When it comes to skin-care products like shower gel and body wash, it can be hard to tell the difference between the two, and many people use these terms interchangeably. But are these products the same or different, and which cleanser is right for you?
In this article, we'll compare body wash vs. shower gel to help you understand which of them is better for your skin on a daily basis.
Body Wash vs. Shower Gel
While body wash and shower gel are often used as interchangeable terms, shower gel is made of surfactants, while the term body wash may apply to surfactants or natural soap. Both are mild liquid cleaners that do the same thing—cleanse the skin from dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells, just like traditional castile soap or bar soap. The difference comes in the ingredients and the texture.
Speaking about ingredients, it's best to avoid commercially manufactured personal care products that contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and dyes. These ingredients may irritate skin and have other adverse effects.
It's best to choose all-natural products like those we make at Botanie Soap, using traditional, time-tested methods and unique formulations. If you are looking for a body wash perfect for all skin types, you can buy it in bulk here. Check out our collection. It's even likely that you've already bought some of our products because we partner with different skin-care brands that outsource their soap manufacturing to us.
One of the differences between body washes and shower gels is their consistency. Shower gels tend to be thicker and have a gel-like character. Depending on the formula, shower gels can sometimes be used to wash the body and hair. Body washes can have varying consistencies, from being similar to thinner liquid soap to products that are more creamy and dense.
Body washes are often enriched with soothing, hydrating ingredients like aloe, honey, oatmeal, or shea butter, which is highly prized for its moisturizing properties. For example, our shea butter body wash has an emollient, rich texture, and creamy appearance, leaving skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated.
A body wash and a shower gel will certainly clean your skin regardless of their texture or foaming potential. It's what's in the product that matters. So it's always better to look for all-natural skin-care products that work best for your skin type and concerns.
As you see, some body washes and shower gel are essentially the same thing, surfactant cleaners, while its also possible for some body washes to be actual soaps. No matter which product you prefer, it will still clean your skin. But you should always pay attention to the ingredients, seeking those that will help your skin improve over time, and look for a product you'll love.