Table 2: Ideal properties of appropriately formulated cleansers for neonates and infants.

Property Traditional cleanser Infant cleanser Surfactant systems Amphoteric, anionic Amphoteric, nonionic, and ethoxylated anionic Micelle diameter Smaller Larger pH Slightly acidic to neutral pH pH should cause minimal changes to skin surface pH Estimated IL-1ra/IL-1α ratio Larger Smaller Preservative system Some claim preservative-free Product should be “microbiologically robust” Fragrance (parfum/perfume) Higher concentration level Lower concentration level; restrictions on specific fragrance components; fragranced product clinically evaluated for irritation and sensitization potential Other — Product should be efficacious and should be demonstrated to be well tolerated

IL-1α: interleukin-1α, IL-1ra: interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.