Dental beauty and health 

The composition of the shower gel: harmful and useful components. Best moisturizing shower gel: reviews

Shower gels have become popular in our country for a long time. Many people use shower gel instead of traditional soap. As a rule, shower gels cleanse the skin in the same way as soap, but the gel does not dry out the skin or upset its PH balance. They wash much better and use the gel is much more pleasant.

It is very easy to get confused these days among the variety of gels that cosmetics manufacturers offer. On sale there are special gels with particles that exfoliate the skin, aromatherapy gels, intimate gels, gels-creams, gels with sea minerals, etc. There are also shower gels with a scent of perfume.

Composition of gelsshower: meadow

Sometimes soap can be present in gels, but in very small quantities. And some manufacturers replace cute with other components.

Shower gels must necessarily contain water.

The low meadow content in shower gels, which can harm our skin, is an important benefit. In addition, with the help of various additives, manufacturers reduce the harmful influence of the meadow in the gels. Typically, growers use citric acid to neutralize the meadow. This property of citric acid has long been known to people. Yes, in the old days, it was used for rinsing, after washing the hair.

It should be noted that shower gels are not complete without the contents of the meadow in their composition through its properties to cleanse hair and skin. The ingredients that contain the meadow create a foam that helps to cleanse the skin when washed off.

The chemical composition of the gels

Surfactants form the basis for gels, and these substances are also sometimes called pavas.

When buying a shower gel, you should pay attention to the softness of its effect on the skin. Lauryl sulfate compounds have strong cleansing properties. And components such as cocoglycerin and laureth sulfate and betaine help to soften the formula.

The higher the softness of the surfactant components, the higher the cost of the gel. This is one of the reasons why manufacturers of gels use combinations of components that contain lauryl sulfate and substances that have a less aggressive cleaning ability.

Most of the gels, in addition to the detergent base, contain various plant extracts. The presence of plant substances in the gaele contributes to an increase in consumer demand. It should be noted that different gels contain different amounts of herbal components. The amount of these substances in a gael affects its price. A gel that contains only one herbal component, and it is marked at the very end of the list, cannot be called natural.

The gels contain stabilizing agents such as EDTA (tetrasodium). Their content in gels is necessary for the uniform distribution of its constituent substances.

Citric acid and sodium hydroxide are most often used as acidity regulators. One of the most common thickeners is sodium chloride.

Glycerin and polyquaternium are used as emollients.

Typical composition of Gaels: colorants, fragrances and preservatives. These substances do not add any benefit to shower gels, but current cosmetology practically cannot do without them.

Parabens are commonly used as preservatives. There are also products on the market where the preservative is benzoate. This component is considered to be less corrosive and harmful to the skin. Other ingredients are sometimes added, including natural antibacterial ingredients.

Manufacturers use dyes and fragrances to make the product more interesting to the buyer. Since many consumers are guided when choosing a gel for its color and smell. Sales success depends precisely on these properties of the gel.

In reality, the bright color of the gel and its pleasant aroma are just an illusion designed to increase consumer demand. The smell and color of the gel is created by artificial flavors and colors.

True, there are exceptions to the rules on the market. If you wish, you can find a gel, the chemical composition of which does not contain artificial colors and flavors. Instead of synthetic fragrances, manufacturers use natural ingredients such as essential oils. Usually, such a gel differs from its competitors in its higher price. In addition, this gel will not have a pungent aroma, on the contrary, its smell will be deep and subtle. When used with a gel, this scent can provide psychological pleasure.

Since the gel does not contain artificial colors, it will be practically colorless. Natural shower gel is very gentle on the skin. Moreover, this product practically does not cause allergic reactions.

How to choose the right shower gel

When choosing shower gels, you should take into account the condition of the skin and its type. Experts advise to pay close attention to the annotations for this product.

In addition, different gels have different functions. Some gels are designed to invigorate, tone the skin, raise the mood, others have sedative properties, they help a person to relieve stress, relax after a hard day. Tom gaele, which tone, should be used in the morning, and gels, which have relaxing properties, should be used before bed, as they speed up the process of falling asleep.

