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What Is Douche Gel?

Kay Paddock
Kay Paddock

Douche gel, which is more commonly called gel douche, is shower gel and has nothing to do with vaginal douching. In French, the word "douche" means shower, and "gel" has the same meaning as in English. Shower gels and body washes often say "gel douche" on the package below the English phrase. Body washes are essentially liquid soap designed for full-body bathing rather than just washing the hands. They typically come in squeeze or pump bottles and tubes, and are sometimes have a liquid, shampoo-like consistency rather than an actual gel.

One reason some people prefer to use shower gels is the wide variety of scents that are available. Douche gel varieties include some that are designed for use by everyone while others are specially scented to appeal to either men or women. Choosing one is generally as easy as purchasing one that has a pleasing scent.

Shower gels often say "douche gel" on the label, which is French.
Shower gels often say "douche gel" on the label, which is French.

Many companies offer a variety of shower gels and body washes, including those made for conditions such as sensitive or dry skin. A few specialty types of shower gels include those that are designed for aromatherapy or those that contain herbs and special ingredients that are supposed to be extra healthy for the skin. Some may have a stronger fragrance than others, which could interfere with the scent of a cologne or perfume that will be worn after the bath. Sets including body wash, a body spray, powders and other products are often available for those who enjoy a specific shower gel fragrance.

Some bath and shower gels contain lavender, tea tree oil, or other therapeutic fragrances.
Some bath and shower gels contain lavender, tea tree oil, or other therapeutic fragrances.

Using douche gel generally means it is not necessary to also use another type of soap. Many people replace their bar soap with shower gel when they start using it. Douche gel can be squeezed into the palm of the hand and rubbed over the skin, just like soap. Some bars of soap may actually harbor bacteria that can be transferred to the people using it. One benefit of using shower gel is that this transfer of germs is typically much less likely to happen.

Some shower gels can also be used to make bubbles for the bath.
Some shower gels can also be used to make bubbles for the bath.

It may also be possible to use less soap when using a body wash. Bar soaps generally melt at least a little when they get wet in a shower, even if they are not being used. Douche gel typically creates a rich lather with only a small dot of soap. A plastic bath sponge, also commonly called a bath puff, is usually ideal for use with douche gel. Unlike a wash cloth, the plastic mesh does not absorb the soap but adds air to create more lather with less product.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

I like shower gels. I started using them recently and I think they're much better than soap. Soap is very drying and it makes a mess in the shower. There is no mess with shower gels. Plus, it foams very easily and quickly and I like the consistency too.

I also like that there are different scents available. I think most body soaps have scents that are more suitable for men. There are more scent options with shower gels.

serenesurface

@simrin-- I have oily skin too and I use douche gels that don't contain moisturizing ingredients like natural oils. Moisturizing douche gels make me break out. I used one once that had shea butter and it was too oily for me.

I tend to go for refreshing douche gels and I like the mint scented ones. If you shower every morning, a mint scented douche gel is great for mornings. It wakes me up.

SteamLouis

I have oily skin. What type of douche gel is best for me?

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    • Shower gels often say "douche gel" on the label, which is French.
      By: Simone Andress
      Shower gels often say "douche gel" on the label, which is French.
    • Some bath and shower gels contain lavender, tea tree oil, or other therapeutic fragrances.
      By: Karramba Production
      Some bath and shower gels contain lavender, tea tree oil, or other therapeutic fragrances.
    • Some shower gels can also be used to make bubbles for the bath.
      By: stormy
      Some shower gels can also be used to make bubbles for the bath.
    • Some bars of soap may harbor bacteria that can be transferred to the person using it.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Some bars of soap may harbor bacteria that can be transferred to the person using it.
    • Women who douche regularly believe that it cleans the vagina, gets rid of odor and rinses away blood after menstruation.
      By: reineg
      Women who douche regularly believe that it cleans the vagina, gets rid of odor and rinses away blood after menstruation.