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SourcesThe studies behind what we say about squeaky clean

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2 claims · 2 studies.

C5-1
Hard water dramatically increases barrier damage from surfactant cleansers — calcium/magnesium ions bind to surfactants and remain on skin after rinsing.
VerifiedOne source behind this claim
The record
The Effect of Water Hardness on Surfactant Deposition after Washing and Subsequent Skin Irritation in Atopic Dermatitis Patients and Healthy Control Subjects.
Danby SG, Brown K, Wigley AM, Chittock J, Pyae PK, Flohr C, Cork MJ · 2018 · The Journal of investigative dermatology 138:68-77
C5-2
Skin surface pH averages ~4.7-5.5; acidic pH keeps resident flora attached, alkaline disperses it; below-5 skin is in better barrier condition.
VerifiedOne source behind this claim
The record
Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora.
Lambers H, Piessens S, Bloem A, Pronk H, Finkel P · 2006 · International journal of cosmetic science 28:359-70