Dove
Learn more about our scoring →
About Dove
Dove operates as one of the world's largest personal care brands under Unilever's portfolio, commanding significant market share in the bodycare category across body wash, deodorant, and moisturizer segments. The brand's sustainability approach reflects both the scale advantages of its parent company's infrastructure and the challenges of transforming mass-market operations, with particularly strong performance in biodiversity conservation and climate action backed by validated science-based targets.
While Dove demonstrates leadership in certain areas—notably its pioneering Self-Esteem Project that has reached millions globally and its transition to recycled plastic packaging in key markets—the brand shows varying levels of transparency across its sustainability initiatives. The recent launch of refillable deodorant systems and forest conservation partnerships signal evolving commitments, though gaps remain in areas like comprehensive vegan formulation and detailed labor practice disclosure at the brand level versus relying on parent company reporting.
The Good Stuff
Where Dove appears to be making meaningful progress. We cross-referenced these findings with multiple independent sources.
Forest Conservation Leadership
Direct funding partnership with Rimba Collective protects and restores 123,000 acres of Southeast Asian rainforest, with third-party verification of biodiversity objectives and endangered species habitat protection
Youth Empowerment at Scale
Self-Esteem Project partnerships with UNICEF and WAGGGS have reached over 136 million young people globally through evidence-based body confidence programs, targeting 250 million by 2030
Circular Packaging Innovation
Achieved transition to 100% recycled plastic bottles in US and European markets, complemented by refillable deodorant systems and plastic-free bar soap packaging
The Reality Check
Areas where the publicly available data gets murky, incomplete, or concerning. We're transparent about the limitations of our analysis.
Selective Vegan Commitment
While body wash lines have achieved vegan certification, the brand maintains animal-derived ingredients across multiple product categories without comprehensive reformulation plans
Labor Transparency Gaps
Brand-specific supplier audit outcomes and labor practice metrics remain undisclosed, relying primarily on parent company policies without dedicated brand-level reporting
Animal Sourcing Standards Void
No published welfare standards for animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, despite detailed transparency initiatives for other ingredient categories
Dove's
Impact Aura
A visual representation of Dove's positive impact
across People, Planet and Animals
Each colored area represents the brand's performance in that sustainability category. The size and intensity of each blob corresponds to their score—larger, more vibrant areas indicate stronger performance.
Our Research
Key findings from our comprehensive analysis of Dove's sustainability performance across People, Planet & Animals impact.
Positive Impact on People
Research Highlights
- Ingredient transparency extends to fragrance disclosure down to 0.01% concentration through parent company initiative
- Self-Esteem Project partnership with UNICEF and WAGGGS has reached over 136 million young people globally
- Responsible Partner Policy enforces fair wages, working hours, and freedom of association across supply chain
- Marketing integrity commitments include pledge to never use AI to create or distort women's images
- Phased elimination of controversial ingredients like Lilial/BMHCA with public disclosure of avoided substances
Evidence Strength
Strong documentation for social impact programs and ingredient transparency, moderate verification for labor practices through parent company policies
Positive Impact on Planet
Research Highlights
- Science Based Targets validated for 1.5°C pathway with detailed Climate Transition Action Plan
- Nature Regeneration Project funds protection and restoration of 123,000 acres of Southeast Asian rainforest
- Transition to 100% recycled plastic bottles achieved in US and European markets
- Commitment to 98% biodegradable ingredients across rinse-off products by 2030
- Eliminated plastic microbeads in 2014 with comprehensive microplastics policy
Evidence Strength
Excellent third-party verification for climate targets and conservation initiatives, strong documentation for packaging innovation
Positive Impact on Animals
Research Highlights
- Third-party recognized global no-animal-testing policy with independent verification
- All body wash lines certified vegan through recognized certification programs
- Wildlife conservation funding directly supports endangered species habitat protection
- Partnership with Rimba Collective demonstrates measurable biodiversity impact
- Limited vegan commitment remains product-specific rather than brand-wide
Evidence Strength
Comprehensive verification for cruelty-free status, gaps in animal-derived ingredient sourcing standards
See the Receipts
We don't just make claims—here are the official certifications that prove Dove's sustainability commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dove sustainable?
Live By's assessment reveals Dove demonstrates strong performance in climate action with validated science-based targets and forest conservation through its 123,000-acre partnership with Rimba Collective. The brand shows leadership in packaging innovation with recycled plastic bottles and refillable systems, though gaps remain in comprehensive vegan formulation and brand-specific labor transparency. Overall sustainability performance reflects both the advantages of parent company infrastructure and the complexities of transforming mass-market operations.
Is Dove cruelty-free?
Evidence confirms Dove maintains a global no-animal-testing policy with third-party verification through recognized certification programs. The brand's cruelty-free status extends across all product development and is supported by independent registry listings, making it a verified cruelty-free option in the mass-market bodycare category.
Does Dove use refillable packaging?
Dove has introduced refillable deodorant systems featuring stainless-steel cases with replaceable cartridges, earning recognition for packaging innovation. The brand also transitioned to 100% recycled plastic bottles in major markets and offers plastic-free bar soap options, demonstrating commitment to circular packaging solutions.
What social impact programs does Dove support?
The Dove Self-Esteem Project represents one of the largest youth empowerment initiatives in personal care, reaching over 136 million young people through partnerships with UNICEF and WAGGGS. These evidence-based programs focus on body confidence and have been adapted into life-skills curricula across multiple countries.
Does Dove have transparent sourcing practices?
Live By's analysis shows Dove provides ingredient transparency down to 0.01% concentration including fragrance disclosure, publicly lists avoided substances, and benefits from parent company palm oil supplier transparency. However, the brand lacks specific disclosure on animal-derived ingredient sourcing standards and brand-level supplier audit outcomes.
Is Dove wildlife-friendly?
Dove demonstrates strong wildlife conservation commitment through its Nature Regeneration Project, directly funding protection of critical habitats and endangered species across 123,000 acres. Third-party verification confirms the scope and biodiversity objectives of these conservation efforts.
Does Dove offer vegan products?
While all Dove body wash products have achieved vegan certification through recognized programs, along with select hair care ranges, the brand has not committed to comprehensive vegan formulation across all categories. Multiple product lines continue to contain animal-derived ingredients.
Ready to Shop Dove?
Find Dove products through our trusted retail partners
Brands That Score Better
The Bottom Line
Dove's sustainability profile reveals a brand leveraging significant resources for measurable impact in biodiversity conservation and youth empowerment, while navigating the complexities of mass-market transformation. The evidence indicates strong performance in climate action and packaging innovation, balanced against gaps in comprehensive vegan commitment and brand-specific labor transparency that reflect the ongoing evolution of mainstream sustainability practices.
Compare Brands
See how Dove stacks up against similar brands