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Smooth Proof Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant that can cause irritation for individuals with sensitive skin, and may carry a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B). The presence of 'Fragrance' without full disclosure of its components, alongside declared fragrance allergens like Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, and Coumarin, means it may not be suitable for those with fragrance allergies or very sensitive skin. While it includes some conditioning agents and a few botanical extracts, these are listed in trace amounts and do not define the product's primary function or safety profile. Overall, it's an average formulation with common cosmetic ingredients, best avoided by those with known sensitivities to sulfates or fragrances.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Contains irritating surfactant and undisclosed fragrance blend
This shampoo uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a common cleansing agent that can be irritating for sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane, classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which is a common source of allergens, alongside several individually declared fragrance allergens. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution.
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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
What's good
Contains Glycerin and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride for conditioning benefits.
Includes Tocopherol (Vitamin E) as an antioxidant.
Watch out for
Primary surfactant Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol) may trigger sensitivities.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen.
Dimethicone and Amodimethicone are silicones that can lead to product build-up over time, potentially weighing down hair.
Phenoxyethanol — common preservative - capped at 1%; French regulator advises caution for under-3s.
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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant that can be irritating to sensitive skin and may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, 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 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of its components, which is a common source of allergens. Several EU-listed fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol) are also individually declared.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant, is a recognised contact allergen, primarily due to manufacturing impurities.
Salicylic Acid is present, which is an exfoliating active. While in a rinse-off product, it's generally safe, it's advised not for leave-on use on children under 3 and should be limited in pregnancy.
Combined Effects interactions
Sodium Benzoate can form benzene, a known carcinogen, in the presence of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and certain other acids. While Citric Acid is not Vitamin C, the combination of a benzoate preservative and an acid warrants caution, though the risk in a rinse-off product is minimal.
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 'ANTI-FRIZZ CONCENTRATE' is a general benefit claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The label states '25 micrograms per 100 ml' but does not specify what ingredient this concentration refers to, making it unverifiable.
The claim 'FRIZZY HAIR' indicates the product's target hair type, which is a descriptive claim and cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The ingredient list confirms the presence of both Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil and Glycerin.
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.
DimethiconeDIMETHICONE
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4.
Glycol DistearateGLYCOL DISTEARATE
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5.
Sodium ChlorideSODIUM CHLORIDE
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6.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCOCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
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7.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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8.
GlycerinGLYCERIN
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9.
Sodium BenzoateSODIUM BENZOATE
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10.
Sodium HydroxideSODIUM HYDROXIDE
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11.
AmodimethiconeAMODIMETHICONE
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12.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePARFUM / FRAGRANCE
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13.
Coco-BetaineCOCO-BETAINE
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14.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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15.
Trideceth-10TRIDECETH-10
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16.
Salicylic AcidSALICYLIC ACID
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17.
CarbomerCARBOMER
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18.
Hexylene GlycolHEXYLENE GLYCOL
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19.
LimoneneLIMONENE
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20.
PEG-100 StearatePEG-100 STEARATE
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21.
Steareth-6STEARETH-6
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22.
PhenoxyethanolPHENOXYETHANOL
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23.
Trideceth-3TRIDECETH-3
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24.
Cocos Nucifera Oil trace amountCOCOS NUCIFERA OIL / COCONUT OIL
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25.
Hexyl CinnamalHEXYL CINNAMAL
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26.
CoumarinCOUMARIN
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27.
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil trace amountCAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL
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28.
Benzyl AlcoholBENZYL ALCOHOL
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29.
Acetic AcidACETIC ACID
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30.
Fumaric AcidFUMARIC ACID
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31.
TocopherolTOCOPHEROL
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.
Present in trace amounts
Listed near the end of the ingredient list, so present in small quantities — not counted as a headline benefit.
✓ 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 Smooth Proof Shampoo?
The label of Smooth Proof Shampoo lists 31 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Dimethicone, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Amodimethicone, Fragrance, Coco-Betaine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-10, Salicylic Acid, Carbomer, Hexylene Glycol, Limonene, PEG-100 Stearate, Steareth-6, Phenoxyethanol, Trideceth-3, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, COUMARIN, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Acetic Acid, Fumaric Acid, Tocopherol. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol and 1 more.
Is Smooth Proof Shampoo safe to use?
Smooth Proof Shampoo scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a common cleansing agent that can be irritating for sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane, classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which is a common source of allergens, alongside several individually declared fragrance allergens. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution.
Why does Smooth Proof Shampoo score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Primary surfactant Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating for sensitive skin. Presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol) may trigger sensitivities. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen.
Who should avoid Smooth Proof Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or scalp; Fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis; Avoiding ethoxylated ingredients due to 1,4-dioxane concerns; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives (Salicylic Acid is a related compound).
Does Smooth Proof Shampoo contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 3 fragrance allergens: Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal and COUMARIN. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Smooth Proof 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 3 fragrance allergens (Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal and COUMARIN). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Smooth Proof Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "ANTI-FRIZZ CONCENTRATE" — can't be verified from the label. "25 micrograms per 100 ml" — can't be verified from the label. "FRIZZY 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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