Toning shower gels usually smell like citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, lime. For people who like fresher scents, gels with mint, eucalyptus or sea fresh scent can be used.

Coniferous, lavender aromas of gels are perfect for an evening shower.

You can also use gels, for example, with extracts of sakura flowers, lotus.

An environmentally friendly brand does not mean environmentally friendly. The latter includes in the composition of its products ingredients grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals, their production is safe for the environment, the packaging decomposes in the soil. These products do not contain artificial ingredients such as silicones, parabens and refined petroleum products. Below are six remedies that meet these requirements.

Peach Blossom Smoothing Body Wash by O "right

In Taiwan, a peach-scented moisturizing shower gel is produced at an eco-plant powered by solar and wind power. The bottle decomposes in the soil in 12 months, and at the bottom of the capsule are hidden acacia seeds, which can be planted after using the gel. The owners of the company are so immersed in the philosophy of eco-unity with nature that, without exception, all employees in production are non-smokers.

Lavender Creamy Body Wash by Weleda


Weleda does not mention the biodegradation of its packaging, but the quality certificate for biological organic and natural cosmetics NaTrue speaks about the use of 100% natural ingredients, safe production and the absence of petroleum products, parabens and silicones in products. For example, the lavender for this shower gel (and other brand products) is grown on a biodynamic farm (governed by the laws and cycles of biological energy) in Moldovan Bessarabia. The gel with a soft creamy texture moisturizes the skin well - what you need in winter.

Almond Soothing Body Wash by Dr. Hauschka


All products of the brand are packaged in easily recyclable materials, they use ecological electricity in production, and natural extracts and even rainwater are used as ingredients. Creamy shower balm with almond aroma is completely based on oils and plant extracts. Even the perfume fragrance is made from natural essential oils. Therefore, the product very gently cleanses the skin and does not require additional moisture after a shower.

Sunflower & Coconut Shower Gel by Mahash


Mahash also shares the concept of being in harmony with nature, which is why the products are manufactured and developed without harming the environment: the packaging is made from recyclable raw materials. We have chosen a moisturizing shower gel, the main ingredients of which are sunflower and coconut oils, which are rich in many acids. They cleanse the skin well, exfoliate the stratum corneum, and vitamin E moisturizes after taking a shower. The product is very economically consumed: with massage movements, abundant foam is immediately formed.

Body Wash White Grape by Patyka


Believe it or not, Patyka shower gel (and all other products as well) are packaged in a cardboard box made from recycled sugarcane fibers, the inscriptions on which are created from plant-based inks. This shower gel with a bright ripe grape scent is especially suitable for sensitive skin because it does not contain soap. Its main component is raspberry water, which cleanses, relieves irritation and has an antioxidant effect. In addition to many eco-certifications, Patyka products are marked with the words "1% for the planet", which means: 1% of the turnover goes to organizations that care about the environment.

Rose Body Wash by Ausganica


An Australian brand using 75 to 100% organic ingredients in every product. For example, soap tree nut extract has become the main cleansing ingredient in rose shower gel. Rose oil in the composition has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. More than 20 ingredients are added to the formulation, all of which are aimed at nutrition and daily fight against skin aging.

Shower gel is an indispensable tool for every person. We apply it all over the body, over the entire surface of the skin every day. And if aggressive ingredients are present in shower gels, then with regular use, the protective barriers of the skin will be damaged. A person begins to experience discomfort in the form of increased skin sensitivity, dryness and irritation. So what is included in a shower gel?

The composition of the shower gel or how to choose something that will not harm:

1. In the first place is almost always water.

2. The basis of shower gels is a composition of surfactants called surfactants, which actually serve to cleanse the skin.

The following surfactants can be used in shower gels:

Anionic - Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Magnesium Lauryl Sulfate (MLS), Magnesium Laureth Sulfate (MLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS);

The most harmful are Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS);

Anionic surfactants are the main components of shower gels. It is these surfactants that provide the formation of a large amount of foam, and they also have the most irritating effect on the skin. That is why, in addition to these surfactants, non-ionic surfactants are also added to shower gels: they significantly soften the effect of anionic detergents.

