What is shower gel?
Shower gel, also known as shower cream or body wash, is a specialized liquid product used for cleaning the body during showers. It is not to be confused with liquid soaps, as shower gels do not contain saponified oil or fat with lye. Shower gels 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 gels do not come from saponification.
Product Details
- Shower gels are known to consist of the same basic ingredients as soap, such as water, betaines, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) .
- Shower gels contain surfactants, which are compounds that lower the surface tension between substances, helping in the emulsification and washing away of oily dirt.
- 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.
- 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.
Ingredients or Materials
- Shower gels contain water, betaines, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) .
- Shower gels may contain multiple surfactants to achieve desired product qualities.
- Emulsifiers such as diethanolamine are added to prevent shower gel ingredients from separating.
- Conditioning agents may also be added to moisturize the skin during and after product use.
- Fragrances and colorants may be added to shower gels in the form of essential oils or fragrance oils and water-soluble colorants.
Positive
- Shower gels are specialized liquid products used for cleaning the body during showers.
Negative
- The long and complex ingredients lists for shower gels often include toxic chemicals that are bad for the environment as well as health.
- Some shower gels may contain ingredients that can cause skin irritation or over-drying of the skin.
In conclusion, shower gel is a specialized liquid product used for cleaning the body during showers. It contains water, betaines, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), as well as surfactants, emulsifiers, conditioning agents, fragrances, and colorants. While shower gels are a convenient and effective way to clean the body, some may contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and health, and some may cause skin irritation or over-drying of the skin.
