The surfactant assisted exfoliation and non-covalent functionalization of two-dimensional layered materials, like graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, etc., has extraordinarily been propelled forward within the last 5years. Numerous molecules have been designed and attached to the exfoliated layers, and based on their outstanding properties, perylene based dyes have become one of the most frequently used π-detergents. Therefore, the prospect of this micro review is to summarize the most prominent achievements in this rapidly progressing field of research.