Shower gel has become a staple in our daily hygiene routine. For many, it’s an automatic, almost banal gesture. But behind this apparent simplicity lies a complex product, whose composition varies greatly from one brand to another.
Because it is applied directly to our skin, the largest organ of the human bod, shower gel has a direct impact on skin health. It also indirectly affects the environment, depending on the nature of its ingredients and their biodegradability. That’s why understanding what a shower gel is made of and knowing how to choose the right one is essential.
In this article, we’ll provide a complete overview: from the basic composition of a shower gel, to the ingredients to avoid, to the importance of surfactants and natural actives, helping you choose a shower gel that respects both your skin and the planet.
Why is the composition of a shower gel so important?
Shower gel is not just another cosmetic product. Used daily, it acts directly on the skin’s protective barrier. An unsuitable or overly harsh shower gel can weaken the skin, causing tightness, irritation, or even allergic reactions.
Moreover, most conventional formulas contain substances derived from petrochemicals, such as certain sulfates or preservatives, which are problematic not only for our health but also for the environment. Residues from these products end up in wastewater, with consequences for aquatic biodiversity.
Thus, the composition of a shower gel has a dual impact: it affects both our well-being and our ecological footprint.
The basic ingredients of a shower gel
A shower gel is mainly composed of three major families of ingredients:
> The cleansing base: the core of the product, made up of water and surfactants, which provide its cleansing and foaming power.
> Texture and preservation agents: thickeners, gelling agents, humectants, preservatives… They ensure the stability of the formula and its ease of use.
> Actives and fragrances: ingredients added to deliver specific benefits (hydration, soothing, vitality) and give the shower gel its signature scent.
Surfactants: the key ingredient to watch
Surfactants (or surface agents) are the components that allow shower gels to foam and remove impurities from the skin. Without them, it would be impossible to obtain the creamy texture we associate with showering.
But not all surfactants are equal. Petrochemical surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or ammonium lauryl sulfate, are inexpensive but often too harsh. They strip the skin, destroy the natural hydrolipidic film, and leave it feeling dry.
Natural, plant-based surfactants, such as sodium coco-sulfate or glucosides (coco-glucoside, decyl-glucoside), are much gentler. They cleanse without aggression and better respect the skin’s balance.
The choice of surfactant directly determines the tolerance and quality of a shower gel.
Other essential components
A shower gel doesn’t stop at its cleansing base. It also includes:
> Thickeners: to give the product its gel-like texture.
> Humectants: such as glycerin, which retain water and help keep the skin hydrated.
> pH regulators: essential to ensure the formula doesn’t disturb the skin’s natural pH, which sits between 4.7 and 5.5.
> Preservatives: necessary to ensure a safe, stable formula and to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold. In natural cosmetics, gentler preservatives such as sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate are preferred.
> Targeted actives: plant oils, botanical extracts, vitamins… They provide additional benefits, whether soothing, toning, or revitalizing.
Ingredients to avoid in a shower gel
Some components remain common in conventional shower gels, but they present risks for health or the environment:
> Harsh sulfates (SLS, SLES): stripping and irritating.
> Parabens: controversial preservatives, suspected endocrine disruptors.
> Silicones: used to improve texture, but occlusive to the skin and non-biodegradable.
Why choose a natural and transparent shower gel?
Given these risks, more and more consumers are turning to natural shower gels. The benefits are numerous:
> Respect for the skin barrier thanks to gentle ingredients.
> Reduced risk of irritation.
> Biodegradable formulas, more respectful of the environment.
> Transparent labeling, with short, understandable ingredient lists.
At Less is More, for instance, each ingredient in our shower gels is selected with care. No compromise: no harsh sulfates, no silicones. Only natural, plant-based actives, chosen for their effectiveness and safety.
Example of ingredients in a natural shower gel
Here are some actives frequently used in natural shower gels and their benefits:
Each ingredient is of natural origin, carefully selected to meet the skin’s specific needs.
In summary
Shower gel is an everyday product, but it deserves our full attention. Its composition has a direct effect on skin health and an indirect effect on the environment. Choosing a natural, transparent, and respectful shower gel is the best way to combine pleasure, effectiveness, and responsibility.
At Less is More, our shower gels are crafted with natural, biodegradable actives, carefully selected to meet your skin’s needs while preserving the planet.
👉 Discover our range of natural shower gels and turn your daily hygiene routine into a lasting act of well-being.
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