limpiador
/limpjaˈdoɾ/
The English word "cleanser" translates to Spanish as limpiador.
While it can also mean "cleaner," in the context of products, it refers specifically to the cleaning agent. Use the noun limpieza when you want to refer to the act of cleansing or the state of being clean, rather than the product itself.
Meaning: something that cleanses (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word limpiador is formed from the verb limpiar (to clean) and the suffix -dor, which denotes an agent or a tool that performs an action.
Which one should you use?
In a general context, limpiador can refer to a person who cleans, such as a janitor, but when discussing products, it refers to the substance. In Spain, the term desmaquillante is used specifically for a cleanser that functions as a makeup remover.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, limpiador is used to mean cleanser or cleaner. In Spain, the specific term for a makeup-removing cleanser is desmaquillante.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun limpiador changes to its feminine form limpiadora to agree with feminine nouns, such as in the phrase limpiadora facial.
How do you pronounce it?
/limpjaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for makeup remover, desmaquillante, contains the root maquillaje and a prefix that literally denotes 'un-making' or removing something.
- If you use the feminine form limpiadora to describe a product, you are actually using a word that most often refers to a professional housekeeper or domestic worker.
- While limpiador is a general term, Spanish often uses the specific word detergente for laundry cleansers to distinguish chemical surfactants from general cleaning agents.
Examples in context
- El limpiador abrasivo dañó la superficie de la bañera.The abrasive cleanser damaged the surface of the bathtub.This sentence shows how an abrasive limpiador can affect a bathtub surface.Tatoeba #9769859 by Eremon, translation #6372069 by CarpeLanam
- Me podrías pasar el jabón limpiador facial, por favor?Could you pass me the facial cleanser soap, please?
- ¿Conoces algún limpiador suave para el cutis?Do you know any gentle cleanser for the skin?
- Quiero comprar un limpiador facial natural, ¿alguna recomendación?I want to buy a natural facial cleanser, any recommendations?
- Este limpiador es muy suave con la piel.This cleanser is very gentle on the skin.
- Necesito comprar un limpiador facial nuevo.I need to buy a new facial cleanser.
Example conversation
María and Javier are shopping in the beauty aisle.
- MaríaJavier, ¿cuál de estos es el mejor limpiador?Javier, which of these is the best cleanser?
- JavierCreo que este es bueno para piel grasa.I think this one is good for oily skin.
- MaríaParece muy natural, voy a llevarlo.It looks very natural, I'm going to take it.
- JavierEs una buena elección, María.It is a good choice, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry limpiador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
