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

Baking soda and white vinegar also make great low-pH cleansers. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025

Though an effective ritual, for anyone seeking a more efficient routine that produces the same result, the Face Shop has created this dual-chamber cleanser that simultaneously dispenses a milky cleansing oil and jelly cleanser to remove dirt, makeup and product residue. —Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025

With a citrusy-floral scent, the gentle cleansers are made without ammonia, sulfates, parabens, and peroxide. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

With olive, camellia, coconut, and black cumin oils in the blend, this silky formula transforms from an oil into a soft foam cleanser, keeping skin supple and hydrated rather than tight. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025

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