The effects of the detergent action of cleansing agents on the skin.

Detergent substances are important components of cleansing materials. Their detergent cleansing action may also result in skin toxicity. Methods for the evaluation of their toxic effect on the skin surface are reviewed stressing the usefulness of the soap chamber test, and newer in vitro cultural techniques. The action of detergents in promoting desquamation and removing intercorneocyte materials is also discussed. Finally, the point is made that cleansing can also be accomplished with non-detergent containing cleaners.