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Brand founded in India, 1884 · about the brand
RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 6.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This oral care product features a blend of traditional botanical extracts, with a significant amount of black pepper, long pepper, ginger, and Tejowati. However, the presence of camphor, which can be toxic if ingested in quantity, is a notable concern for an oral product that is partly swallowed, especially for young children. Additionally, it contains synthetic colorants Erythrosine (CI 45430) and Ponceau 4 R (CI 16255), which some consumers prefer to avoid, and Sodium Benzoate, a preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to fragrance compounds naturally present in essential oils should also be aware of the Lavang/Laung Oil.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Maricha (Piper nigrum, Fr., powder)
- Pippali (Piper longum, Fr., powder)
- Shunthi (Zingiber officinale, Rz., powder)
- Tejowati/Tomar (Zanthoxylum armatum, Sd., powder)
- Pudina Satva (Mentha species, Pl., satva)
- +1 more →
Contains camphor and synthetic colorants; high botanical extract content
This oral care product includes several traditional botanical extracts like black pepper, long pepper, and ginger. A key concern is camphor, which is present in a product designed for oral use and can be harmful if swallowed, particularly by young children. It also contains synthetic colorants Erythrosine (CI 45430) and Ponceau 4 R (CI 16255), and Sodium Benzoate, a preservative that can form benzene under certain conditions.
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- Allergies. Peanut, milk, gluten, egg and more, checked against the ingredient list.
- Diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, no egg, no dairy.
- Health and goals. Sugar, salt, protein, steady blood sugar, heart-friendly, weight.
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Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for oral care. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitContains Camphor, which can be toxic if swallowed in quantity and may cause seizures. Supervise children closely during use to minimize ingestion.
Why the score is capped
Contains camphor in a product that is partly swallowed. Camphor is toxic when ingested, so US FDA limits it in consumer products; a toothpaste is not rinsed off the mouth
Rule PC-CAP-23 · Source: US FDA (21 CFR 310.545 and consumer warnings on camphor ingestion)
What's good
Rich in traditional botanical extracts like black pepper, long pepper, ginger, and Tejowati.
Clove oil (Lavang/Laung Oil) provides traditional oral care benefits.
Watch out for
Camphor poses an ingestion risk, particularly for young children.
Sodium Benzoate can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Contains synthetic colorants (Erythrosine, Ponceau 4 R) that some consumers prefer to avoid.
Essential oils (Pudina Satva, Lavang/Laung Oil) contain natural fragrance allergens that may affect sensitive individuals.
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 →Camphor
Camphor gives a cooling, medicinal sensation and is a traditional ingredient in Ayurvedic oral-care and balm products. Swallowed in quantity it is toxic: a US poison-centre practice guideline refers anyone who has swallowed more than 30 mg of camphor per kg of body weight to an emergency department, because convulsions can follow. That threshold is far above what normal brushing involves, and the label does not show how much camphor a dose of this product carries, so this is a caution about young children who swallow toothpaste, not a finding of harm from ordinary use. In the US, camphorated oil drug products need new-drug approval.
Peer-reviewed research Source: Manoguerra AS et al., Camphor Poisoning: An Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for Out-of-Hospital Management, Clinical Toxicology 44:357–370 (2006), American Association of Poison Control Centers; US FDA 21 CFR 310.502(a)(4)
Camphor: regulation, sources and other products →Synthetic Cosmetic Colourants (CI)
These Colour Index (CI) numbers are colourants on the EU list of permitted cosmetic colours, each with conditions on where it may be used (for example, some are allowed only in products that do not stay in contact with mucous membranes). A listed colour in a product used as directed is not a finding of harm; the colour serves only to colour the product, and this is information for anyone who prefers to avoid synthetic dyes.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex IV (permitted colourants); SCCS opinions on colourants
Synthetic Cosmetic Colourants (CI): regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Camphor, which is toxic if swallowed in quantity and can cause seizures. This is a significant concern for an oral care product, especially for young children who may swallow toothpaste.
Contains synthetic colorants Erythrosine (CI 45430) and Ponceau 4 R (CI 16255), which some individuals choose to avoid due to potential sensitivities or general preference for natural ingredients.
