Shower Gel Vs. Body Wash: What's The Difference?

Just like choosing between a cleanser versus a face wash, you may blindly opt for whichever one is more affordable or has your preferred scent. However, the two products actually aren't the same thing. While they certainly serve the same purpose, the formulation of each product is quite different. As the name implies, shower gels have a thick and viscous gel-like consistency. Compared to body washes, they also tend to have more fragrance in them, making them the best option to prep your skin for optimal perfume performance.

However, body washes tend to be more moisturizing. While shower gels are better cleansers, making them ideal for oily skin, body washes are more hydrating. While they can be thick like shower gels, body washes are typically creamy, mimicking the feel of lotion. If you have dry skin, the emollient texture of body washes can add more moisture to your body without over-stripping it of your natural oils.