Does Dove products test on animals

Dove Now Claims To Be Cruelty-Free (But Heres Why Theyre Not)

After running Cruelty-Free Kitty for over 4 years and researching mainstream brands masquerading as cruelty-free and PETA certifying brands with lax criteria, I had my suspicions about Dove.

A huge international brand, owned by no other than Unilever... is now claiming to be cruelty-free?

Could they have pulled out of China? Could this be the beginning of the cruelty-free movement going maintream?

Nope. Unfortunately not.

The Pre-Market vs. Post-Market Dilemma

After looking into their policy, Dove still sells certain products in stores, in mainland China:

"We have changed which products we offer to Chinese consumers. The Chinese Authorities changed regulations in 2014 and now allow for certain cosmetics products that are manufactured in China to not require animal testing, and those are the products that we will be offering."

While it's true that the Chinese animal testing laws changed in 2014, I've posted time and time again about what these changes truly entail.

In a nutshell: yes, companies can sell certain products in China with no pre-market animal testing as long as these products are "simple use cosmetics" and manufactured in China -- lucky for Dove!

But China also has post-market animal testing laws, and any company that chooses to sell cosmetics in mainland China must comply with these animal tests if the Chinese Authorities deem them necessary.

This is what Dove had to say about post-market animal testing:

"Post-market testing would only be required in the rare occurrence of a serious consumer safety concern. We have requested to the Chinese Authorities that they notify us if there were such a concern, so we can withdraw the product rather than it be subject to animal testing."

So let's suppose there was a "serious consumer safety concern" with one of Dove's products.

Do you really think that the Chinese government, a government so concerned with product safety that they mandate animal testing for all foreign cosmetics sold in China, would give Dove a friendly notice instead of testing the potentially hazardous products as per protocol?

Of course not.

Post-market testing is the law.

Also note how Dove doesn't state that they're exempt from the post-market laws. They only state that they've "requested" to be notified if there's a concern. If I request to be notified by my teacher if there's a surprise pop quiz so I can leave, I'm pretty sure I won't be off the hook that easily.

Is Dove really cruelty-free? No. They might be making an effort in that direction, but claiming they're cruelty-free is a misleading statement.

Nothing More Than a Marketing Claim

Unilever, Dove's parent company, has a world-class marketing department. They've recently come out with a pseudo-ethical brand called Love Beauty and Planet which is a brilliant example of greenwashing and appealing to the growing "ethical" segment of the market. They're also running massively successful campaigns for Dove that market to "all women" (or worse, "real women").

My theory is that Dove's "cruelty-free" act is nothing more than a marketing tactic used to appeal to ethical consumers, which is a growing segment of the market. By positioning themselves as "cruelty-free", Dove would have a huge advantage in the drugstore as the ONLY cruelty-free brand of affordable mainsteam shower gel or soap available.

Of course, they're not willing to let go of their Chinese market profits to truly achieve the cruelty-free status they're looking for. Like other brands, they want the best of both worlds: the Chinese market, and the ethical market.

And Dove has the funds for these massive PR stunts. They're partnering with reputable organizations such as Humane Society International and PETA.

Why Did PETA Approve Dove?

Truth be told, PETA's cruelty-free list has never been the most reliable. Their criteria is lax, making it easy for brands to quickly apply and get on the cruelty-free list without much (or any) verification -- even when their actual policy is ambiguous within the company.

There's also the unknown aspects which may or may not be going on behind the scenes. Does Unilever have any financial ties with PETA? Do they donate to PETA, just like they've partnered with Humane Society International? There's only speculation at this point.

Welcome To The Grey Area, Dove

If a brand pulls out of China, its status changes to cruelty-free on my website as long as they (as well as suppliers and third-parties) don't test on animals at any point.

Since Dove still sells in China and admits to potentially subject to post-market animal testing, I've moved the brand to the "grey area". This means that it's unclear whether or not Dove tests on animals, as they've avoided some animal tests in China but might still be subject to others.

For a list of all the cruelty-free brands, please go here.

Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?

Download our list of 600+ verified cruelty-free brands straight to your device. Bring it with you everywhere you go, and never worry about supporting animal testing again. Click here to download

Are Dove Products Tested on Animals: Is Dove Cruelty Free in 2022

Are Dove products tested on animals? Thats a tricky question to answer. While some reading this post may give a resounding yes, others may not be so sure. In this post, well explore whether or not Dove and its parent-company, Unilever, can actually be considered cruelty-free in 2022, as well as provide a few alternative hygiene products to use, instead.

Hi beautiful! Just to let you know, we earn a modest commission off of purchases made through Amazon affiliate links on this page. Don't worry, it's of no extra cost to you. We love the products we recommend in this post, and we hope you do, too!

Table of Contents

Are Dove products tested on animals?

Yes, Dove products CAN be tested on animals in some locations.

The question, Does Dove test on animals? is really a conundrum. After all, Dove was certified by PETA in 2018 as being cruelty-free and is considered as such in both the United States and the U.K.

So, what makes the question of Does Dove soap test on animals? so difficult to answer?

The difficulty comes when you look at restrictions and mandatory obligations set on Dove and other products in other countries. Dove China, for example, may be subject to animal-testing, even if it isnt as routine as it used to be.

In China, the law states that any products manufactured outside of their country is subject to pre-market testing. To curb this, Dove has restricted sales to China but has instead begun manufacturing Dove within the borders of China to circumvent this foreign testing regulation. This way, products manufactured within the country arent subject to pre-market testing.

But wait, theres more.

Despite manufacturing Dove soap products in China, Dove cruelty free is still in question. Dove test on animals may still be possible because of Chinas continued ability to pull items off of shelves at random for post-market testing. In this way, China can still technically perform Dove soap animal testing even if Dove itself claims to be cruelty-free.

Historically, has Dove tested on animals?

According to the Dove cruelty-free commitment statement on their website, Dove has been committed to forgoing testing their products on animals since the mid-80s.

As far as ingredients are concerned, Dove test on animals up until 2010 when they forsook that, too.

Nevertheless, because of controversial sales in China, the question of, Is Dove cruelty free? remains a grey area for many people.

Does Dove still test on animals?

So, does Dove test their products on animals?

Today, Dove does not test on animals, themselves. If you are purchasing Dove in the United States or Europe, these products are, indeed, cruelty-free.

Dove has issued a statement saying that they will not internally approve any projects where testing may be done on animals, although they are still selling in China despite Chinas laws about post-market testing.

Is it safe to use Dove products if youre practicing cruelty-free living?

For many that have taken on a cruelty-free lifestyle, the fact that they cant get a straight answer about Is Dove soap cruelty free? will be enough to deter them. Dove animal testing will remain a controversial and even confusing matter for many, so if this is you, you may wish to find substitutions for Dove to ease your conscience.

Check out our recommendations below for good replacements for common Dove products if Doves willingness to continue manufacturing their products in China bothers you.

Is Dove cruelty-free and vegan?

All in all, Dove can be considered cruelty-free in America, Europe and other locations, but the fact that Dove is still being sold in China remains questionable. Some may even wonder if Dove aluminum free deodorant cruelty free. To this, the answer remains the same If the deodorant is produced in China, which it likely is, then it will be subject to post-market animal testing, jsut as their other producs sold and manufactured in China.

As for questions like Does Dove soap use animal fat? and Is Dove soap vegan? the answer is that Dove soap cannot be considered vegan. Some of their products do, indeed, contain substances such as gelatin, beeswax and animal fat, making them less than savory options for someone practicing a strict vegan lifestyle.

Is Dove Vegan

Is Dove body wash vegan?

No it is not. Dove body wash often contains ingredients like animal fat (tallow), beeswax and gelatin.

Is Dove deodorant vegan?

Dove does not certify any of their products as vegan. So, no, Dove deodorant is not vegan either.

Is Dove soap vegan?

