Shower Shock

Shower Shock is a bar of soap that has been infused with caffeine. The manufacturer ThinkGeek claims that when the soap is used, caffeine is exuded in the lather, to be absorbed through the user's skin.[1] However, the idea that caffeine passes rapidly through the skin is unproven,[2] and it has been suggested that the amount absorbed is not significant compared to a cup of coffee.[3] Anecdotal accounts of using this soap also suggest that it is not effective as a delivery method for caffeine.[4]

The original version of showershock.

Showershock is peppermint scented glycerine soap that comes in a "normal" size, weighing 4 ounces (113 grams), estimated to provide 12 washes with 200 milligrams of caffeine per wash.[5] The soap is also sold in a "Travel" size, estimated to provide 4.5 showers and 200 milligrams of caffeine per wash, weighing 1.5 ounces.[6] In addition to the soap bars, there is also a Showershock Caffeinated showergel, with the same amount of caffeine per wash (if someone uses the "normal" amount of gel) with each bottle weighing 6.76 ounces.[7]

The addition of peppermint oil to the body soap is widely considered to help to stimulate the user's senses to effect an alert state in the user, as caffeine's ability to meaningfully diffuse through human skin is extremely limited and, as a result, users will generally not receive a meaningful dose of the drug through the soap itself.[8]

References
  1. Steven Morris Wake up, smell the coffee - or is it the soap? The Guardian, Friday April 20, 2007, Accessed 15 July 2008
  2. Zach Benson The best part of waking up The Auburn Plainsman, Accessed 15 July 2008
  3. David Adam Can showering with caffeinated soap perk you up? The Guardian, Thursday November 27, 2003. Accessed 15 July 2008
  4. Anna Jane Grossman Ahh, Minty Clean, but Lacking a Jolt New York Times July 12, 2007, Accessed 15 July 2008
  5. ThinkGeek :: Shower Shock Caffeinated Soap
  6. ThinkGeek :: Shower Shock Caffeine Soap Travel
  7. ThinkGeek :: Shower Shock Caffeinated Body Wash
  8. Wise Geek: Does caffeinated soap really work?
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