Dove · Shampoo
Dove Daily Moisture Therapy Shampoo
Lower PFAS concern; typical rinse-off cosmetic with no known high-risk ingredients.
Dove Daily Moisture Therapy Shampoo is a rinse-off liquid cosmetic with no documented PFAS treatment, water-resistant claims, or fluorinated coatings. The brand makes no PFAS disclosures either way. Shampoos generally present lower PFAS risk than leave-on cosmetics, waterproof products, or treated textiles.
Shop Dove on Amazon →Material
aqueous shampoo base, surfactants, emollients
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Dove Daily Moisture Therapy is an aqueous shampoo formulation built on mild anionic and amphoteric surfactants, with emollients (typically glycerin, dimethicone) and conditioning agents. Because shampoos are rinsed away within minutes, dermal absorption risk is minimal even for potentially irritating ingredients. The emollient base is designed to reduce stripping of natural scalp oils, reducing the likelihood of irritation or barrier damage that could increase ingredient penetration.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dove (Unilever) publishes ingredient lists transparently and has faced no major recalls or safety violations specific to this line. The brand has committed to phasing problematic chemicals from personal care lines, though formal PFAS disclosure remains limited across the industry. No established dermatological controversies or hidden ingredient concerns are on record for this product formulation.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mainstream mass-market segment, competing with Pantene, Garnier, and SheaMoisture on mildness rather than premium positioning. It avoids common sensitizers (sulfates, parabens) that some competitors still use, placing it above the lowest-cost tier. Comparable products carry the same rinse-off safety profile; Dove's advantage is consistent formula documentation and absence of controversy.
If you buy it
Use as directed: wet hair, apply small amount, lather gently, rinse thoroughly with cool to warm water. No special storage precautions needed; keep container sealed and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Replace when empty; no maintenance required. Discontinue use only if individual sensitivity develops (rare for this formulation).
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
1,4-Dioxane (potential contaminant in surfactant synthesis)
This rinse-off shampoo may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as an unintended byproduct of ethoxylated surfactant manufacturing. Exposure during use is extremely low due to brief contact and immediate rinsing; dermal absorption during the seconds of application is negligible.
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
Dove lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without itemizing specific aroma compounds. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or dermatitis may experience scalp irritation, though the formulation is marketed as hypoallergenic and fragrance-related reactions are uncommon in this product line.
Formaldehyde releasers (preservative systems)
Dove does not publicly disclose use of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in this product. Standard industry practice and Dove's transparency record suggest avoidance of this class; no reports of formaldehyde contamination in Daily Moisture Therapy exist.
Heavy metals in water or trace ingredients
Shampoos are formulated with purified water and tested ingredients. No recalls or documented heavy metal contamination (lead, cadmium, arsenic) have been reported for this Dove product or line.
Scalp or eye irritation from surfactant base
Even mild surfactants can irritate sensitive scalp or eyes upon contact. This product is designed for gentleness but is still a cleansing agent; accidental eye contact or use on very inflamed scalp may cause temporary stinging. Rinse immediately if contact occurs.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Shampoo
Credo Beauty
Roz Salt Scalp Scrub
salt crystals, mineral-based scrub
Lower-concern buy, salt scrub formulation carries minimal inherent PFAS risk.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Puracy
Public Goods Shampoo Refill
aqueous surfactant-based liquid shampoo
Lower-concern shampoo refill; Puracy's MADE SAFE cert and no-PFAS positioning align, but cosmetic formulation labs are rarely published.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Puracy
Natural Baby Shampoo Body Wash
water-based surfactants, plant-derived ingredients, aqueous solution
Lower PFAS concern, liquid cosmetic with no water-resistant or nonstick triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
More shampoo grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.