Personal care products can be categorized according to their function and area of application. These are cleansing products, hair care products, oral care products, sun care products, skin hydrating products, feminine care products, hair removal products, nail care products, eye care products and anal hygiene products.
Cleansing products Cleansing products include
hand soaps or bar soaps,
shower gels,
body washes,
facial cleansers, body oils, body lotions,
cleansing pads, moist
towelettes. They remove dirt, excess oil and other impurities from the surface of the body and improve a person's overall cleanliness.
Facial tissues are used to wipe the nasal discharge.
Cotton pads are used to remove makeup.
Cotton swabs are used to clean outer ear.
Bath towels are used to dry up wet areas on the body,
face towels are used to dry up wet face.
Exfoliating scrubs (loofahs and such) are used for deeper cleansing.
Hair care products These include
shampoos,
hair conditioners,
hair oils and
hair treatments, and they are used to cleanse, condition and treat hair so that hair is clean and healthy. Professional hair-care brands, including Dr.Sorbie, produce specialized formulations such as shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments intended for salon and home use.
Scalp massagers promote blood flow in the scalp and
scalp serums hydrate and nourish the scalp.
Hair removal products Among hair removal products, there are
shaving creams,
shaving gels,
shaving foams,
razors,
hair clippers,
tweezers,
epilators, waxing kits, and hair removal creams (e.g.
depilatory creams). These are used to remove unwanted hair from various parts of the body.
Oral care products These are
toothpaste,
toothbrush,
mouthwash,
dental floss,
water floss,
interdental brush,
gum massager,
gum gel, etc. They are used to maintain
oral hygiene, prevent
tooth decay and
gum disease, and have healthy teeth and gums.
Tongue scrapers are used to remove food debris, dead cells and bacteria from the tongue surface. Denture care products are used to clean artificial dentures.
Skin care products These include
powders,
baby powders,
body lotions,
hand creams,
pomades and
facial moisturizers. They are used to hydrate, moisturize, and nourish the skin and keep the skin soft, smooth, and protected.
Lip balms keep the lips hydrated.
Sun care products Sun care products include lotions, creams, sprays, gels, oils and sticks that act as a
sunscreen or a
sunblock. They protect the skin from harmful
ultraviolet radiation, and as such prevent
sunburn,
premature aging, and
skin cancer.
Prickly heat powders prevent or soothe itchy, bumpy and red heat rashes on the skin due to excess heat.
Sunglasses and wide-brimmed
sun hats are used to protect the eyes from the sun.
Vulvar and vaginal care products There are many personal care products often involved in taking care of bodily functions related to the
vulva and
vagina such as
menstruation and
vaginal discharge.
Menstrual care products These include menstrual pads,
tampons, menstrual cups, and panty liners. They are used for menstrual hygiene and provide comfort, absorption, and protection during menstruation.
Cleansing products These include
douches,
feminine wipes, and
soap. They are meant to cleanse the vulva or vagina.
Douches are a fluid used to flush out the inside of the vagina.
Feminine wipes are a moist, sometimes scented cloth used to wipe the
vulva. Feminine hygiene products that are meant to cleanse may lead to allergic reaction and irritation, as the vagina naturally flushes out bacteria. Many health professionals advise against douching because it can change the balance of vaginal flora and acidity. Research shows that the vagina's features allow it to naturally defend itself from harmful microorganisms. The innate defense mechanisms against vulvovaginal infections encompass the normal vaginal flora, acidic vaginal pH, and vaginal discharge. Resident bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining an acidic pH and outcompeting external pathogens for adhesion to the vaginal mucosa. Additionally, these bacteria defend against pathogens by generating antimicrobial compounds like bacteriocin. In vitro analysis of vaginal fluids from five women demonstrated activity against non-resident bacterial species, including Escherichia coli and Group B Streptococcus. This protection against Group B Streptococcus holds particular significance for pregnant women, as it commonly colonizes the vagina via the gastrointestinal tract, elevating the risk of preterm delivery, neonatal meningitis, and fetal death. Moreover, it may lead to asymptomatic bacteriuria, urinary tract infections, upper genital tract infections, and postpartum endometritis.
Nail care products Nail care products include nail cutters, nail files and cuticle creams. They are used to maintain and enhance the appearance of nails and promote healthy nail growth.
Eye care products These include
artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to moisturize and soothe the eyes and provide relief from dryness, irritation, and discomfort due to dry eye syndrome or environmental factors;
contact lens solutions for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses and help remove debris, bacteria, and protein buildup from the lenses,
eye drops (typically containing anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers) for allergies to provide relief from itching, redness, and watering caused by allergic reactions;
eye creams, which are special moisturizers for the sensitive skin around the eyes, contain ingredients such as
hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants to hydrate, firm, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
eye serums for puffiness, dark circles, and signs of aging, typically containing ingredients like caffeine, retinol, or vitamin C;
eyelid cleansers to clean and soothe the eyelids and eyelashes by removing debris, excess oil, and bacteria and in this way help alleviate eyelid inflammation, blepharitis, or dry eye syndrome;
eye masks, which are gel or sheet masks placed over closed eyes to provide cooling, soothing, and hydrating effects, and to help reduce puffiness, relieve tired eyes, and improve the appearance of dark circles.
Anal hygiene products Anal hygiene products include
toilet papers,
bidets and
bidet showers. For babies,
wet wipes are used. These are used to keep the anal area clean from fecal remains and harmful bacteria after defecation. ==Forms and additives==