Dove soap isnt vegan as it often contains animal byproducts like honey, tallow, beeswax and gelatin.

Is Dove natural?

Believe it or not, natural is an unregulated term that is extremely subjective. Nevertheless, Dove does claim to use naturally-derived ingredients, when they are able, that are gentle enough to nourish the bodys natural biome.

Dove Vegan Products List

There are currently no products that are certified as vegan offered by Dove.

What is Dove?

Dove is a beauty and hygiene company founded by the Levers brothers. When did Dove soap come out? Dove soap made its first debut in 1957. This brand took off and remains a top pick in households all over the world. Gentle in nature and good for the skin, Dove is a top competitor and a world-recognized brand in beauty.

In the early 90s, Dove began to branch out and release other products such as hair care. Their products serve to quench and retain moisture in the hair and skin providing smooth, supple and soft results.

Dove Soap Parent Company

Is Dove Unilever? Yes!

Is Unilever cruelty free? No.

Though Unilever has been acknowledged by PETA as working towards the reduction of testing done on animals, the fact is that Unilever tested on animals long before now and continues to do so with certain products manufactured under its label.

There are, however, some brands made by Unilever that are cruelty-free like Dove. Bear in mind, though, that some of these brands may still be sold in China, making them less desirable to those committed to cruelty-free living.

Other Unilever products that are certified cruelty-free include:

RELATED:Why are Walnut Scrubs Bad for the Face

Vegan and Cruelty Free Options Instead of Dove

Cruelty Free Body Soap

Those using Dove may be looking for vegetarian soap brands and cruelty free soap brands, as well as a soap that does well to make their skin soft and moisturized.

There are several types of cruelty free soap available, including soaps from Kiss My Face, Shea Moisture, Dr. Bronners and more.

Just be sure to check each soap scent-by-scentnot all soaps by these brands may be deemed vegan.

Buy on Amazon

Cruelty Free Bar Soap Kiss My Face Bar Soaps

Chances are, youve probably seen the Kiss My Face bar soaps lining store shelves. These popular yet inexpensive bars of soap are gluten-free, vegan, paraben free and cruelty free. They do well for locking moisture in the skin while nourishing skin with healthy and natural ingredients.

Buy on Amazon

Cruelty Free Body Wash The Right to Shower Dignity Body Wash

Looking for a body wash not tested on animals, that is a cruelty free body wash, a vegan body wash, smells great and was created to support a great cause? We thought so.

Out of all of the vegan body wash brands, this one really stands out. Check out The Right to Shower Dignity Body Wash which aims to support people living on the streets by donating profits to bringing mobile showers to the homeless. Additionally, this body wash is said to have a great fragrance and is great at sealing moisture, all of which are major bonuses in the category of cruelty free body washes in our book.

Buy on Amazon

Animal Testing Free Shampoo Sulfate-Free Rehab Shampoo

Use this animal-friendly and cruelty free shampoo to replace your old Dove stash. Packed with vegan proteins like quinoa and hemp and a slew of other wholesome and natural ingredients, this shampoo will satisfy even the choosiest of beauty enthusiasts, while leaving the hair silky, smooth and frizz-free.

Vegan Cruelty Free Body Lotion Love, Beauty and Planet Shea Velvet

This great smelling lotion is a great vegan and cruelty free option to use a a dupe for Dove. Buyers cant get enough of how good this one smells due to its infusion of shea butter and sandalwood fragrances.

Buy on Amazon

Dove is Making Strides But Doesnt Quite Hit the Mark

Although Dove and its parent company Unilever seem to be making strides in the right direction, the truth is that those wishing to live a truly cruelty free lifestyle may wish to steer clear of this brand.

Instead, consider opting for the aforementioned cruelty free and vegan dupes as a replacement until Dove and Unilever are permanently declared cruelty-free everywhere.

Want to know even more about popular brands and their free status? Check out our blog post entitled Is Too Faced Gluten Free for more information about this popular makeup brand.

Interested to learn about more vegan cosmetics? Read: Is petroleum jelly vegan.