Cleansers

Body wash is typically creamier and more moisturising — it contains more emollient ingredients and rinses off without stripping the skin's natural moisture. Shower gel is lighter, more gel-like, and produces a richer lather — it cleanses efficiently and is refreshing, particularly in warmer weather. For dry or sensitive skin, body wash is the better daily driver. For oily skin or the preference of a rich foam, shower gel works well.

Yes — TLC does not use SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) in its cleansing range. These harsh surfactants strip the skin's natural oils and are a common cause of irritation, dryness, and sensitivity with daily use. TLC uses gentler surfactant systems that cleanse effectively without compromising the skin barrier.

A 20p-coin sized amount is enough to lather for a full-body wash when applied to a wet loofah or bath puff, or a 50p-coin sized amount for direct skin application with hands. Most people use 3–5× more cleanser than necessary, which dilutes value and increases skin exposure to surfactants. Less is more — the product is formulated to clean effectively at modest volumes.

TLC body cleansers are formulated for body skin, which is thicker than facial skin. They are not harmful if they contact the face briefly (like rinse-off), but are not appropriate as daily facial cleansers. For the face, use a cleanser specifically designed for facial skin pH and barrier needs. TLC body wash is designed from the neck down.

No — TLC does not use plastic microbeads or harsh physical abrasives in its cleansers. Where exfoliation is part of the formula (such as in AHA/BHA body washes), it is achieved through chemical exfoliants (acids) rather than physical scrubbing particles. This is gentler on skin and does not contribute to microplastic pollution.

Yes — TLC body washes and shower gels are formulated for daily use. The SLS-free, gentle surfactant system does not cause cumulative stripping with regular washing. For active-ingredient cleansers (AHA, BHA, salicylic acid), daily use is also safe at formulated concentrations — though those new to acids may prefer to start at 3×/week and increase gradually.

Yes — TLC body cleansers are formulated at a skin-friendly pH (approximately 5–6), close to the skin's natural slightly acidic pH. A pH-balanced cleanser preserves the skin's acid mantle, which is critical for barrier function and protection against bacteria. High-pH soaps (typically 9–11) disrupt this balance and are a primary cause of dry, irritated skin with regular use.

After cleansing, immediately follow the Skin Lock step: apply body lotion, body butter, or in-shower moisturiser within 3 minutes while skin is still slightly damp. This is when the skin barrier is most receptive to hydration. Finish with the Scent Trail (body mist or EDP) once skin is dry. This three-step sequence — Cleanse, Skin Lock, Scent Trail — is the TLC ritual for optimal skin condition and lasting fragrance.