Soothing Sandalwood by alife — product pack

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alife

Soothing Sandalwood

bath_body
5.5 Moderate

Decode Label Safety Score

Ingredient safety · 55% 6.8/10
Processing · 15% 8.5/10
Marketing · 30% 8.1/10
How we got 5.5 Show
Weighted score 7.4/10
Capped — Contains an ingredient with an IARC carcinogen classification (e.g. talc) ≤ 5.5
Also flagged
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Final score 5.5/10 · Moderate

Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed

This bathing bar is primarily a traditional saponified soap, which can be more alkaline and potentially stripping to the skin barrier compared to syndet bars. The presence of Talc, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) for perineal use and with a proposed Carc. 1B classification by ECHA RAC, is a significant concern, especially given its higher position in the ingredient list. The undisclosed 'Fragrance' is a common source of allergens, relevant for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. The product also contains synthetic colorants, which are generally regulated for cosmetic use. Individuals with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or those avoiding talc should exercise caution.

Traditional soap with Talc and undisclosed fragrance raises safety concerns

This bathing bar contains Talc, an ingredient classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) for perineal use, and for which a stronger carcinogen classification has been proposed by EU authorities. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which is a common cause of skin allergies and irritation for sensitive individuals. The base is a traditional soap, which can be more alkaline than modern synthetic detergent bars.

Consider this product carefully if you are

  • Avoiding certain additives or colours — Talc is declared.

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  • Ingredients you avoid. Sulphates, parabens, silicones, fragrance, drying alcohol, PEGs and more.
  • Sensitivities. Sensitive skin, hormonal considerations, pregnancy.
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Concern breakdown What drives the score, concern by concern · score out of 10, higher = fewer concerns
Key risks: Contains an ingredient with an IARC carcinogen classification (e.g. talc) Talc CI 12490 Fragrance

Concern breakdown

Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concerns

How 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.

Carcinogen & Contaminant Risk Significant concern · 2.5/10

Triggered by Talc.

Fragrance & Allergen Load Significant concern · 3.0/10
pH & Skin Barrier Minor concern · 6.5/10
Preservative Safety Minor concern · 7.0/10
Harsh Surfactants & Irritants No concern identified · 8.0/10
Endocrine-Active Ingredients No concern identified · 8.0/10
Label Transparency No concern identified · 8.0/10

Why the score is capped

Contains an ingredient with an IARC carcinogen classification (e.g. talc)

Rule PC-CAP-11 · Source: IARC carcinogen classification

Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)

Rule PC-CAP-06

What's good

Contains Glycerin, a humectant that helps moisturize the skin.

Watch out for

Contains Talc, an ingredient with an IARC Group 2B classification (possibly carcinogenic to humans) for perineal use, and a proposed Carc. 1B classification by ECHA RAC.

Contains undisclosed 'Fragrance', a common source of allergens for sensitive individuals.

The soap base is traditional saponified soap, which can be more alkaline and potentially stripping to the skin barrier compared to syndet bars.

CI 12490 — permitted cosmetic colourant - the EU limits where on the body each may be used.

CI 11680 — permitted cosmetic colourant - the EU limits where on the body each may be used.

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.

Talc

In July 2024 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified talc as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), citing limited evidence of ovarian cancer in people and strong evidence of carcinogenic mechanisms. Talc that contains asbestos-like fibres is a separate, established carcinogen (Group 1), and talc can occur naturally alongside asbestos, which is why testing of the source matters. The classification rests mostly on perineal and inhalation exposure, so a rinse-off use is a lower exposure than a loose powder. Cornstarch-based powders avoid the question.

Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Volume 136 (2024), talc; US FDA talc testing programme

Talc: 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 →

Synthetic Cosmetic Colourants (CI)

These Colour Index (CI) numbers are colourants on the EU list of permitted cosmetic colours, each with conditions on where it may be used (for example, some are allowed only in products that do not stay in contact with mucous membranes). A listed colour in a product used as directed is not a finding of harm; the colour serves only to colour the product, and this is information for anyone who prefers to avoid synthetic dyes.

Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex IV (permitted colourants); SCCS opinions on colourants

Synthetic Cosmetic Colourants (CI): regulation, sources and other products →

Decode Label Analysis

Talc is classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) for perineal use. ECHA RAC has proposed a Carc. 1B classification for asbestos-free talc, indicating a stronger concern. Its presence high in the ingredient list is a significant safety concern.

The product contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual fragrance allergens. This is a common source of sensitisation and allergic reactions for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

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.

ⓘ
"PACK OF 10" Packaging / category descriptor

This describes the product’s packaging or its category, not a testable attribute of the food itself — so it’s classified separately rather than flagged as a doubtful claim.

?
"SMART SUPER PACK" Can't verify

The term 'SMART SUPER PACK' is a marketing designation that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other provided label information.

✓
"Soothing Sandalwood" Checks out

Santalum album extract (sandalwood extract) is listed in the ingredients, supporting the 'Soothing Sandalwood' claim.

Santalum album extract

Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.

  • 1.
    Sodium Palmate
  • 2.
    Sodium Palm Kernelate
  • 3.
    Talc
  • 4.
    Glycerin
  • 5.
    Fragrance undisclosed fragrance
  • 6.
    Sodium Chloride
  • 7.
    Titanium Dioxide
  • 8.
    Tetra Sodium EDTA
  • 9.
    Etidronic Acid
  • 10.
    Santalum Album Extract trace amount
    Santalum album extract
  • 11.
    CI 12490 synthetic colour
  • 12.
    CI 11680 synthetic colour
  • 13.
    Aqua

Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.

In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.

Compare with other soap 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.

View all →

What are the ingredients in Soothing Sandalwood?

The label of Soothing Sandalwood lists 13 ingredients, in label order: SODIUM PALMATE, SODIUM PALM KERNELATE, Talc, Glycerin, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Titanium Dioxide, Tetra Sodium EDTA, Etidronic Acid, Santalum Album Extract, CI 12490, CI 11680, Aqua. Flagged by the analysis: Talc, Fragrance, CI 12490, CI 11680.

Is Soothing Sandalwood safe to use?

Soothing Sandalwood scores 5.5/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This bathing bar contains Talc, an ingredient classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) for perineal use, and for which a stronger carcinogen classification has been proposed by EU authorities. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which is a common cause of skin allergies and irritation for sensitive individuals. The base is a traditional soap, which can be more alkaline than modern synthetic detergent bars.

Why does Soothing Sandalwood score 5.5/10?

Flagged in the score: Contains Talc, an ingredient with an IARC Group 2B classification (possibly carcinogenic to humans) for perineal use, and a proposed Carc. 1B classification by ECHA RAC. Contains undisclosed 'Fragrance', a common source of allergens for sensitive individuals. Also noted: The soap base is traditional saponified soap, which can be more alkaline and potentially stripping to the skin barrier compared to syndet bars.

Who should avoid Soothing Sandalwood?

The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Avoiding IARC Group 2B classified ingredients (Talc); Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis.

Does Soothing Sandalwood 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. This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.

Are the claims on the Soothing Sandalwood pack accurate?

Decode Label checked 2 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "SMART SUPER PACK" — 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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