|
|
 
surfactant. Shortened term for surface active agent. Surfactants degrease and emulsify oils and fats and suspend soil, allowing them to be washed away, as laundry products do. I refer to these substances throughout my writing as “detergent cleansing agents.” Surfactants and detergent cleansing agents are often used interchangeably by chemists and researchers (Sources: Food and Drug Administration, Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet, February 3, 1995, www.fda.gov; Dermatology, 1995, volume 191, number 4, pages 276–280; Tenside, Surfactants, Detergents, 1997, volume 34, number 3, pages 156–168; and http://surfactants.net). Surfactants are used in most forms of cleansers and many of them are considered gentle and effective for most skin types. There are several types of surfactants that can be sensitizing, drying, and irritating for skin.
|
|
