Gynostemma extract compositions containing gynostemma extract and at least a carrier liquid are used as cleaning agents, emulsifiers, skin care products, and foaming agents. The gynostemma extract alone or together with other herbal extracts is mixed with water, glycerin, or a mixture of water and glycerin to produce the surfactant composition. The extracts have distinctive surface tension altering functions, reducing the surface tension of aqueous solutions and allowing foam formation, micelle formation, and emulsification with oil, dirt and water insoluble substances, and may also be used as an emulsification agent with other ingredients in cosmetic or personal care products.
