Absorbent article having a surface energy gradient between the topsheet and the acquisition distribution layer

An absorbent article has a topsheet, an absorbent core, and an acquisition distribution layer between the topsheet and the core. The topsheet has an affinity for water and is therefore philic, not phobic. The acquisition distribution layer is more philic than the topsheet, thereby creating a surface energy gradient between the topsheet and the acquisition distribution layer. The topsheet is preferably a formed film but may be nonwoven. The acquisition distribution layer is preferably of a high void volume type formed film but may be a standard formed film. The affinity to water of either the topsheet or the acquisition distribution layer may be created using surfactants, corona treatment, material selection or a combination of the above.