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Hydra Source Conditioning Balm
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 7.5 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This rinse-off conditioner is generally well-formulated for hair conditioning, featuring silicones and quaternary ammonium compounds for smoothing and detangling. The primary concern for a subset of users is the presence of 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal), which may cause sensitisation or allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. While these are common in cosmetic products, their cumulative presence warrants caution for this specific group. The product also contains Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative, which French regulators advise caution for in products used on children under three years old.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- CETEARYL ALCOHOL
- Dimethicone
- Glycerin
- Behentrimonium Chloride
- Amodimethicone
- +2 more →
Contains undisclosed fragrance and multiple declared fragrance allergens
This conditioner contains 'Fragrance' which is an undisclosed blend of chemicals, alongside several individually declared fragrance allergens such as Limonene and Hexyl Cinnamal. These ingredients are common causes of skin sensitisation and allergic reactions, particularly for those with sensitive skin or existing fragrance allergies. It also includes Phenoxyethanol, a preservative that some regulators advise caution for in products intended for very young children.
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- 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.
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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
High load of declared fragrance allergens (EU-listed)
Rule PC-CAP-03
What's good
Contains multiple conditioning agents (Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride) for effective detangling and smoothing.
Includes silicones (Dimethicone, Amodimethicone) to enhance hair shine, reduce frizz, and provide slip.
Glycerin acts as a humectant to help hydrate hair.
Lactic Acid helps adjust pH and can contribute to hair smoothness.
Watch out for
The presence of 'Fragrance' and several declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal) may trigger allergic reactions or sensitisation in individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Phenoxyethanol, a preservative, is advised against for use on children under 3 years old by French regulators.
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.
Sodium Benzoate (E211)
Benzoates are permitted preservatives with an established acceptable daily intake. Two documented concerns: in acidic drinks that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) they can slowly form small amounts of benzene, especially with heat and light (US FDA beverage survey, 2006); and sodium benzoate was one of the additives in the Southampton study mixtures associated with hyperactivity in children. It can also trigger reactions in some people with asthma or urticaria.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (2016); US FDA benzene-in-beverages survey (2006); McCann et al., Lancet 2007
Sodium Benzoate: regulation, sources and other products →Fragrance Allergens (EU-listed)
These are individual fragrance components that are known contact allergens. EU rules require them to be named on the label when present above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off), because "parfum" alone would hide them. Limonene and linalool are especially common and become more allergenic as they oxidise on exposure to air. This is a risk for people who are sensitised, not a general-population hazard.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2023/1545 (extended fragrance-allergen labelling); SCCS opinions on fragrance allergens
Fragrance Allergens (EU-listed): 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 →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 →Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is both a preservative (permitted up to 1% in the EU) and one of the fragrance substances the EU requires to be named on a label because it can cause contact allergy in sensitised people. It is information for someone who knows they react to it, not a general hazard.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III and Annex V
Benzyl Alcohol: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains 'Fragrance' which is an undisclosed blend of chemicals and a common allergen. EU regulations require specific fragrance allergens to be declared separately.
Multiple declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal) are present. These can cause sensitisation or allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative; French regulators advise caution for its use in products for children under 3 years old.
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 label states '60 micrograms per 100 ml' but does not specify which ingredient this concentration refers to, making it unverifiable.
The claim 'DRY HAIR' indicates the product's intended use, which is a regulatory designation and cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The ingredient list includes 'ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE' (aloe) and 'LACTIC ACID' (a hydroxy acid), supporting the claim of containing these 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.
WaterAQUA / WATER
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2.
Cetearyl AlcoholCETEARYL ALCOHOL
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3.
DimethiconeDIMETHICONE
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4.
GlycerinGLYCERIN
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5.
Behentrimonium ChlorideBEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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6.
AmodimethiconeAMODIMETHICONE
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7.
Cetrimonium ChlorideCETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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8.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePARFUM / FRAGRANCE
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9.
PhenoxyethanolPHENOXYETHANOL
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10.
Isopropyl AlcoholISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
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11.
Lactic AcidLACTIC ACID
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12.
LimoneneLIMONENE
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13.
Hexyl CinnamalHEXYL CINNAMAL
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14.
CoumarinCOUMARIN
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15.
Benzyl AlcoholBENZYL ALCOHOL
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16.
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel OilPRUNUS ARMENIACA KERNEL OIL / APRICOT KERNEL OIL
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17.
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter trace amountTHEOBROMA GRANDIFLORUM SEED BUTTER
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18.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice trace amountALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE
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19.
LinaloolLINALOOL
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20.
Amyl CinnamalAMYL CINNAMAL
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21.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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22.
Potassium SorbatePOTASSIUM SORBATE
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23.
Sodium BenzoateSODIUM BENZOATE
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24.
TocopherolTOCOPHEROL (C252407/1)
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.
Fragrance allergens are substances EU cosmetics rules require to be named on the label (such as Limonene and Linalool). Fragrant botanicals such as essential oils are grouped with them because they can naturally contain such substances, but they are not on that list. They matter mainly for people with fragrance allergies or already-sensitive skin — not a general-population safety issue. Each named allergen takes a small deduction from the ingredient score, and a high count can cap it; fragrant botanicals take none. Naming them on the label is a transparency positive.
✓ 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 conditioner 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 Hydra Source Conditioning Balm?
The label of Hydra Source Conditioning Balm lists 24 ingredients, in label order: Water, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, COUMARIN, Benzyl Alcohol, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Linalool, AMYL CINNAMAL, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol. Flagged by the analysis: Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol.
Is Hydra Source Conditioning Balm safe to use?
Hydra Source Conditioning Balm scores 7.5/10 on Decode Label (Favorable). This conditioner contains 'Fragrance' which is an undisclosed blend of chemicals, alongside several individually declared fragrance allergens such as Limonene and Hexyl Cinnamal. These ingredients are common causes of skin sensitisation and allergic reactions, particularly for those with sensitive skin or existing fragrance allergies. It also includes Phenoxyethanol, a preservative that some regulators advise caution for in products intended for very young children.
Why does Hydra Source Conditioning Balm score 7.5/10?
Flagged in the score: The presence of 'Fragrance' and several declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal) may trigger allergic reactions or sensitisation in individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Phenoxyethanol, a preservative, is advised against for use on children under 3 years old by French regulators.
Who should avoid Hydra Source Conditioning Balm?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or fragrance allergy; Avoiding undisclosed fragrance blends; Avoiding specific declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal); Using on children under 3 years old (due to Phenoxyethanol caution).
Does Hydra Source Conditioning Balm contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 5 fragrance allergens: Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, COUMARIN, Linalool and AMYL CINNAMAL. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Hydra Source Conditioning Balm 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; the label does separately list 5 fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, COUMARIN, Linalool and AMYL CINNAMAL). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Hydra Source Conditioning Balm pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 3 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "60 micrograms per 100 ml" — can't be verified from the label. "DRY 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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