Facial cleansers remove dirt from the skin surface through the wetting, emulsification, or solubilization effects of surfactants. In addition, in order to prevent excessive degreasing and lubricate the skin, appropriate amounts of emollients and moisturizers are generally added to achieve good moisturizing and soft skin feel.
The components used in facial cleansers are as follows [3]:
(1) Surfactants (cleansing base materials)
Mainly play the role of washing and foaming
Soap base: composed of higher fatty acids and alkali agents.
Other surfactants: alkyl sulfate, N-acylmethyl taurate, alkyl glucoside, POE alkyl ether,
disodium cocoamphodiacetate, etc.
(2) Moisturizers
Glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, etc.
(3) Emollients (fatting agents)
Fatty acids, vegetable oils (coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.), higher alcohols, lanolin derivatives, etc.
Mainly play a role in fat enrichment and lubrication
(4) Other components
Water-soluble polymers, preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, active ingredients, fragrances, etc. Some facial cleansers also contain exfoliating particles.