Combined Effects interactions
While not a direct interaction in this product, Sodium Benzoate can form benzene in the presence of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Although Vitamin C is not listed, it's a general caution for products containing Sodium Benzoate. Pudina Satva does not contain Vitamin C.
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 of 'Freshness & Effective Oral Care' is a benefit claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
The claim of '12 Hours Freshness' is a duration-based benefit claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
The claim of 'EFFECTIVE CLINICALLY PROVEN ORAL CARE' is a clinical efficacy 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.
This is a promotional offer that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information provided.
The product is named 'RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel' and the ingredients list contains several traditional Ayurvedic herbs and spices, supporting the 'Ayurvedic' claim.
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.
Maricha (Piper nigrum, Fr., powder) 31.04g ActiveMaricha/Marica (Piper nigrum, Fr., powder) - 31.04g
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2.
Pippali (Piper longum, Fr., powder) 31.04g ActivePippali (Piper longum, Fr., powder) - 31.04g
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3.
Shunthi (Zingiber officinale, Rz., powder) 31.04g ActiveShunthi (Zingiber officinale, Rz., powder) - 31.04g
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4.
Tejowati/Tomar (Zanthoxylum armatum, Sd., powder) 31.04g ActiveTejowati/Tomar (Zanthoxylum armatum, Sd., powder) - 31.04 g
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5.
Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora, Lf., satva) 0.5g ActiveKarpoor (Cinnamomum camphora, Lf., satva) - 0.5 g
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6.
Pudina Satva (Mentha species, Pl., satva) 0.5g ActivePudina Satva (Mentha species, Pl., satva) - 0.50 g
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7.
Lavang/Laung Oil (Syzygium aromaticum, Fl., bud,oil) 0.5g ActiveLavang/Laung Oil (Syzygium aromaticum, Fl., bud,oil) - 0.50 g
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8.
Sodium BenzoatePreservative: Sodium Benzoate
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9.
MicaColor: Mica
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10.
Erythrosine (CI 45430) synthetic colour
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11.
Ponceau 4 R (CI 16255) synthetic colour
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12.
Excipient (Gel Base)Excipient (Gel Base):q.s.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
✓ 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 toothpaste 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 RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel?
The label of RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel lists 12 ingredients, in label order: Maricha (Piper nigrum, Fr., powder), Pippali (Piper longum, Fr., powder), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale, Rz., powder), Tejowati/Tomar (Zanthoxylum armatum, Sd., powder), Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora, Lf., satva), Pudina Satva (Mentha species, Pl., satva), Lavang/Laung Oil (Syzygium aromaticum, Fl., bud, oil), Sodium Benzoate, Mica, Erythrosine (CI 45430), Ponceau 4 R (CI 16255), Excipient (Gel Base). Flagged by the analysis: Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora, Lf., satva), Ponceau 4 R (CI 16255), Erythrosine (CI 45430).
Is RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel safe to use?
RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel scores 6.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This oral care product includes several traditional botanical extracts like black pepper, long pepper, and ginger. A key concern is camphor, which is present in a product designed for oral use and can be harmful if swallowed, particularly by young children. It also contains synthetic colorants Erythrosine (CI 45430) and Ponceau 4 R (CI 16255), and Sodium Benzoate, a preservative that can form benzene under certain conditions.
Why does RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel score 6.0/10?
What the analysis notes: Camphor poses an ingestion risk, particularly for young children. Sodium Benzoate can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C. Contains synthetic colorants (Erythrosine, Ponceau 4 R) that some consumers prefer to avoid.
Who should avoid RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Young children (due to camphor ingestion risk); Avoiding synthetic colorants (CI 45430, CI 16255); Sensitive to fragrance allergens (from Lavang/Laung Oil); Avoiding Sodium Benzoate.
Is RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel suitable for babies or young children?
Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Are the claims on the RED Gel Ayurvedic Gel pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Ayurvedic Gel for Freshness & Effective Oral Care" — can't be verified from the label. "12 Hours Freshness" — can't be verified from the label. "EFFECTIVE CLINICALLY PROVEN ORAL CARE" — 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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