Shower Gel Vs. Body Wash: What’s The Difference And Why Does It Matter?

It’s something you never noticed, but once you do, you can’t stop seeing it: products that seem to have identical purposes, textures, and ingredients are called subtly different things. When you’re looking for a professional-grade clean that won’t dry you out, you may start asking about the difference between shower gel and body wash, and which is better for your skin on a daily basis.

The answer has less to do with semantics and more with what your all natural body cleansing products are made of—and how those ingredients work with different skin types.

The Slight Difference Between Shower Gel and Body Wash

Basically, the difference between gels and washes is the consistency. Products called body washes are thinner and runnier, more like liquid hand soap or dish soap. Shower gels, by contrast, have a gel-like consistency and are usually not runny.

Although shower gel and body wash generally accomplish the same task of cleansing skin from dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells, shower gels tend to be more aggressive products, which can overly dry out skin. Body washes, on the other hand, are typically more gentle, leading to increased moisturization results.

Ultimately though, whether a specific product is termed a gel or a wash doesn’t matter as much as what’s in the product. Choosing high-quality formulas like those in Epicuren Discovery’s body care line will be best to provide luxurious skin with enticing scents.

What to Look For in Body Care Products

Since shower gel and body wash aren’t so different despite their competing names, where does that leave the person interested in getting the best body care products for their highly personalized needs?

First, it takes knowing the skin you’re in. Do you struggle to stay moisturized throughout the day? Are you prone to acne? Do you have combination skin? Only when you have a grasp of what your body naturally tends toward can you look for products that will address your unique needs.

Normal and Dry Skin Cleansers

For people with skin that tends to dry out during the day, especially in specific problem areas like the knees, hands, and elbows, a mild body wash is likely to be the preferred treatment. Epicuren Discovery’s Tropical Lave and Rosemary Lave body cleansers are perfect choices for daily cleansing care for dry skin, with a mild formula and a spa-worthy scent. If you still experience dryness, try an after-bath solution, like our top-selling Kukui Coconut moisturizer, that is specifically designed for locking in moisture after a shower.

Oily and Blemish-Prone Skin Products

People with acne or overly oily skin know that even the best, deepest cleanse rarely seems to last a day. However, giving your skin the moisture it needs can reduce the amount of oil you produce, keeping your pores clear and acne at bay. For long-lasting moisture after your daily cleansing routine, use Epicuren Discovery’s Coconut Hydrating Milk, a professional-grade hydrating solution for all-day moisturizing.

Professional-Grade Shower Gels and Body Washes

At Epicuren Discovery, our facial and body skincare products are designed with potent ingredients and formulas backed by decades of scientific research. Plus, many of our body washes, facial cleansers, and moisturizers are cruelty-free, sourced from sustainable processes, and packaged in recyclable containers so you can feel good about what you buy. To learn which of our products is best for your unique skin type, take our Skin Quiz for personalized recommendations.

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