Cleansing With Harsh Surfactants Disrupts Stratum Corneum (SC) Function

• Damages and strips skin of its natural moisture, including proteins and lipids
• Causes significant water loss and increases dryness
• Worsens lipid deficiency and dryness, especially in eczema patients

A Mild and Moisturizing Cleanser That Replenishes is Critical for Optimal SC Health

• Maintains adequate hydration
• Preserves proteins and lipids to maintain SC integrity
• Encourages a healthy foundation for cosmetic and medical procedures

It’s Important to Replenish Fatty Acids Like Stearic Acid

• It was proven in an independent study that fatty acids, like stearic acid, are more soluble by surfactants and more easily removed during cleansing*
• Fatty acids are critical because they help maintain elasticity, flexibility, and integrity
• In contrast, ceramides remain anchored in the lipid bilayer.* They have a longer chain length and are relatively insoluble by surfactants

Dove^® Replenishes Stearic Acid at a 1-to-1 Ratio

• The stearic acid in Dove^® penetrates the SC 10 layers deep
• There is no clear evidence in the literature that ceramides in cleansers get incorporated into the lipid bilayer

*Froebe CL, Simion FA, Rhein LD, et al. Stratum corneum lipid removal by surfactants: relation to in vivo irritation. Dermatologica. 1990;181:277-283.