Shower Gel: Get Clean and Smell Great
Although most people shower and bathe regularly to feel and smell fresh and clean, hot water, soaps, and other washes can leave your skin feeling dry and brittle. With the incredible amount of hygiene products on the market, it can be difficult to find what, exactly, works best for your skin and personal preferences.
If you find that you…
- Have dry skin after showering
- Are tired of going through bottles and bottles of wash
- Want a great smelling bath wash option
- Are considering a 2 in 1 product
The following article may be of interest to you!
Enter the shower gel, a form of body wash that helps provide a protective barrier and is popular for shower use due to its thicker, more viscous feel that isn’t wasted or washed away as easily as comparative products. Take a closer look at what it is below, and see if this is a good choice for your arsenal of effective bathing products!
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel
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| #2 |  Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
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| #3 |  Avalon Organics Bath & Shower Gel
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| #4 |  philosophy shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath
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| #5 |  EO Shower Gel
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Table Of Contents
- What is Shower Gel?
- Other Types of Shower Washes
- Shower Gel vs Shampoo
- What to Consider When Buying a Shower Gel
- How to Use Shower Gel
- Top Body Gel Picks
- 1. The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel
- 2. Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
- CHECK PRICE
- 3. Avalon Organics Bath & Shower Gel
- 4. philosophy shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath
- 5. EO Shower Gel
- Conclusion
What is Shower Gel?
As mentioned, shower gel is a thicker, more viscous bathing wash that is easy to apply to the skin using washcloths and loofahs. It does not pour as quickly or as easily, which helps reduce waste, and lathers up thicker to help form a cleaning, protective barrier. Because of this, they are generally more gentle on skin compared to similar products and help provide a hydrating effect.
Most gels contain moisturizing ingredients, such as aloe, and are considered a more luxurious wash- focused on various hygienic needs. Light or natural fragrances, premium ingredients, and highly respected brand names are often associated with a shower gel.
Other Types of Shower Washes
Shower gels are a type of shower wash, some of which you may already be familiar with. The following washes are also popular, and compare to a gel in that they are designed for cleanliness and skin care. Knowing what else is available can help you narrow down whether a gel is right for you. Keep in mind that not all products are made the same, and looking at specific brands and their claims is the best way to determine which is a better choice for you.
Shower Creams
Creams have a more buttery texture and use oils and ingredients like shea butter to address hydration issues. These generally need to be scooped into the hand to use and are applied with washcloths and other cleaning products- like loofahs. They also form a barrier on the skin, but do not rinse clean as easily as a gel, so it is important to rinse properly. They often are a good choice for those with sensitive skins or anyone addressing dry or cracked areas of skin on their body.
Foam Washes
This is a liquid wash that foams when dispensed. Foaming washes need to be rubbed vigorously into the skin for the full effect, but often produce a good lather when used with a washcloth or similar product. These are more focused on cleaning the skin surface, and do not help form protective barriers. They can be drying to sensitive skins as well.
Body Scrubs
Body scrubs are designed for use once or twice a week as they are made to help exfoliate and remove dead skin and provide a deep clean. Made with tiny granules in a cream or gel base, they help lift dead skin, oil, and dirt from pores for a refreshing feel. They can be harsh for sensitive skins, and are not made to be used too often to avoid overly abrading your skin. They are a good addition to other types of daily washes.
Shower Gel vs Shampoo
Despite the consistency, shower gels are not the same as shampoos (except the unique 2 or 3 in 1 formulas, discussed later). Most gels won’t work as well as a shampoo due to having less effective surfactants (the ingredients that work into a lather). And hair requires the means to really work through the hair and roots to help remove dead skin and the heavy oils trapped on your head. However, some people may actually prefer the lesser ingredients in a gel if they have dry or damaged hair since surfactants can exasperate those conditions; just be sure to look for hydrating formulas..
Multi-Use Formulas
Multi-use gel formulas do exist, and are sold as a body and hair wash all rolled into one. Most gels can make a good bubble bath, but not all are best for hair use- no matter what the label claims. Of course, sometimes the best way to determine what is best for you is through trial and error, but luckily- most companies do offer sample sizes for you to check out.
What to Consider When Buying a Shower Gel
Nobody wants to invest in a product, only to finger out it doesn’t work as well as expected. If you don’t want to take the time to request or track down samples, be sure to take into account a few details before investing in a new product.
Skin Needs
Think about what you need first. Do you have dry skin? Oily skin? Rough, patchy skin? Sensitive skin, or issues with fragrance? Look specifically for what claims the product makes to ensure you are getting a gel that is already formulated for basic needs.
Uses
What uses does the gel you are interested in have? Many gels can double as a bubble bath if they already provide a good lather, even if the label doesn’t say so. Look for details about the consistency of the gel, and if it is suggested for hair as well as the body. Also look for details in reference to deep cleaning, or specialized ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin.
Fragrance
Fragrances can be quite tricky, especially if you are particular about how you smell, or if you have skin sensitivities. Fragrances are used one of two ways: via natural oils and botanicals, or via synthetics. If dry, damaged skin is a concern, you may want to steer clear from synthetics- which can aggravate these conditions. Natural fragrances can also come with their own set of issues as well, and you need to be sure you do not have allergies or sensitivities to them also.
Ingredients
Look closely at the entire ingredient list to avoid issues with allergies, and to ensure you are getting quality, more natural options. These are better for skin hydration and health since synthetic ingredients can be drying or irritating over time.
