Level up your morning shower!
One of the many lessons this year has taught us is a renewed appreciation for life’s little essentials. It’s always good to feel clean and refreshed but the humble shower is less about removing the daily grime these days and more about 10 minutes of relative calm and relaxation in a stressful world. Washing away the day has become more about self care than sanitation, especially with less frequent holidays, massages and therapies.
Whether you call it the body wash or shower gel, the liquid-gel has become an omnipresent part of the modern gentleman’s grooming routine, alongside other essentials such as a cleansing face wash and regenerative eye cream.
The best of the new generation of liquid body cleansers boast superlative fragrances, made with natural ingredients and without unnecessary chemicals, served in recycled plastic or recyclable aluminium – all without any creatures being harmed in the process – and can elevate your daily ablutions to a more enjoyable level.
It’s important to note that body-specific shower gels shouldn’t be used on the face or hair on a daily basis. Instead, opt for a specialist face wash and haircare products designed specifically for the unique needs of each.
grooming product nearly every man will use on the daily is body wash. For those looking to elevate their morning shower experience, we’re here with a handy guide of the best bottles that are a step above those you can find on the supermarket shelves.
Things to look out for are fragrance, ingredients and lather-potential. If aroma is your main concern, look to perfumiers like Le Labo, Jo Malone and Byredo, all of which will surround you in swathes of deliciously smelling steam whilst you’re showering – a scent that will also stick with your skin even once you’re dry.
PH-Balance
The choice of shower gels for men is of course endless, but what makes a good body wash? Nearly all shower gels on the market today are pH-balanced. Why is this important? A poorly-balanced skin pH can result in wrinkles, inflammation, sensitivity and even acne, as a result of a disrupted skin barrier (also known as the acid mantle).
This barrier is crucial as it’s responsible for keeping in lipids and moisture while blocking germs, pollution, toxins and bacteria. In an ideal world your skin would be slightly acidic, at a 5.5 pH-balance for optimal performance. If skin is too alkaline it becomes dry and sensitive. Conversely, too acidic means breakouts of spots and acne. For reference, a lower number indicates increasing acidity whereas a higher number indicates increased alkalinity.
Furthermore, with the basics of pH-balance covered, shower gels differentiate themselves using a variety of ingredients from herbal-infusions to aromatherapy benefits. Many contain menthol, particularly within the men’s bath and body sphere, due to its stimulating and refreshing scent.
Naturally, many brands experiment with aroma, lather and texture. Having sampled everything under the sun here at Ape, the variance in quality is quite startling. Especially relevant are affordable supermarket brands, which often include cheaper, potentially skin-irritating ingredients – so it’s a good idea to pay a little more.
Key Ingredients To Swerve
Sulphates/ SLS
Sulphates are not harmful but they can strip the skin of vital moisture. Often listed as sodium laureth – or lauryl – sulphate, sulphate or SLS, ALS or SLES, these chemicals are responsible for creating lather and suds aplenty, but they do not contribute to the cleansing action. Sulphate-free body washes cleanse just as efficiently, with less foam, often using alternative ingredients derived from coconuts. Go sulphate- free if you have very dry/sensitive or eczema/dermatitis-prone skin and you may see an improvement.
Ethanolamine
Commonly listed under DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) and TEA (Triethanolamine), Ethanolamine is a potential allergen and irritant which can persist in the human body. It’s more common in hair products with bleach – and not particularly kind to hair – but it can pop up in shower gels from time to time.
Quaternium-15
Otherwise known as formaldehyde, unsurprisingly, this can cause major irritation to the skin.
Phthalates
Typically found in fragrances, phthalates are endocrine disrupters that can potentially interfere with hormones, impacting fertility.
Parabens
Parabens are artificial antimicrobial preservatives used to extend the shelf life and purity of personal care products by reducing the growth of bacteria and mould. Also called isoproplyparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben, methylparaben. These are known endocrine disrupters that can potentially interfere with hormones, impacting fertility.
Triclosan
Formerly found in some anti-bacterial-based body wash, hand wash and toothpaste, Triclosan persists in the environment and hinders our wider fight against antibiotic resistance.
A good men’s shower gel should look after the skin, smell fantastic, be highly concentrated, incorporate high-quality ingredients and generally offer good value for money. So, without further ado, it’s time to lather up with the best body washes the male grooming world has to offer right now.
Quick Jump: Affordable | Mid-Priced | Luxury
If you want more bang for your buck and don’t want to compromise on quality, Bulldog gives arguably the best value for money with its generous 500ml, bulk-buy body cleansers. The fragrance is 100% natural, the bottle is recycled plastic and proving that you don’t need to spend mega bucks to live a greener lifestyle.
This earthy, spicy scent of peppery vetiver will help warm your cockles on a cold winter’s morning or evening.
When it comes to ingredients, those that are nourishing and moisturising will leave you feeling baby smooth, so oatmeal extract, shea butter and vitamin E should be at the top of your wishlist. Whilst naturally-sourced cleansers are often great for your skin, they’re not always great in terms of lather, so it’s a fine balancing act to find one that works for you.
If you’re looking to use it every day, we’d suggest avoiding anything that’s too harsh or exfoliating, and instead stick to the softer, gentler formulas that are better for your skin. If you’re partial to a deep cleanse, you could also invest in a body scrub that you use a couple of times a week.
Whichever of our top picks you choose, it’s sure to take your morning routine up a notch, so you’re left feeling great every day.
Perfect your daily rituals with our men’s shower gels. Boasting luxurious body washes, bath soaks and cleansing bars, this collection will have you feeling brand-new in no time.
Kick-start your day with a zing of citrus, or wind down before bed with soothing notes of lavender and camomile. These scents linger on your skin, keeping you smelling fresh throughout the day too. Team them with our men’s body lotions and creams to soften, nourish and condition your skin with your new favourite scent.
Finding the best shower gel entirely depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a men’s shower gel that will not only make you smell good, but take care of your skin too, turn to Molton Brown’s Bath & Shower Gel. Their nourishing oil blends hydrate and cleanse your skin from top to toe. Or invigorate your senses with Bulldog Skincare’s Peppermint & Eucalyptus Shower Gel.
This selection of body washes and shower gels can also be used by women. If you prefer musky, woody and smoky notes over floral, sweet and citrus ones, then why not use a men’s body wash instead! After all, shower gels and body washes are unisex really! The only difference is their scent. Apart from the differences in scents, there’s not too much that’s different about men’s and women’s shower gel! Unless you’re choosing a shower gel for a specific skin condition (Keratosis pilaris, eczema etc.) then you can use either.