Is the handwash cationic, and what does that mean?
Yes it is cationic, which means positively-charged. The active ingredient carries a positive charge. This type of charge is more compatible with the essential oils of the skin than are the negatively charged (anionic) active ingredients found in most soaps. The majority of the industrial handwashes available on the market presently rely on negatively charged surfactants (anions) to clean in the presence of water. Such surfactants tend to irritate and dry the skin. In short, anionic surfactants interact with parts of living skin cells (mainly proteins and lipids) that present either a neutral or local net positive charge to the anionic surfactant. Damaging these areas can trigger the release of inflammatory agents from the cells, and can lead to an inflammatory response in the exposed tissue (in this case, the skin). Also, these anions destroy the skin’s water-retaining oils and lipids, causing problems similar to those produced by alcohol-based instant hand sanitisers. Overall, the net
