Foaming cleansers face scrutiny for drying skin as beauty industry adapts formulations

Foaming cleansers have been popular for their rich lather, but they are now criticized for potentially drying out the skin. Traditional surfactants can strip moisture, leading to irritation, especially for sensitive skin types. In response, the beauty industry has reformulated foaming cleansers to include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Many modern options are also pH-balanced, making them gentler and suitable for daily use. Despite improvements, foaming cleansers may not be ideal for everyone. Those with conditions like eczema or rosacea should consider cream or enzyme-based cleansers instead. However, they can still benefit acne-prone or oily skin types, especially in humid climates.