Oil-in-water emulsions can be formed using surfactants with biospecific headgroups. Emulsion droplets adhere to surfaces of microorganisms or to various biological surface bearing appropriate adhesins, thus delivering surfactant materials directly to various surfaces. Lipophilic materials and essential oils can be targeted in this way. The emulsions may be incorporated into oral hygiene non-food compositions or compositions for topical application to skin, hair or nails.