What is the main type of surfactants found in skin cleansing products?

The main type of surfactants found in skin cleansing products are detergents. Detergents serve the primary function of breaking down oils and dirt on the skin's surface, allowing for easy removal during the cleansing process. These surfactants lower the surface tension of water, enhancing the solution's ability to spread and penetrate, which is vital for effective cleaning.

In the context of skin cleansing, detergents typically include anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, each contributing to the overall cleansing ability. They not only help remove impurities but can also create the lather or foam texture that many consumers expect from cleansing products.

Other options like emulsifiers are more commonly used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water rather than to clean. Thickeners primarily serve the purpose of adjusting the texture or viscosity of a product, while preservatives are included to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life, but do not have a cleansing function. Thus, detergents are uniquely suited to the task of skin cleansing, making them the most relevant type of surfactant in this context.