Nowadays it's very easy to get lost among the variety of gels that cosmetics manufacturers offer. On sale there are special gels with particles that exfoliate the skin, gels for aromatherapy, intimate gels, gel-creams, gels with sea minerals, etc. Also there are shower gels with the smell of perfume. Also, many well-known manufacturers offer bath gels for the human body.
Shower gels composition: alkali
Sometimes soaps may be present in gels, but in very small quantities. And some manufacturers replace soap with other components.
Shower gels must necessarily have water in their composition.
Low alkali content in shower gels, which can harm our skin, is an important advantage. In addition, with the help of various additives manufacturers reduce the harmful effects of alkali in gels. As a rule, manufacturers use citric acid, which neutralizes alkali. This property of citric acid has long been known to people. So, in the old days, it was used for rinsing, after washing the hair.
It should be noted that shower gels do not dispense with the content of alkali in its composition because of its property to clean hair and skin. Components containing alkali create a foam that helps to cleanse the skin during washing.
Chemical composition of gels
Surface-active substances create a basis for gels, still these substances are sometimes called surfactants.
When buying a shower gel, you should pay attention to the softness of its effect on the skin. Lauryl sulfate compounds have strong cleaning properties. And components such as cocoglycerin and laureth sulfates and betaines, help to soften the formula.
The higher the softness of the surface active components, the higher the cost of the gel. This is one of the reasons why the manufacturers of gels use combinations of components containing lauryl sulfate and substances that do not have such aggressive washing ability.
Most of the gels, in addition to the washing base, contain various plant extracts. The presence of plant substances in the gel helps to increase consumer demand. It should be noted that different gels contain different amounts of plant components. The amount of these substances in the gel affects its price. A gel that contains only one vegetable component, and it is listed at the very end of the list, can not be called natural.
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.
A typical composition of gels: dyes, fragrances and preservatives. These substances do not add gels to the shower of benefit, but the current cosmetology while do without them can not practically.
Parabens are usually used as preservatives. Also on the market there are products where the preservative is a benzoate. This ingredient is considered less aggressive and harmful to the skin. Also, other ingredients are sometimes added, among which there are natural antibacterial components.
Dyes and perfume manufacturers use to make the product more interesting to the buyer. Since very many consumers are guided when choosing a gel for its color and smell. Success in sales depends on these properties of the gel.
In fact, the bright color of the gel and its pleasant aroma is just an illusion designed to increase consumer demand. The smell and color of the gel are created by artificial fragrances and dyes.
However, there are exceptions to the rules on the market. If desired, 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 this gel differs from its competitors by a higher price. In addition, this gel will not have a sharp aroma, on the contrary, its smell will be deep and thin. When using a gel, such a fragrance can present a psychological satisfaction.
Since the gel does not contain artificial colors, it will be almost colorless. Natural shower gel very gently affects the skin. At the same time, this product practically does not cause allergic reactions.
How to choose the right shower gel
When choosing shower gels, you should consider the skin condition and its type. Experts advise paying close attention to the annotations to this product.
In addition, various gels perform different functions. Some gels are designed to give vivacity, tone up the skin, raise the mood, others have soothing properties, they help a person to relieve stress, relax after a hard day. Therefore, gels that tone up should be used in the morning, and gels that have relaxing properties should be used before bedtime, as they speed up the process of falling asleep.
Toning shower gels tend to have the smell of citrus fruit, such as: lemon, orange, lime. People who like the fresher flavors can use gels with the smell of mint, eucalyptus or sea freshness.
Conifers, lavender fragrances of gels perfectly suit for an evening shower.
You can also use gels, for example, with extracts of sakura flowers, lotus.