Shower Gel vs. Body Wash: What's The Difference

1. Is body wash the same as shower gel?

A body wash and shower gel both are liquid cleansers that are used to create lather during bath time. They serve the same purpose of cleansing the body, and many times, people use the terms interchangeably. But the additional benefits they provide and the way they work is quite different. Also, their texture, formulation and ingredients are different. A shower gel has a thin consistency and has the ability to wash away excess oil and impurities from the skin, which makes it more suitable for oily skin. Usually, they are more fragrant, which ensure a luxurious pampering experience during a long shower. There are some good shower gels that offer a little more than a pleasing fragrance, such as Kiehl's Original Musk Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser. This gel-based body cleanser is formulated with goodness musk oil and aloe vera extracts that leave your skin soft and sensuously fragrant after a shower.

However, if your skin is dry and flaky, then you need a moisturizing action along with the cleansing process. In that case, it is better to opt for hydrating body washes instead of fragrant shower gel. A body wash has got two parts, a fat-soluble lipophilic part and a water-soluble hydrophilic part. The combination of both creates a lather that removes dirt, sweat and other impurities from the skin. It may have some biocides, which control the bacteria count and remove the body odour. But it is slightly gentle on the skin as compared to a regular soap bar, and it usually contains emollients and other nutrients which act as skin softeners. Keihl`s Made for All Gentle Body Cleanser is formulated with 95% botanical extracts. It gently performs cleansing action and also delivers essential oils and nutrients into your skin. As dry skin also needs timely exfoliation, there are certain body wash options that are infused with exfoliating granules. And if you don’t want daily scrubbing, then go for a separate exfoliating body scrub such as Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub, enriched with lavender oil and apricot seeds that exfoliates dead skin cells without stripping of moisture content.

Can you use shower gel as a body wash?

Many people believe that body wash and shower gel are somewhat the same as they serve the same purpose of cleansing the body. These terms are also used interchangeably quite often. But the one major difference that sets them apart is their individual texture. Also, the additional benefits they provide and the way they work is quite different. A shower gel has a thin consistency and has the ability to wash away excess oil and impurities from the skin, just like the best face wash for acne-prone skin. Usually, they are more fragrant, which ensure a luxurious pampering experience during the long shower. However, if your skin is dry and flaky, then you need a moisturizing action along with the cleansing process. In that case, it is better to opt for a hydrating body wash instead of a fragrant shower gel. A body wash has a creamy consistency, and it usually contains emollients that help to provide more hydrating and moisturizing benefits. Their action is the same as the best face wash for dry skin. The bathing technique is the same for both shower gel and body wash. Just squeeze a small amount in your wet hands, rub them together to lather up and rinse off until your skin becomes clean and clear. You can use a shower gel as a body wash, the process is same. But it might not be able to provide enough hydration and softness to your skin. So, we recommend choosing the option according to the weather and your skin type.

When should we use shower gel?

Shower gels are more suitable for hot and humid weather. These gel cleansers usually have a potent formulation of fragrances, essential oils and other nutrients. When it comes to the ability to create a rich lather, then shower gels can defeat the best of body washes and soap bars. This can be due to the lightweight gel-like composition that allows a lot of surfactants to be combined smoothly. With less rubbing, you can experience a pleasant foamy bath time. The scorching heat of summers combined with excess humidity results in oily skin with a wave of sweat. Since it is important to be clean and fresh from surviving in the hot weather, you can use a refreshing shower gel to keep you cool and energised. Shower gels have the ability to wash away excess oil, dirt and impurities from the skin, and their pleasant fragrance can invigorate your body. If sweating is an issue, then you can also try Kiehl`s Body Fuel Antiperspirant Deodorant and get 48 hours of protection against odor and sweat. This roll-on deodorant delivers the active ingredients directly to the skin and considered better in treating hyperhidrosis.