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Brand owned by Unilever (United Kingdom) · about the brand
Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Reviewed 8 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This hand wash provides effective cleansing with a blend of mild and moderate surfactants. However, the presence of 'Fragrance' and multiple disclosed fragrance allergens means it is not suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or contact dermatitis. While the product is rinse-off, the high allergen load is a significant concern for this subgroup.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Benzoate
Contains multiple fragrance allergens and a moderate irritant surfactant
This hand wash effectively cleanses but includes 'Fragrance' and several common fragrance allergens, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions for those with sensitivities. It also contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can be irritating to some skin types, especially with frequent use.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for bath body. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Why the score is capped
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
High load of declared fragrance allergens (EU-listed)
Rule PC-CAP-03
What's good
Contains glycerin and fatty acids for skin conditioning
pH adjusted with citric acid for skin compatibility
Uses a generally safe preservative (Sodium Benzoate)
Watch out for
High potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions due to undisclosed fragrance and multiple fragrance allergens
Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to sensitive skin
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
SLES is a cleansing agent that is milder than SLS but can still irritate very sensitive or compromised skin. Separately, because it is made by ethoxylation, it may carry a residue of 1,4-dioxane, which IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). The ingredient list cannot show whether any is present or how much. The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic to be safe, and manufacturers reduce it by vacuum stripping.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FDA; EU SCCS
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: regulation, sources and other products →Fragrance
"Fragrance" or "parfum" is a catch-all term that can conceal a blend of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including known allergens, sensitisers, and potential endocrine disruptors. The EU now mandates disclosure of 82 specific fragrance allergens. People with fragrance sensitivity, asthma, or contact dermatitis should prefer fragrance-free products.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2023/1545; IFRA
Fragrance: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains 'Fragrance' (Parfum), an undisclosed blend of chemicals that is a common allergen and irritant. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for individuals with sensitivities to identify specific triggers.
Contains multiple EU-26 classified fragrance allergens (Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool), which are known to cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate, while milder than SLS, can still be irritating to the skin, especially with frequent use or for individuals with sensitive skin. It may also contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen, as a by-product of its manufacturing process.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The claim 'deeply nourishing' is a subjective marketing term that cannot be objectively verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The claim 'gentle cleansers' is a subjective marketing term that cannot be objectively verified from the ingredient list.
The label states 'washes away germs', but there is no information on the label to verify the efficacy of germ removal.
Market rank + professional endorsement claim — requires independent survey data and clinical evidence to substantiate; cannot be assessed from label data alone.
The product is explicitly labeled as 'hand wash'.
The ingredient list includes Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, and Myristic Acid, which are known moisturizing agents.
The product is explicitly labeled as a 'HAND WASH REFILL'.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Water
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2.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
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3.
Glycerin
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4.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
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5.
Sodium Chloride
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6.
Acrylates Copolymer
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7.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePerfume
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8.
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
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9.
Palmitic Acid
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10.
Stearic Acid
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11.
Myristic Acid
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12.
Citric Acid
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13.
Sodium Benzoate
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14.
Isopropyl Palmitate
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15.
Alpha Isomethyl Ionone
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16.
Benzyl Salicylate
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17.
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
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18.
Citronellol
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19.
Coumarin
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20.
Eugenol
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21.
Geraniol
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22.
Hexyl Cinnamal
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23.
Linalool
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
Fragrance allergens are substances EU cosmetics rules require to be named on the label (such as Limonene and Linalool). Fragrant botanicals such as essential oils are grouped with them because they can naturally contain such substances, but they are not on that list. They matter mainly for people with fragrance allergies or already-sensitive skin — not a general-population safety issue. Each named allergen takes a small deduction from the ingredient score, and a high count can cap it; fragrant botanicals take none. Naming them on the label is a transparency positive.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other hand wash products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
Medimix Ayurvedic 18 Herbs Hand Wash
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DABUR Fem Floral Bouquet Soft & Safe Handwash
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Margo Natural Anti-Bacterial Handwash for Soft, Hydrated hands
3.5Margo
Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash
3.5Yardley
Side-by-side comparisons
How this product's label compares with others on the same shelf, row by row.
Also on this shelf
More Hand Wash products we've analysed, in name order.
What are the ingredients in Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash?
The label of Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash lists 23 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Fragrance, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, PALMITIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, Myristic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, COUMARIN, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Fragrance, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone.
Is Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash safe to use?
Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This hand wash effectively cleanses but includes 'Fragrance' and several common fragrance allergens, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions for those with sensitivities. It also contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can be irritating to some skin types, especially with frequent use.
Why does Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: High potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions due to undisclosed fragrance and multiple fragrance allergens. Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Who should avoid Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis.
Does Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 8 fragrance allergens: Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, COUMARIN, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal and Linalool. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash contain fragrance?
Yes — the ingredient list includes Fragrance. Fragrance is declared as a single ingredient, so the individual scent chemicals in it are not named; the label does separately list 8 fragrance allergens (Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, COUMARIN and Eugenol and others). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 7 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "deeply nourishing" — can't be verified from the label. "gentle cleansers" — can't be verified from the label. "washes away germs" — can't be verified from the label.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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