You enter the shower: what are you reaching for to wash your body? When it comes to your daily cleansing routine, the age-old debate of shower oil vs body wash continues to perplex many skincare enthusiasts. In this article, we will break down the differences between the two options, and determine which is best for your skin.
| Feature | Shower Oil | Body Wash |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Oil-based (e.g., jojoba, almond) | Water-based with surfactants |
| Best for Skin Type | Dry, sensitive skin | All types, especially oily/acne-prone |
| Moisturizing Effect | High, locks in moisture | Varies, can be hydrating |
| Cleansing Power | Gentle, preserves natural oils | Deeper cleanse, removes excess oil |
| Application | Can be used in bath, shower, or after | Typically used with water in shower |
The “best” product is the one your skin needs!
Dry Skin:
Choose Shower Oil
Normal Skin:
Either Works
Oily Skin:
Prefer Body Wash
Both products have a range of benefits, and are good for the skin, in their specific ways. Read on as we continue to explore shower oil and body wash.
Shower oil is an oil-based cleanser designed to provide intense skin hydration while cleansing, making it an excellent choice for those struggling with dehydrated skin. Oils feature a gentle cleansing base made of natural, soft surfactants, moisturizing, and lipid-replenishing ingredients. Shower oils excel at nourishing dry skin, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
When added to water, it transforms into a luxuriously silky lather which removes dirt and cleans while gently maintaining the skin’s barrier and natural oils. They’re typically formulated with super nourishing oils like jojoba, coconut oil almond, or argan, which are also rich in vitamins and fatty acids leaving your skin glowing.
Benefits include:
No, shower oil and body oil are two different products, but they do serve a similar purpose: to hydrate the skin. Shower oils are used with water, for a luxurious cleansing experience while body oils are applied post-shower to lock in moisture and a long-lasting sheen.
A more commonly known product, body wash is a liquid soap available in a large range of formulations. Some focus on moisturizing properties, while others focus more on exfoliating. Many body washes are formulated to effectively cleanse oily skin without over-drying, helping to balance the skin's natural oils.
They are mostly water-based and use surfactants to create a lather that lifts dirt, oil, and other impurities right off of the skin. Body washes typically have added ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, or salicylic acid to target specific skin concerns.
The benefits include:
Body washes are suitable for all skin types, from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive.
The surfactants cleanse thoroughly, removing excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells, promoting brighter skin.
While body washes are primarily for cleansing, many modern formulations also focus on skin hydration, incorporating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. For skin softening and soothing while receiving a deep cleanse, opt for body wash.
Body Wash: Uses surfactants to create a lather that lifts dirt and oil from the skin. This can be effective for removing impurities but may potentially strip natural oils.
Shower Oil: Operates on the "like dissolves like" principle, using oils to attract and remove dirt and excess sebum. This method can be gentler on the skin's natural barrier.
Body Wash: While many body washes contain moisturizing ingredients, their primary function is cleansing. The level of hydration varies greatly between products.
Shower Oil: Inherently moisturizing due to its oil-based formula. It cleanses while simultaneously nourishing the skin, often leaving a protective, hydrating layer after rinsing.
Body Wash: Generally has a gel or creamy consistency that lathers when mixed with water. It's typically applied with hands, a loofah, or a washcloth.
Shower Oil: Has an oil-like texture that transforms into a milky emulsion when it comes into contact with water. It's usually applied directly to wet skin with hands.
Body Wash: Depending on the formula, the skin may feel clean but sometimes tight or dry, especially with more astringent formulations.
Shower Oil: Typically leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized without a greasy residue when properly rinsed.
Body Wash:
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Many body washes are formulated to control excess oil and prevent breakouts.
Normal Skin: A wide range of options are available to maintain balanced skin.
Dry/Sensitive Skin: Gentle, moisturizing formulas can be suitable, but may not provide enough hydration for very dry skin.
Shower Oil:
Dry/Sensitive Skin: Excellent for providing extra moisture and nourishment without irritation.
Normal Skin: Can be used to maintain skin hydration and softness.
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: While counterintuitive, some shower oils can help balance oil production, but it's important to choose non-comedogenic formulas.
When choosing between shower oil and body wash, it's important to consider how these skincare products fit into your overall routine. There are a few key differences between shower oil and body wash, namely:
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what your skin requires. To learn more about your skin properties, try our skin quiz!
How To Apply Shower Oil
How To Apply Body Wash
Integrating shower oil into your daily cleansing routine can transform your shower experience into a luxurious, spa-like ritual. Versatile as it is hydrating, there are many ways to apply shower oil:
Bath oil
Transform your next bath into a spa-like retreat by adding shower oil. After stepping out of your oil-infused bath, you’ll feel a noticeable difference in your skin, body, and mind. If your skin is particularly dry or irritated, gently pat yourself dry and follow up with a light massage of oil on damp skin.
In the shower
Apply your oil while showering as the crescendo of your routine. Apply oil into your hands then the skin or directly on, and massage it in. Allow the oil to soak in before rinsing and pat drying.
After the shower
Take advantage of your damp skin following a shower and apply by adding a few drops into your hand and massaging it onto the skin. Allow it to sink and gently pat dry.
To maximize all the moisture benefits of body wash in your cleansing routine, follow these steps::
Wet your skin in the shower or bath, then lather the body wash onto a loofah or washcloth.
Apply generously across your body.
Rinse thoroughly
Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your skin after showering, as this can strip moisture and cause irritation.
You only need around a quarter-sized droplet to create that dreamy, creamy lather. Shankara offers the Calming Body Wash, and Energizing Body Wash, depending on your needs!
There’s a theme forming in this blog: it depends on your skincare needs and goals.
Shower oil can be used before or after body wash. If you apply oil ahead of the shower, it protects the skin with a carrier that minimizes the loss of natural oils during cleansing. If you use shower oil after cleansing, it provides an additional layer of hydration, resulting in your skin being soft and moisturized.
It's a super common idea that shower oil will leave a slightly greasy feeling. Good news - they don't! Shower oils will not leave the skin greasy, oily, or overly fragranced if they’re used correctly. It’s important to rinse them off thoroughly to remove any excess product. When body oils are used correctly, the skin will be silky and non-greasy.
As we've explored throughout this article, the shower oil vs body wash debate doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. It really does depend on skin types and preferences. Shower oils excel in providing intense hydration and nourishment, making them ideal for dry or sensitive skin. On the other hand, body washes offer a wide range of formulations to address various skin issues, from acne to eczema. Elevate your shower with the help of oil or wash, to turn your daily routine into a ritual.
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