The cleaning preparation part is the only part of most chemical production that is directly to consumers.

This segment includes chemical companies that produce soaps, detergents and cleaning agents.

Cosmetics and toiletries, including perfumes, lotions and toothpaste, are also produced in this area.

Homes and businesses use these chemical products to clean everything from babies to bridges in many ways.

The "Other Chemicals" product sector includes manufacturers of explosives, inks, films, toners, matches and other miscellaneous chemicals.

These chemical products are used by consumers or in the manufacture of other products.

Chemicals are generally divided into two categories: basic chemicals and specialty chemicals.

Basic chemical manufacturers produce large quantities of basic and relatively inexpensive compounds in large factories, usually specializing in the production of one chemical.

Most basic chemicals are used in other industries to produce highly refined chemicals for daily consumer goods.

In contrast, specialty chemical manufacturers produce fewer expensive chemicals and use them less frequently.

Manufacturers of specialty chemicals usually supply larger chemical companies on a contract basis.

Many traditional chemical manufacturers are divided into two separate entities, one focusing on basic chemicals and the other focusing on specialty chemicals.