The more bubbles a cleanser has, the better?

Not really

Many people believe that the more foam there is, the better the cleansing effect is, but this view is not scientific.

The amount of bubbles in cleansing products is mainly determined by the surfactant component in it. The function of the surfactant is to reduce the surface tension of water and form foam.

Foam is essentially just a visual and tactile experience. Although it can help the product to be better distributed on the face, it does not represent the strength of the cleansing power. In fact, products with too much foam may contain strong cleansing ingredients. Long-term use may damage the skin's natural barrier, causing dry and sensitive skin. Especially for people with sensitive skin, it may cause greater irritation or dryness problems (but it is not absolute).

From a professional perspective, gentle cleansers may produce less foam but are still able to effectively remove oil and dirt and keep the skin healthy.

Therefore, when choosing a facial cleanser, you cannot judge its cleaning effect based solely on the amount of foam. More foam does not mean stronger cleaning power. The cleaning effect depends more on the mild cleaning ingredients in the product and whether it is suitable for your skin type.

For consumers, it is recommended to pay attention to the ingredient list when purchasing facial cleansing products, give priority to products that are suitable for their skin type, and do not "only focus on bubbles".

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital