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Volume & Growth Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This shampoo uses a blend of surfactants, including Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, which is known for its strong cleansing properties but can be drying and irritating for some individuals, especially those with sensitive scalps. The presence of Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, even in trace amounts, is a concern due to its association with a contaminant classified as an IARC Group 1 carcinogen. While the product is rinse-off, minimizing exposure, individuals with sensitive skin or those avoiding specific preservatives like sulfites and sodium benzoate should exercise caution. The formulation also includes several silicones for conditioning, which may lead to build-up over time for some hair types.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Strong cleansing shampoo with potential irritants and trace IARC Group 1 contaminant
This shampoo contains a strong cleansing agent, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, which can be harsh for sensitive scalps. It also includes Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, an ingredient associated with a manufacturing contaminant classified as an IARC Group 1 carcinogen, though it is present in trace amounts in this rinse-off product. People with sensitive skin or allergies to sulfites or certain preservatives should be cautious.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate is 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
What's good
Includes Glycerin for hydration
Contains mild surfactant Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Contains conditioning agents like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and silicones
Watch out for
Strong cleansing surfactant Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate may be harsh for sensitive scalps
Trace amount of Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, associated with an IARC Group 1 carcinogen contaminant
Sulfite preservative (Sodium Metabisulfite) can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Phenoxyethanol preservative has cautions for use in products for young children
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen for some
Silicones (Dimethiconol, Amodimethicone) may lead to product build-up over time
Contains Sodium Benzoate, which can form benzene with vitamin C, though risk is low in this context
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil (Ylang Ylang) may contain natural fragrance allergens
PEG-150 Distearate — ethoxylated ingredient - quality depends on removal of manufacturing impurities.
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 Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate
LAS is the workhorse surfactant of laundry and dish detergents. It is an effective degreaser and a recognised skin irritant, and its presence as a cleanser in a personal-care product is a cost decision rather than a formulation one. Prolonged or repeated contact causes dryness and irritant contact dermatitis.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; HERA Risk Assessment on LAS (2013)
Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate: regulation, sources and other products →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 →Sulfites
Sulfur dioxide and the sulfites can provoke breathing difficulty in some people with asthma and reactions in others who are sulfite-sensitive. The EU treats them as a labelled allergen above 10 mg/kg, and the EU food safety authority re-evaluated them in 2016. It matters mostly to people with asthma or a known sensitivity.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA re-evaluation of sulfur dioxide-sulfites (E 220-228), EFSA Journal 2016;14(4):4438; EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex II
Sulfites: regulation, sources and other products →Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
A high-foaming anionic detergent used as a primary or secondary cleanser. On its own it is comparably stripping to SLS. In a syndet bar it is usually the SECONDARY surfactant behind a mild primary such as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, and the blend as a whole is far gentler than the raw ingredient suggests — so read it in the context of the full cleansing system rather than in isolation.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; Ananthapadmanabhan et al., Dermatologic Therapy 2004
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate: 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 →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 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a strong anionic surfactant that can be irritating and drying for sensitive skin or scalp.
Contains Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, an ingredient associated with a contaminant classified by IARC as Group 1 carcinogen. While present in trace amounts in this rinse-off product, it is a significant concern.
Contains Sodium Metabisulfite, a sulfite preservative that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals.
Contains Phenoxyethanol, a preservative for which the French regulator advises caution for use in products for children under 3 years.
Contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a recognized contact allergen for some individuals, often due to manufacturing impurities.
Combined Effects interactions
Sodium Benzoate can form benzene, an IARC Group 1 carcinogen, in the presence of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). While Citrus Limon Fruit Extract contains Vitamin C, the low concentration of both ingredients in a rinse-off product minimizes this risk.
Claim check
2 claims not supported by label dataFront-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.
Cica is not listed in the ingredients.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a sulfate-based ingredient and is listed in the ingredients.
The suitability for 'All Hair Types' is a product claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
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.
The absence of dyes cannot be confirmed or denied from the provided ingredient list, as specific colorants are not mentioned.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Leaf Extract is listed in the ingredients.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) Flower Oil is listed in the ingredients.
Biotin is listed in the ingredients.
No parabens are listed in the 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 Water
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2.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
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3.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
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4.
Glycerin
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5.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
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6.
Cocamide MEA
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7.
Glycol Distearate
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8.
Sodium Chloride
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9.
Dimethiconol
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10.
Amodimethicone
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11.
PEG-150 Distearate
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12.
Phenoxyethanol
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13.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
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14.
Carbomer
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15.
Coffea Arabica Seed ExtractCoca (Coffea arabica) Extract
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16.
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract trace amount
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17.
Ethylhexylglycerin
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18.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract trace amountRosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Leaf Extract
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19.
Sodium Metabisulfite
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20.
Sodium Benzoate
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21.
Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate
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22.
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil trace amountYlang Ylang (Cananga odorata) Flower Oil
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23.
Biotin
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 Volume & Growth Shampoo?
The label of Volume & Growth Shampoo lists 23 ingredients, in label order: Purified Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamide MEA, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Dimethiconol, Amodimethicone, PEG-150 Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Carbomer, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Biotin. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Metabisulfite and 1 more.
Is Volume & Growth Shampoo safe to use?
Volume & Growth Shampoo scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo contains a strong cleansing agent, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, which can be harsh for sensitive scalps. It also includes Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, an ingredient associated with a manufacturing contaminant classified as an IARC Group 1 carcinogen, though it is present in trace amounts in this rinse-off product. People with sensitive skin or allergies to sulfites or certain preservatives should be cautious.
Why does Volume & Growth Shampoo score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Strong cleansing surfactant Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate may be harsh for sensitive scalps. Trace amount of Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, associated with an IARC Group 1 carcinogen contaminant. Sulfite preservative (Sodium Metabisulfite) can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid Volume & Growth Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive scalp or skin; Avoiding strong sulfates; Sulfite allergy; Avoiding Triethanolamine Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate; Fragrance allergy.
Does Volume & Growth Shampoo contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 3 fragrant botanicals (Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract and Cananga Odorata Flower Oil) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Volume & Growth Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 8 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "with Cica" — false. "0% Sulphate" — false. "for All Hair Types" — 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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