Shower gel is a liquid cleansing product used for washing the body during a shower. It typically comes in a gel-like form that foams into a lather when mixed with water. Shower gels usually contain synthetic surfactants (not true soap) derived from petroleum or plant sources, making them less drying and often gentler on the skin compared to traditional soap. They often include moisturizers, fragrances, and other skin-conditioning ingredients, and are designed to cleanse the skin by removing dirt, oil, and impurities while providing a pleasant sensory experience.

The term "shower gel" specifically refers to this type of liquid body cleanser, distinct from but sometimes overlapping with similar products like body washes. Shower gels have a neutral or lower pH than soap and tend to be less stripping on the skin's natural oils.