Nonionic - fatty acid glycerides of coconut and palm oils, fatty acid alkanolamides (Cocoamid DEA), PEG-4 (PEG-4 Rapeseedamide), PEG-7 (PEG-7Glyceryl Cocoate), PEG-35 (castor oil);

Amphoteric - alkyl betaines, sulfobetaines and alkylaminocarboxy acids.

Amphoteric surfactants are considered the highest quality, however, they are also the most expensive. Such surfactants have practically no effect on the protective barrier of the skin, but at the same time they very well remove impurities. Due to their high cost, they are rarely used in cosmetics intended for the mass consumer.

When choosing a gel, one should be guided, first of all, by the softness of its effect. Lauryl sulfate compounds have strong detergent properties. But substances such as laureth sulfates, cocoglycerides and betaines contribute to a significant softening of the formula. However, its price depends on the softness of the surfactant effect. For this reason, manufacturers of shower gels very often use combinations of surfactants that contain lauryl sulfate for deep cleansing and less aggressive detergents.

3. The next important ingredients in shower gels are preservatives that extend the shelf life of cosmetics. Most often, this role is played by parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben), which are notable for their low cost and therefore are especially loved by manufacturers. Today, there is heated debate about whether parabens are harmful to health, because their relationship with the occurrence of breast cancer has been discovered. The final point on this issue has not yet been put. There are also products with benzoates on the market. These substances are considered to be less harmful and aggressive for our skin. Some other substances are also added, among which there are natural oils with antibacterial action.

4. The gels contain such stabilizing agents as tetrasodium EDTA. They are necessary to keep the gel constituents evenly distributed. Sodium hydroxide and citric acid are most often used as acidity regulators. The most common thickener is sodium chloride (common salt). Used emollients include polyquaternium and glycerin.

5. The composition of shower gels also contains fragrances and dyes, which are used to make the product more attractive to customers. These substances, of course, do not add any benefit to the product, but modern cosmetology practically cannot do without them. After all, many people when choosing a shower gel are guided by its color and smell. It is these properties that drive sales success. But in fact, the pleasant aroma and bright color of the gel are just an illusion. They are created using artificial colors and flavors.

It should be noted that there are exceptions on the market. You can find shower gel that does not contain synthetic fragrances. Instead, manufacturers use natural oils. Such a gel can be distinguished, first of all, at a higher price. In addition, such a product will not have a strong aroma, its smell will be more subtle and deeper. This scent is able to give psychological satisfaction when using the gel.

As for the color, the natural gel will be practically colorless, since it does not contain synthetic dyes. But the natural gel will have a very mild effect on the skin. At the same time, the risk of allergic reactions to this product is greatly reduced.

6. It is very good if the gel contains medicinal herbs. It is even better if it contains various oils (coconut, soy, palm, almond, peach, etc.). Their purpose is to additionally moisturize the skin during and after washing. In this case, it is important to know: the presence of medicinal herbs, oils, fruit components, etc. in gels it can be in the form of extracts or oils that bring real benefits, and in the form of esters, that is, odors that deliver only aesthetic pleasure. Therefore, if the detergent you like is declared as containing natural herbal ingredients, look for the words "Extract" or "Oil" in the list of its ingredients.

7. What other components in the composition of shower gels will tell the label? Often propylene glycol is present in shower gels. It is claimed that this component makes the skin smooth and healthy, but in fact, propylene glycol is able to deplete the natural resources of the skin, displace fluid and beneficial trace elements from it. Applying this substance to the skin can promote early aging.

Thus, the composition of most common inexpensive shower gels is far from perfect - there are many useless or even harmful ingredients in it. So, you need to stop using shower gels? Not necessary at all. You can use shower gels, but you should only choose products that are safe for health, paying attention to the composition of the product.

