J. Cosmet. Sci., 65, 89–101 (March/April 2014) 89 In vitro evaluation of carboxymethylcellulose effectiveness in releasing Candida albicans from skin strips DAVID W. KOENIG, Corporate Research & Engineering, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, WI 54957. Accepted for publication March 10, 2014. Synopsis Development of more effective products for cleansing the skin of microorganisms is enhanced by improved understanding of the mechanisms of attachment, as well as potential removal strategies. This paper de- scribes an in vitro method for use of the cationic exchanger carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to enhance the removal of the yeast Candida albicans as measured in vitro using human skin tape strippings. Several nega- tively charged and cationic exchanger compounds were evaluated using a visual release method to determine their ability to prompt release of C. albicans from human skin strips. CMC was further tested using a viable count method to assess its ability to effectively release the yeast from skin strips and to evaluate the effects of pH on CMC performance. CMC microparticles were found to release greater than 95% of bound C. albicans from the skin strips over a broad range of pH values. Interaction of CMC with the overall skin charge appears to result in detachment of C. albicans, a response suggesting that anionic particles may facilitate C. albicans removal from skin. INTRODUCTION Microorganisms attach to the skin through multiple mechanisms (1–4) and are frequently removed through complex physical cleaning strategies that combine surfactant action, shear forces, and affi nity binding. Understanding mechanisms of microbial attachment to skin facilitates the design of physical cleaning products and compounds that counteract attachment forces, thereby freeing soils and microbes from the skin surface. In addition to the bacterial pathogens commonly encountered through fecal contact, approximately 30% of the general population, primarily women, suffer from health conditions caused by yeast and fungi (5–7). The fungi represent a diverse, heterogeneous group of eukaryotes. Of the estimated one million species of fungi, molds, and yeasts, only about 50 are considered pathogenic (6,8). Most are opportunistic pathogens, becoming more prevalent during periods of stress or lowered immune response. Yeasts from the genus Candida are spread through contact with feces and secretions from the mouth, nose, skin, and vagina. Although normally Address all correspondence to David W. Koenig at dwkoenig@kcc.com.