The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel Review

Some time back on the blog, I waxed lyrical about my love for The Body Shop satsuma body polish and cocoa butter shower cream . Now with only a tiny bit amount of strawberry shower gel left in the bottle, I'm here to report that my love affair with continues.

And why not? After all, The Body Shop is one brand that believes in fair trade and offers products that are innovative and naturally inspired. Containing real strawberry seed oil and organic strawberry scent - The Body Shop Strawberry Shower gel is perfect for those lazy mornings, when you need a good kick to start your day.

Here's my detailed review of the product to know more:

Describe the product in three words?

Sweet-smelling, moisturizing, cruelty-free.

Who is it for?

All skins, particularly those with normal to dry skin and those who love fruity fragrances.

What's in it?

Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, CocamidopropylBetaine, Cocamide DEA, Coco-Glucoside, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Glycine soja (Soybean Oil), Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Fragariavesca (Strawberry Juice), PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, Benzophenone-4, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Cinnamal, Linalool.

What's not in it?

Parabens, mineral oil.

Presence of any acne/allergy/trouble causing ingredients?

Possibly, sulfates (sodium laureth sulfate)

Product tested on animals?

No.

How does it smells?

Smells of fresh strawberry juice, nothing more.

How do you use it?

Use it every morning and evening in the bath or shower with hands or a loofah.

Best for winter or summer?

Either, depending upon your mood. I prefer to use it in summers due to its fresh scent and rich lather.

How much does it cost?

INR 450 for 250 ml

How's my experience with the product?

With a busy schedule of late, I have gotten kind of lax about using body lotion after shower. Hectic hours have left me with barely enough energy to shower, much less moisturize full body. But thanks to the goodness of The Body Shop strawberry shower gel, my skin still feels soft and fresh even at the end of a long, winding day.

While, in winters I do feel the need of a body lotion after using this shower gel, in summers it feels enough moisturizing without being greasy or sticky. Basically, unlike other shower gels or soaps, The Body Shop strawberry shower gel doesn't dehydrate or leach your skin of its natural moisture.

It's coral pink in color and has a runny consistency, which sometimes make it tricky to use the product with hands alone. A loofah ensures, I use just the right amount of product to make it last long. It's easy to wash and the formula leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean and fresh after each use.

I also quite like the fact that its sweet strawberry aroma is strong enough to suffuse my shower but not too overpowering to linger and interfere with my perfume. The soft sugary scent cheers me up instantly making me feel energized and renewed for the day.

My only complaint with the product is the presence of SLS and its high price. But then its fair trade, so I know my money isn't going waste. As for the packaging, it's simple and beautiful. The sturdy plastic bottle ensures the product remains travel-friendly and leak-proof.

What's good about it?

The best thing about The Body Shop Strawberry shower gel is its sweet strawberry scent that feels lifting and pleasing to the senses. It effectively cleans out the dirt and debris without causing any dryness or leaving any greasy film behind. Skin looks squeaky clean and shiny after use. It's ideal for those lazy, sweaty summer months, when you just need a quick shower to lift your mood and freshen up your body.

What's not so good about it?

Presence of sulfates! While, the brand says it's a soap-free formula, the shower gel produces a rich lather that is bubblier than a freshly opened can of Coke! (Find Sodium laureth Sulphate listed second on the ingredient list!)

The soft subtle scent that evaporates too quickly after shower could be a con for those who prefer strong scented body cleansers and lotions and want their fragrances to last. Also, its price tag could be a put-off for many, who believe splurging on a mere shower gel that just smells sweet is a sheer waste of money.