Give a reason why detergents have a better cleansing action than soaps?
(1) Detergents are made from petroleum products whereas soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids.
(2) Detergents are generally prepared in powdered form. They have a better cleansing action than soaps because detergents produce more lather, even in hard water.
That's why detergents have a better cleansing action than soaps.