Dove vs Nivea (The Definitive Guide)

Dove and Nivea have been in the business of body care for generations. 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 daily routine.

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Dove vs Nivea Cream

The Nivea Creme is a household staple thanks to its creamy texture and fast hydration. This versatile lotion can be used to moisturize your face, hands, and body. It is also dermatologically tested and approved, making it safe to use on sensitive or acne-prone skin.

The formula features Vitamin B5 which soothes the skin and provides moisture all day long. The Nivea Creme also includes paraffin which helps treat eczema and repair flaky, itchy skin. Despite its occlusively moisturizing properties, the lotion leaves no sticky or greasy residue and sinks into the skin quickly.

One downside to this product is that it contains alcohol and fragrance, which can sometimes cause irritation, particularly if you have any skin ailments.

The Nivea Creme costs $8 for a 382g tub that will last you several months.

Another body cream alternative is the Dove Rich Nourishment Cream. This velvety lotion features Dove’s patented DeepCare Complex, a nourishing blend of essential oils and natural nutrients. According to the brand, the cream is inspired by moisturizing rituals from India.

The cream is gentle enough for everyday use and can heal your body, especially drier areas like the knees, elbows, and feet.

This non-greasy formula includes petrolatum (and paraffin, like its Nivea counterpart) which helps heal cracked and itchy skin. Two other key ingredients are coconut oil and almond milk which treat rough patches and reveal smoother skin.

In terms of scent, the Rich Nourishment Cream has the classic clean scent that you will recognize from other Dove products. This soothing scent is very relaxing to use after your bath or shower.

Vegan customers will be happy to know that Dove is officially a Leaping Bunny Certified brand, credited by PETA. This means that there is no animal testing involved in the making of this cream. It’s worth noting that Nivea does not have the Leaping Bunny certification.

This cream retails for between $5 and $8 for a 150ml tub, depending on where you shop.

Dove vs Nivea Body Wash

The Nivea Nourishing Body Wash is an affordable way to cleanse and moisturize your body at the same time. This gentle wash includes a nourishing serum that hydrates the skin while you’re in the shower. The silky lather of this product also makes it a great shaving cream substitute.

This plant-based formula includes Soybean Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Castor Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil. There are no parabens in this product, and it is dermatologically tested. Finally, the wash has a calming floral scent that will elevate your shower experience.

You can pick up a 590ml bottle of the Nivea Nourishing Body Wash for just $4.99.

Next up is the Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash. This foaming wash is soothing and gently cleanses the body. You can enjoy Dove’s signature fresh, clean scent that lingers on the skin throughout the day.

The formula features Soybean Oil which antioxidizes and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. The product also includes Dove’s Microbiome Nutrient Serum which repairs and hydrates the skin.

Earth-conscious customers will be pleased to know that the formula is 98% biodegradable, while the packaging is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. This means that this product has sustainable packaging that doesn’t go to landfill.

A 650ml bottle retails for $6.99. This makes it slightly more expensive than the Nivea alternative, however, you get 60ml more product with the Dove Body Wash.

Dove vs Nivea Body Lotion

The Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion gently treats dryness, revealing smooth, shiny skin. The lotion is mixed with a serum that contains Sweet Almond Oil, which conditions the skin and soothes rough patches.

The lotion is made for dry to very dry skin and aims to deliver 48 hours of moisture once applied. It is also dermatologically tested making it suitable for everyday use.

The lotion has a sweet, soothing smell that isn’t too overpowering and the calming formula is safe to use on sensitive skin. The bottle also arrives with a handy pump for ease of use.

A 499ml bottle of the Essentially Enriched Body Lotion will cost you $13.

Our final product is the Dove Essential Care Body Lotion. This dreamy cream uses Dove’s DeepCare Complex, a blend of essential oils and skin-nourishing nutrients. Massage this lotion onto the body for soft, gleaming skin that smells heavenly.

The formula features paraffin, which is helpful in treating eczema and dry skin (as we've well and truly established at this point in the comparison!). Another key ingredient is Sunflower Seed Oil, which hydrates, soothes, and protects the skin against environmental damage.

Online reviewers have commented that this lotion has given their skin long-lasting hydration and a gorgeous glow. Users have also recommended it as a post-shave moisturizer to prevent razor burn and redness.

You can pick up a 400ml bottle of the Essential Care Body Lotion for $12.

Dove vs Nivea Conclusion

In conclusion, the best body wash would be the Nivea Nourishing Body Wash. Although it is slightly more expensive, the ingredients list is more natural and the floral scent is relaxing.

However, the better body lotion would be the Dove Essential Care Body Lotion. This is because of the calming Sunflower Seed Oil and paraffin, as well as the high-quality texture. Furthermore, the Dove Rich Nourishment Cream has better ingredients than the Nivea Creme and costs less.