Dove is one of the world’s most popular soap brands, known for its mild cleansing properties and iconic beauty advertising. But when it comes to sensitive skin, do dermatologists actually recommend using Dove soap? Let’s take a look at what doctors and experts say about Dove.
The Benefits of Dove Soap
Dove soap contains mild cleansers like sodium lauroyl isethionate and stearic acid which are less drying than typical bar soaps. The formula also includes moisturizing ingredients like sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. This makes Dove a good option for people with dry or sensitive skin types who want a gentle cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils.
Dermatologists recommend Dove for a few key reasons:
- Gentle formula won’t disrupt skin barrier
- Moisturizing ingredients cleanse while adding hydration
- Fragrance-free options available for sensitive skin
- Widely available at affordable prices
Studies have shown that Dove is less irritating and damaging to skin than typical bar soaps. In one study, people with dry skin who used Dove for 6 weeks saw improvements in skin hydration, dryness, roughness and tightness. The researchers concluded that Dove is a suitable cleanser for people with sensitive and dry skin types.
Some Dermatologists Have Concerns
While many dermatologists recommend Dove, some do have concerns about a few aspects of the products:
- Contains synthetic fragrances and dyes which can irritate skin
- May not be ideal for severely dry or damaged skin
- Doesn’t have the same moisturizing properties as oil-based cleansers
- May still disrupt skin’s protective acid mantle
People with allergies or sensitivities should do a patch test before using Dove to check for any irritation. And those with very dry skin may find Dove too drying as a sole cleanser.
What Experts Recommend
Most dermatologists agree that Dove is a good option for people with mildly dry, sensitive skin. They recommend looking for these products in particular:
- Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
- Dove White Beauty Bar
- Dove DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief Body Wash
- Dove DermaSeries Fragrance Free Body Wash
These Dove products are free of dyes and fragrances that can trigger allergies. They contain skin-hydrating ingredients like stearic acid and sunflower seed oil for extra moisture.
Doctors may also suggest using Dove as part of a double cleansing routine. For example:
- First cleanse with Dove to remove dirt, sweat, makeup
- Follow with a more moisturizing cleanser or oil cleanser
- Moisturize while skin is still damp
This provides a deep clean while preventing dryness or tightness.
What About Antibacterial Claims?
Some Dove soaps like the Sensitive Skin Antibacterial Beauty Bar claim to kill 99% of bacteria. But dermatologists are skeptical about these claims. There isn’t evidence that antibacterial soaps provide extra benefits compared to regular soap and water.
In fact, antibacterial ingredients like triclosan can actually be harmful. Studies link them to antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption. For these reasons, the FDA banned triclosan and 18 other chemicals from soaps in 2016.
Dermatologists recommend simply using regular soap and scrubbing for 20 seconds to remove daily bacteria. Antibacterial properties aren’t necessary for hygiene.
Other Sensitive Skin-Friendly Cleansers
While many dermatologists approve of Dove, some alternatives may be gentler for severely dry or sensitive skin:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to cleanse skin while reinforcing the protective barrier. Fragrance, dye, and oil free. Can be used on face and body.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Ultra gentle daily cleanser with ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin. Soothes as it cleanses. Good for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
No-frills cleanser free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde and common chemical irritants. Leaves skin clean without tightness or dryness.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
Thick, creamy formula ideal for dry skin. Has a low-lather gel texture that cleans without stripping natural oils. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
The Bottom Line
Here are the key takeaways on what dermatologists recommend about Dove soap:
- Most dermatologists approve of Dove for mild to moderately dry skin
- The gentle, moisturizing formula cleanses while hydrating
- Dove Sensitive Skin and Dove White are top options
- People with severe dryness or allergies may need an even gentler cleanser
- Antibacterial Dove soaps offer no extra benefits over regular soap
Talk to your dermatologist if you have concerns about choosing the right cleanser for your unique skin needs. But for most people with sensitivity, Dove is a reliable brand that’s widely accessible and affordable.