Are detergents made from crude oil?

Answer 1

Good question! Simple answer is: Yes for some detergents. Detergents are formulations of many different chemicals, but they all require a "surface active" agent or surfactant to clean off oily grime that would not easily come off with just water alone. Both petrochemical (from petroleum) or oleochemical (from animal and plants) surfactants are used in detergents. While oleochemicals can come from both animal and plants, surfactant chemicals are generally plant based. One question raises another. Is it better to use only oleochemical based detergents based on plants, a renewable resource? The answer is not at all clear, either from an environmental or energy conservation persective, as discussed in the attached link. One aspected pointed out in the second link- cold water detergent requires use of petrochemical surfactant, so there's a energy savings in terms of heating water. I've included two links. Note that one link is prepared from Proctor and Gamble, a maker of many detergents, however I felt in this case, the discussion was presented in an unbiased manner. They conclude that a blend of both petrochemical and oleochemical surfactants can produce the best product for the consumer. There are many related links on oleochemicals, petrochemicals and surfactant chemicals.