Dove Men+Care Exfoliating Deep Clean Body + Face Wash
by Dove Men+Care
This body wash contains sulfates and synthetic fragrances that can strip natural oils and irritate sensitive skin. While it includes moisturizing agents, the harsh surfactants and potential allergens make it problematic for daily use, especially on facial skin.
- Water – safe · Base ingredient that dissolves and carries other ingredients. Completely safe.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate – controversial · Harsh cleansing agent that can strip natural oils and cause skin irritation. Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.
- Sodium Chloride – safe · Common salt used to adjust viscosity. Generally safe in rinse-off products.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine – controversial · Milder surfactant but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Named Allergen of the Year 2004 by dermatologists.
- Fragrance – controversial · Synthetic fragrance blend of undisclosed chemicals. Common allergen and potential hormone disruptor.
- Citric Acid – safe · Natural acid used to balance pH. Safe and non-irritating at typical concentrations.
- Sodium Benzoate – safe · Widely used preservative that prevents bacterial growth. Generally safe in rinse-off products.
- Tetrasodium EDTA – controversial · Chelating agent that can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Some environmental concerns.
- Propylene Glycol – controversial · Petroleum-derived ingredient that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Zinc Oxide – beneficial · Anti-inflammatory mineral that can help soothe irritated skin. Safe and beneficial.
- Stearic Acid – safe · Fatty acid that helps moisturize skin. Generally well-tolerated.
- Palmitic Acid – safe · Natural fatty acid that helps condition skin. Safe for topical use.
- Glycerin – beneficial · Excellent moisturizer that draws water to the skin. Safe and beneficial.
- Polyquaternium-10 – safe · Conditioning polymer that helps smooth skin. Generally safe in rinse-off products.
- Dimethiconol – safe · Silicone that provides slip and conditions skin. Safe but can build up with repeated use.
- Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate – controversial · Secondary surfactant that can be irritating to skin and eyes.
- Tetrasodium Etidronate – safe · Chelating agent that prevents discoloration. Generally safe in rinse-off products.
- PPG-9 – safe · Conditioning agent derived from propylene glycol. Safe in rinse-off products.
- CI 17200 – controversial · Red synthetic dye that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- CI 19140 – controversial · Yellow synthetic dye that may cause skin sensitization in some people.
Includes moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and stearic acid
Contains zinc oxide for anti-inflammatory benefits
Rinse-off formula limits ingredient exposure
Affordable and widely available
Harsh sulfates strip natural oils
Undisclosed synthetic fragrance blend
Too harsh for facial use despite marketing
Contains multiple potential allergens
May disrupt skin microbiome