A surfactant component comprising a compound of formula (I): wherein R1 is a C5 to C39 alkyl or alkenyl group and R2 is a group of formula (a) wherein one of W, X, Y and Z is a covalent bond and the remaining groups are selected from H, M, SO3M and a further group of formula R1CO provided at least one of W, X, Y and Z is SO3M； and each M is independently hydrogen, an ammonium ion or a metal ion. Preferably, W= R1CO； X= SO3M； Y=Z=H, more preferably, the compound of formula (I) is ascorbyl monolaurate sulphate. The compound of formula (I) forms surfactant compositions, which may be high foaming. Such compositions may find use in personal care, hard surface cleaning, dishwashing, animal hygiene, oilfield production chemicals. In another aspect, a method of cleansing the skin and/or hair, comprising contacting the skin and/or hair with said composition.
