The key difference between body wash and shower gel is that body wash has a thin and runny consistency, whereas shower gel is thick and has a gel-like consistency.
Body wash and shower gel are two words we sometimes use interchangeably. These are used to cleanse the skin of sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells. They are available in various fragrances and colours for men, women, kids, and babies, and their formulations differ. Both these can be applied using your hands or a bath sponge so that it will create more lather.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Body Wash
3. What is Shower Gel
4. Similarities – Body Wash and Shower Gel
5. Body Wash vs Shower Gel in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Body Wash vs Shower Gel
What is a Body Wash?
A body wash is a liquid-based cleansing product. Since it does not have any harsh ingredients, you will not get dry, itchy, or flaky skin. This is because body wash is created to replenish the moisture of the skin, locking in the moisture.
These can be used any time of the day. However, if you have diseases like psoriasis, rosacea, or acne, then you need to find a body wash that suits your condition. Plant-based ingredients like glycerin help your skin to retain moisture. Moreover, they do not remove your skin’s natural oils. If your body wash has ingredients like oats and pulverized apricot pits, they will act as natural exfoliators.
What is a Shower Gel?
A shower gel is a liquid soap or product that is used on the body. It is an emulsion of water and detergent base with added attractive fragrances.
At present, they are available in various colours and fragrances, and they are a beautiful addition to the bathroom shelf. Since shower gels have strong fragrances, they last all day long. These can be used to wash your hair as well. However, sometimes these can be drying and harsh on your skin. Therefore, you have to be careful of the ingredients; when you take a shower, it is easy for the ingredients to get absorbed into the skin because of the opening of pores.
These are also available in various formulas that are suitable for different skin types. If you have dry skin, then you should go for shower gels, which give a moisturizing effect. If you have normal skin, any type of shower gel will suit you. Finally, if you have oily skin, then it should have clarifying properties that wash away excess oil and dirt. Shower gels are also suitable for people who do rigorous activities and live in warmer climates. Since they also have exfoliating properties, the dead cells can be effectively removed from your body. Shower gels can also be used as a substitute for bubble bath products.
What are the Similarities Between Body Wash and Shower Gel?
- When using body wash or shower gel, you must use the right amount to retain the moisture in your skin.
- You should be careful not to rub your skin to avoid excessive dryness and irritation.
- If these products have ingredients like Sodium Loureth Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, and Triclosan, they are harsh chemicals, and you should avoid them.
- If they have ingredients like Amino acids, vitamin B5, and glycerin, then they are good for you.
What is the Difference Between Body Wash and Shower Gel?
The key difference between body wash and shower gel is that body wash has a thin and runny consistency, whereas shower gel is thick and has a gel-like consistency.
Below is a summary of the difference between body wash and shower gel in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Body Wash vs Shower Gel
A body wash is a liquid-based cleansing product. It has a thin consistency and mild fragrance. Body washes are also gentle and moisturizing, so they are especially suitable for dry and sensitive skin. A shower gel is a liquid soap or product that is used on the body. Shower gels are thicker and have a gel-like consistency with a strong fragrance. They are aggressive for the skin and tend to be drying. They are best for oily skin since they can remove oil and dirt effectively. So, this is the summary of the difference between body wash and shower gel.
Reference:
1. “How to Use Body Wash.” My Kao Shop.
2. “How to Use Shower Gel.” Body and Earth.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Adidas Shower gel” (CC0) via Pixahive
2. “Dove Soap Body Wash” By Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr