The shampoo is a detergent that is used to cleanse the scalp and hair, while body wash is a soap that is used to cleanse the body. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, but what is the difference between shampoo vs body wash?
Shampoo vs Body Wash
There are two main categories of personal care products: shampoo and body wash/shower cream. Shampoos are designed to wash and care for hair. Body wash, on the other hand, is suitable for cleaning the entire body. Most commercial shampoos and lotions are either creams or gels.
These are emulsions or gels made from water and detergent bases. They may also contain functional ingredients. Many people mistakenly believe they are the same shampoos or body washes because the texture and form of shampoos and body washes are different. While there are similarities in both formulations, personal care formulators see many differences.
Their target is the first thing that makes them different. The hair is actually a modified form of skin. The significant difference between hair and skin lies in the fact that skin is a living organ that constantly replaces its outermost layers. On the other hand, hair is essentially dead material that has been derived from very few cells deep beneath the skin's surface.
Shampoo Formulation
Haircare is more complex than body care. It will vary depending on the hair type and how it is treated. Human diversity is expressed in hair. For example, there are three primary ethnic hair groups: Caucasian, Asian, and Black-Afro/Caribbean. Many hair types range from straight hair to tightly curled curls to tight, wiry curls to fine, flyaway hair to curly hair. They also have a wide range of behavior patterns.
Shampoos were created because the hair was too dry and damaged to be cleaned with soap. Shampooing your hair with body wash is not a good idea because some shampoo ingredients can cause the skin to feel dry and slack.
Shampoo must have the following characteristics: shampoo should be effective in detergency, without degreasing, and should form rich and delicate bubbling. It should also be easy to rinse after washing hair.
Different shampoos and body washes are available. Shampoos are formulated for hair types such as oiliness, dryness, color-treated damage, frizziness, and other hair problems. Each function has different ingredients that are specifically for hair, not skin. Shampoos are meant to cleanse the hair.
However, it should not be too harsh on the hair as this could cause damage to the hair's natural oils. Shampoos should smell good, be creamy, thick, and leave a rich lather. Trendy herbal extracts and nutritional additives such as amino acids from milk or silk, vitamins, and so on could be other selling points.
Shampoos can have a pH between 4 and 6. Acidic shampoos, which do not contain soap, are the most popular type of shampoo. Acidic shampoos don't swell hair shafts or strip natural oils. A hair follicle has a slightly acidic pH. This makes the hair feel soft and shiny. To lower the pH to 5.5, citric acid is often used. This acid is relatively weak, making it easier to adjust. It has some preservative properties.
Modern shampoos contain a conditioning component. However, conditioners are frequently used after shampooing to smoothen the cuticle layer, which can get damaged during shampooing. Two-in-1 shampoos were developed to address the need for both cleaning and conditioning hair in one step. Hair conditioning can reduce hair damage by increasing sheen, decreasing brittleness, and decreasing porosity.
There are specialized shampoos, such as baby, animal, natural and anti-dandruff shampoos. The anti-dandruff shampoo includes fungicides like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, and selenium sulfide. These fungicides reduce loose hair by killing Malassezia furfur.
Body Wash
The body wash is an emulsion/gel of water and detergent base with added functional ingredients such as moisturizer/conditioner, pearlescent pigments, colorants, fragrance, etc. It can be used in the bath or shower as a skin cleanser. It has a milder surfactant base than shampoos. Most body washes are pH-friendly for the skin (between 5 and 6.5).
They also have gentle conditioning agents. The body gel must be effective in detergency and not degrease the skin. It should have a thick foam, easy rinsing, and minimal skin irritation. Nearly all commercial body washes come with pleasant scents.
Check out our Top Best Body Wash
Can You Use Shampoo As Body Wash?
There are many opinions online about shampooing your skin. Some shampoos are meant to be used only as shampoo, while others prefer shampoo for body washing.
Shampoo and conditioner generally retain minerals and essential oils in the hair. However, too much shampoo can be harmful. Shampoo used as a shower gel would leave your skin feeling greasy and slimy.
Shampoos have an acidic pH that helps keep your hair's cuticles smooth. Body wash, however, has a slightly lower pH. Shampoo can dry out your skin and cause irritation.
Shampoos can be more like detergents than shampoos. Shampoos can also be used as a replacement for detergent and dishwashing fluids. Conditioners can be used to maintain hair's bounce, shine, and smoothness. Body gel should not be used as a shampoo because of the potential for long-term adverse effects on your skin.
You don't have to be worried if the shampoo is used as a body wash by accident. It's okay.
Always buy sulfate-free shampoos, soaps, or body washes. If the shampoo has dried, apply a moisturizer to your skin.
Also read: Can You Wash Your Hair With Body Wash?
Conclusion
Shampoos and body washes can be made with different ingredients depending on the needs of your hair and skin. It is okay to use shampoo as a body wash once in a while. However, using them interchangeably can cause a disruption in the pH of your skin or scalp and lead to hair and skin damage such as dryness, scaling, and dandruff. To avoid such a situation, make sure you have enough shampoo and body wash!
