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Brand owned by Reckitt (United Kingdom) · about the brand
Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 4.3 ShowHide
Reviewed 8 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This bathing bar contains a traditional saponified soap base for cleansing, but its formulation includes talc, which is classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) and has been linked to ovarian cancer when used in the genital area. It also contains an undisclosed 'Parfum' blend, which is a common source of allergens for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, alongside several individually declared fragrance allergens. While suitable for general cleansing, individuals with sensitive skin or concerns about talc exposure should consider alternatives.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
Contains Talc (IARC 2B) and undisclosed fragrance allergens
This bathing bar uses a traditional soap base for cleansing. However, it contains talc, which is classified as a possible human carcinogen by IARC, and an undisclosed fragrance blend that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Several specific fragrance allergens are also listed. It's best avoided by those with sensitive skin or concerns about talc.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Talc is declared.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow 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.
Triggered by Talc.
Why the score is capped
Contains an ingredient with an IARC carcinogen classification (e.g. talc)
Rule PC-CAP-11 · Source: IARC carcinogen classification
High load of declared fragrance allergens (EU-listed)
Rule PC-CAP-03
What's good
Contains Glycerin, a humectant that helps to moisturize the skin.
Traditional saponified soap base provides effective cleansing.
Watch out for
Presence of Talc, an IARC Group 2B ingredient, which may be a concern for some users.
High concentration of fragrance ingredients, both disclosed and undisclosed, which can trigger allergies or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a potentially harsh surfactant, may contribute to skin dryness or irritation.
The alkaline pH of traditional soap bars can be drying and disruptive to the skin's natural barrier.
CI 74160 — a synthetic colour (Colour Index dye) added purely for appearance — it gives the product no benefit for skin or health. Permitted at regulated levels, but synthetic dyes of this class are a recognised contact-irritant and sensitiser risk for some people, so they are noted as a moderate, subgroup-level concern rather than a general-population hazard.
TETRASODIUM EDTA — tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent that keeps a product stable and clear. It has been flagged in some studies for potential endocrine-disrupting properties; regulatory consensus is not yet established, so it is noted as a low-level concern rather than a confirmed hazard.
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.
Talc
Talc can be naturally contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Perineal use of talcum powder has been linked to ovarian cancer in multiple studies and class-action lawsuits. Johnson & Johnson discontinued its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023. Prefer cornstarch-based alternatives.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC; FDA Talc testing programme; J&J litigation
Talc: 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 →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 →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 →Decode Label Analysis
Talc is classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) based on studies linking perineal use to ovarian cancer. While this is a rinse-off product, individuals with concerns about talc exposure may wish to avoid it.
The product contains 'Parfum' (undisclosed fragrance blend) along with multiple declared fragrance allergens (Linalool, Citral, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Coumarin, Eucalyptol). This high fragrance load can be a significant concern for individuals with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or contact dermatitis.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a strong anionic surfactant that can be irritating and drying, especially for sensitive skin, though its effect is mitigated in a rinse-off product.
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.
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 claim of '3x Intense Cooling' is a subjective marketing claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition facts.
This is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition facts.
This is a subjective marketing claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition facts.
This is a third-party endorsement claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition facts.
The ingredients list menthol, which provides a cooling sensation.
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
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
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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8.0Liril
Dove Serum Bar | with Pro-Ceramide Serum
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Santoor Fresh Skin Aloe Vera & Lime Bathing Soap with Nourishing & Anti-Aging Properties
7.5Santoor
Dove Serum Bar | with Radiance Serum | Pink Radiance
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Side-by-side comparisons
How this product's label compares with others on the same shelf, row by row.
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What are the ingredients in Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar?
The label of Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar lists 28 ingredients, in label order: SODIUM PALMATE, SODIUM PALM KERNELATE, Talc, Aqua, Glycerin, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Menthol, Etidronic Acid, TETRASODIUM ETIDRONATE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, Linalool, Sodium Hydroxide, Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil, Citral, Camphor, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, COUMARIN, Poly (oxy-1, 2-ethanediyl), a-[2, 4, 6-tris (1-phenylethyl)phenyl]-w-hydroxy-, Eucalyptol, CI 77891, CI 74160. Flagged by the analysis: Talc, Parfum, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Eucalyptol, CI 74160 and 1 more.
Is Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar safe to use?
Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar scores 4.3/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This bathing bar uses a traditional soap base for cleansing. However, it contains talc, which is classified as a possible human carcinogen by IARC, and an undisclosed fragrance blend that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Several specific fragrance allergens are also listed. It's best avoided by those with sensitive skin or concerns about talc.
Why does Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar score 4.3/10?
Flagged in the score: Presence of Talc, an IARC Group 2B ingredient, which may be a concern for some users. Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a potentially harsh surfactant, may contribute to skin dryness or irritation. Also noted: High concentration of fragrance ingredients, both disclosed and undisclosed, which can trigger allergies or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Concerns about talc exposure.
Does Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 5 fragrance allergens: Linalool, Citral, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene and COUMARIN. It also lists 2 fragrant botanicals (Camphor and Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar contain fragrance?
Yes — the ingredient list includes Parfum. 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 (Linalool, Citral, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene and COUMARIN). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Dettol Icy Cool Bathing Soap Bar pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "3x INTENSE COOLING" — can't be verified from the label. "REMOVES 99.9% BODY ODOUR CAUSING GERMS" — can't be verified from the label. "BE 100% SURE" — 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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