Abstract: Surface-active composition based on non-ionic surfactants derived from ethoxylated saturated primary fatty alcohols.The composition is characterized in that it contains a solid mixture at ambient temperature of:(a) at least one non-ionic surface-active compound A of general formula : R--(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n OH in which R is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.9 alkyl group and n is greater than 6 and may be as high as 15,(b) at least one non-ionic surface-active compound B of general formula : R'--(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.m OH in which R' is a C.sub.16 to C.sub.20 alkyl group and m is 6 to 15, in which more than half the groups R and R' taken separately are linear.It can be used in detergent formulations, especially pulverulent or liquid syndet compositions for domestic and/or industrial washing and degreasing purposes.

Abstract: Compositions containing 2% to 50% of organosilicon anti-foaming agents and 98% to 50% of powdered solid carriers having the general formula (CH.sub.3).sub.a (HO).sub.b (RO).sub.c SiO.sub.(4-a-b-c) /2 in which the symbol "R" represents a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl or n-butyl, the symbol "a" represents any number ranging from about 0.8 to about 1.1, the symbol "b" represents any number ranging from about 0.002 to about 0.2 and the symbol "c" represents any number ranging from about 0 to about 0.2. The compositions are used to reduce the foaming effects of surfactants in liquids. The anti-foaming compositions of the invention can be added to powdered detergents and will remain effective for extended periods of time.