A Resounding Yes to Pharmacy Shower Gels

After more than a year without writing a product review, it's time to see if I can still ride the bike, as they say! Before diving in without my training wheels, let me remind you of a few essential points regarding my product chronicles. First and foremost, I only write about a product after I've fully used it—whether it's a pot, tube, bottle, or canister. No premature enthusiasm here! Additionally, I always disclose whether a product was gifted to me, ensuring transparency in our relationship. I have no qualms about stating I dislike a product, even if the brand provided it, which they usually respect.

With that context set, let’s explore what is arguably the most basic beauty item in our bathrooms: shower gel.

Like many of you, I typically purchase mine from supermarkets for several reasons. Firstly, it's convenient to pick them up alongside other essentials like frozen fish, toilet paper, and breakfast cereals. Secondly, at around 25 cents a bottle (I know, I know, it's actually €2.50, but let's not spoil the fun), it's hard to find a cheaper option. Moreover, there’s a surprisingly wide selection available, often larger than my living room and kitchen combined, featuring brands I genuinely enjoy, such as Le Petit Marseillais, Fa, and Tahiti. I should note that I'm not a fan of products marketed specifically for men—though I admit the new L'Oréal Men Expert range is tempting. The idea of washing with Adidas or Axe doesn't excite me much either.

So, am I a die-hard fan of supermarket shower gels? Not quite! I’ve grown increasingly aware that the scents tend to be quite similar. It feels like I’m always smelling the same thing. Is there anyone out there who has ever bought a shower gel without smelling it first? While I understand that the range of scents isn’t infinite, I crave something surprising. A few years back, I loved a shower gel from So'Bio that had a tomato scent, but, of course, it was discontinued. To succeed in supermarkets, products often need to appeal to the masses, leading to a certain conformity that has left me wanting more.

In an ideal world, I would shop for my shower gel at Diptyque, but at €29 for a 200ml bottle of Philosykos, that’s a luxury I can’t justify, even if I win the lottery. Thus, I sought alternatives for shower gels that are a bit more unique than what’s available at Carrefour, without breaking the bank. This led me to a pharmacy where I stumbled upon a promotion for Roger&Gallet shower gels—buy one, get one free! This meant I could get two for about €8.50, making it quite reasonable.

I picked up the Eau des Bienfaits gel (in a gel texture) and the almond gel (with a creamier texture) that has a delightful Cleopatra's glue scent—definitely a favorite of mine.

Ultimately, I wasn't particularly fond of the almond one, but the Eau des Bienfaits has quickly become one of my top three favorite shower gels. It’s incredibly refreshing, leaves my skin soft, and smells absolutely divine. I’m becoming quite a fan of Roger&Gallet’s fragrances and products; they’re impressive! While it might be more of a summer gel, I could use it year-round. It’s hard to describe, but it’s like a cologne—refined and modern, not at all tacky.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend smelling it the next time you visit a pharmacy. Also, check out the Ginger Red range that the brand sent me a while back. I absolutely adore it, and despite its somewhat girly pink/red packaging, I don’t care. The fragrance blends ginger, berries, and pomegranate—simply delightful. Plus, the formula is quite decent (free from soap, colorants, and sulfated surfactants), which is a bonus for both our skin and the planet. I would rate these two a solid 10/10, and that’s saying something since I’m usually hard to please!

A few weeks later, I received two new shower gels from Vichy (which is part of the same L'Oréal division as Roger&Gallet): Douche Spa Gel Crème and Douche Spa Gel Huile. Guess what? I fell in love again! Particularly with the oil version, which has a hybrid texture between gel and oil that feels fantastic while using it. I can’t quite describe the scent, but it’s truly delightful. The product lives up to its name, evoking a spa-like experience—perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. Should I give it a 10/10? Not quite, I’ll settle for a 9 due to its difficulty in dispensing from the bottle (not ideal for early mornings). Vichy, if you’re listening, a wider opening would be appreciated! The cream version doesn’t have this issue and has a lovely formula (featuring Vichy thermal water, shea butter, and white clay), though I prefer the scent of the oil.

In summary, I’ll wrap this lengthy post up in one sentence: explore the shower gel section of your pharmacy, as I believe you’ll find some hidden gems! If, like me, you hesitate to spend more than €10 on a shower gel, this seems like a great alternative—a perfect compromise for decent formulas and addictive scents that stand out from the usual offerings. That was my battle for the day, and I hope the candidates in the upcoming primary will address this pressing issue that could greatly impact the world!

On a more serious note, I’d love to hear your thoughts: where do your shower gels come from? Do you still shop at supermarkets, or have you moved on, leaving me feeling a bit outdated? Do you have a psychological price ceiling for shower gels? €3? €5? €8? €10? More? What shower gels are currently in your daily routine? And what are your latest favorites? I’m all ears; let me know everything!