Why We Cleanse Gently

Why We Cleanse Gently

Most cleansers do not just clean your skin — they influence how your skin behaves afterwards.

If your skin feels tight, dry, or reactive after washing, it is not your imagination. It is often the surfactant.

At Alix Skincare, we formulate with alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) — a class of sugar-based surfactants designed to cleanse effectively without unnecessary harshness.

In simple terms

Good cleansing removes what your skin does not need — without disturbing what it does.

What are APGs?

APGs (alkyl polyglucosides) are surfactants derived from glucose and plant-based fatty alcohols. They are amphiphilic molecules, meaning they bind to both water and oil — allowing them to lift dirt and impurities from the skin during cleansing.1

Unlike many traditional surfactants, APGs are nonionic. This means they interact more gently with the skin’s surface, making them well-suited to frequent use.2

Why we chose them

When we first formulated our cleanser, APGs were not widely used in facial care. What stood out was their balance — effective cleansing with a lower tendency to irritate the skin.

Lower irritation potential

Comparative studies have shown APGs to be milder than many commonly used surfactants.2

Effective cleansing

They remove oils and impurities efficiently, while maintaining a soft and stable foam.

Barrier-conscious

Cleansing should not leave skin tight or stripped. We prioritise compatibility over aggression.

Derived from renewable sources

APGs are produced from plant-based materials and are readily biodegradable.3

Why cleanser choice matters

Cleansing is often treated as the simplest step — but it sets the foundation for everything that follows.

If the skin is repeatedly over-cleansed or exposed to harsh surfactants, it may become dry, reactive, and harder to balance.

A better starting point

Sometimes improving your skin is not about adding more — but choosing a cleanser that works with your skin, not against it.

What the science supports

  • APGs are derived from glucose and plant-based oils1
  • They are nonionic surfactants with good skin compatibility2
  • They have lower irritation potential than many conventional surfactants2
  • They are biodegradable and environmentally compatible3
  • They are considered safe in cosmetics when properly formulated4

How this fits into the Alix method

We follow a simple structure:

1. Cleanse gently
2. Nourish with plant oils
3. Hydrate functionally
4. Protect daily

When cleansing is done well, the skin is more balanced, more resilient, and more receptive to what follows.

A more considered way to wash the skin

Good skin is rarely built through force. It starts with a routine that supports the skin — not strips it.

Good skin is not created by adding more. It often begins by removing less.

References

1. Hill K, von Rybinski W. Alkyl Polyglycosides: Technology and Applications.
2. Mehling A et al. Comparative irritation studies of surfactants. Food Chem Toxicol.
3. Willing A et al. Ecology and Toxicology of Alkyl Polyglucosides.
4. Fiume MM et al. Safety assessment of alkyl glucosides. Int J Toxicol. 2013.
Next step → Nourish with Plant Oils