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.