The answer is YES! Shower gel could literally be making you sick!
The other day, something strange happened in my home.
I have an allergy to fragrance, therefore we no longer use any perfumes or aftershaves in our home and I kindly ask guests not to bring any spray deodorants.
The other day, a guest took a shower and within minutes of the shower running, the entire house filled with scent and then I started reacting.
My throat became sore.
My tongue felt slightly swollen and itchy.
My eyes were itchy and watery.
I developed a pounding headache.
I felt nauseous and genuinely unwell.
At first, I thought I was coming down with something, which has been something I have thought for over 30 years, never knowing that fragrance was the issue.
But the symptoms began while the shower was running — and only after taking anti-histamine, opening all the windows and waiting for my home to no longer smell like a spa, did I start to feel better.
That sent me down a research rabbit hole – could Clarins Shower Gel make me sick?
Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Made Me Sick?
This was the culprit that made me ill – Clarins Bain au Plantes Tonic. If you use this or anything similar and suddenly feel a bit off, please remember this post!
How Can a Shower Gel Make You Feel Ill?
Most people think of shower gel as something that affects the skin only. You put it onto your skin, rub and wash it off.
But here’s what we forget and something I am really passionate about because people do not realise that their constant cough, sniffles, headache, blocked nose could be down to all the smellies in their home and also outside.
- Hot water creates steam.
- Steam aerosolises fragrance compounds and essential oils.
- Those volatile compounds fill the air in your bathroom — and beyond.
You’re not just applying fragrance to your skin. You’re inhaling it.
Essential oils are often marketed as “natural”, but natural does not automatically mean non-irritating. Many essential oils contain known fragrance allergens such as limonene and linalool, which can oxidise and become even more irritating.
For some people, exposure can trigger:
- Sore throat
- Itchy or swollen tongue
- Streaming eyes
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Tight chest
- Skin irritation or hives
This doesn’t necessarily mean a full-blown allergy — it can also be fragrance sensitivity or irritant exposure.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Over the years of running Deciem Chat Room, I have seen so many people blame The Ordinary for some reactions. But some people forget to mention that they used numerous acids beforehand, or didn´t check the conflicts. But maybe your skin was already irritated from the shower gel or your cleanser.
If you’re constantly dealing with:
- Unexplained headaches
- “Random” rashes
- Sneezes
- Blocked nose
- Mucus
- A sore throat in the mornings
- Skin that won’t calm down
- Generally feel crap
It could be your body wash or someone else’s.
The Overlooked Problem With “No Added Fragrance”
I always try and take a positive from a negative. I learned and had it confirmed that essential oils are just as bad a fragrance to me. Many people say “oh it´s all natural” and dismiss how I feel, but now I know for sure, I will 100% ban these from my home.
The other thing I learned is anything that uses the words “invigorating”, “spa”, “revitalising”, these will react with the hot water and create a vapor throughout your home, so not only is it on your skin but you are literally breathing it.
So next time check if your shower gel says…
- Essential oils
- Botanical extracts
- Aroma blends
What I’m Doing Differently Now
Since that reaction, I’ve become even more cautious about fragranced body products in my home. It´s one thing when I´m out or go to someone else’s home, but I will not be unwell in my own home.
I have found several fragrance-free shower gels, which include Dove Fragrance Free Shower Gel, Instituto Español Natura Gel Ducha & Instituto Español Oleogel Atopic Skins. All 3 of these are under 5€, and I have used all of them with no problems whatsoever. You can also use The Ordinary Shampoo as a body cleanser too.
If you’ve experienced something similar — sore throat after showering, headaches from certain scents, unexplained irritation — it may be worth looking at what’s in your shower gel.
Simple swaps can make a bigger difference than you think.
So if your question is “is shower gel making me sick”. Yes, it can.
