Shower gel is a specialized liquid product used for cleaning the body during showers, and it is not to be confused with liquid soaps. Shower gels are made up of the same basic ingredients as soap, including water, betaines, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), but the main difference between the two products lies in their surfactants. Shower gels contain milder surfactant bases than shampoos, and some also contain gentle conditioning agents in the formula. Shower gels are more fragrant than body washes, with a higher concentration of ingredients that are pleasing to the senses. Shower gels are formulated to be pH-balanced and come with soothing and moisturizing ingredients as well. They are also available in different colors and scents, and some shower gels contain mild conditioning agents in the formula, so they can double up as an effective and perfectly acceptable substitute to shampoo.
Body washes, on the other hand, contain more nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as skin healing vitamins, peptides, and amino acids. Body washes also tend to be more hydrating and nourishing than shower gel, although that’s not always the case. Body wash is best for dry, normal, and combination skin types.
In summary, shower gel is a liquid product used for cleaning the body during showers, and it is not designed for use on hair. It contains milder surfactant bases than shampoos and may contain mild conditioning agents in the formula. Body wash, on the other hand, is more nourishing and hydrating than shower gel and is best for dry, normal, and combination skin types.