A good alternative is organic shower gels, which do not have the disadvantages of conventional gels, because their compositions differ significantly. So, in organic shower gels there are no aggressive surfactants (they are replaced by the mildest surfactants), there are no parabens, propylene glycol, artificial flavors and dyes. With organic shower gels, you can be sure that hazardous substances will not enter the body during their use, which means that such gels will not threaten health.

Shower gels have gained immense popularity today, because, as advertising promises, they give the skin a pleasant aroma, make it velvety and, unlike soap, do not dry it out. However, whether it is possible to unconditionally trust the advertising promises of manufacturers of shower gels is still a question. For example, do you know what is composition of shower gels presented at the choice of consumers?

Shower gels foam well, they can have the scent of an expensive perfume, moreover, in addition to their cleansing function, they can also perform moisturizing, exfoliating and other useful functions. All these properties of shower gels have made them in demand, especially among women.

With all its advantages, modern shower gels can also have a number of disadvantages, the main one of which is the presence in their composition of components that are far from harmless to the skin. So, some components of shower gels can cause skin irritation and dryness, and can also cause a violation of the natural acid-base balance of the skin.

Aggressive surfactants in shower gels, which, by the way, are their main active ingredients, can provoke the occurrence of allergies, and all kinds of fragrances, dyes and preservatives, usually present in shower gels, further exacerbate this negative effect. To protect yourself from possible harmful effects on the skin of a shower gel, you need to carefully study its composition before buying.

So what can be found in shower gels? First of all, it is, of course, water. Followed by set of surfactants(Surfactants), which, in fact, serve to cleanse the skin. The following surfactants can be used in shower gels:

  • anionic e.g. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Magnesium Lauryl Sulfate (MLS), Magnesium Laureth Sulfate (MLES), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (MLES) ALS), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES);
  • nonionic for example, coconut and palm oil fatty acid glycerides, fatty acid alkanolamides (Cocoamid DEA), PEG-4 (PEG-4 Rapeseedamide), PEG-7 (PEG-7Glyceryl Cocoate), PEG-35 (castor oil);
  • amphoteric for example alkylbetaines, sulfobetaines and alkylaminocarboxylic acids.

Anionic surfactants are the main components of shower gels. It is these surfactants that provide the formation of a large amount of foam and they also have the most irritating effect on the skin. That is why, in addition to these surfactants, non-ionic surfactants are also added to shower gels: they significantly soften the effect of anionic detergents. Among the anionic surfactants, the most harmful are ammonium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Amphoteric surfactants are considered the highest quality, however, they are also the most expensive. Such surfactants have practically no effect on the protective barrier of the skin, but at the same time they very well remove impurities. Due to their high cost, they are rarely used in cosmetics intended for the mass consumer.

The following important ingredients in shower gels are converters... Most often, this role is played by parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben), which are notable for their low cost and therefore are especially loved by manufacturers. Today, there is heated debate about whether parabens are harmful to health, because their relationship with the occurrence of breast cancer has been discovered. The final point in this matter has not yet been put, however, cosmetologists still recommend refraining from frequent skin contact with parabens.

What other ingredients in shower gels will the label tell you about? Often present in shower gels propylene glycol(Propylene Glycol). It is claimed that this component makes the skin smooth and healthy, but in fact, propylene glycol is able to deplete the natural resources of the skin, displace fluid and beneficial trace elements from it. Applying this substance to the skin can promote early aging.

In addition to water, surfactants and preservatives, there are shower gels stabilizing agents, for example, EDTA (tetrasodium), acidity regulators e.g. citric acid and sodium hydroxide, thickeners eg sodium chloride (common salt). Dyes and fragrances in shower gels also take up a considerable share, but they have no benefit, except, of course, marketing. These components can be of natural or artificial origin.

Thus, the composition of most common modern shower gels is far from perfect - there are many useless or even harmful ingredients in it. So, you need to stop using shower gels? Not necessary at all. You can use shower gels, but you should only choose products that are safe for health - organic shower gels.

They are devoid of the disadvantages of conventional gels, because their compositions differ significantly. So, there are no aggressive surfactants in organic shower gels(replaced by the mildest surfactants), no parabens, propylene glycol, artificial flavors and colors. With organic shower gels, you can be sure that hazardous substances will not enter the body during their use, which means that such gels will not threaten health.

