Ditch the bath! 9 shower gels so gorgeous they'll turn you into a shower person

We've never met an Aesop product we didn’t like, and this new body wash is no exception. The brand’s latest launch joins the existing Eleos family, complementing the Aromatique Hand Balm (our favourite in the collection) to offer a complete regime for soft, replenished skin. And with the notoriously indecisive UK weather, our skin – which is still dry from a cold winter – needs some serious TLC to get it prepped for those sudden heatwaves.   

The cream-to-lather formulation is enriched with shea butter, jojoba seed and niacinamide – a combo that equals soft, nourished, super-hydrated skin. The cedar, patchouli and clove bud fragrance is warm, woody and herby and has us sniffing our arms long after we've towelled off from the shower. Be warned, though – the arm sniffing does earn you some funny looks in the office. 

L'Occitane's Almond Delicious Shower Cream was an instant hit with us. And anyone who loves L'Occitane's almond range will go wild for this light, whipped-texture shower cream. It contains sustainably sourced Provençal sweet almond oil, can be used on all skin types, and brings to mind summer in the south of France. Dreamy.

This gorgeous shower gel is like waking up to sunshine every morning (honestly, we're not exaggerating). The formula's expertly, perfumer-crafted scent combines sun-soaked clementines with earthy vetiver to create the feeling of being in hot, sunny climates.

We love that this wash can be used on both your face and body. It contains a blend of natural fruit acids and PHAs that gently exfoliate and smooth the skin which, according to the brand, will be left softer and brighter after just seven days. Plus, it does all this while also boosting hydration and bounce.

One of the best-known fragrances of the last two decades is now available as a body wash (yay!), and we can't get enough. Molecule 01 – the perfume that, famously, only contains one note believed to accentuate our natural pheromones – has now been poured into a body wash and lotion. The perfume smells remarkably different from person to person, so how will the shower gel smell on you?

This brand is smart; it's all about offsetting the drying nature of hard water, which leaves our skin feeling a little 'tight'. This formula is a bi-phase milk-meets-soap that transforms into a foam once shaken. There are clever, hydrating ingredients here – think skin-strengthening microalgae, niacinamide and vitamin E – that leave skin softer to the touch and feeling far less dry.

For sporty types, ESPA's Fitness Shower Oil offers the perfect post-workout reward. The uplifting spa-like scent of eucalyptus and clove oils revives tired muscles, while nourishing coconut oil leaves limbs feeling soft, supple and hydrated. It's enough to coax you back to the gym. Yes, really.

If early mornings are a struggle, Neom’s shower gel, with a zingy blend of spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils, will get you out of bed.

Apply it all over your body and take a few deep breaths. As the invigorating scent begins to take over your home, you'll feel ready to take on the day ahead. Bonus points for the ginormous bottle, which will keep you going for months to come.

Caudalie may well be known for its hardworking skincare, but its bodycare – the shower gels in particular – is equally efficacious.

Brilliantly priced at £10 for 200ml, this turns into a frothy gel that smells like a sunny afternoon. The happy-making scent also lingers on skin and in the bathroom once you're done.