Shower gel is a specialized liquid product used for cleaning the body during showers. It is different from liquid soaps and does not contain saponification products. Shower gels are formulated with six key ingredients for cleansing, lathering, moisturizing, and other actions. These ingredients include water, emulsifiers, detergents, surfactants, preservatives, and fragrances. Shower gels are known to consist of the same basic ingredients as soap, such as water, betaines, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) . However, 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. The surfactants of shower gels do not come from saponification, which is by reacting a type of oil or fat with lye. Surfactants can make up as much as 50 percent of the shower gel content, with the remaining proportion being made up of a combination of water and ingredients to thicken, preserve, emulsify, add fragrance, and color.
Some shower gels contain chemicals that can cause dryness, irritation, and may even be harmful to the skin. Ingredients to avoid include propylene glycol, which is known to cause toxicity and irritation in the eyes, skin, and bodily organs. The long and complex ingredients lists for shower gels often include toxic chemicals, which are bad for the environment as well as health. It is essential to read the labels before choosing a product to ensure you are receiving the highest quality ingredients.
