If we had enough money, we’d make regular trips to the spa to get exotic, aromatic treatments like the people in the movies do. But since that dream ain’t coming true anytime soon, we’ve turned our shower time into somewhat of a spa-like setting by stocking our shelves with luxe-smelling shower gels. If you're looking to try something new or just want options that are tried and tested, get these.
#Tried&Tested: 10 Body Wash & Shower Gels We Swear By During Summer
St. Ives Hydrating Body Wash
You feel like you're in the Bahamas because it brings the beach vibe to you with the coconut tones (without being overwhelming). It is gentle on the skin, and you feel moisturised by the end of it. Plus points for using 100% recycled plastic for the bottle.
User Rating: 4.2/5
User Review: Suitable for dry skin, smells great, and is gentle.
L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Shower Gel
This one has a citrusy scent (it consists of lemon oil and grapefruit extract) and is a good way to get a wakeful start to a hot, sleepy morning. They also retail a refill pouch of 500ml.
User Rating: 4.3/5
User Review: Only a small amount is required, and it lathers up rather quickly, although the fragrance does not stay for that long.
Nykaa Wanderlust Ethiopian Coffee Shower Gel
We've raved about how much we like caffeine as an ingredient. This one does what it says: cleanses and provides hydration, but we found it to smell more like vanilla than coffee.
User Rating: 4.4/5
User Review: Gel consistency so only a small amount is needed, leaves skin feeling clean and smelling great, one of the best fragrances in the collection.
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash
This is probably the most reasonable body wash out there, even when not on discount; you get 800ml worth of product for 400 bucks. It's actually perfect for everyday use; the exfoliating beads are gentle and the body wash is extra hydrating. Also, no parabens and sulphates!
User Rating: 4.5/5
User Review: The texture is very creamy, lathers up nicely, works well for sensitive skin, and is especially great for winters.
The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel
One of our favourite shower gels of all time, this one is a great way to get a floral and refreshing start to your day. We've recommended Body Shop timely because of its high-quality products. This body wash has 92% of its ingredients of natural origin, is dermatological tested, and is 100% vegan!
User Review: 4.5/5
User Rating: Has a soft-soothing scent, keeps the skin nourished and moisturised all day.
Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower Gel
This is one of the loveliest-smelling shower gels we’ve used in a while (we have to admit that Cherry Blossom is in the top five Bath and Body works aromas), and it's especially great if you don’t like applying any kind of perfume, but still want to smell great. The wash lathers properly and is infused with the goodness of Aloe and Vitamin E to keep you moisturised.
User Rating: 4.4/5
User Review: Instantly uplifts the mood, feels luxurious on the skin, and prevents dryness all day.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
Aveeno's daily moisturizing body wash is suitable for all skin types, is cruelty-free, with safe ingredients (that have extensive studies to back them). The formulation is soap-free that contains natural oils and emollients that cleanse as well as lock in moisture, truly on of the best body wash out there.
User Rating: 4.6/5
User Review: It has a mild fragrance, works especially well for extremely dry skin, and doesn't strip away your natural oils.
Forest Essentials Ayurvedic Silkening Shower Wash
I’ve used the Mashobra Honey and Vanilla body wash for over six months and it's easily the most luxurious feeling body wash. It lathers well, smells good and makes me feel like an ayurvedic goddess. If you're still sceptical, get the mini travel version, I bet you'll come back for the full size. It's infused with neem that helps purify and refresh, and Reetha helps deeply cleanse.
User Rating: 4.5/5
User Review: The fragrance lingers for a good few hours, calming and comforting to the senses, the only drawback is the quantity.
The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash
The Derma Co products have pleasantly surprised us. This one's especially great for everyday gentle exfoliation and body acne. It's dermatologically tested, sulfate-free, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The hero ingredients include salicylic acid (for exfoliation and targeting acne) and pentavitin (for hydration and locking in moisture).
User Rating: 4.3/5
User Review: Clears the skin off any bumps, helps with fading scars, and makes skin smoother.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel
Sol de Janeiros' scents have always been among the hot topics on the internet. Their shower gel is a sulfate-free formula, with a blend of capuacu butter, skin-conditioning coconut oil, and the antioxidant acai, and will leave your skin smelling like pistachio caramel dessert all day long.
User Rating: 4.3/5
User Review: Leaves the skin silky-smooth, smells great, cute packaging, is pricey but worth it.
Pro-Tip: Check out our complete review of Bum Bum cream here.