Quick Answer
Most Dove body washes are gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to use. Dove does not add any gluten-containing ingredients to their standard body washes. However, there is a risk of cross-contamination at their manufacturing facilities. Individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should contact Dove to verify the gluten-free status of specific products.
Ingredients in Dove Body Wash
Dove uses high quality ingredients in their body washes, focusing on mild cleansers like:
- Water
- Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate
- Stearic Acid
- Sodium Stearate
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Sodium Chloride
- Fragrance
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- Glycerin
- Glycol Distearate
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Dove avoids ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, malt, and oats that naturally contain the protein gluten. Their body washes are focused on mild cleansing and skin nourishment.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
While Dove does not add gluten-containing ingredients to their body washes, there is a risk of cross-contamination at their manufacturing facilities. Trace amounts of gluten could make their way into Dove products from shared equipment, production lines, or ingredients sourced from suppliers.
Individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity react to very small amounts of gluten. While the risk is low, those who need to strictly avoid gluten exposure should contact Dove to understand their procedures and testing around preventing cross-contamination.
Contacting Dove About Gluten-Free Products
The best way to confirm the gluten-free status of Dove body washes is to contact their customer service department directly. Here are some recommended ways to reach out:
- Call 1-800-458-1673 to speak with a consumer care representative
- Start a live chat at www.dove.com
- Fill out a contact form on their website
When reaching out, be specific about which Dove body wash products you are looking to use. Provide details on your gluten sensitivity or celiac needs. Request information on any testing Dove conducts to validate the gluten-free status of their body washes.
Some Dove Products Contain Gluten
While standard Dove body washes do not contain gluten, some specialized Dove hair and skin products do include wheat ingredients:
- Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo
- Dove Damage Therapy Conditioner
- Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived Body Lotion
- Dove Dry Oil Body Mist
Always thoroughly read the ingredient lists before purchasing and using a new Dove product if you need to avoid gluten. Do not assume all items will be gluten-free. Watch out for hydrolyzed wheat protein, wheat germ oil, and similar ingredients.
Rely on Naturally Gluten-Free Body Washes
Individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity may want to use body washes from brands that are naturally gluten-free. Here are some recommended options:
- Dr. Bronner’s – All One Pure-Castile Liquid Soaps
- Everyone Soap for Every Body
- Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Body Wash
- Tom’s of Maine Natural Body Wash
- Puracy Natural Body Wash
These brands avoid using any gluten-containing grains in their body wash recipes. There is little to no risk of cross-contamination at their facilities.
Safety Tips When Using Dove Body Wash
Here are some tips for safely using Dove body wash if you need to avoid gluten:
- Thoroughly rinse bottles before first use to remove any residue
- Use a fresh, clean washcloth to avoid cross-contact
- Store body wash separately from gluten-containing products
- Wash hands after using shared soap dispensers
- Don’t share body wash with household members who use gluten products
Practicing good hygiene and using separate toiletries can help reduce the already low risk of gluten exposure from Dove body washes.
Symptoms of a Gluten Reaction
Those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should monitor themselves carefully for any signs of an adverse reaction after using Dove body wash. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea, constipation, loose stools
- Headaches and migraines
- Brain fog and fatigue
- Skin rashes or irritation
- Joint pain
Reactions can occur anywhere from a few hours to a few days after gluten exposure. If any symptoms appear and persist, discontinue use of the body wash.
Anaphylactic Reactions
In rare cases, individuals with celiac disease can have an anaphylactic reaction to gluten exposure. This is a severe, whole-body allergic response that is life-threatening. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness, fainting
- Rapid heart rate
If any of these signs appear after using Dove body wash, seek emergency medical care immediately. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital.
Children with Gluten Sensitivity
Extra care should be taken when bathing children with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Young skin is more absorbent and sensitive to potential irritants. Always help children wash thoroughly with cleanwashcloths and avoid getting any body wash near the mouth or face.
Many parents choose to use gluten-free brands such as California Baby, Babo Botanicals, or Bambo Nature body wash designed for sensitive skin. Speak with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about safely bathing your gluten-sensitive child.
Dove Body Washes Are Not Certified Gluten-Free
It’s important to note that Dove body washes are not certified gluten-free by any third-party organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Products bearing a GFCO logo have been rigorously tested to contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten.
Dove relies on internal testing and has not sought out GFCO certification for their body washes. Individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergies should use caution and thoroughly vet any Dove products before use. Look for the certified GFCO mark when available.
Seek Out GFCO Certified Products
Here are some examples of GFCO certified gluten-free body washes:
- SheaMoisture African Black Soap Body Wash
- Alaffia Everyday Shea Body Wash, Unscented
- Sky Organics 100% Pure African Black Soap
- Raw Sugar Simply Body Wash, Coconut Lime
The GFCO certification provides added assurance that these body washes contain virtually zero traces of gluten.
The Bottom Line
Dove body washes that do not list any wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients are likely gluten-free to most levels. But there is some risk of cross-contamination. Individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergies should thoroughly rinse bottles, use clean washcloths, and practice good hygiene when using Dove. Or opt for a naturally gluten-free brand instead. Always check with Dove and your doctor if you have any concerns about exposure or experience an adverse reaction after using their body washes. Be sure to read labels carefully and look for GFCO certified products whenever possible for the highest level of gluten safety assurance.
