cleanser

/ˈklɛn.sər/
product for cleaning skin or surfaces

She applied a gentle cleanser to her face every morning.

The example shows a facial cleanser used daily for skincare.


general

A substance or product used to clean skin, makeup, or dirt from surfaces.

The dermatologist recommended a pH-balanced cleanser for sensitive skin.

A doctor suggests a specific type of facial cleanser for skin sensitivity.

Use a kitchen cleanser to remove grease from the stovetop.

A cleaning product designed for greasy kitchen surfaces.

Often used in skincare routines to remove impurities without stripping natural oils.

Engineering
technical

A device or tool used to clean, such as a vacuum or brush.

The industrial cleanser efficiently removed debris from the conveyor belt.

A mechanical cleaning device used in manufacturing.

In engineering contexts, refers to machinery or systems designed for cleaning processes.

Collocations

facial cleansera product for cleaning the faceall-purpose cleansera versatile cleaning product for multiple surfacesgentle cleansera mild cleaning product suitable for sensitive skin

Pro Tip

Skincare Tip

Choose a cleanser based on your skin type: gel cleansers for oily skin, cream cleansers for dry skin, and micellar water for sensitive skin.

Gold Rule

Avoid Over-Cleansing

Using a cleanser too frequently or with harsh ingredients can strip the skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to irritation or dryness.

Word Origin

From 'clean' (Old English clǣne, meaning 'pure') + '-er' (suffix denoting an agent or tool). First recorded in the late 16th century as a noun referring to something that cleans.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in skincare, household cleaning, and industrial contexts. In skincare, 'cleanser' often implies a product that removes makeup, oil, and impurities without harshness. Avoid using 'cleanser' interchangeably with 'soap'—modern cleansers are often soap-free.

Word Breakdown

clean
to remove dirt or impurities
root
+
-er
a person or thing that performs a specified action
suffix
English Dictionary