What type of surfactants are primarily used in skin cleansers?

Skin cleansers predominantly use detergents as their primary surfactants. Detergents are effective because they can lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to more easily spread and penetrate oils and dirt on the skin. This property makes detergents particularly suited for breaking down and removing impurities, making them ideal for use in a cleanser.

In contrast, soaps, while also surfactants, are less commonly used in modern formulations due to their tendency to react with minerals in water, leading to a less effective cleansing action. Emulsifiers are primarily used to help blend oil and water in products rather than for cleaning. Conditioners are focused on improving the feel and appearance of hair and skin rather than cleansing. Thus, the action of detergents in facilitating the removal of dirt and oil is what fundamentally distinguishes them as the primary surfactants in skin cleansers.