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question

What are the most common cleansing ingredients?

Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD
Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD
Dermatology
answer

The most common cleansing ingredients are the following:
Soap Compounds: Better for oily skin and removing heavy makeup

  • Sodium tallowate
  • Sodium cocoate
  • Sodium palm kernelate
  • Sodium palmate or palmitate

Harsher synthetic surfactants: Better for oily skin and removing heavy makeup

  • Sodium lauryl
  • Sulfate sodium
  • Dodecylbenzene sulfonate

Mild synthetic surfactants: (Better for normal, dry, or sensitive skin)

  • Sodium laureth
  • Sulfate sodium
  • Cocyl isethionate
  • Cocomidopropyl betaine
  • Disodium cocamphodiacetate
  • Ammonium lauryl sulfate
  • Sodium lauroyl isenthionate or sarcosinate
  • Lauric acid diethenolamine (lauramide DEA)
  • Caprylic acid (derived from coconuts; often used in natural and
           organic products)
  • Sodium cocoyl glutamate (derived from coconuts; often used in
           natural and organic products)
  • Polysorbate 85 or polysorbate 60 (a gentle, moisturizing surfactant
           created from the plant-derived emollient sorbitol)
Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin

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What if a leading dermatologist just happened to be your best friend and you could ask her anything? DR. ELLEN MARMUR, a world-renowned New York City dermatologist, answers all your questions with...

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.