GB:Body Wash and Shower Gels
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Body Wash and Shower Gels Buying Guide

Showering doesn't involve the standard bar of soap anymore. There are a huge variety of shower gels  and body wash  on the market. How do you know which one to choose? Rather than getting lost at the sight of bottles in every shape and colour, it's best to take a step back and figure out what you really need your body wash to do.

How to Choose a Body Wash or Shower Gel

  • If you have any allergies or sensitivities to a particular ingredient, brand, or fragrance, read the labels to make sure the body wash you buy is safe.
  • Buy according to your skin type. Don't buy a shower gel that is for dry skin if you have oily skin!
  • Products that use antibacterial medication or salicylic acid  are excellent for fighting breakouts. These body washes can also be helpful to remove excess oil if you have naturally oily skin.
  • Moisturizing washes are best if you have dry skin. Look for emollients in the ingredient list and avoid heavy detergents such as sodium laureth sulfate. You may also want to try a product with glycolic acid in it or one with a grainy component since both act as exfoliants. Even if you usually have normal (or even oily) skin, winter can be harsh on most of our bodies. Look for a moisturizing wash for the winter if you notice your skin lacking its usual moisture.
  • Hypo-allergenic washes  are a must for those with sensitive skin. Also look for products with the least amount of fragrance in them. The gentler, the better. You may even enjoy exploring organic options that shy away from using harsh chemicals and overbearing scents.
  • Find a scent you like! This is the part that's the most fun. Usually people tend to like certain types of scents (ex: florals, spices, fruits, etc), so finding out what scent category you prefer in a body wash is a good starting point. You may end up prefering an entire brand's line of scents, and you may like one brand's "mango passionfruit" but not another's. Experiment! Find sample sizes if you can, then buy a larger size when you are sure you like the scent and results of a certain product.

Common Scents

Quick Picks

Burt's Bees Extra Energizing Citrus & Ginger Root Body Wash 

Benefit Bathina Getting Steamy Body Wash 

Clinique Skin Cushion Body Wash 

Zia Age-Defying Body Buff for Normal/Dry Skin 

Crabtree & Evelyn Clementine & Basil Body Polisher 

Chanel Body Excellence Revitalizing Smoothing Scrub 

Demeter Cotton Candy Shower Gel 

Spa Paradisa Renew Your Skin Shower Wash 

Rose & Co Rose Petal Bath & Shower Cream 

Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate 

Related Guides

Bar Soaps

Body Moisturiser

Body Scrubs

Bath and Shower Accessories