Abstract

Special skin cleansers are intended to cleanse more efficiently or with less irritant effect than toilet soap, or to bring medicaments into contact with the skin. There is however little positive evidence that soap used for ordinary personal washing harms normal skin, or even eczematous skin.¹ Excessive use of soap can of course damage the skin. Allergy and perhaps some irritation is occasionally caused by an additive such as a perfume, colouring or antiseptic. One special product (Simple Soap - Albion Soap Co) presents the soaps of tallow and vegetable oil without other ingredients.