The term cleanser refers to a product that cleans or removes dirt or other substances. A cleanser could be a
detergent
A detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with Cleanliness, cleansing properties when in Concentration, dilute Solution (chemistry), solutions. There are a large variety of detergents. A common family is the alkylbenzene sulfonate ...
, and there are many types of cleansers that are produced with a specific objective or focus. For instance, a
degreaser or
carburetor
A carburetor (also spelled carburettor or carburetter)
is a device used by a gasoline internal combustion engine to control and mix air and fuel entering the engine. The primary method of adding fuel to the intake air is through the Ventu ...
cleanser used in automotive mechanics for cleaning certain engine and car parts.
Other varieties include the ones used in
cosmetology
Cosmetology (from Greek , ''kosmētikos'', "beautifying"; and , ''-logia'') is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/ pedicures, non-permanent hair removal suc ...
,
dermatology
Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the Human skin, skin.''Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.'' Random House, Inc. 2001. Page 537. . It is a speciality with both medical and surgical aspects. A List of dermatologists, ...
or general
skin care
Skin care or skincare is the practice of maintaining and improving the health and appearance of the skin. It includes washing, moisturizing, protecting from the sun, and treating skin problems like acne and dryness. Skin care can help prevent i ...
. In this case, a cleanser is a
facial care product that is used to remove
make-up
Cosmetics are substances that are intended for application to the body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance. They are mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources or created syn ...
, skin care product residue, microbes, dead
skin cells, oils, sweat, dirt and other types of daily pollutants from the face. These washing aids help prevent filth-accumulation, infections, clogged pores, irritation and cosmetic issues like dullness from dead skin buildup and excessive skin shine from sebum buildup. This can also aid in preventing or treating certain skin conditions, such as
acne
Acne ( ), also known as ''acne vulgaris'', is a long-term Cutaneous condition, skin condition that occurs when Keratinocyte, dead skin cells and Sebum, oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include comedo, ...
. Cleansing is the first step in a skin care regimen and can be used in addition of a
toner and
moisturizer
A moisturizer, or emollient, is a Cosmetics, cosmetic preparation used for protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the Human skin, skin. These functions are normally performed by Sebaceous gland, sebum produced by healthy skin. The word "emollie ...
, following cleansing or using makeup remover cotton and makeup remover.
Sometimes "double cleansing" before moving on to any other skincare product is encouraged to ensure the full dissolution and removal of residues that might be more resistant to cleansing, such as waterproof makeup, water-resistant
sunscreen
Sunscreen, also known as sunblock, sun lotion or sun cream, is a photoprotection, photoprotective topical product for the Human skin, skin that helps protect against sunburn and prevent skin cancer. Sunscreens come as lotions, sprays, gels, fo ...
, the excess
sebum
A sebaceous gland or oil gland is a microscopic exocrine gland in the skin that opens into a hair follicle to secrete an oily or waxy matter, called sebum, which lubricates the hair and skin of mammals. In humans, sebaceous glands occur ...
of oily skin-type individuals and
air pollution
Air pollution is the presence of substances in the Atmosphere of Earth, air that are harmful to humans, other living beings or the environment. Pollutants can be Gas, gases like Ground-level ozone, ozone or nitrogen oxides or small particles li ...
particles. Double cleansing usually involves applying a
lipid-soluble cleanser (e.g. cleansing balm, cleansing oil, micellar cleansing water) to dry skin and massaging it around the face for a length of time, then the area may or may not be splashed with water. Any type of aqueous cleanser is then emulsified with water and used as the main cleanser that removes the first cleanser and further cleans the skin. Then the face is finally thoroughly rinsed with water until no filth or product residue remains.
Using a cleanser designated for the facial skin to remove dirt is considered to be a better alternative to bar
soap
Soap is a salt (chemistry), salt of a fatty acid (sometimes other carboxylic acids) used for cleaning and lubricating products as well as other applications. In a domestic setting, soaps, specifically "toilet soaps", are surfactants usually u ...
or another form of skin cleanser not specifically formulated for the face for the following reasons:
* Bar soap has an alkaline
pH (in the area of 9 to 10), and the pH of a healthy skin surface is around 4.7 on average. This means that soap can change the balance present in the skin to favor the overgrowth of some types of
bacteria
Bacteria (; : bacterium) are ubiquitous, mostly free-living organisms often consisting of one Cell (biology), biological cell. They constitute a large domain (biology), domain of Prokaryote, prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micr ...
, increasing acne. In order to maintain a healthy pH balance and skin health, your skin must sit on the proper pH level; some individuals who use bar soap choose to use pH-balancing toners after cleaning in attempts to compensate for the alkalinity of their soaps.
* Bar cleansers have thickeners that allow them to assume a bar shape. These thickeners can clog pores, which may lead to pimples in susceptible individuals. Wet dry shampoos, face wash and body washes are often labeled as "bar cleansers" because they have thickeners that allow them to assume a bar shape. These thickeners can clog pores, which may lead to pimples in susceptible individuals.
* Using bar soap on the face can remove natural oils from the skin that form a barrier against water loss. This causes the
sebaceous glands to subsequently overproduce oil, a condition known as reactive seborrhoea, which will lead to clogged pores. In order to prevent drying out the skin, many cleansers incorporate moisturizers.
Facial cleansers
Facial cleansers come in many different forms, including
cold cream
Cold cream, also known as ''ceratum refrigerans'', is an emulsion of water and certain fats, usually including beeswax and various scent agents, designed to smooth skin and remove makeup. Cold cream is a water-in-oil emulsion (emulsion of small a ...
s, cleansing lotions, bars, or liquids.
Some facial cleansers include treatments or active ingredients that achieve more than simply cleansing the face. Active ingredients may be added to achieve moisturizing,
exfoliation, lightening, brightening, anti-
acne
Acne ( ), also known as ''acne vulgaris'', is a long-term Cutaneous condition, skin condition that occurs when Keratinocyte, dead skin cells and Sebum, oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include comedo, ...
, or anti-aging effects, among others.
Other than additions for skincare improvement, fragrance or essential oil may be added for aesthetic reasons. Individuals with sensitive skin may be irritated or have an allergic reaction, and fragrance-free cleansers are often recommended by dermatologists for that reason.
References
{{Cosmetics
Skin care
Cleaning products
Personal hygiene products