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Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This shampoo contains Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, a harsh primary surfactant known for its potential to strip the skin barrier, which may be irritating for individuals with sensitive scalps. The presence of 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure means potential allergens are not individually named, which is a concern for those with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin. While the product includes some beneficial botanical extracts and conditioning agents, these are listed in trace amounts and do not offset the primary surfactant's potential for irritation or the transparency issue with the undisclosed fragrance. It is generally suitable for those without scalp sensitivities or fragrance allergies, but caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Coco Glucoside
- Acacia Concinna Extract
Harsh surfactant and undisclosed fragrance raise concerns for sensitive scalps
This shampoo contains Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong cleansing agent that can be irritating to the scalp, similar to SLS. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which means common allergens are not individually listed, posing a risk for people with fragrance sensitivities. While some conditioning and botanical ingredients are present, they are in very small amounts and do not significantly mitigate these primary concerns.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Cocamide DEA and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate are declared.
Personal check · free
Is this right for you or your family?
Just checking whether the product is safe? The analysis above is yours, no account needed. To know if it is safe for you, your father or your child, add a profile and we check this label against them.
- Ingredients you avoid. Sulphates, parabens, silicones, fragrance, drying alcohol, PEGs and more.
- Sensitivities. Sensitive skin, hormonal considerations, pregnancy.
- Skin and hair goals. Acne, dryness, ageing, hair fall, dandruff: what the label declares for each.
- Everyone you buy for. Save a profile for each person and switch in one tap.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for haircare. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Why the score is capped
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
What's good
Contains Glycerin, a humectant for moisture retention
Includes Coco Glucoside, a mild and generally well-tolerated surfactant
Contains Acacia Concinna Extract, known for traditional hair care benefits
Watch out for
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, a harsh surfactant that can cause scalp irritation
Cocamide DEA, which can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' posing a risk for allergen-sensitive individuals
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a known contact allergen for some
Multiple ethoxylated ingredients that may contain 1,4-dioxane impurities
Triethanolamine, which can form nitrosamines
Disodium EDTA — disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that keeps a product stable and clear. It has been flagged in some studies for potential endocrine-disrupting properties; regulatory consensus is not yet established, so it is noted as a low-level concern rather than a confirmed hazard.
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.
Diethanolamine and DEA Amides
Diethanolamine and the cocamide and lauramide DEA surfactants made from it can react with nitrite-type compounds to form nitrosamines, many of which are carcinogens. The EU safety committee treats secondary alkanolamines such as diethanolamine as not to be used in cosmetics, and limits the secondary-amine content of the related amide ingredients to 0.5 percent, with a nitrosamine ceiling of 50 micrograms per kilogram. The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists diethanolamine and cocamide DEA as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS opinion on nitrosamines and secondary amines in cosmetic products (SCCS/1458/11); EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annexes II and III; IARC Monographs Volumes 77 and 101
Diethanolamine and DEA Amides: regulation, sources and other products →Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
ALS is the ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate and behaves much as SLS does: a powerful anionic detergent that lifts oils aggressively and can leave the skin barrier disrupted, tight and reactive. It is a common primary cleanser in cheaper shampoos and body washes. Those with eczema, rosacea or already-sensitised skin do better with a syndet or amino-acid surfactant system.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; American Academy of Dermatology; Ananthapadmanabhan et al. 2004
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate: regulation, sources and other products →Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is the most widely used paraben-free preservative. The EU limits it to 1% in cosmetics (SCCS has confirmed this is safe for adults), and the French regulator ANSM advised in 2012 against leave-on products containing it for the nappy area of children under three and recommended a lower concentration for them. It can irritate sensitive skin.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V (max 1.0%); SCCS opinion SCCS/1575/16; ANSM recommendation (2012)
Phenoxyethanol: regulation, sources and other products →Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine is a pH adjuster and emulsifier. EU rules restrict alkanolamines because they can react with nitrosating agents (some preservatives) to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic; products must be formulated to avoid this. It can irritate skin at higher concentrations.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 (Annex III restrictions on alkanolamines and nitrosamine formation); SCCS
Triethanolamine: 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 →Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is the usual "gentle" co-surfactant in shampoos, face washes and baby washes. It was named Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2004; the reactions are attributed mainly to impurities (amidoamine, DMAPA) and are uncommon, but it is a common cause of surfactant allergy in people with eczema.