Today, each of us cannot imagine without the use of soap and special shower gels. We use them day after day, so we assume that their composition should be as safe as possible for health.

But it is not always the case. Soaps and washing gels contain a whole list of chemical ingredients that can harm human health. In today's article, we will talk about what the most dangerous compounds can be in detergents, and why they should be avoided.

Diethanolamine (DEA)

This compound easily overcomes the protective barrier of the skin, and interacts with preservatives derived from nitrogen, and, as a rule, found in most detergents. This forms the carcinogen nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA) -.

Diethanolamine in its pure form is extremely hazardous to health, since it interferes with the entry of choline into the body and its full assimilation - and this substance plays an important role in the normal development and functioning of the brain (most acutely, this applies to children during intrauterine development).

The DEA derivative triethanolamine (TEA) is also potentially carcinogenic, so any detergents containing DEA and TEA should be avoided.

Triclosan

Chemically, triclosan is a pesticide, however, it has been used successfully in a role in the cosmetic industry. The presence of triclosan in soap allows you to suppress the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms that actively colonize the human skin.

Triclosan has its own side effect - against the background of its bactericidal properties in humans, which means that as a result of the mutation of bacteria, it will be impossible to destroy them with the previously used means.

In addition, triclosan has an effect on estrogen levels in women, which plays a role in.

Formaldehyde

This substance is a breakdown product of certain chemical compounds, such as urea.

Under its influence, respiratory disorders can occur, such as:

  • and heartbeat problems.

Formaldehyde suppresses the body's immune system, making it vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.

Dioxan

Many consider it to be a safe compound as dioxane is derived from coconut oil. However, in practice, not everything is so simple, because experts recognized dioxane as a carcinogen, which also negatively affects the nervous system, kidneys and liver.

Sodium lauryl sulfate

It is an emulsifier and cleansing agent that is a fairly common ingredient in the list of potentially hazardous substances in cosmetic products. Sodium lauryl sulfate is found in shampoos and shower gels, liquid hand soaps, as well as industrial detergents for cleaning engines, etc.

The result of the interaction of lauryl sulfate with certain cosmetic ingredients in the detergent composition is the nitrosamine compound, which has carcinogenic properties. In addition, lauryl sulfate easily penetrates the skin's protective barrier, similar to diethanolamine described above. As a result, the skin becomes susceptible to most of the unsafe chemicals that cause cancer.

There are also cases of sodium lauryl sulfate poisoning among people. This substance in a certain concentration can harm the skin, burn the mucous membranes of the eyes, change the balance at the hormonal level in the human reproductive system and cause behavioral and mood disorders.

Parabens

These are the most common chemical compounds found in most cosmetics. They can be found in almost any shower gel or soap. Parabens are not safe either.

Studies have confirmed that with their prolonged exposure to the skin, the risk of cancer increases, and parabens are also able to mimic the female hormone estrogen in the body.

In addition, the increase in neurological disorders and skin lesions with tumors and painful ulcers are explained by the effect of parabens.

Flavors

The task of fragrances is to make the finished product pleasant to use by masking the unpleasant odors of certain ingredients of the cosmetic product.

And, it would seem, they should be safe and harmless. But in reality, everything is much more complicated. The very term "flavorings" is a free priority for the manufacturer, because he does not need to fully specify the composition and amount of flavoring additives.

Therefore, a fragrant composition in a shower gel can be hazardous to health, causing:

  • migraine,
  • and conduct disorders.

Propylene glycol

A substance such as propylene glycol is included not only in cosmetic products, but also in paints and varnishes, antifreezes and much more.

  • skin lesions
  • liver
  • and kidneys.

We hope this article will help you take a fresh look at your everyday cosmetics choices and feel safe in your own bathroom.

Study the labels on the packaging, check the websites of cosmetics manufacturers to find out what ingredients they add to their products, and avoid products containing the ingredients listed above.

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