Yes, harsh cleansers can disrupt the skin's pH balance. The search results indicate that cleansers with a high, alkaline pH (around 10-11 for typical soaps) can cause swelling of the skin's proteins, disruption of the lipid barrier, and excessive drying, leading to overcompensation by the oil glands. This disruption of the skin's natural slightly acidic pH (around 4-6) can contribute to various skin issues like irritation, dryness, and acne.