Surfactant: A surface-active agent that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading and penetration. Surfactants are the key component in the formation of micelles.
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC): The minimum concentration of surfactant molecules required for the spontaneous formation of micelles in an aqueous solution.
Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Regions: The distinct regions within a surfactant molecule, where the hydrophilic (water-loving) head group interacts with water, and the hydrophobic (water-fearing) tail group avoids water, driving the formation of micelles.