Foam ≠ clean. Do you actually believe it?

3d (edited) • Lab Talk

Most formulators know this in theory. Foam doesn't equal clean(s)ing power. A surfactant can cleanse perfectly well without producing a dramatic lather, and some of the harshest surfactants make the most impressive foam.

But here's the honest question: do you actually believe it when you're the one using the product?

I ask because I notice it in myself sometimes. I'll test a gentle cleanser bar that I know is working at a good surfactant percentage, pH is right, micelle formation is fine, and everything checks out. And yet if the lather isn't satisfying, there's a small part of my brain that questions whether it really cleanses.

It's consumer psychology working on the formulator. We're not immune to it.

Quick poll — when you use a low-lather cleanser, do you:

Tell me in the comments, too. I'm genuinely curious whether this changes with experience level.

Trust it completely because you understand the chemistry

Intellectually trust it, but still feel slightly unsatisfied by the foam

Not convinced, I feel "if it doesn't lather, I don't feel clean"

Depends entirely on the product

6 votes

1 comment