Dove’s ‘Real’ Beauty Line is Filled With Cancer-Causing Chemicals and Toxins
As our society has shifted towards the acceptance of natural or ‘real’ beauty, cosmetic conglomerates have had to follow suit. However, Dove, the beauty company that set the stage for the ‘real beauty’ movement, has been marketing products that are far from real.
Dove has followed closely along with beauty trends since their company began in 1957. Their first mega-product was the ‘beauty bar’ that contained cleansing creams that were trendy for that time. In the 60’s they began featuring real women, who discussed the benefits of using their products. Later, in the 90’s they began advertising their soaps as being low alkaline. In 2004, they launched the official campaign for real beauty. They later began the Dove Self-Esteem fund to fight eating disorders.
And while we have to give them credit where credit is due, for beginning a revolutionary campaign for women in this day and age, it seems that their products don’t quite fit the ‘real’ motif they are aiming for. On the contrary, they are actually laden with toxic and dangerous ingredients that are far from real.
Here are three of their most popular products and the ingredients they contain:
“A refreshing shower is a great way to start your day off right, and a hydrating body wash can help you to nourish your skin at the same time.”
Ingredients
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Perfume, Glycerin,Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride,Glycol Distearate,Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-C30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PPG-9, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Coconut Acid, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Lauric Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Laureth-4, BHT, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Glycine, Sodium Isethionate, Lactic Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Sulfate,Alpha Isomethyl Ionone,Butylphenyl Methylpropional,Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, CI 19140, CI 61570
While the ‘go fresh’ line claims to be “gentle on your skin’ and contain ‘nourishing formulas’ the above-listed ingredients are anything but fresh and nourishing.
- Dove claims this product
- Adds shine to normal hair
- Nourishes and protects from daily wear and tear
- Formulated with Nutrium Serum
- Leaves hair strong and beautiful
- Gentle formula that’s suitable for everyday use
Ingredients
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Dimethiconol and Trideceth-10 and TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Perfume, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Mica and Titanium Dioxide, Cocamide MEA, Disodium EDTA, PEG-45M, DMDM Hydantoin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, CI 15985, CI 19140.
Unfortunately, the majority of the listed ingredients are laden with chemicals and not at all good for your hair.
3. Purely Pampering Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla Body Lotion
“It’s comforting shea butter and warm vanilla fragrance leaves you feeling balanced. And because it’s a Dove body lotion, it also contains our unique DeepCare Complex, a blend of natural nutrients for the skin and rich essential oil, to help gradually improve skin starting deep down*, making it an ideal body lotion for dry skin.”
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Palmitic acid & Stearic acid, Caprylic/Capric,Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycol Stearate, PEG-100-stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane,Petrolatum, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annuus(Sunflower)Seed oil, Isomerized,Linoleic acid, Lactic acid, Potassium lactate, Sodium PCA, Urea, Titanium Dioxide,Butyrospermum Parkii, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben,Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Cetyl,Alcohol, Stearamide AMP, Disodium EDTA, Perfume.
As an example of the toxic chemicals contained in these products, Cyclopentasiloxane, which is listed around the beginning has been deemed by Environment and Health Canada as a toxic substance. It is otherwise known as D5 and has been linked to infertility, interference with hormone functioning and more.
To be able to better understand the toxins listed above, here are a few examples:
Sodium Hydroxide– The CDC lists this chemical as being corrosive, giving a burning sensation, promoting sore throat, shortness of breath, coughing, skin burns, blisters, redness, severely burning the eyes, and possibly causing abdominal collapse.
Triethanolamine- Triethanolamine is the byproduct of two toxic substances: ethylene oxide and ammonia. Triethanolamine also poses the potential for skin, hair and eye irritation and inflammation on a short or long-term basis. Over time, it can cause chemical damages. During clinical trials on animals, high doses of Triethanolamine caused liver, bladder and testicular cancer.
Methylisothiazolinone– Methylisothiazolinone poses a risk for a variety of health issues. From inhalation toxicity to possible neurotoxicity, this particular chemical is a “doozy.” Rats that were exposed to concentrated varieties showed significant body weight gain and death.
Unfortunately, that is merely three out of hundreds of chemicals listed in their product lines. And while some may be seemingly innocent, others are absolutely not. Instead, they are a noxious pool of chemicals that are dangerous in a variety of ways. However, there are natural alternatives, especially concerning moisturizing and skin care.
Here are 15 all-natural beauty alternatives that work: