A cleaner vision: Research supports safe, sustainable suds

Anyone who's ever lathered up knows the dilemma. The same qualities that make surfactants—the chemical compounds in soaps, shampoos and detergents that penetrate grease, dissolve stains and make those satisfying suds in the shower—so effective as cleaners can also act as irritants. When splashed in the eyes, some of these products can cause itching, burning and tears.