What Are the Ingredients for Dove Shampoo Products?

Dove Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry or Damaged Hair contains the following ingredients: fragrance(s)/perfume(s), glycerin, tetrasodium EDTA, D&C Violet #2, glyceryl oleate, glycol distearate, methylisothiazolinone, DMDM hydantoin, sodium chloride, water, laureth-4, carbomer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ammonium chloride, trideceth-12, propylene oxide, propylene glycol polymer (PPG-9), methylchloroisothiazolinone, TEA-dodecylbenzenesulfonate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, C11-15 Pareth-7, amodimethicone, cocamidopropyl betaine and dimethiconol. According to the product label, the ingredients are all generally safe and no special precautions are necessary for handling.

The ingredients that are highest in quantity in another of Dove’s shampoos, Oxygen Moisture Shampoo, are:

  • Water
  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Glycerin

The formula used by Dove is described by the company as gently cleansing and moisturizing, “breathing life into fine, flat hair.”

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are linked to cancer, although there is little to no scientific evidence backing these claims. Some of the concern arise from the fact that sodium laureth sulfate can become contaminated with dioxane, which may be a carcinogen.

Both SLS and SLES are common ingredients in shampoos and other toiletry products. SLS is also associated with eye irritation in children, and may contribute to poor eye development. It may be absorbed by the skin, causing issues with eye health. Whether the claims are justified or not, caution should be exercised.