Choosing Between Shower Gel vs. Body Wash

It might feel like the difference between shower gel and body wash is just the name on the label. They’re both liquid soaps that get you clean in the shower — does it actually matter what you lather up with? 

Consider bread versus a bagel. You can make breakfast or a nice sandwich with both, but they still aren’t the same thing, even if you like to switch it up and put cream cheese on your toast. The same goes for shower gel versus body wash. The purpose is similar, but there are a few key differences that might affect your shower experience (especially if you have dry skin). 

In this guide, learn what sets shower gel and body wash apart and which one might be right for your skin.

What’s Body Wash?

Body wash is a liquid soap that’s creamy, soft, and a little oily. It’s packed with moisturizers that nourish your skin as it cleanses. Body wash is great for people with normal, combination, or dry skin, but it’s also a nice change of pace if you’re after a richer, smoother feel.

The moisturizers in body wash make it similar to lotion in that it helps your skin maintain a healthy moisture barrier. While it isn’t quite as good as shower gel at removing stubborn oils, the best body washes have ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil to cleanse and nourish your skin.

What’s Shower Gel?

Shower gel is a thick liquid soap that typically looks like a clear or colored gel. It gets you clean just as well as a body wash, so what do shower gels do that’s so different? 

Despite having the texture of aloe vera, shower gel is actually quite slick, soft, and soapy, and it doesn’t leave a sticky residue. In the hot spring and summer months, it can be quite refreshing. Men with oily skin might prefer shower gel year-round since it’s made to cut through dirt, sweat, and oil. 

Shower Gel vs. Body Wash: How They Compare

Shower gel and body wash both get the job done. Still, there are some subtle differences that you might want to consider when picking your next bottle.

Texture and Consistency

Shower gel has a gelatinous texture that’s slippery and smooth. It lathers up with lots of bubbles, capturing oils and washing them away. That said, some oil is good, so shower gels usually include moisturizers that keep your skin from looking like the Sahara as soon as you step out of the shower. As long as you don’t go overboard, gels shouldn’t leave your skin feeling dry or flaky. 

Body wash, on the other hand, is creamy, almost like lotion. It sticks to the skin and lathers a bit less, making it easier to rub in all the nourishing ingredients. Your skin will feel hydrated and firm after a shower.

Skin Suitability

Shower gels cleanse skin while removing excess oil, making them best for people with oily complexions. Body washes are designed for those with normal or dry skin who could use a bit of moisture. 

This doesn’t mean you have to use either product. It’s just a suggestion, and hydration or drying components depend on the brand.

Fragrance Concentration

The sniff test will reveal that shower gels often have a stronger scent. They include more potent fragrances that pair with the powerful suds needed to cut through oil and get you extra clean. 

Meanwhile, body washes are typically gentler. While most still have added fragrance, they let pleasant ingredients like coconut oil do the heavy lifting. This makes them better for sensitive skin (and sensitive noses). There are also unscented body washes if you want to let your lotion or cologne do the talking .

Which Is Right for You?

Ready to fill that empty corner in your shower? Or replace the sliver of bar soap that’s hanging on for dear life? Here’s how to choose between shower gel and body wash, depending on your skin type and lifestyle. 

Dry Skin

If you find your skin feels flaky or cracked, body wash is the way to go. It includes hydrating ingredients that nourish your skin and help it retain moisture. Add a moisturizing lotion to your hygiene routine on top of everything, and your skin will thank you.

Oily Skin

Oily skin happens when your body produces too much of the natural oils that lubricate and protect your skin. It can cause breakouts and greasy hair . And while there’s nothing wrong with a little shine, shower gel is better at cleansing those oils. Shower gel or a natural bar soap with a bit of grit are both great ways to clean your skin and exfoliate stubborn oil.

Normal or Combination Skin

Combination skin has both oily and dry areas. It’s the most common skin type because most people have variations in different areas of their body. For example, the “T-zone” on your face (your nose and brow) is usually oily, while your cheeks and jawline are normal or dry. 

If you’re a proud owner of combination skin, your cleansing preferences can go either way, depending on what your goals are. Body wash does the trick for most people because it moisturizes and cleanses while offering the nourishing ingredients that are good for your skin. Shower gel still works, but it’s sometimes too harsh for those dry spots.

Active or Post-Workout Use

So far, we’ve covered everyday uses for shower gel and body wash, but that’s not the whole story. After a particularly sweaty day of work or an intense workout, you need to bring in the strong stuff for a deep scrub. Liquid soaps can do the trick, but bar soap with some grit is even better. It exfoliates to scrub away dead skin and cut through sweat.

Level Up Your Shower Game With Dr. Squatch

Shower gel is good for oily skin, and body wash is more moisturizing. And you can change it up from time to time and switch to bar soap when you really need a deep clean. Try out different products and figure out what makes you feel your best — and cleanest.

If you’re ready to tick all these items off your shopping list, look no further than Dr. Squatch ’s lineup of soaps and body washes. Each one is made from the naturally derived ingredients, from rugged, woodsy bar soap to refreshing, creamy body wash. Feel like a man, smell like a champion.

FAQ

Is Shower Gel the Same as Body Wash?

Nope. Shower gel is a slick, somewhat goopy skincare product designed to cut through stubborn oils. It lathers more and uses different soap ingredients that cleanses oil from your skin. Body wash uses oils, soaps, and hydrating ingredients that support your natural oils and protect your skin’s moisture barrier. 

What’s the Difference Between Shower Gel and Liquid Soap?

Shower gel and body soap are both liquid cleansers you’ll find on the shelf in most skincare aisles. The difference between them lies mostly in their textures and the skin types they’re best suited for. Basically, shower gel is best for oily skin, while body wash is best for everyone else.