Skin Cleansing

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

If rough, scaly patches of skin make you feel like a desert lizard, it might be time to introduce exfoliating soap into your skin care arsenal.

By Sarah Siddons

Your body is constantly shedding thousands of dead skin cells to reveal the smooth, bright skin underneath. And you can help put your best face forward by using the proper exfoliating tools.

By John Barrymore

Face cleansing wipes can come in handy when you need a quick midday refresher or you're too tired to wash your face. But can they protect your skin from breakouts?

By Aida Duncan

Still using that bar of body soap to wash your face? You might actually be harming your skin by getting it too clean.

By Aida Duncan

Manufacturers claim facial mist sprays can do wonders for your skin, whether you're moisturizing in the middle of the day or setting your makeup. But are these watery mists really worth the money?

By Susan Sentry

Many people don't realize there are certain techniques for hand washing that will best keep bacteria at bay. Learn why washing them hot water might not do as much good as you think.

By John Barrymore

Soap's not the only option out there for cleansing your skin -- you can also use non-soap products. But if they're not soap, what are they made of, and can they actually get you clean?

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

Your initial reaction to the thought of no more baths may be "gross!" But there also could be more serious ramifications than an unpleasant layer of grime.

By Katherine Neer

Antibacterial soap is supposed to save us from deadly bacteria, but the microbes are surviving and may be getting stronger. Should we ban antibacterial soap altogether?

By Josh Clark