Shower cream is a specialized liquid product used for cleaning the body during showers. It is similar to shower gel and soap, but it contains ingredients that moisturize the skin. Shower creams are known to consist of the same basic ingredients as soap, such as water, betaines, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), but the main difference between the two products lies in their surfactants. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between substances, which helps in the emulsification and washing away of oily dirt. The surfactants of shower creams do not come from saponification, which is the process of reacting a type of oil or fat with lye.
Shower creams can contain up to 50% surfactants, with the remaining proportion being made up of a combination of water and ingredients to thicken, preserve, emulsify, add fragrance, and color. Multiple surfactants are often used to achieve desired product qualities. A primary surfactant can provide good foaming ability and cleaning effectiveness, while a secondary surfactant can add qualities of mildness to prevent irritation or over-drying of the skin. To prevent shower cream ingredients from separating, emulsifiers such as diethanolamine are added. Conditioning agents may also be added to moisturize the skin during and after product use.
Regarding the ingredients or materials used in shower creams, they can contain oils or emollients that add moisture to the skin and leave behind a thin protective barrier. Some common oils used in shower creams include sunflower oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut oil, or soybean oil. Shea butter or petroleum jelly can also be used instead of oils. It is recommended to choose a product with fewer ingredients to avoid feeling sticky, especially if you have sensitive skin.
In terms of positive and negative aspects, shower creams are more moisturizing than regular body wash or shower gel. However, they might make your skin feel sticky, so it is important to choose a product with fewer ingredients if this bothers you.
To summarize, shower cream is a specialized liquid product used for cleaning the body during showers that contains ingredients that moisturize the skin. It consists of basic ingredients such as water, betaines, and sodium laureth sulfate, and can contain up to 50% surfactants. Shower creams can contain oils or emollients that add moisture to the skin and leave behind a thin protective barrier. It is recommended to choose a product with fewer ingredients to avoid feeling sticky, especially if you have sensitive skin.
