Skin Cleansing Products

If you've been cleansing your skin with soap and then applying a moisturizer, you could save yourself some time -- and some bathroom clutter -- by switching to a moisturizing body wash.

By Sarah Siddons

If you're trying to find a cleanser that doesn't use animal products, check the ingredients for sodium cocoyl isethionate -- it's a common alternative to animal-based substances.

By John Barrymore

There's nothing like a freshly washed face -- unless your cleanser is leaving you high and dry. If your soap is drying out your skin, it's time to switch to a moisturizing cleanser.

By Susan Sentry

With so many different soaps and body washes on the market, it can be difficult to select the right one for you. Find out if body washes or other cleansers will work best for your skin type.

By Sarah Siddons

Dry, scaly skin can be a problem, especially in winter months. Moisturizing skin cleansers let you shed your scales and molt into spring-fresh skin.

By Sarah Siddons

Is your face itchy? Figuring out the right products and the most effective cleansing routine are the first steps in providing relief for your dry skin.

By Sarah Rutland

Irritated skin -- whether red or dried-out -- can be a sign that you're using the wrong product for your skin. But is it time to change your cleanser?

By Sarah Jourdain

Some of us are trained to look at the list of ingredients on boxes of cereal and candy bars, but have you ever scoured the back of a bottle of skin cleanser? Do cosmetics companies put everything on their labels?

By Alexander Page

Using bar soap or liquid soap is essentially a personal preference, but debates have raged on over which skin product works better. Can you stand a little soap scum, or does your cleanser come from a bottle?

By Elizabeth Forester

With so many options out there for body soaps, it can be hard to decide which to choose. Could you be using one that's wrong for your skin type?

By Sarah Siddons

You might not think the difference between soap and body wash is a big deal, but there are some important distinctions. While soaps are rougher on the skin, body wash tends to be better-suited for sensitive skin types.

By Christina Pander

For decades, cleansing creams have been popular for their ability to remove makeup and cleanse your skin. But take caution: This tried-and-true skin care product might not be for everyone.

By John Barrymore

The area around your eyes is home to some of the most sensitive skin on your body. What makes specialized wipes better-equipped to clean this area than a regular face or body wash?

By Sarah Siddons

Although we don't think too often of skin cleansers going bad, a preservative called BHT keeps them from decomposing in our cabinets. How does BHT work, and is it safe to use?

By Alexander Page

Coconut tastes great in cakes and pies, but have you ever thought of the many things coconut oil can do? You'll often find it in skin cleansers and soaps -- what's it doing there?

By Elizabeth Forester

Many of us choose a cleanser to keep our skin healthy and feeling good, but scent can be a big part of the decision, too. What kinds of fragrances go into skin cleansers, and are they there to help or irritate?

By Sarah Siddons

Research has shown that lavender, when inhaled, may have a calming effect on people. But when it's used in cleansers, how does that effect translate to better skin?

By Aida Duncan

Since it's derived from natural substances, sodium cocoate is unlikely to be a health hazard. But, when added to cleansers, what can actually do to improve your skin?

By Sarah Siddons

Sodium isethionate is a mild soap derived from coconut oil found in many products. Find out why it can handle hard-to-remove dirt and oil on your skin.

By Elizabeth Forester

A staple in many cleansers, sodium stearate is strong enough to remove dirt and oil from your body's surface. But how much will it irritate your skin in the process?

By John Barrymore

This chemical compound has reportedly been used in cleaning products for thousands of years. How are animal by-products used in this cleaning agent that has stood the test of time?

By John Barrymore

Stearic acid is commonly used in products such as candles, makeup and medicine, but it's also a key ingredient in skin cleansers. How exactly does it help soap to get you even cleaner?

By Elizabeth Forester

This chemical compound is often used as a kind of helper in cleansers. How does it help soap do a better job of getting your skin clean?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in many cleansing products, but it doesn't help to wash your skin. So why does it make it into the mix?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Ylang-ylang oil is a sweet, spicy fragrance from South Asia that's popular in cosmetics, cleansers and aromatherapy products. Some product makers claim it might even have another special property.

By Gina Fisher