Which components are important in a shower gel?

Used daily, shower gels are products designed in a gelified liquid form dedicated to body hygiene. They are generally composed of about 70% water, 20% cleansing bases (surfactants) and a few additional components. However, what is crucial in a shower gel is the cleansing base (surfactants) which will create a delicate foam that removes a large part of the impurities accumulated on the surface, thus cleaning the body's skin. It is recommended that the formula is composed of a blend of surfactants preferably of natural origin, particularly gentle, non-irritating, biodegradable and well tolerated by the skin (e.g. coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, etc...).

Other substances are also essential to the composition of a shower gel, such as the presence ofthickening agents (for example: glycerol stearate, polysorbate 20, xanthan gum, etc...) which give the gel its appearance by increasing its viscosity due to their gelling power, softening and humectant components (for example: glycerine, aloe vera juice, inulin, etc...), pH correctors (for example: citric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc...) to stabilise the preparation and adjust the pH of the shower gel to that of the skin, and one or more preservatives which serve to protect the product against any microbial growth, given that shower gels are primarily composed of water (an environment conducive to bacterial growth). Finally, some shower gels may contain active ingredients or plant extracts, present in the formulation in varying quantities.

Our exfoliating shower gel is rich in exfoliating and purifying active ingredients. As with all cosmetic products, it is the first 5 to 8 components listed on the INCI list that predominantly make up the "profile" of the product.

Thus, in the 2nd position of the INCI list, we notably find theglycolic acid which is renowned for its exfoliating power on the upper layers of the skin, as well as for its astringent virtues. This active ingredient helps to lift all the dead cells and impurities present on the surface of the epidermis, thereby boosting cell renewal and promoting the penetration of hydrating actives applied afterwards. By smoothing the skin texture in this way, the appearance of imperfections (blackheads, brown spots, etc...) is reduced, and the formation ofingrown hairs is limited.

The formulation also consists of a blend ofgentle surfactants created from sugar and coconut (coco-glucoside) in position 4 and coconut derivatives (coco-betaine) in position 5.Added to this is vegetable glycerin in position 3 as a naturally hydrating component. Thetea tree essential oil, valued for its purifying and anti-bacterial properties, and therosemary essential oil, used for its flavouring function, are found at the base of the list. Indeed, these plant extracts do not need to be used in large quantities in a cosmetic product to be effective.