Shower Gel vs. Shampoo: Can You Use Them Interchangeably?

Picture this: you’re in the shower when you realize your shampoo bottle is empty. But then you notice your shower gel sitting there. Do you use the shower gel to wash your hair and see what happens, or do you step out of the shower and Google, “Can I wash my hair with shower gel?”

Shower gel and shampoo come in similar bottles and have similar textures, so it would be entirely understandable to mistake one for the other. But are they just the same thing marketed differently?

To get right down to it, no, they are not.

Let’s talk about the differences between shower gel and shampoo and whether using them interchangeably is okay.

Shampoo needs no introduction, but shower gel can be a little confusing. After all, what exactly is shower gel used for? It’s a fair question.

Essentially, shower gel is similar to body wash but not identical. Shower gel tends to have a stiffer, more gel-like consistency — hence the name — than body wash and a higher concentration of fragrance. It’s less hydrating than body wash, which has a creamier texture and is made with moisturizing ingredients like natural oils.

Shower gel and shampoo are both liquid cleansers, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same. The most obvious difference is the shampoo is optimized for hair health, whereas shower gel is made with the skin in mind.

Let’s get into the main differences between shower gel and shampoo.

Ingredients

Shower gel and shampoo contain similar ingredients, but their other ingredients vary in important ways. Both shampoos and shower gels contain surfactants that bind to water and oil to lift dirt, oil, and product buildup from the hair and scalp. However, shampoos may contain fewer of these ingredients, as hair needs to retain some natural oils.

Shampoos sometimes contain a small amount of conditioning agents to keep hair soft and manageable. They may also contain ingredients to help protect the hair shaft from damage.

Shower gels, meanwhile, focus more on moisturizing and cleansing the skin without being too harsh.

pH Levels

One of the main differences between the two products is their pH levels. Hair has a pH of around 3.6 (though the scalp’s pH matches the skin, around 5.5). Some research suggests that using a shampoo with a pH higher than 5.5 may increase friction and cause frizziness or hair breakage.

The pH level of shower gels and bar soap is generally slightly higher than shampoo. Research shows that most soaps have a pH of around 9-10, while most shampoos have a pH between 6 and 7.

Formulations

Shower gel is available in almost any scent you can imagine, but there isn’t much variation among its formulations. You may have a choice between exfoliating and hydrating, but that’s about it.

On the other hand, there are many kinds of shampoo formulations, including hydrating, clarifying, and volumizing. You can also find shampoo with ingredients to fight dandruff, protect dyed hair, and for other specific needs.

Nothing terrible will happen if you use shower gel as shampoo in a pinch, but we wouldn’t recommend it as a regular practice.

Both products produce lather, but as we discussed, they contain different ingredients — or at least different concentrations of similar ingredients. Using shower gel as shampoo just won’t leave your hair feeling as clean. In addition, shower gels aren't made with detangling ingredients, so your hair might feel knottier if you use shower gel as shampoo.

On the other hand, some shampoos may contain ingredients like sulfates that are too harsh for regular use on the skin and could lead to dry skin. But if you realize while in the shower that you’re out of body wash, using shampoo on your body once or twice isn’t a big deal.

Some products, known as all-in-one or two-in-one, combine shampoo and shower gel. These are safe to use but may be more beneficial for certain hair types.

If your hair is naturally straight and silky and doesn’t tangle easily, it may be fine. However, if you have coarse or curly hair, you may notice that all-in-one products leave your hair feeling tangled. These products may also contain harsh ingredients that aren’t suitable for sensitive skin.

Here are a few things to remember the next time you find yourself in the shower wondering if you can use shower gel as shampoo.

• Shower gel and shampoo may look alike and come in similar packaging, but they’re made for different purposes. Shampoo is designed for scalp and hair health, while shower gel is for body cleansing and moisture balance.

• Using them interchangeably isn't ideal. While shower gel can work in a pinch, it may leave hair tangled and less manageable. Similarly, using shampoo on your skin might lead to dryness or excess oil, depending on your hair type.

• All-in-one products offer convenience but may not suit everyone. They can be great for simple routines, but dedicated products might yield the best results if you have sensitive skin or textured hair.

To learn more, check out our guide to hair care tips for men.