Over the last 35 years, synthetic detergents have become
increasingly important as skin cleansing agents. With the
vast range of soaps and synthetic cleansers available
nowadays, doctors and pharmacists are expectedto advise on
how to cleanse normal as well as diseased skins. Sound
advice must include knowledge of the nature, composition,
and action of the available surfactants and cleanser
preparations, the physiology and pathophysiology of the skin
surface, the microbial ecology ofthe skin, and the factors
that control the skin flora. Much of this knowledge is the
result of recent research. Health care professionals must be
familiar, not only with the benefits, but also with the
possible adverse effects of synthetic detergents on the
human skin (roughness, water loss, etc.) and on the
environment. This monograph draws upon the expertise of
numerous scientists to present a comprehensive view of the
subject.