Anatomy of a Skin Cleanser: Cleansing Ingredients
Cleansers are designed to remove oily soils, dirt, sweat, and sebum from skin through the action of surfactants. Components of surfactants can bind to stratum corneum (SC) proteins, resulting in diminished ability of the SC to bind and hold water. Continued use of products formulated with harsh surfactants can dry skin and promote skin barrier damage, leading to erythema. Anionic surfactants are often used in cleansers because of their excellent ability to foam and lather.
