What is shower gel?

Shower gel is a thick liquid soap product used for washing the body in the shower or bath. Shower gel consists of water, a foaming agent and betaines, a chemical component that binds the ingredients together.

Shower gel often includes sodium laureth sulfate, an anionic detergent that can cause irritation; however, many varieties do not include this ingredient. Shower gel can irritate the skin if it is not washed off properly, but it is also a popular choice among people with sensitive skin because it is gentle on the skin. Shower gels can be enriched with soothing and calming ingredients and come in a wide array of scents.