cleanser

noun

cleans·​er ˈklen-zər 

: a person or thing that cleanses something

especially : a preparation (such as a scouring powder or a skin cream) used for cleaning

Synonyms of cleanser

• soap

Examples of cleanser in a Sentence

Sprinkle some cleanser on the floor and let it sit for a while before you start scrubbing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Do not use soap and water to wash your face and rely on more gentle cleansers. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 June 2026

Video games are Whitehead’s usual palate cleanser between projects, but lately he’s been cutting back. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

This one, for example, is designed to keep bottles upright, so there’s no need to fear messes caused by upended hair products, cleansers, and more. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Has Sugar’s inherent decency become something of a moral palate cleanser for Oz’s wicked ways? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cleanser

noun

cleans·​er ˈklen-zər 

: a substance (as a scouring powder or cold cream) used for cleaning

Medical Definition

cleanser

noun

cleans·​er ˈklen-zər 

: a preparation including a cleaning agent for cleansing the skin, the teeth, or glass surfaces