title: The chemistry of skin cleansers: an overview for clinicians.
abstract: Cleansers and other skin care products can be agents either of stratum corneum damage and skin barrier dysfunction or of maintaining or restoring healthy stratum corneum barrier structure and function. To guide patients toward beneficial choices most suitable for their individual skin conditions and needs, clinicians must be aware of and understand the ingredients in such skin care products and their potential effects on the stratum corneum barrier. In cleansers specifically, clinicians should be aware particularly of the benefits and potential problems associated with chemical components of surfactants, preservatives, and fragrances.
authors.affiliation: Contact and Occupational Dermatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA. fowlerjoe@msn.com
authors.forename: Joseph F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: Lawrence F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Eichenfield
authors.forename: Peter M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Elias
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Horowitz
authors.forename: Renee P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: McLeod
mesh_terms: D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D010539:Permeability / Q000187:drug effects; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents