Shower gel or superfatted soap?

Although they both serve the same purpose, that is to cleanse the skin of impurities accumulated on the surface, it is often difficult to choose between the superfatted soap and the shower gel. While these two cleansing products each have their own benefits, they differ in many respects:

• Composition: Derived from cold saponification, the superfatted soap is an ancient cleansing care product containing animal or vegetable fats, as well as minerals such as soda. However, it is advisable to favour soaps containing plant-based ingredients. Unlike a traditional solid soap, superfatted soap is enriched with nourishing superfatting agents (oils or vegetable butters), giving it numerous virtues. On the other hand, certain shower gels may contain controversial substances, such as sulfates, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, parabens, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT), triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc... However, the shower care products from Typology are free from all these harmful skin ingredients. Opt for a shower gel with a short formula (which contains fewer ingredients).

• Cleansing base: Under the action of lye, fatty substances gradually transform into soap, forming the cleansing base of superfatted soap. The cleansing base of the shower gel is a mixture of gentle surfactants of natural origin (coco-betaine, coco-glucoside, etc...).

• pH: While the pH of superfatted soap is basic (around 9), that of the shower gel has a pH close to that of the skin (about 5). This characteristic ensures a skin cleansing in the shower without irritating, drying out or attacking it. However, despite its basic pH, superfatted soaps are enriched with vegetable oils to compensate and prevent skin dryness;

• Texture: The superfatted soap is in solid form and the shower gel in liquid form.

• Properties: Thanks to the presence of superfatting agents, superfatted soaps allow the skin to be cleaned without causing harm or dryness, whilst exerting a softening, hydrating, protective and nourishing action on the skin. Furthermore, cold saponification, which takes place at low temperatures, allows the preservation of the properties of all the ingredients used. As a result, they are suitable for all skin types, even dry and sensitive skin. Depending on its formula, the gel possesses numerous hydrating qualities and is thus suitable for all skin types.

• Practitioner/usage: The superfatted soap is more convenient to carry, especially during travels, as it takes up less space than a shower gel. However, the shower gel does not require drying.

• Preservation and hygiene: Superfatted soap is easier to preserve compared to shower gels that contain water and therefore do not last as long or preserve as well as solid soaps, hence the need to add preservatives. However, due to its creamy texture, it can melt quite quickly. Furthermore, superfatted soap can prove to be unhygienic if it does not have sufficient drying time after each use. Indeed, if it remains wet in a humid environment, bacteria can develop there. On this front, there is, in principle, no concern for shower gel which is preserved in a bottle.

• Ecology and economy: Compared to shower gel, superfatted soap is economical and ecological. Indeed, it has a significantly smaller ecological footprint and lasts longer. Furthermore, solid soaps produce no waste.

Given the variety of superfatted soaps and shower gels, your choice should depend on the nature of your skin and above all, the quality of the product. That's why it's recommended to thoroughly read the list of ingredients in products before use and opt for a cleansing care product containing the most natural ingredients. Moreover, your choice also depends on your preferences: do you prefer a solid soap or a shower gel with a watery texture?