We have developed a novel cinnamic acid-type photo-cleavable surfactant. This surfactant experiences photo-cleavage through UV-induced cyclization in aqueous solutions. The photo-cleavage not only reduces its capabilities as a surfactant but also yields two functional materials including a coumarin derivative and an aminated polyoxyethylene compound. This means that the photo-cleavable surfactant synthesized in this study is a photo-responsive function-exchangeable material. In our current study, we have characterized the photo-cleavable behavior that occurs in aqueous solutions and a resulting change in interfacial properties. The photo-cleavage induces an increased interfacial tension of a squalane/water interface and a decreased solubilization capability of the surfactant micelles. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.