Peer-reviewed research Source: American Contact Dermatitis Society - Allergen of the Year 2004; contact-dermatitis literature
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: regulation, sources and other products →Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
PEG ingredients are made by ethoxylation, which can leave traces of ethylene oxide (IARC Group 1) and 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B) unless removed. Good manufacturing removes them, so the ingredient itself is not a hazard, but the label cannot tell you whether it was done well. PEGs should not be applied to broken skin.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Vol. 100F (ethylene oxide) and Vol. 71 (1,4-dioxane); Cosmetic Ingredient Review
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, a harsh primary surfactant known for its potential to strip the skin barrier and cause irritation, especially for sensitive scalps. (Authority: EU SCCS)
Contains Cocamide DEA, a diethanolamine (DEA) amide that can form nitrosamines, which are classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). (Authority: IARC Group 2B carcinogen)
Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual fragrance allergens, which is a concern for individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin. (Authority: EU Reg. 1223/2009 Art. 19 + Annex III)
Contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant but a recognized contact allergen, mostly due to manufacturing impurities. (Authority: EU SCCS)
Contains Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative. The French regulator advises caution for use in products for children under 3 years old. (Authority: French ANSM)
Contains multiple ethoxylated ingredients (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Laureth-4, Laureth-5, Laureth-23, PEG-55 Stearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) which may carry 1,4-dioxane residue from manufacturing. 1,4-dioxane is classified by IARC as Group 2B, 'possibly carcinogenic to humans'. The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic safe.
Contains Triethanolamine, a pH adjuster that can form nitrosamines when combined with nitrosating agents. (Authority: EU SCCS)
Combined Effects interactions
Both Cocamide DEA and Triethanolamine are ingredients that can form nitrosamines when in the presence of nitrosating agents. While the product is rinse-off, the cumulative potential for nitrosamine formation is a concern. (Authority: IARC Group 2B for nitrosamines)
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.
The claim about hair strength and nourishment is a subjective benefit that cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
The ingredient list includes Acacia concinna (Shikakai) extract and Eclipta alba (Bhringraj) extract, confirming the presence of these ingredients.
The ingredient list does not contain any ingredients commonly identified as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or parabens.
The ingredient list includes Acacia concinna (Shikakai) extract, Eclipta alba (Bhringraj) extract, and Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil, confirming the presence of these enriching ingredients.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Purified WaterPurified water
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2.
Ammonium Lauryl SulfateAmmonium lauryl sulfate
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3.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCocamidopropyl betaine
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4.
Glycerin
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5.
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate CrosspolymerAcrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate crosspolymer
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6.
PEG-7 Glyceryl CocoatePEG 7 glyceryl cocoate
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7.
Cocamide DEA
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8.
Coco GlucosideCoco glucoside
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9.
DimethiconolDimethiconol (and) amodimethicone (and) Laureth-4 (and) Laureth-5 (and) Laureth-23 (and) PEG-55 stearate
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Amodimethicone within Dimethiconolamodimethicone
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Laureth-4 within Dimethiconol
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Laureth-5 within Dimethiconol
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Laureth-23 within Dimethiconol
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PEG-55 Stearate within DimethiconolPEG-55 stearate
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10.
Acacia Concinna ExtractAcacia concinna (Shikakai) extract
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11.
Eclipta Alba ExtractEclipta alba (Bhringraj) extract
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12.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPEG 40 hydrogenated castor oil
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13.
EthylhexylglycerinEthylhexyl glycerin
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14.
Phenoxyethanol
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15.
Cocos Nucifera Oil trace amountCocos nucifera (Coconut) oil
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16.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGuar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
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17.
Polyquaternium-10Polyquaternium 10
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18.
Disodium EDTA
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19.
Triethanolamine
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20.
Sodium ChlorideSodium chloride
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21.
Citric AcidCitric acid
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22.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePerfume
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23.
CI No. 20285 synthetic colour
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24.
CI No. 14720 synthetic colour
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.
The label declares each of these as a blend and then lists what is in it. The components appear in the groups above on their own merits, so the blend itself is shown here rather than counted a second time.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other shampoo 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.
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What are the ingredients in Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo?
The label of Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo lists 29 ingredients, in label order: Purified Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cocamide DEA, Coco Glucoside, Dimethiconol, Amodimethicone, Laureth-4, Laureth-5, Laureth-23, PEG-55 Stearate, Acacia Concinna Extract, Eclipta Alba Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Fragrance, CI No. 20285, CI No. 14720. Flagged by the analysis: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, Fragrance, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol and 4 more.
Is Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo safe to use?
Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo contains Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong cleansing agent that can be irritating to the scalp, similar to SLS. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which means common allergens are not individually listed, posing a risk for people with fragrance sensitivities. While some conditioning and botanical ingredients are present, they are in very small amounts and do not significantly mitigate these primary concerns.
Why does Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, a harsh surfactant that can cause scalp irritation. Cocamide DEA, which can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' posing a risk for allergen-sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive scalp or skin; Fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis; Avoiding harsh sulfates.
Does Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo 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 Shikakai And Bhringraj Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "For Strong and Nourished hair" — 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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