Shower gel is a liquid soap that is used to clean the entire body during baths and showers. It is a derivative invention of liquid soap, which first appeared in the 1800s. Shower gels are known to consist of the same basic ingredients as soap - water, betaines, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) . However, the main difference between the two products lies in their surfactants - compounds known to lower the surface tension between substances, which helps in the emulsification and washing away of oily dirt. The surfactants of shower gels do not come from saponification, which is by reacting a type of oil or fat with lye. Surfactants can make up as much as 50 percent of the shower gel content, with the remaining proportion being made up of a combination of water and ingredients to thicken, preserve, emulsify, add fragrance, and color. Multiple surfactants are often used to achieve desired product qualities. A primary surfactant can provide good foaming ability and cleaning effectiveness, while a secondary surfactant can add qualities of mildness to prevent irritation or over-drying of the skin.

Ingredients or materials:

• Water
• Betaines
• Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS)
• Surfactants
• Emulsifiers such as diethanolamine
• Conditioning agents
• Fragrance
• Color

Positive:

• Shower gels can be pH-balanced and come with soothing and moisturizing ingredients.
• Some shower gels provide nourishing ingredients that moisturize and protect the skin from dryness.

Negative:

• Some shower gels contain chemicals that can cause dryness, irritation, and may even be harmful to the skin.
• Some surfactants found in body washes, including shower gels, have been found to cause contact irritation in users and are also harmful to aquatic life.

In conclusion, shower gel is a liquid soap that is used to clean the entire body during baths and showers. It consists of water, betaines, SLS, surfactants, emulsifiers, conditioning agents, fragrance, and color. Some shower gels provide nourishing ingredients that moisturize and protect the skin from dryness, while others contain chemicals that can cause dryness, irritation, and may even be harmful to the skin. It is important to read the labels before choosing a product to ensure you are receiving the highest quality ingredients.