Shower gel (also shower cream or body wash) is a specialized liquid product intended for cleansing the body during the shower. Shower gel should not be confused with liquid soap. Shower gel does not contain saponified oil. Instead, it uses synthetic detergents derived from petroleum or plant sources. Body washes and shower gels have a lower pH than traditional soap. Shower gels are usually enriched with various minerals, Dead Sea salts, essential oils, plant extracts and fragrances, so it is important to choose a product that best suits your needs.