Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test 2025 - Free Esthetics Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary type of surfactants used in skin cleansing products are detergents. Surfactants reduce the surface tension between different substances, which is crucial for cleansing. They allow water to mix more effectively with oil and dirt on the skin, making it easier to wash these impurities away. This property makes detergents especially effective for skin cleansing as they help lift and remove debris without stripping the skin of its natural oils too aggressively when formulated correctly.

While emulsifiers are important in combining oil and water in formulations, they do not primarily function as cleansing agents. Conditioners are generally used to improve the feel and appearance of the skin or hair, enhancing moisture and softness, rather than cleansing. Humectants are substances that attract moisture, helping to hydrate the skin, but they do not perform the cleansing action that detergents do. Thus, the use of detergents as surfactants in cleansing products is key to their effectiveness in skincare routines.