How to Use Shower Gel
Due to how thick a shower gel is, they are best used with an applicator of some sort. You can apply directly from your hand, but it may slide off easily, or you may not get the full effects with this technique. Instead, consider one of the following:
Washcloth
Washcloths are a go to for soap and body wash applications. These help create a good lather and provide soft exfoliation. They can easily harbor bacteria, however, and need to be laundered and dried regularly.
Bath Brush
A bath brush has soft, exfoliating bristles that you can use across your body and back. Use these for hard to reach places.
Sponge
Natural and synthetic sponges are both good for holding a lather and providing exfoliation. They often come in both soft and more rigid textures, so pic which is best for your skin type. Be sure to dry thoroughly between each use.
Mesh Sponge
These are popular, inexpensive, and hold washes very well. Just be sure to dry thoroughly and toss after so many uses as they can begin to build up with soap residues and harbor bacterias.
Loofah
A loofah is a type of ridged sponge used for exfoliation. Use these sparingly and as an alternative to a body scrub.
Top Body Gel Picks
No matter how many times a week you shower, you want a dependable gel that lasts and provides you the benefits your skin deserves. Take a loot at our top best body gel picks to determine which are for you!
1. The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel
SPECS:
- Size: 25.3 FL OZ
- Scent: Satsuma (citrus)
- Features: soap free, cold pressed natural scent, no residue rinse
Editor’s Top Pick
The refreshing light scent of satsuma defines this luxurious gel made by The Body Shop. Zesty citrus defines the fragrance to provide you a whole body, soap free cleaning option that offers a great lather and leaves your skin feeling soft and renewed. The cold-pressed scent provides an all natural experience without harsh additives or chemicals, and provides you peace of mind with skin friendly ingredients.
Who This is For
If you want a light scent and an invigorating wash, this is a great chemical free choice!
2. Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
SPECS:
- Size: 40 FL OZ
- Scent: spices, fruits and herbs
- Features: refreshing scent, residue free, skin sensitive
Editor’s Runner Up
Neutrogena has long been a popular band for sensitive skins and their Rainbath Refreshing Shower Gel is no exception. Created for a refreshing, skin softening experience, this lightweight formula rinses clean without leaving behind any residues. The light spicy fragrance combines with sweet fruits and aromatic herbs to help wake you up each morning and provide a pampering experience to an ordinary shower.
Who This is For
For sensitive skins, this is a formula designed to brighten your day and leave you feeling clean and refreshed.
CHECK PRICE
3. Avalon Organics Bath & Shower Gel
SPECS:
- Size: 32 FL OZ
- Scent: Lavender
- Features: All natural ingredients, oils and vitamins to replenish lost skin moisture, soft lavender scent
Best All Natural Shower Gel Formula
The Avalon Organics Shower Gel is made with gentle, plant based ingredients that are designed to both clean and provide essential vitamins and ols to help nourish and protect your skin. Created for extra dry skin, it offers plant proteins and non-drying ingredients to help purify as it cleans and replenish lost moisture. The soft lavender scent is all natural and provides relaxation and healing.
Who This is For
This is for sensitive, dry skins and anyone who prefers an all natural approach to their shower body cleansers. It also is an awesome scent to help wind down and relax each night.
4. philosophy shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath
SPECS:
- Size: 1.19 lbs
- Scent: 25+ to choose from
- Features: Rich lather, 3 in 1 use, hydrating formula, amazing scents
Best 3 in 1 Shower Gel
The philosophy Company has long been popular due to their huge array of incredible scents and quality products. This 3 in 1 shower get, shampoo, and bubble bath comes in awesome fragrances and offers a rich lather for all your cleaning needs.
Made to envelope you in scent and provide hydrating lather that won’t dry your skin, or hair out, this gel provides a great choice for everyday use, or even as a good travel solution when you don’t want to pack multiple items. Plus, a little goes a long way. The only problem is, which scent will you decide on?!
Who This is For
If a quality 3 in 1, non-drying gel formula that has an amazing scent collection is what you need, look no further. Philosophy offers an excellent selection.
5. EO Shower Gel
SPECS:
- Size: 16 FL OZ
- Scent: Grapefruit & Mint, French Lavender
- Features: naturally hydrating, all natural ingredients, invigorating scents, skin sensitive formula
Naturally Hydrating Shower Gel Formula
If you have dry skin and need a rich lather and invigorating wash, the EO Shower Gel in either Grapefruit & Mint or French Lavender provides aloof the above. Created as a pampering experience, it is made with vegetable glycerine to maintain optimal skin hydration, as well as Vitamin A- a powerful antioxidant used to improve and protect sensitive skins.
Grapefruit, mint, and lavender are all regenerating and the scents are created using cold-pressed techniques to get the full benefits of not only the scent, but the oils as well. These protect and nourish the skin while influencing a calming sensation.
Who This is For
Dry, sensitive skins rejoice with this natural mix of ingredients designed to influence a healthy skin barrier and hold in moisture.
Conclusion
When a quality gel is what you need for skin protection and cleanliness, these options are some of the best in the business. Pick and choose from your favorite ingredients and scents to determine which is best for you! Whether you need a pick me up each morning, a skin sensitive formula, or a 3 in 1 option for everyday use- these options have you covered.
Photo credit: Olena Yakobchuk/Shutterstock; bigacis/Shutterstock;
RossHelen/Shutterstock; Poznyakov/Shutterstock; New Africa/Shutterstock