The friction characteristics of foaming body cleansers determine skin physical irritation, as well as the usability of the products. In this study, the friction of foam formed by a commercial body cleanser was evaluated using a sinusoidal-motion friction evaluation system. The friction profile of the foam was a hydrodynamic stable pattern, where the friction force increased with increasing velocity. In addition, soapbased cleansers, containing polyols, showed large friction coefficients. These properties suggest that the mechanical properties of the interfacial film and viscosity of the cleanser bulk affect friction properties. These findings assist in controlling the texture of body cleansers.
Keywords: body cleanser; foam; friction.