Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar by Cetaphil — product pack

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Cetaphil

Brand owned by Galderma (Switzerland) · about the brand

Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar

bath_body
5.0 Moderate

Decode Label Safety Score

Ingredient safety · 55% 6.2/10
Processing · 15% 3.5/10
Marketing · 30% 7.6/10
How we got 5.0 Show
Weighted score 6.2/10
Capped — Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS) ≤ 5.0
Also flagged
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Final score 5.0/10 · Moderate

Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed

This bathing bar contains a blend of surfactants, including the known irritant Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which may be a concern for individuals with sensitive skin. The presence of 'Fragrance' without specific allergen disclosure also means those with fragrance allergies should exercise caution. While it includes some mild surfactants and emollients, the overall formulation leans towards a higher potential for irritation compared to gentler alternatives.

Contains strong irritant surfactant and undisclosed fragrance

This bathing bar uses Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong skin irritant, as a primary cleansing agent, which can be harsh for sensitive skin. It also includes 'Fragrance' without listing specific allergens, which is a common trigger for contact dermatitis. While it contains some mild surfactants and skin conditioners, the overall formulation may not be suitable for those prone to irritation or fragrance sensitivities.

Consider this product carefully if you are

  • Avoiding certain additives or colours — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is declared.
Okay for: Individuals without known skin sensitivities

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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 What drives the score, concern by concern · score out of 10, higher = fewer concerns
Key risks: Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Alpha Olefin Sulfonate PEG-14M Fragrance +1 more

Concern breakdown

Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concerns

How this product performs on each concern we check for bath body. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.

Fragrance & Allergen Load Significant concern · 3.0/10
Harsh Surfactants & Irritants Moderate concern · 4.0/10
Preservative Safety Minor concern · 7.0/10
Endocrine-Active Ingredients No concern identified · 8.0/10
Carcinogen & Contaminant Risk No concern identified · 8.0/10
pH & Skin Barrier No concern identified · 8.0/10
Label Transparency No concern identified · 8.0/10

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

Includes emollients like Glycerol Monostearate, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), and Dimethicone to help condition the skin.

Contains Decyl Glucoside, a very mild, plant-derived surfactant.

Watch out for

The presence of strong anionic surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate) may be irritating or drying for sensitive skin.

Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can be problematic for individuals with fragrance allergies.

Cocoamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen for some users.

Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate — an optical brightener (fluorescent whitening agent) — a synthetic dye that makes the product look whiter or brighter under light. It is not a preservative and has no antimicrobial or skincare function; it is a purely cosmetic additive with no benefit to the user, and best avoided in a baby product.

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 Lauryl Sulfate

SLS is an aggressive surfactant that strips skin of its natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can cause contact dermatitis, canker sores, and eye irritation. People with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin should avoid SLS-containing products. It is particularly harsh in oral care products where it contacts mucous membranes.

Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; American Academy of Dermatology; Herlofson & Barkvoll 1996

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: 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 →

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 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong skin and mucous membrane irritant, which may cause dryness or irritation for sensitive skin types.

Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual fragrance allergens, which is a common trigger for contact dermatitis and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Contains Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant that is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals, primarily due to manufacturing impurities.

Contains ethoxylated ingredients (PEG-14M, Ceteth-20, Steareth-21) which may carry trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a possible manufacturing impurity classified by IARC as Group 2B. The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic safe, and its presence cannot be determined from the label alone.

Combined Effects interactions

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Cocoamidopropyl Betaine

The combination of strong anionic surfactants (SLS, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate) with a milder amphoteric surfactant (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) is a common strategy to create effective cleansing and lather while attempting to mitigate some of the harshness of the primary irritants. However, the overall potential for irritation remains higher than formulations based solely on very mild surfactants.

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.

?
"Face and Body" Can't verify

The claim specifies the intended use for face and body, which is a usage instruction and cannot be verified from the ingredient list.

?
"Non-irritating" Can't verify

The claim of being non-irritating is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.

?
"Dermatologist Sensitive Skin Recommended" Can't verify

The claim of being dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin is a professional endorsement that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.

✓
"Enriched with Shea butter for soft & moisturised skin" Checks out

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) is listed in the ingredients, supporting the claim of being enriched with Shea butter.

BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII
✓
"Paraben free" Checks out

No parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben) 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.

  • 1.
    Sodium Lauryl Potassium Sulfosuccinate
    SODIUM LAURYL POTASSIUM SULFOSUCCINATE
  • 2.
    Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
    SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
  • 3.
    Maize Starch
    MAIZE STARCH
  • 4.
    Alpha Olefin Sulfonate
    ALFA OLEFIN SULFONATE
  • 5.
    Water
    AQUA
  • 6.
    Glycerol Monostearate
    GLYCEROL MONOSTEARATE
  • 7.
    Cetostearyl Alcohol
    CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL
  • 8.
    Paraffin Wax
    PARAFFIN WAX
  • 9.
    Potassium Chloride
    POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
  • 10.
    Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
    COCOAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
  • 11.
    Decyl Glucoside
    DECYL GLUCOSIDE
  • 12.
    Phosphoric Acid
    PHOSPHORIC ACID
  • 13.
    Butyrospermum Parkii
    BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII
  • 14.
    Fragrance undisclosed fragrance
    FRAGRANCE
  • 15.
    Magnesium Chloride
    MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE
  • 16.
    Dimethicone Tetrasodium Etidronate
    DIMETHICONE TETRASODIUM ETIDRONATE
  • 17.
    Titanium Dioxide
    TITANIUM DIOXIDE
  • 18.
    Tetrasodium Edetate
    TETRASODIUM EDETATE
  • 19.
    PEG-14M
  • 20.
    Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate
    DISODIUM DISTYRYLBIPHENYL DISULFONATE
  • 21.
    Ceteth-20
    CETETH-20
  • 22.
    Steareth-21
    STEARETH-21

In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.

Compare with other soap 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 Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar?

The label of Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar lists 22 ingredients, in label order: Sodium Lauryl Potassium Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Maize starch, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Water, Glycerol Monostearate, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Paraffin Wax, Potassium chloride, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Phosphoric Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii, Fragrance, Magnesium Chloride, Dimethicone Tetrasodium Etidronate, Titanium Dioxide, Tetrasodium Edetate, PEG-14M, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, Ceteth-20, Steareth-21. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Fragrance, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-14M and 1 more.

Is Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar safe to use?

Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This bathing bar uses Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong skin irritant, as a primary cleansing agent, which can be harsh for sensitive skin. It also includes 'Fragrance' without listing specific allergens, which is a common trigger for contact dermatitis. While it contains some mild surfactants and skin conditioners, the overall formulation may not be suitable for those prone to irritation or fragrance sensitivities.

Why does Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar score 5.0/10?

Flagged in the score: The presence of strong anionic surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate) may be irritating or drying for sensitive skin. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can be problematic for individuals with fragrance allergies. Cocoamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen for some users.

Who should avoid Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar?

The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or eczema; Fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis; Avoiding strong anionic surfactants.

Does Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar 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 Cleansing & Moisturising Syndet Bar pack accurate?

Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Face and Body" — can't be verified from the label. "Non-irritating" — can't be verified from the label. "Dermatologist Sensitive Skin Recommended" — 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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