Joybuy Insights

Choosing personal care products: a practical guide to hair, skin and everyday hygiene

Searching online for personal care products seems simple. Yet it can take a few weeks to realise the difference between a useful purchase and a poor choice. A shampoo, for example, may not suit your hair type, a shower gel may be too heavily perfumed, and a value pack may turn out to be impractically large.

This guide will help you compare shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, shower gel, hand soap, facial cleanser, intimate wash and other personal care products objectively.

Common pitfalls when choosing personal care products

1. Mistaking marketing claims for a guarantee

Terms such as “intensive hydration”, “natural care” or “suitable for sensitive skin” sound clear, but they don’t always tell you enough. Check the full product description, ingredients list, area of use and instructions.

A brand’s claim also doesn’t guarantee the same results for every user. For example, if you choose a product that the brand says offers long-lasting hydration based on its own research, your experience will still depend on your skin type, how often you use it and the conditions.

2. Choosing a product for the wrong area

A body wash isn’t automatically suitable as a facial cleanser. Ordinary shower gel isn’t intended for the intimate area either. Always check the stated area of use and whether the product is for external use only.

Some intimate care products explicitly state that they must not be used internally. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and follow the instructions on the packaging.

3. Looking only at the price per bottle

A large bottle or multipack may seem like good value, but also consider:

  • the total volume in millilitres;
  • the number of packs;
  • the expiry date and period after opening;
  • how much you need to use each time;
  • the storage space in your bathroom or cupboard.

A 400 ml bottle isn’t always better value than two smaller bottles if you only use the product occasionally, or if you don’t like the scent or texture.

Important specifications to check

Skin type and hair type

When choosing personal care products for sensitive skin, fragrance, colourants and certain cleansing ingredients are important things to check. According to the product information, Sanex Shower Gel - 0% Sensitive Skin 400 ml includes 0% fragrance, 0% microplastics, 0% sulphates and 0% colourants. The manufacturer describes the formula as vegan and suitable for sensitive skin. Always check the current packaging, as ingredients can change.

For dry skin, look for glycerine, lactic acid or other hydrating ingredients in the ingredients list. Products labelled “hydrating” don’t guarantee the same results for every user.

When it comes to hair care, it’s useful to know the difference between a regular shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo and a hair care set. Dry shampoo, such as Batiste Dry Shampoo Blush Flirty Floral 200 ml, is designed to give your hair a temporarily fresh look and add texture at the roots. It doesn’t replace a regular wash. Use aerosol products according to the label, keep them at a safe distance and avoid flames and sources of heat.

Ingredients and fragrance

A strong fragrance is a matter of personal preference, not a measure of quality. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, consider choosing a fragrance-free product. According to the product details, LACTACYD Wash Gel 0% 250 ml contains 0% fragrance, alcohol, soap and colourants.

Other varieties, such as LACTACYD Wash Gel Refreshing 200 ml, contain menthol and fragrance for a fresh feeling. This may appeal if you’re looking for a cooling sensation, but check the ingredients if you’ve reacted to fragrances or menthol before.

Volume, packaging and everyday use

A pump bottle can be handy for hand soap or body wash. A larger bottle may be better for everyday use by several people. Smaller sizes are more practical for travelling. For example, the Dancoly Verbena Hair Care Travel Set contains a shampoo and conditioner, each 80 ml.

Also check whether claims such as “vegan”, “dermatologically tested” or “99% biodegradable” appear in the product information or on the packaging. According to the ACM, recommendations must be based on verifiable information. So don’t rely on a prominent label alone: check the details behind it too.

Our recommendations for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Andrelon 2-in-1 Shampoo XL Value Pack

Andrelon 2-in-1 Shampoo XL (Value Pack) - 6 x 450 ml

Why it suits this profile: A pack of six bottles is practical for households that use the same shampoo every day and have enough storage space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The volume and quantity are clearly specified: six 450 ml bottles. This makes it easier to compare the price per bottle and per litre.

Key benefit & highlights

2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, suitable for all hair types according to the product information, with a total volume of 6 x 450 ml.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Fino Hair Care Set

Fino Hair Care Set

Why it suits this profile: A good choice for shoppers who want to combine several steps in their hair care routine, including shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and treatment oil.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The set clearly lists the four products included, so you won’t end up buying just a shampoo when you were expecting a complete routine.

Key benefit & highlights

Four separate hair care steps in one set; practical for dry or treated hair if you want to try different textures.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
LACTACYD Wash Gel 0% 250 ml

LACTACYD Wash Gel 0% 250 ml

Why it suits this profile: For adults specifically looking for a gentle intimate wash for external use and who value clear product information.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details clearly state the area of use and that it is for external use. They also specify 0% fragrance, alcohol, soap and colourants.

Key benefit & highlights

250 ml, fragrance-free according to the product information, with lactic acid listed in the ingredients.

Suitable for: Households with dry skin
Sanex Shower Gel 0% Dry Skin

Sanex Shower Gel - 0% Dry Skin 400 ml

Why it suits this profile: A sensible choice if you’re looking for hydrating care for dry skin and want a larger bottle for regular use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information separately lists the formula, skin type, volume and the absence of fragrance, sulphates, colourants and microplastics.

Key benefit & highlights

400 ml, vegan according to the product information, and designed for dry skin with daily use.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about personal care products

Which personal care products do I need every day?

That depends on your routine. The basics usually include shampoo, conditioner if you need it, shower gel or body wash, hand soap and a facial cleanser. Not everyone needs an intimate wash. Choose any additional products to suit your skin type, hair type and personal preferences.

How long do personal care products last?

Check the packaging for the expiry date or the period-after-opening symbol. For aerosols such as dry shampoo, follow the safety instructions too. Store personal care products according to the label, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stop using a product if its scent, colour or texture changes, or if it causes irritation.

Are vegan personal care products automatically suitable for sensitive skin?

No. “Vegan” refers to the source of the ingredients and doesn’t automatically tell you anything about fragrance, alcohol or other components. Always check the full ingredients list and choose a product that suits your skin type. If symptoms persist, it’s better to ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice than to keep trying different products yourself.