Gloss Enhancing v. Non-Gloss Enhancing Shampoos

[02xtreme07SS]

I want to know why you prefer one over the other. This isn't a 'best shampoo' thread (although I'm sure it will head down that path at some point). I just want to see what it is you like about the type you prefer.

[Setec Astronomy]

Are there really any shampoos that don't have gloss enhancers? I thought that was kind of a prerequisite for a car shampoo. Without them what do you have...a weak APC?

[02xtreme07SS]

I guess technically they do, but I've seen such a rash of threads lately about 'non-gloss enhancing shampoo' that I wanted to get to the bottom of it. I have Dodo's BTBM, and it is supposed to not have any gloss enhancers added to it. I also have Dodo's Sour Power which says 'Gloss Enhancing Shampoo' all over the bottle, just like my bottle of CG CW&G does. My bottle of Dodo SN says 'sheeting enhancers and anti-static agents', not sure if that qualifies as a 'gloss enhancer' but it's something they wanted to point out.

[Setec Astronomy]

Yeah, I guess there are lubricants, sheeting agents, gloss enhancers, etc. Some shampoos like to streak and leave residue (whether that residue includes lubricants, sheeting agents, or gloss enhancers I don't know); I shy away from those.

[PiPUK]

There is a lot of marketing here (to be honest, where is there not?). Gloss enhancers - what is your gloss enhancer? Typically it is just another surfactant, but one which tends to leave a higher shine either by leaving a film or something or ensuring that any other film that is left is more uniform. Many generic surfactants will actually give some level of gloss enhancement, quite by accident, but will never advertise this. Lubricants are another example of this - lubricants in shampoos are not really specialised lubricants. In many instance they are just surfactants and this is just a side effect of them lowering the surface tension (this is what surfactants do, by definition). Sometime you find products which genuinely do have lubricants but there will not do what you think, they will adhere to your skin or wash media so that it glides more easily over the surface... the surface itself is not made any more slick. These are, more or less, the same things that would get using in personal care applications.

I personally prefer to stick to basic shampoos which do not have anything added. In my view as a manufacturer, the additions are often totally un-necessary and simply bolster a characteristic which is not at the level it should be. The only real exception here would be sheeting agents or 'wax' type additives. These do have a genuine use as they can help a vehicle to dry more rapidly (like a rinse aid). That said, I was never convinced about the merit of these in high end car care - it is a bit like a Princess choosing to wear costume jewellery instead of real diamonds.

[WRXINXS]

I believe Gtechniq shampoo does not have gloss enhancers. I prefer the shampoos without wax/polymers added but I do use both kinds. I would like to find a good one without anything even gloss enhancers added so I guess I might try Gtechniq sometime.

My main Shampoo is Optimum IDK if it has enhancers or not.

[john b]

i think megs hyper wash and there rinseless wash dont have any gloss enhancers in them. i know troy did some reviews on them.
but chemical guys has a gloss enhacing technology built in designed by there secret ninja shampoo gods

[swanicyouth]

Why not gloss enhancers? The more gloss the better. Honestly, unless someone is stripping an LSP or applying a coating, I don't see why you would care. A good shampoo, is a good shampoo. Some of the best are: 1Z Glos, CG CW&G, and Sonax GES. Bring on the gloss.

[Lim3]

What are the benefits to using shampoos without gloss enhancers as well as wax enhancers ?

[TroyScherer]

I have and use both types of soaps. There are times that I find it useful to use one or the other.

Sometimes you want that added gloss and don't want to have to come back over a vehicle with a QD to amp up the gloss. Sometimes you just don't have the time or want to spend the extra wipe down time.

Other times you really just want to maintain the look of wax you just applied a week earlier or maintain the current combo look without adding anything extra.

Soaps with added wax protection is another area as far as I am concerned. When you are adding an additional "layer" of protection, you no longer have your original LSP look you now have a new combo. And the last LSP is the one you are really seeing and experiencing.

[Lim3]

I have and use both types of soaps. There are times that I find it useful to use one or the other.

Sometimes you want that added gloss and don't want to have to come back over a vehicle with a QD to amp up the gloss. Sometimes you just don't have the time or want to spend the extra wipe down time.

Other times you really just want to maintain the look of wax you just applied a week earlier or maintain the current combo look without adding anything extra.




Ahh okay that makes sense.

[habeba86]

If youre putting any type of wax/sealant on after I dont see a benefit of using any type of "gloss enhancing soap".

[TroyScherer]

If youre putting any type of wax/sealant on after I dont see a benefit of using any type of "gloss enhancing soap".

Exactly !!!

[silverfox]

I only care about it being cost effective with excellent cleaning and lubricity characteristics. Who doesn't want extra gloss, whether its applied afterward or during the wash?

[WRXINXS]

Why not gloss enhancers? The more gloss the better. Honestly, unless someone is stripping an LSP or applying a coating, I don't see why you would care. A good shampoo, is a good shampoo. Some of the best are: 1Z Glos, CG CW&G, and Sonax GES. Bring on the gloss.


I only care about it being cost effective with excellent cleaning and lubricity characteristics. Who doesn't want extra gloss, whether its applied afterward or during the wash?


I found this litte bit on GTechniq's website that may address why people don't always want gloss enhancers. Is it true, I have no idea but sounds reasonable.

"G-Wash contains no “gloss enhancers” or bulking agents that are often found in ordinary car shampoos. Many gloss enhancers are low grade waxes that over time will dull you vehicle’s appearance."
G-Wash contains no “gloss enhancers” or bulking agents that are often found in ordinary car shampoos. Many gloss enhancers are low-grade waxes that over time will dull you vehicle’s appearance.G-Wash contains no “gloss enhancers” or bulking agents that are often found in ordinary car shampoos. Many gloss enhancers are low-grade waxes that over time will dull you vehicle’s appearance.
G-Wash contains no “gloss enhancers” or bulking agents that are often found in ordinary car shampoos. Many gloss enhancers are low-grade waxes that over time will dull you vehicle’s appearance.