Dove vs Aveeno (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've heard of Dove vs Aveeno before. But which is best? And which brand should you choose?

Come with us as we compare their best-sellers side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skincare routine.

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Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash vs Aveeno Calm + Restore Body Wash

That’s why we’ve chosen two body washes to highlight: Dove’s Sensitive Skin Body Wash and Aveeno’s Calm + Restore Body Wash. Both are designed for those with sensitive skin, but only one can earn our seal of approval.

2024 update: Both Dove and Aveeno have had packaging updates since we originally published this article. That said, there's still a lot of the old stuff floating around in stock depending on your preferred retailer. Just note that packaging may vary! Oh, and the formulas haven't changed at all.

Dove’s Sensitive Skin Body Wash is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free. Further, it’s formulated with their Microbiome Nutrient Serum (which is a blend of prebiotics), glycerin, and soybean oil, which nourishes while strengthening skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Created with prebiotic oat, aloe, and vitamin B5, Aveeno’s Calm + Restore body wash gently cleanses and moisturizes skin. These agents work together to restore skin’s moisture barrier and retain a healthy surface. According to their site, it’s been tested on sensitive, distressed, and mild to moderate dry skin of oncology patients, and 90% of them claimed it didn’t dry out their dermis.

Price-wise, Dove’s body wash is available at ~$9 for a 20oz bottle and Aveeno’s body wash is ~$12 for an 18oz bottle.

After trying both body washes for myself, that's where I noticed the real differences. With Dove, the immediate effect was its remarkably creamy texture. It created a gentle lather that left my skin feeling deeply nourished and surprisingly soft to the touch. Good stuff. On the other hand, Aveeno offered a distinctly soothing experience. Typically I leave the shower looking red and splotchy (oh the wonders of sensitive skin), however using Aveeno, my skin was visibly calmer and less reactive.

While both products effectively cleansed, Dove excelled as a straight-forward body wash, whereas Aveeno stood out for its calming properties. But, before we make any final decisions, let’s take a closer look at each brand’s ethics.

Dove is certified cruelty-free by none other than PETA—but they aren’t vegan. Additionally, their body wash has a 98% biodegradable formula and is packaged in 100% recyclable packaging. Moreover, their initiative to use 100% recycled plastic bottles began in 2020, and they intentionally made the beauty bar’s packaging completely plastic-free. Cleansers aside, they’re also experimenting with new refillable deodorant in an effort to continue reducing their plastic use.

Aveeno claims that all their products are free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and sulfates. Regarding sustainability, they use their patented GAIA process to help develop formulas that have a lesser impact on aquatic life. They also plan to use 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025. Moreover, in 2020, Aveeno partnered with Essence to expand Black-owned brand presence in the skincare industry and awarded business owners $100,000 grants.

Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to what you're seeking most from your body wash. If, like me, you have particularly sensitive skin that needs some soothing TLC, then Aveeno is the way to go. If you're just looking for a no-nonsense body wash for any skin type, then Dove won't disappoint.

This article was originally published on December 15th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 21st 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.