Is Dove Sustainable or is it Greenwashing?

This article was last updated May 2024.

---

Welcome to the series where I see if brands and products are actually what they say they are.

Is Dove sustainable or is it greenwashing? 🕊

One year ago I said dove wasn’t greenwashing, but let’s dive in and see if anything has changed …. 🕵️‍♀️

Dove was founded with the Dove Beauty Bar in 1957 - and the company is PETA cruelty free, uses sustainably sourced palm oil (RSPO), and all bottles are made with 100% PCR plastic.

They have a commitment to reduce plastic by 2025, which is why they launched their refillable products & switched their bottles to be made with PCR plastic.

They’ve also launched the RE+AL collection which is 100% biodegradable & vegan - and last year started a partnership with Rimba Collective to help with reforestation.

A few things I didn’t like: Dove is owned by Unilever which IS in a UK investigation for greenwashing (not for Dove specifically but important to note), & there is vague language around their manufacturing & sourcing ingredients. Plus they have this section on their website around circularity but it just talks about plastic which is making me do this emoji: 🤨

So is Dove sustainable or is it greenwashing?

So I’m gonna give this one a 50/50 - I WILL SAY I recognize and appreciate all of the changes Dove has made and their transparency & for many people it’s affordable and accessible - but what do you think?

XOXO,

Krys Gier

Sources:

https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/about-dove/ingredient-transparency.html

https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/about-dove/no-animal-testing.html

Dove and Marmite maker Unilever to be investigated in UK over ‘greenwashing’

https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/campaigns/sourcing-and-sustainability/circular-care.html