The Refresher AHA Clarifying Cleanser

While soaps with their high pH are the worst culprits and should be avoided altogether in skin cleansing, synthetic detergents (syndets) vary widely in their level of disruptiveness to the skin barrier. Syndets such as sulfates sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), are known to be irritating and harsh on the skin with the added downside of being harmful to the environment.

Modern high-quality cleansers rely instead on milder detergents that are better for the environment, as well as detergent blends that combine anionic and amphoteric surfactants which cleanse with minimal interaction with the skin barrier (Ananthapadmanabhan et al. 2004, Ananthapadmanabhan 2019, Coiffard and Couteau 2020, Mijaljica et al. 2022).

The Refresher Clarifying Cleanser employs this modern approach to skin cleansing using a blend of three mild and environmentally friendly, coconut oil derived syndets: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine

Skin cleansing is particularly important for those with oily or combination skin that is sensitive and acne-prone. At least one study that looked at the frequency of face washing in patients with acne found that patients who washed their face twice a day had significant improvements while those washing only once a day had worsening acne, and those washing four times a day had no change (Choi et al. 2006). The American Academy of Dermatologists also supports the common advice of washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, is ideal for acne prone skin.

Equally important to the frequency of cleansing however, is the choice of cleanser. Indeed, when soaps are compared to synthetic detergents (syndets) as a cleanser in adolescents and young adults with acne-prone skin, inflammatory lesions increased from baseline in those who used soap. However, it decreased in the group who used an acidic syndet bar. In other words, cleansing with alkaline soap could make acne worse but cleansing with an acidic syndet could make acne better (Korting et al. 1995). Further, for those with specialized problem such as acne, acne-specific cleansers with hydroxy acids did a superior job at decreasing inflammatory acne lesions long-term than a regular cleanser (Choi et al. 2010). The Refresher Clarifying Cleanser contains a triple blend of alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, malic, and tartaric acid) as well as gentle coconut-based syndets to safely cleanse skin.

Yes! Glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) have been tested in animals and showed no teratogenic effects (Chien et al. 2016, Putra et al. 2022). AHAs are only absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream in negligible amounts and are considered safe in pregnancy at the levels used in over the counter products (Bozzo et al. 2011, Putra et al. 2022). However, it is always advisable to check with your doctor regarding skincare products and ingredients and follow their protocol.

Ananthapadmanabhan KP, Moore DJ, Subramanyan K, Manoj M, Meyer F (2004). “Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing.” Dermatologic Therapy 17: 16-25.

Ananthapadmanabhan KP (2019). “Amino-Acid Surfactants in Personal Cleansing (Review).” Tenside Surf Det 56(5): 378-386.

Coiffard L, Couteau C (2020). “Soap and syndets: differences and analogies, sources of great confusion.” Eu Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 24: 11432-11439.

Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP (2022). “Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets.” Molecules 27: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27062010.

Choi JM, Lew VK, Kimball AB (2006). “A single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of face washing on acne vulgaris.” Pediatr Dermatol 23(5): 421-427.

Choi YS, Suh HS, Yoon MY, Min SU, Kim JS, Jung JY, Lee DH, Suh DH (2010). “A study of the efficacy of cleansers for acne vulgaris.” J Dermatolog Treat 21(3): 201-205.

Korting HC, Ponce-Poschl E, Klovekorn W, Schmotzer G, Arens-Corell M, Braun-Falco O (1995). “The influence of the regular use of a soap or an acidic syndet bar on pre-acne.” Infection 23(2): 89-93.

Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A (2011). “Safety of skin care products during pregnancy.” Canadian Family Physician 57: 665-667.

Chien AL, Rainer B, Sachs DL, Helfrich YR (2016). “Treatment of Acne in Pregnancy.” J Am Board Fam Med. 29: 254-262.

Putra IB, Jusuf NK, Dewi NK (2022). “Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 15(2): 49-57.