What is a cleansing base?
A cleansing base is an essential component of skin and hair cleansing products such as shampoos, shower gels and liquid soaps. Its main function is to enable cleansing by removing impurities and excess sebum without damaging the skin barrier or scalp. Designed to be gentle, it is suitable for frequent use on all skin types, including the most sensitive.
How to choose a cleansing base
Choosing the right cleansing base involves taking several criteria into account: skin type (oily, combination, dry, sensitive), specific needs (moisturizing, repairing, purifying), and product composition. We recommend opting for gentle cleansing bases, free from aggressive sulfates (such as SLS or SLES), and enriched with moisturizing or soothing agents such as glycerine, aloe vera or coconut oil. Organic or eco-responsible products often offer formulas that are more respectful of the skin and the environment.
Why choose a sulfate-free cleansing base?
Sulfates, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), are powerful cleansing agents that can dry and irritate the skin and scalp. A sulfate-free, gentler cleansing base preserves the skin's natural moisture and reduces the risk of irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin and daily use.
What are the advantages of a natural cleansing base?
A natural cleansing base has several advantages: it's generally gentler on the skin, minimizes the risk of allergies and irritations, and is better for the environment. Natural cleansing bases are often enriched with plant extracts and essential oils that offer additional benefits such as moisturizing, soothing and regenerating the skin.
How do I use a cleansing base in my skincare routine?
Incorporating a cleansing base into your skincare routine is simple. For face and body, apply a small amount to damp skin, massage gently to cleanse, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. For hair, apply to wet hair, massage into scalp and lengths, then rinse. To optimize the benefits, choose complementary products adapted to your skin or hair type.
How important is pH in cleansing bases?
The pH of a cleansing base is crucial, as it must be close to that of the skin (between 4.7 and 5.75) to maintain its natural balance and avoid aggression. The right pH helps preserve the skin barrier, reduces the risk of irritation and dryness, and contributes to healthy, resilient skin. It is therefore important to check the pH of products before purchase, particularly for sensitive skin.
Can I use the same cleansing base for face and body?
Yes, it is possible to use a multi-purpose cleansing base for both face and body, provided it is specially formulated to respect the sensitivity and specific needs of both areas. A gentle, moisturizing, sulfate-free cleansing base with a suitable pH is generally suitable for daily face and body cleansing, offering a practical solution for simplified skincare routines. However, some skin types, particularly those with sensitive or problematic skin (acne, eczema), may benefit from targeted products formulated specifically for the face or body.
How to recognize a quality cleansing base?
A quality cleansing base is distinguished by several criteria: the gentleness of its formula, the absence of aggressive sulfates, a composition enriched with natural, nourishing ingredients (such as plant oils, plant extracts or proteins), and a balanced pH. The presence of organic or eco-responsible labels can also be an indicator of quality, signalling particular attention to environmental impact and ingredient selection. Carefully reading the ingredients list and choosing products recommended by dermatology professionals or reliable consumer reviews can help identify a high-quality cleansing base.
Is the cleansing base suitable for all hair types?
Generally speaking, a gentle sulfate-free cleansing base is suitable for all hair types, including color-treated, dry, damaged or sensitive hair. It gently cleanses without drying out hair fibers or irritating the scalp. However, to meet the specific needs of each hair type (for example, nourishing dry hair, controlling excess sebum in oily hair, or maintaining color in color-treated hair), it is advisable to choose a cleansing base enriched with targeted ingredients. Specific formulations can offer additional benefits tailored to each hair condition.
Can a cleansing base help treat skin problems?
Although a cleansing base is not a medical treatment in itself, choosing the right formula can play a significant role in managing and improving certain skin conditions such as dry skin, eczema, dermatitis or mild acne. A gentle, moisturizing, irritant-free cleansing base (such as sulfates) can help preserve the skin barrier, reduce discomfort and support the skin's repair process. For persistent or severe skin problems, however, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist, who can prescribe a suitable treatment to complement the use of an appropriate cleansing base.
Can I make my own cleansing base?
Yes, you can make your own cleansing base at home using simple, natural ingredients. A basic recipe might include mild surfactants of natural origin (such as decyl glucoside), water, vegetable oils (for hydration), essential oils (for antimicrobial properties and fragrance), and a natural preservative. This DIY approach means you can precisely control the ingredients and tailor the formula to your specific needs. However, it is important to learn about the properties and safety of the ingredients used, as well as good manufacturing practices to avoid contamination and guarantee the stability of the finished product.
