From our Newsletters: Discover the truth about foam cleansers!
Hello Monk,
Over the years, self-care products have evolved, bringing us a variety of cleansers—from oil-based cleansers to cleansing milks. However, throughout this journey, one myth has stayed put: that foam equals clean. For decades, we have grown used to products that lather and foam, so this misconception is understandable. Let’s wash away this myth.
What Makes Cleansers Foam?
Cleansers foam thanks to ingredients such as surfactants – mostly sulfates, sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS) and sodium coco-sulfate(SCS). These surfactants help the product to spread and mix with water easily, as a result, forming bubbles and foam. The surfactants then trap or break down dirt, oil, and impurities and help lift them from the skin’s surface.
While they get the job done, they are not always the best choice for your skin or even the environment. They are known to be hard on the skin by stripping its natural oils, leading to dryness and imbalances that cause more issues such as breakouts and weakening of the skin’s protective barrier over time. Your skin isn’t the only one affected—our planet bears the burden too. SLS and SCS are non-biodegradable, lingering in water for years and polluting aquatic ecosystems, threatening marine life.
What Measures as Effective, if No Foam?
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. It removes dirt, excess oils and any buildup that may accumulate on the skin throughout the day, creating a fresh canvas for the rest of the skincare products. This step is essential for maintaining healthy skin. But if there is no foam, how can one tell if it is working? Here are a few questions you should answer to help you analyse.
How does your skin feel after cleansing?
The answer should be refreshed without your skin feeling tight or stripped. It should strike a balance—not too dry, but not overly greasy either.
Does your skin feel irritated?
A good cleanser should be able to effectively cleanse your skin without causing irritated skin or any redness.
Does your skin feel healthy over time?
The most important question. Consistent use of the right cleanser should ideally contribute to balanced pH, and clear and smooth skin without dryness.
What is the Alternative?
NamoMonk’s powdered cleansers, inspired by age-old skincare recipes, combine a carefully selected blend of clays and all natural ingredients to gently exfoliate and deeply hydrate the skin. And while the do not foam like some of the traditional cleansers, they help promote a balanced skin pH and even skin tone. With all-natural ingredients, our cleansers are not only soothing on your skin but also kind to the planet.
Best,
The No-Foam Monk
