cleanser

noun

cleans·​er ˈklen-zər How to pronounce cleanser (audio)
Synonyms of cleansernext
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Make Stainless Steel Shine Stainless steel can’t be cleaned with any old cleanser. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 For spring 2026, the Moon Shoe gets a color palette cleanser—with pale pastel pink, creamy white, and dusty brown tones—departing from the first drop’s vintage athletic feel, spotted on everyone from Dua Lipa to Jacob Elordi, since late September. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026 Treat stains gently with baking soda or mild cleansers. Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026 The experts say that most people are in the clear to give oil cleansers a try. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleanser

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleanser was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleanser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleanser. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

cleanser

noun
cleans·​er ˈklen-zər How to pronounce cleanser (audio)
: a substance (as a scouring powder or cold cream) used for cleaning

Medical Definition

cleanser

noun
cleans·​er ˈklen-zər How to pronounce cleanser (audio)
: a preparation including a cleaning agent for cleansing the skin, the teeth, or glass surfaces

More from Merriam-Webster on cleanser

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