Body washes and shower gels are liquid products used for cleaning the body during showers. They are formulated with different ingredients for cleansing, lathering, moisturizing, and other actions. The main difference between the two products lies in their surfactants, which are compounds that lower the surface tension between substances, helping in the emulsification and washing away of oily dirt. Here are some details about body washes and shower gels:
Ingredients in Body Wash and Shower Gel
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Water: This is where the product gets its consistency. It also functions as the liquid solvent for the other ingredients.
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Emulsifiers: These are responsible for the foam and also provide thickening for bath gels. This is where the gel-like consistency comes from.
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Detergents: This is the soap that is used to clean the skin.
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Surfactants: These ingredients work on the skin to create lather or foam.
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Preservatives: Shower gels need a long shelf life, so preservatives help keep them safe and prevent microbial contamination.
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Fragrances: Body washes and shower gels may contain fragrances to make them more appealing.
Positive Aspects of Body Wash and Shower Gel
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Body washes contain more nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as skin healing vitamins, peptides, and amino acids.
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Shower gels are more fragrant than body washes, with a higher concentration of ingredients that are pleasing to the senses.
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They have a lower pH value than traditional soap, which is also known to feel less drying to the skin.
Negative Aspects of Body Wash and Shower Gel
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Some body washes and shower gels contain chemicals that can cause dryness, irritation, and may even be harmful to your skin. Ingredients to avoid include Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Triclosan, and DMDM hydantoin.
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Surfactants found in body washes and shower gels can undergo a process called ethoxylation, which can produce contaminants such as 1,4 dioxane.
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Some surfactants found in body washes and shower gels, such as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, have been found to cause contact irritation in users and are also harmful to aquatic life.
Best Ingredients in Body Wash and Shower Gel
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Natural ingredients such as essential oils, coconut oil, and vanilla bean are good ingredients to look for in body washes and shower gels.
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MADE SAFE certified products containing surfactants are recommended as they zero in on biodegradability and toxicity to aquatic life.
In conclusion, body washes and shower gels are liquid products used for cleaning th...
