I'm A Beauty Editor And This Is The Shower Gel I'll Always Repurchase (2024)

As a beauty editor, many would expect that my favourite beauty ritual would be something decadent like a facial or blow-dry, but truly, it's my morning and evening showers that I look forward to the most.

And why not? A shower is a basic grooming practice that happens everyday, and while yes, they are for hygienic and practical reasons, it doesn't hurt to pay extra attention to it. After all, everything else in my routine - whether it's moisturising with a body lotion or self-tanning - starts with thoroughly cleansed skin.

The very best, editor-approved shower gels

• Editor's choice: Nécessaire The Body Wash in Santal, £26
• Best for smoothing: Hello Klean Blank Space Anti-KP Body Wash, £10
• Best for sensitive skin: Byoma Sensitive Skin Body Wash, £12
• Best for dry skin: Bioderma Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil, £16.50
• Best for blemish-prone: Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash, £18

What are the benefits of using the best shower gel?

A good ol' soap will do the job effectively at cleansing daily grime, but for something a little more sensorial, a scented body wash can go a long way in bringing some joy into your routine. If you're someone who's constantly on the go, maximising your showers with uplifting smells and decadent textures can help set up a good mood for the rest of the day.

Considering how skin is the largest organ, a well-formulated shower gel can help alleviate common skin ailments such as itching, dryness and blemishes, too.

What to look for in a shower gel

A delicious fragrance in a gentle formula will always be my top priorities, which is why I can't get enough of Nécessaire The Body Wash in Santal, a new scent addition. It is by far, the best-smelling body wash I've ever tried (and my love for perfumed body washes is well-documented), and yet, it doesn't irritate my dry skin in the winter.

For those prone to breakouts and body acne, a niacinamide or salicylic acid-infused shower gel can help keep spots at bay while exfoliating versions can do wonders for keratosis pilaris . Extra thirsty skin will fare best with an oil or cream texture loaded with hydrating glycerin, peptides and hyaluronic acid.

Should I avoid scent in a shower gel?

After speaking to various dermatologists, the consensus is: unless you have specific perfume allergies, there's no reason to give up a scented body wash. Synthetic and lab-derived fragrances are also generally better for the skin as they have been created to be less irritating than certain essential oils. If you do have a fragrance allergy, fret not: there's something for you on this list, too.

How we test

Considering the breadth of shower gels and body washes available on the market, the seasoned beauty editors at ELLE pay very close attention to the formula, texture, scent and packaging to curate this discerning list. Each shower gel must be a pleasure to use and contain skin-kind ingredients, all while looking great in the bathroom.

The Best Shower Gels For Every Skin Type

Since cracking open this bottle two weeks ago, every shower I've had makes me feel deliriously happy. Yes, the formula is kind on sensitive skin and doesn't leave my limbs feeling itchy or tight two hours later, but it's the scent that has me in a chokehold. I've written extensively about my love of scented body washes, but this might just score the top spot. It smells like cosy cardigans and creamy woods; much like my favourite perfume, Le Labo Santal 33 and Giorgio Armani Santal Dan Sha.

Not content with improving water quality with its shower filter heads, Hello Klean's efficacious products is giving the skincare aisles a run for its money. This bi-phase body cleanser uses salicylic acid and niacinamide to take care of bumpy skin texture and rebalance excess oils. Naturally, it also has built in Klean Complex to neutralise minerals, pollutants and hard metals so skin stays soothed.

If the mere mention of fragrance breaks you out in hives or if your skin tends to feel itchy and uncomfortable after a shower, try Byoma's no-frills body cleanser. It's completely unscented, and is packed with soothing ingredients such as panthenol, oat flour and inulin (which keeps the skin microbiome happy).

If extremely dry skin is your bugbear, cut through all the noise and head straight to this no-nonsense cleanser. It's thoughtfully created for all ages and contains niacinamide, glycerin and coconut derivatives to effectively remove daily grime without upsetting the skin. A gentle scent delivers a much-needed sensorial experience without overwhelming the senses or irritating already-fragile skin.

Despite being an ingredient synonymous with facial care, salicylic acid’s benefits – unclogging pores, smoothing and sloughing away dead skin cells – make it an excellent addition to your body care routine. Paired with nourishing glycerin, this Naturium body wash helps hydrate and tend to perennially dry limbs, too.

Early risers and 'amletes' (those who fit in a fitness regime before breakfast) will appreciate just how invigorating this shower gel is. It uses plant-derived surfactants to gently cleanse without sacrificing moisture, and smells like a lively burst of citrusy bergamots and bright roses.

Streamlining your bodycare routine? Try this one from Vieve. Pour a capful (or two) into your bath to infuse it with bubbles and a grounding, sensuous scent of sandalwood and amber or use it as a body cleanser in the shower. It contains vitamin-rich seaweed sourced from north Scotland to soften and nourish as it purifies.

If you're stumped on gifting ideas, an elevated version of an everyday basic always goes down a treat. This aesthetically-pleasing Dior shower gel smells like pure luxury, but rest assured, your recipient will appreciate just how useful it is, too. Once done, they can just refill it with their shower gel of choice (we promise we won't tell).

Glossier's fan-favourite shower oil is now reformulated but loyal latherers needn't worry: the rich, silky formula is now even more indulgent than before. There's that orange blossom scent you know and love, and the sulphate-free oil texture leaves skin feeling extra soft.

L'Occitane's festive drops never disappoints. This nourishing, creamy formula replenishes moisture as it cleanses and comes laced with a warm, citrus scent. An excellent option for Christmas stockings, too.

Inspired by the stress-reducing, shoulder-slackening benefits of forest bathing, this body wash doubles up as a softening scrub to cleanse and exfoliate skin. It's a serious treat for the senses, especially after a long day's work.

From the undisputed leaders in aromatherapy bodycare, this silky shower oil is steeped in the famously effective De-Stress blend of frankincense and chamomile (which makes a nice change to the usual lavender). A tip: pour it into your hands before taking three deep, long breaths.

This sumptuous wash combines therapeutic natural oils, rosewater and glycerin to keep your limbs hydrated and beautifully scented. The spring-free pump makes recycling extra easy, too, as you don't have to worry about separating the parts.

It might not come with much sex appeal, but Ameliorate's creamy body wash is the best way to get rid of those pesky keratosis pilaris spots. The secret is a dose of lactic acid, alongside gentle surfactants that cleanse without stripping the skin barrier.

The affordable option we've been recommending for years, Caudalie's floral shower gel, scented with ginger, jasmine and white musk, is sure to lift your mood. With a natural base of grape water (one of the mainstays of the brand), this plant-based gel is free from stripping soaps and foams gently to minimise dryness.