What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
soap
Example
I always use soap to wash my hands before eating. [soap: noun]
Example
She soaped her face and rinsed it with water. [soaped: past tense verb]
cleanser
Example
I use a cleanser to remove my makeup before going to bed. [cleanser: noun]
Example
She cleansed her face with a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation. [cleansed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soap is more commonly used than cleanser in everyday language, especially for hand washing and bathing. However, cleanser is more commonly used in the beauty industry for facial cleansing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between soap and cleanser?
Cleanser is often associated with a more formal and specialized tone, while soap is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
