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Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This shampoo offers effective cleansing with a blend of mild and stronger surfactants. However, the presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens, along with Sodium Laureth Sulfate, means it may not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or contact dermatitis. The formulation includes beneficial exfoliating acids and a cooling agent, but these also contribute to the potential for irritation for sensitive users. While many botanical extracts are listed, their trace amounts mean the primary benefits come from the surfactant system and active acids.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycolic Acid
- Polyquaternium-10
Shampoo with cleansing surfactants and multiple fragrance allergens
This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin, and an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which is a common allergen. Several individual fragrance allergens are also explicitly listed. While it provides effective cleansing, individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution due to the potential for irritation and sensitization.
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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
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
High load of declared fragrance allergens (EU-listed)
Rule PC-CAP-03
What's good
Includes mild surfactants like Cocamidopropyl Betaine (though also an allergen concern for some)
Contains Glycolic Acid for scalp exfoliation and health benefits
Contains Polyquaternium-10 for hair conditioning
Watch out for
Presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a potentially irritating surfactant
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal) which are common sensitizers
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals
Menthol is not suitable for infants and toddlers
Potential for benzene formation from Sodium Benzoate and Ascorbic Acid interaction
Sorbitol — sugar alcohol - excessive intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect.
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 →Menthol and Peppermint Oil
Menthol, the main component of peppermint oil, can trigger a reflex that slows or stops breathing in babies when applied or inhaled near the face. The European Medicines Agency herbal monograph for peppermint oil contraindicates it under 2 years of age because of this laryngospasm risk, and does not recommend it between 2 and 4 years because there is not enough experience. For adults and older children it is a normal cooling and flavouring agent in toothpaste and body products, and can irritate sensitive skin at higher strengths.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EMA/HMPC European Union herbal monograph on Mentha x piperita L., aetheroleum
Menthol and Peppermint Oil: regulation, sources and other products →Sodium Laureth Sulfate
SLES is a cleansing agent that is milder than SLS but can still irritate very sensitive or compromised skin. Separately, because it is made by ethoxylation, it may carry a residue of 1,4-dioxane, which IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). The ingredient list cannot show whether any is present or how much. The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic to be safe, and manufacturers reduce it by vacuum stripping.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FDA; EU SCCS
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: 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 →Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic acne and dandruff active. EU rules cap it (3% in leave-on products) and bar it from leave-on products for children under three years except shampoos, because it is absorbed through the skin and is chemically related to aspirin. Dermatologists commonly advise limiting high-strength use in pregnancy.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III (conditions of use); SCCS opinion on salicylic acid
Salicylic Acid: 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 →Sugar Alcohols (Polyols)
Polyols are bulk sweeteners and humectants (also used in toothpaste). They are only partly absorbed, so large amounts can cause gas, bloating and a laxative effect, and EU rules require foods containing them to say "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects". Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex III (polyol labelling statement); EU Regulation 1333/2008
Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): 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 →Propylene Glycol (E1520)
Propylene glycol is a widely used humectant and solvent considered safe at normal levels. It can irritate or sensitise a minority of people, mainly in leave-on products on damaged or eczema-prone skin.
Peer-reviewed research Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review; contact-dermatitis literature
Propylene Glycol: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may carry a 1,4-dioxane impurity (IARC Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans). The EU SCCS considers levels at or below 10 ppm in finished cosmetics safe.
Contains 'Fragrance' (undisclosed blend), a common source of contact allergens.
Contains multiple declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal) which can cause sensitization in susceptible individuals.
Contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant but a recognized contact allergen, primarily due to manufacturing impurities.
Contains Salicylic Acid, an exfoliating active. While this is a rinse-off product, it is generally not recommended for leave-on use on children under 3 and should be used with caution during pregnancy.
Contains Menthol, a cooling agent. Not recommended for use on infants and toddlers due to potential breathing reflex risks.
Combined Effects interactions
Sodium Benzoate can form benzene, a known carcinogen, in the presence of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). While this is a rinse-off product, the interaction is a recognized concern.
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 clarifying nature of the shampoo is a functional claim that cannot be verified solely from the ingredient list.
The label states a specific quantity (117 micrograms per 100 ml) but does not specify which ingredient this refers to, making it unverifiable.
This indicates the product's intended use or target audience, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The ingredient list includes Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment (fermented tea) and Glycolic Acid.
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.
Sodium Laureth SulfateSODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
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3.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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4.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCOCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
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5.
Sodium HydroxideSODIUM HYDROXIDE
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6.
Sodium ChlorideSODIUM CHLORIDE
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7.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePARFUM / FRAGRANCE
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8.
Sodium BenzoateSODIUM BENZOATE
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9.
GlycineGLYCINE
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10.
Hexylene GlycolHEXYLENE GLYCOL
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11.
Glycolic AcidGLYCOLIC ACID
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12.
Propylene GlycolPROPYLENE GLYCOL
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13.
Salicylic AcidSALICYLIC ACID
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14.
MentholMENTHOL
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15.
Polyquaternium-10POLYQUATERNIUM-10
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16.
LimoneneLIMONENE
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17.
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea FermentSACCHAROMYCES/XYLINUM/BLACK TEA FERMENT
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18.
Hexyl CinnamalHEXYL CINNAMAL
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19.
CoumarinCOUMARIN
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20.
Benzyl AlcoholBENZYL ALCOHOL
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21.
LinaloolLINALOOL
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22.
GlycerinGLYCERIN
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23.
Amyl CinnamalAMYL CINNAMAL
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24.
SorbitolSORBITOL
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25.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract trace amountCAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT
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26.
Potassium SorbatePOTASSIUM SORBATE
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27.
Ascorbic AcidASCORBIC ACID (F.I.L. Y70035884/1)
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 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 Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo?
The label of Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo lists 27 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Menthol, Polyquaternium-10, Limonene, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Hexyl Cinnamal, COUMARIN, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Glycerin, AMYL CINNAMAL, Sorbitol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Ascorbic acid. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Fragrance, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Menthol and 3 more.
Is Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo safe to use?
Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin, and an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which is a common allergen. Several individual fragrance allergens are also explicitly listed. While it provides effective cleansing, individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution due to the potential for irritation and sensitization.
Why does Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a potentially irritating surfactant. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal) which are common sensitizers. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals.
Who should avoid Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Avoiding Sodium Laureth Sulfate; Infants and toddlers (due to Menthol).
Does Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo 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 Scalp Sync Clarifying 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; 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 Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "CLARIFYING SHAMPOO" — can't be verified from the label. "117 micrograms per 100 ml" — can't be verified from the label. "OILY SCALP" — 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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