Ever stepped into a nice warm shower and pretended to be a pop star? You know, lip syncing to Britney’s iconic Baby One More Time album from the ‘90s (or is that just me?), bursting into a lengthy Oscar’s speech holding your half empty shampoo bottle, contemplating whether you should have a greasy burger instead of a green salad for lunch? No matter which category you belong to, it is safe to say that a good, long bath is a great way to destress, decompress and unwind. A warm shower right before you hit the sack at night does more than make you feel all squeaky clean. It helps relax your nervous system by washing away all the stress, does away with any skin irritation and elevates your spiritual health. On the other hand, going for cold water before you start your day makes your nerves active and alert, leaving you feeling pumped.
Having said that, picking the right shower gel is incredibly crucial for amplifying your bathing routine. Natural shower gels have seen a steady rise in popularity as they forgo sulphates that may lead to clogged pores and parabens—scientifically found to seep into the deepest layers of your body and known to desensitise the skin. So, if you have been contemplating the switch to gel-based formulas that satiate your skin gently yet adroitly, smell amazing and are packed with the best of everything natural, we’ve curated a list of the most refreshing shower gels, and body washes on Nykaa that also qualify as customer-favourites. As opposed to bathing bars, these are not susceptible to contamination (owing to its sturdy bottle packaging), delivering a rich lather with just a pump.
1. Lost In Translation
This creamy shower gel from the Nykaa Wanderlust Range will transport you to the land of the rising sun—Japan, famous for cosplays, Murakami and the exquisite sakura (cherry blossoms). Lather it on your skin to let the goodness of aloe vera seep, hydrate the deepest layers and give it a healthy and rejuvenated glow. The scent is mild and comforting, just enough to leave a subtle hint of Japanese Cherry Blossom. This shower gel is vegan, devoid of parabens and is a bestseller from our in-house bath and body line.
2. Definitely Your Cup Of Tea
A woodsy scent, this product by Forest Essentials gently cleans and restores the health of your skin. A nourishing blend of oudh oil, green tea and neem leaves, this sulphate-free elixir is bound to remind you of green canopies that line the blue sky. Oudh is a rare wood resin that is skilled at warming and soothing your skin. This formulation also holds vitamin E which makes it impeccable for countering pollution and safeguarding the skin against detrimental UV radiations.
3. Through Rose Tinted Glasses
Brewed with rose extracts made from hand-picked British roses, this body wash from The Body Shop will help you achieve soft, dewy skin. Lather it up with a loofah to eradicate build-up, and stubborn dirt. The product is 100% vegetarian and cruelty free.
4. Your Daily Coffee Fix
If you are a coffee aficionado whose day is incomplete without a cup of joe (or maybe more) try MCaffeine’s coffee-infused body wash that’s making a huge splash this monsoon. The unique formulation not only energises your skin but the aroma of coffee is a treat for your senses. The blend that comprises coffee and caffeine — aimed at gentle exfoliation, the coffee oil present in the scrub works as a polishing agent and natural AHAs are known to administer an even skin tone.
5. Pomegranate Punch
This natural formulation from Pears Naturale enriches your skin with essential oils to make it smoother and softer. A 100% soap-free, paraben-free body wash that comes in recyclable packaging, good for your skin and wonderful for the environment. Pomegranates are known to be rich in antioxidants which help you achieve super glowing skin.
6. I Wish It Would Rain
This Nykaa Femina Beauty Award winner from Neutrogena is popularly known for its earthy scent qualified as an editor-favourite back here at the Nykaa Office. A beautiful harmony of spices, herbs and fruits, this cult body wash will deep clean your skin without leaving any heavy residue. Also, the smooth texture makes it ideal on days you choose to squeeze in a plan to quickly shave your legs.
7. Enchanting Water Lilies
This body wash is the perfect way to snap out of a rut and start afresh. The formula has been designed to cater for all skin types (dermatologically-approved) and cleans gently but effectively.
8. Tropical Fruity Blend
This body-loving gel will instantly teleport you to the beautiful bays of Hawaii. A gorgeous blend of coconut, acai and passion fruit, this formula aims at thorough cleansing by focussing on concerns like acne, inflammation and skin irritation. The body gel also contains olive oil which is known to rejuvenate the skin by slackening the process of ageing.
9. Savoury Salted Caramel
Packed with natural ingredients from the amazon—cupuacu butter aids nourishment, and the coconut present in the formula is ideal for skin conditioning. The acai whipped into the product helps rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. This vegan, sustainably sourced, hydrating gel is packaged in a recyclable bottle and therefore checks all the boxes if you’re looking to move to a future-proof offering.
10. Almond Abundance
Almond is touted as a hero ingredient for everything skin, from countering dryness to administering even skin tone to the removal of dead cells seated on the epidermis. This Almond Shower Oil by L'Occitane harnesses these very benefits to grant your skin the well-rounded love and nourishment it needs. On coming in contact with water it creates a light lather which is an ideal base for shaving. Dampen your loofah, place a small amount of the shower gel and let the scent of vanilla and almonds wrap you in all its glory.
