Can You Use Shampoo as Body Wash? | Yes & No

Have you ever run out of body wash and thought, “Can you use shampoo as body wash?” this article will address that question in detail so that you’ll understand why you technically can, but when and why you might still want to avoid it.

Can You Use Shampoo as Body Wash?

Yes. You technically can use shampoo as a body wash because both are cleaning products that remove dirt and oils from your skin. However, there are a few reasons you might still want to avoid using shampoo in lieu of body wash, even if you’re in a pinch.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into:

• Why you can use shampoo as a body wash
• Why you should still avoid using shampoo as body soap
• Alternatives to body wash if you run out
• Other related questions

This article will provide a clearer understanding of whether or not you should substitute body wash with shampoo, and what alternatives are available to you if you find yourself without body wash.

So, can you use shampoo as body wash? Let’s find out.

Why You Can Use Shampoo as Body Wash

The main reason you can use shampoo instead of body wash is that they’re both cleansing products designed to remove dirt, oils, and other impurities from your skin.

The shampoo is typically formulated with detergent-like ingredients that work to break up oils and dirt so that they can be rinsed away. Body wash usually contains similar cleansing ingredients as shampoo, although the formulations can differ slightly.

Using a little shampoo as body wash every once in a while will probably do little to no harm to your skin, especially if you have a mild, all-natural, sulfate-free formulation.

Why Not to Use Shampoo as Body Wash

However, there are still a few reasons you might want to avoid using shampoo as a substitute for body wash on your skin.

Harsh on Skin

For one, shampoo is designed to cleanse your scalp and hair, which generally means it’s harsher than body wash. This is because your scalp has more sebum — an oily substance that can attract dirt and buildup — than the rest of your body.

As a result, shampoo is often formulated with ingredients like sulfates, which can strip away sebum and dirt but can also strip away natural oils that keep your scalp and hair healthy.

While these ingredients can be harsh on your scalp, they’re even more so on your skin, which is why you might want to avoid switching out body wash for shampoo.

Irritating for Skin

Additionally, shampoo is often scented with fragrances and essential oils that irritate your skin. If you have particularly sensitive skin, using shampoo to wash your body can cause redness, itching, and even rashes.

If you do decide to try washing your body with shampoo, make sure to choose a fragrance-free variety or one that’s specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Drying for Skin

Another reason to avoid using shampoo as body wash is that it can be drying for your skin. This is because most shampoos contain surfactants, cleansing ingredients that remove oil and dirt from your hair but can also strip away natural oils that keep your skin healthy.

If you have dry skin, washing your body with shampoo can leave your skin feeling tight, itchy, and even flaky.

If you do decide to use shampoo as a body wash, make sure to choose a moisturizing variety or moisturize your skin properly with lotion, creams, or oils after the shower.

Alternatives to Body Wash

So, while you technically can use shampoo as a substitute for in a pinch, it’s generally not the best idea. If you don’t have body wash on hand, it’s better to use bar soap or a gentle cleanser.

If you don’t have body wash, body-specific bar soap, or body cleanser on hand, here are other alternatives you can try before reaching for your shampoo.

Conditioner

If you have dandruff or a dry, itchy scalp, you might want to try using conditioner for body wash instead of shampoo. Conditioner is designed to moisturize and nourish your hair, so it can be a good alternative for body wash if you have dry skin.

Make sure to choose a moisturizing conditioner and avoid those formulated for oily hair, as these can strip natural oils from your skin.

Read Next: What Is Hair Conditioner?

Face Wash

Another alternative to body wash is face wash. The face wash is designed to cleanse your face, so it’s generally milder and less drying than body wash. However, it can still be irritating for some people, so test it on a small area of skin first.

If you have particularly sensitive skin, try using a face wash that’s specifically designed for sensitive skin, or choose a fragrance-free variety.

Regular Soap

Of course, you can always resort to regular soap — as opposed to body-specific soap — if you don’t have other options. Just make sure to choose a mild soap that won’t strip away natural oils from your skin.

Homemade Body Wash

You can make body wash right at home if you have the right ingredients. Homemade body wash usually consists of liquid soap, glycerin, and oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you understand the pros and cons of using shampoo instead of body wash, let’s review some commonly asked questions around the subject to bring it all together.

What can I use if I run out of body wash?

If you run out of body wash, it’s better to use the following items over shampoo:

• Bar soap for the body
• Face wash
• Gentle cleanser
• Conditioner
• Regular soap (not specifically designed for the body)
• Homemade body wash

So, Can You Use Shampoo as Body Wash? 

While you technically can use shampoo as body wash, it’s generally not the best idea. This is because shampoo is designed for cleansing your scalp, which can be harsher than body wash.

Additionally, shampoo is often scented with fragrances and essential oils that can be irritating to your skin.

If you have dry skin, using shampoo as body wash can also leave your skin feeling tight, itchy, and even flaky. If you don’t have body wash on hand, it’s better to use bar soap or a gentle cleanser and you’ll be good to go.