Is Dove Sensitive Skin antibacterial?

How to check your Dove pack

On a U.S. soap or body wash, look for the word "antibacterial" and a Drug Facts panel identifying an antibacterial active ingredient. Cleansers marketed as antibacterial are regulated as drugs in the U.S. A beauty bar and an antibacterial bar can share a brand name without sharing a job, so the Dove logo is not the deciding word.13

The U.S. Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Beauty Bar lists benzalkonium chloride at 0.13% as its active ingredient. Its stated use is washing to decrease bacteria on the skin. That ingredient and strength belong to that named bar, not automatically to another Dove product.2

Can a regular cleanser still remove germs?

Yes. For handwashing, plain soap and water remove germs without an antibacterial active ingredient. Lather traps germs, dirt and chemicals, and rinsing carries them away. Both bar and liquid soap work well for removing germs. Removing germs through washing is different from choosing a product specifically labeled to decrease bacteria.4

For everyday consumer handwashing, antibacterial soaps have not shown an added health benefit over plain soap and water. There is not sufficient evidence that they prevent illness better. The word "antibacterial" describes a product claim, not a promotion to a higher rank of clean. Choose plain soap and water for routine handwashing rather than switching solely for that claim.14

How to wash your hands properly

1. 1Remove rings and bracelets if possible, then wet your hands with clean, running water.
2. 2Apply enough soap to cover your hands and work it into a lather.
3. 3Scrub for at least 20 seconds, covering palms, backs of hands, between fingers, thumbs, fingertips and under fingernails.
4. 4Rinse away the soap with water.
5. 5Dry your hands completely with a clean towel or an air dryer.

Warm or cold water is fine: both remove the same number of germs during handwashing. The 20 seconds is scrubbing time, not a waiting period after applying the cleanser. Drying matters because germs spread more easily from wet hands.4

Wash after using the toilet or changing a nappy; before eating or handling food; before and after handling raw foods; after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose; before and after treating a cut; and after touching animals, their food or their cages. Handwashing belongs at these moments, not just in a morning or evening skincare routine.5

If you have Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Beauty Bar

Dove directs you to wet the bar, lather vigorously, use it over the body and rinse clean. Use it externally only, and keep it away from the eyes. If it gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Stop using it and ask a doctor if irritation or redness develops. Keep it out of children's reach except under adult supervision. These directions apply to the antibacterial bar, not to every product carrying the Dove name.2