilizing complex formulations and enhancing mildness in multi surfactant systems. These subsegments show immense future potential in the pharmaceutical and specialized baby care sectors, where low toxicity and high purity standards are non negotiable for next generation topical treatments.

Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market, By Applications

Personal Care and Cosmetics

Industrial Cleaning

Based on Applications, the Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market is segmented into Personal Care and Cosmetics, Industrial Cleaning. At VMR, we observe that the Personal Care and Cosmetics segment maintains a commanding dominance, accounting for over 45% of the total market share as of 2026. This leadership is primarily driven by an intensified consumer shift toward "clean beauty" and sulfate free formulations, with industry data indicating that approximately 42% of new sulfate free launches now incorporate amino acid derivatives. The segment is propelled by stringent safety regulations in North America and Western Europe, alongside a burgeoning middle class population in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in China and India, where demand for premium skincare is rising at a CAGR of 9.2%. Technical trends such as the integration of AI driven formulation tools have allowed brands to replace harsh synthetic surfactants with glycine and glutamic acid based variants without compromising foam quality. High end personal care manufacturers and dermatological brands are the primary end users, leveraging these surfactants for their ultra mild, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable properties.

The Industrial Cleaning segment represents the second most dominant subsegment, carving out a significant niche as sustainability mandates penetrate the institutional sector. This segment is growing steadily as organizations transition toward "Green Building" certifications and eco labeled janitorial supplies to meet corporate ESG goals. Regional strength is particularly evident in Europe, where the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) promotes biodegradable alternatives for large scale surface disinfection and laundry applications. In 2026, this segment is projected to contribute nearly 20% of market revenue, supported by the rising adoption of bio based wetting agents that offer low aquatic toxicity. Finally, other niche applications, including Agricultural Formulations and Pharmaceuticals, play a vital supporting role by utilizing these surfactants as gentle emulsifiers and dispersants. While currently smaller in scale, these areas show immense future potential, particularly in the development of "green" pesticides and biocompatible drug delivery systems, as biotechnology driven manufacturing continues to lower the entry cost for these premium ingredients.

Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market, By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

The global Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market is characterized by a diverse geographical landscape, where regional growth is dictated by varying levels of regulatory maturity, consumer purchasing power, and industrial infrastructure. While established economies in North America and Europe lead in terms of high value, sustainable innovation and stringent safety standards, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as the volume leader due to its massive manufacturing base and rapidly growing middle class. Smaller markets in Latin America and the MEA region are also showing significant promise, driven by the gradual transition from traditional petrochemical surfactants to bio based alternatives in the hygiene and personal care sectors.

United States Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market

The United States represents one of the most sophisticated markets for amino acid based surfactants, primarily driven by a robust "Clean Beauty" movement and high consumer spending on premium personal care.

Key Growth Drivers, And Current Trends: At VMR, we observe that the U.S. market is significantly influenced by the EPA's Safer Choice program and increasing state level restrictions on 1,4 dioxane (often found in traditional ethoxylated surfactants), which has accelerated the adoption of safer alternatives like glutamates and glycinates. The presence of major industry players and advanced R&D facilities allows for rapid product innovation, particularly in the sulfate free shampoo and high end facial cleanser segments. Furthermore, the rising demand for bio based household cleaners is creating new revenue streams for manufacturers focusing on high purity, liquid form surfactants.

Europe Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market

The European market is arguably the most regulated and sustainability focused region globally. Growth is heavily underpinned by the EU Green Deal and REACH regulations, which mandate high biodegradability and low aquatic toxicity for chemical ingredients.

Key Growth Drivers, And Current Trends: In 2026, we see a strong shift toward "circular beauty" where surfactants derived from upcycled agricultural waste are gaining traction. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are the primary hubs, where a "super aging society" is driving demand for ultra mild, dermatological grade surfactants for sensitive and mature skin. The market here is characterized by a high penetration of eco certified products (such as COSMOS and Ecocert), pushing brands to replace traditional SLES with amino acid based variants despite their higher cost.

Asia Pacific Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market

The Asia Pacific region stands as the fastest growing and largest market by volume. This dominance is fueled by the massive personal care industries in China, Japan, South Korea, and India.

Key Growth Drivers, And Current Trends: China, in particular, has become a global manufacturing hub for amino acid surfactants, benefiting from large scale production capacities that help lower global price barriers. We observe a significant trend in this region toward "premiumization," as younger consumers in urban centers increasingly opt for mild, high performance facial washes over traditional soap bars. Additionally, government initiatives promoting green manufacturing in South Korea and Japan are further solidifying the region's position as a leader in both the consumption and export of bio based surfactant technologies.

Latin America Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market

In Latin America, the market is primarily led by Brazil, which is one of the world's largest consumers of hair and skin care products.

Key Growth Drivers, And Current Trends: The growth drivers here are a mix of rising disposable incomes and a gradual shift in the FMCG sector toward more skin friendly formulations. While price sensitivity remains a challenge, there is a growing niche for "natural" and "botanical" products in urban areas like Sao Paulo and Mexico City. The regional market is also benefiting from the local availability of raw materials, such as fatty acids derived from palm and coconut oil, which supports a more localized and cost effective supply chain for bio based surfactant production.

