thumb|Schematic diagram of a micelle of oil in aqueous suspension, such as might occur in an emulsion of oil in water. In this example, the surfactant molecules' oil-soluble tails project into the oil (blue), while the water-soluble ends remain in contact with the water phase (red).
ThuMb|SchemaTiC diagrAm of a MIcElle oF OiL In aquEOus suspeNSIoN, SUch as MIgHt oCcuR iN aN emulSiOn of oil in Water. in tHis exAmple, tHe sURfactaNt molEcULeS' oIl-soluble TAils project Into the oIl (bluE), While The wATer-soluble eNds remaIN in cOnTact with the waTER phase (Red).