Leveling agents are mostly water-soluble surfactants, which can be divided into natural fiber leveling agents, nylon leveling agents, acrylic leveling agents, polyester leveling agents, and blended fabric leveling agents based on the type of fiber used. Leveling agent AN is non ionic in alkaline and neutral media, cationic in acidic media, and has excellent emulsification and leveling performance. It is relatively stable to acid, alkali, and hard water, and can be mixed with other ionic active substances in alkaline and neutral solutions. Leveling agent AN is used as a stripping agent for wool and nylon fabrics. It is used for stripping and leveling dyeing of wool and can improve the appearance of fabrics. It can also improve the wear resistance and fastness of fabrics in dyeing and printing with ice dyes.

Leveling agent SE is easily dispersed in water, soluble in most organic solvents, acid resistant, high-temperature resistant, and has good dispersion, emulsification, and leveling properties. Dye friendly leveling agents can significantly improve the aggregation of dyes, and their affinity to dyes is greater than that of dyes to fibers. Before dyeing, the leveling agent first combines with the dyes to form a stable aggregate, thereby reducing the diffusion rate of the dyes and delaying dyeing time. According to the influence of leveling agents on the diffusion and aggregation of dyes, they are mainly divided into hydrophilic leveling agents and dye friendly leveling agents. Leveling agent SE can also be used as an emulsifier, dispersant, and detergent in other industries.