Middle East & Africa Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is an emerging frontier with a steady growth trajectory. In the GCC countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, high per capita income and a thriving luxury cosmetic market are driving the demand for premium, amino acid based personal wash products.

Key Growth Drivers, And Current Trends: In contrast, the African market is currently focused on the gradual replacement of harsh chemicals in basic hygiene products as awareness of skin health improves. Although the market share is currently smaller compared to other regions, the long term potential is high, supported by urbanization and a young population that is increasingly influenced by global beauty trends and sustainability narratives.

Key Players

• The "Global Amino Acid Based Surfactants Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market including some of the major players such as
• Ajinomoto
• Sino Lion
• Changsha Puji
• Tinci
• Croda International Plc
• Clariant AG
• B-Cat
• Galaxy Surfactants Ltd

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

• 1.1 MARKET DEFINITION
• 1.2 MARKET SEGMENTATION
• 1.3 RESEARCH TIMELINES
• 1.4 ASSUMPTIONS
• 1.5 LIMITATIONS

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• 2.1 DATA MINING
• 2.2 SECONDARY RESEARCH
• 2.3 PRIMARY RESEARCH
• 2.4 SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ADVICE
• 2.5 QUALITY CHECK
• 2.6 FINAL REVIEW
• 2.7 DATA TRIANGULATION
• 2.8 BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
• 2.9 TOP-DOWN APPROACH
• 2.10 RESEARCH FLOW
• 2.11 DATA SOURCES

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• 3.1 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET OVERVIEW
• 3.2 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET ESTIMATES AND FORECAST (USD MILLION)
• 3.3 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET ECOLOGY MAPPING
• 3.4 COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS: FUNNEL DIAGRAM
• 3.5 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET ABSOLUTE MARKET OPPORTUNITY
• 3.6 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET ATTRACTIVENESS ANALYSIS, BY REGION
• 3.7 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET ATTRACTIVENESS ANALYSIS, BY TYPE
• 3.8 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET ATTRACTIVENESS ANALYSIS, BY APPLICATIONS
• 3.9 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS (CAGR %)
• 3.10 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET, BY TYPE (USD MILLION)
• 3.11 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET, BY APPLICATIONS (USD MILLION)
• 3.12 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY (USD MILLION)
• 3.13 FUTURE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

4 MARKET OUTLOOK

• 4.1 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET EVOLUTION
• 4.2 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET OUTLOOK
• 4.3 MARKET DRIVERS
• 4.4 MARKET RESTRAINTS
• 4.5 MARKET TRENDS
• 4.6 MARKET OPPORTUNITY
• 4.7 PORTER'S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
  • 4.7.1 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS
  • 4.7.2 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
  • 4.7.3 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS
  • 4.7.4 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTE TYPES
  • 4.7.5 COMPETITIVE RIVALRY OF EXISTING COMPETITORS
• 4.8 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
• 4.9 PRICING ANALYSIS
• 4.10 MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS

5 MARKET, BY TYPE

• 5.1 OVERVIEW
• 5.2 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET: BASIS POINT SHARE (BPS) ANALYSIS, BY TYPE
• 5.3 ANIONIC AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS
• 5.4 CATIONIC AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS

6 MARKET, BY APPLICATIONS

• 6.1 OVERVIEW
• 6.2 GLOBAL AMINO ACID BASED SURFACTANTS MARKET: BASIS POINT SHARE (BPS) ANALYSIS, BY APPLICATIONS
• 6.3 PERSONAL CARE AND COSMETICS
• 6.4 INDUSTRIAL CLEANING

7 MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY

• 7.1 OVERVIEW
• 7.2 NORTH AMERICA
  • 7.2.1 U.S.
  • 7.2.2 CANADA
  • 7.2.3 MEXICO
• 7.3 EUROPE
  • 7.3.1 GERMANY
  • 7.3.2 U.K.
  • 7.3.3 FRANCE
  • 7.3.4 ITALY
  • 7.3.5 SPAIN
  • 7.3.6 REST OF EUROPE
• 7.4 ASIA PACIFIC
  • 7.4.1 CHINA
  • 7.4.2 JAPAN
  • 7.4.3 INDIA
  • 7.4.4 REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
• 7.5 LATIN AMERICA
  • 7.5.1 BRAZIL
  • 7.5.2 ARGENTINA
  • 7.5.3 REST OF LATIN AMERICA
• 7.6 MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
  • 7.6.1 UAE
  • 7.6.2 SAUDI ARABIA
  • 7.6.3 SOUTH AFRICA
  • 7.6.4 REST OF MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

8 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• 8.1 OVERVIEW
• 8.2 KEY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
• 8.3 COMPANY REGIONAL FOOTPRINT
• 8.4 ACE MATRIX
  • 8.5.1 ACTIVE
  • 8.5.2 CUTTING EDGE
  • 8.5.3 EMERGING
  • 8.5.4 INNOVATORS

9 COMPANY PROFILES

• 9.1 OVERVIEW
• 9.2 AJINOMOTO
• 9.3 SINO LION
• 9.4 CHANGSHA PUJI
• 9.5 TINCI
• 9.6 CRODA INTERNATIONAL PLC
• 9.7 CLARIANT AG
• 9.8 B CAT
• 9.9 GALAXY SURFACTANTS LTD