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Brand owned by Reckitt (United Kingdom) · about the brand
Lime Fresh Shower Gel
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.5 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This body wash 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, classified by IARC as Group 2B. The product also includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers restricted in EU leave-on products, though permitted in rinse-off formulations at controlled concentrations. While these ingredients are listed near the end, indicating lower amounts, their presence is a significant concern for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. The inclusion of 'Fragrance' and declared fragrance allergens like Linalool, Citral, and Limonene further increases the risk of sensitisation for this subgroup.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Polyquaternium-10
Contains potent sensitizers and common irritants for sensitive skin
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This body wash contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which can irritate sensitive skin and may have a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane (a manufacturing by-product that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic, Group 2B). It also includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, known contact sensitizers. While these are present in lower amounts, they pose a risk for individuals with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. The product also contains undisclosed fragrance and declared fragrance allergens.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Methylchloroisothiazolinone is declared.
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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
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 CI 19140 — a synthetic colour on our aromatic-amine watch list (impurity risk). A colour-quality caution, not a finding that this product contains a carcinogen.
Why the score is capped
Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-15
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
What's good
Contains Glycerin, a humectant for skin hydration.
Includes Polyquaternium-10 for conditioning benefits.
Watch out for
Presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers, even if in trace amounts.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating for sensitive skin and may contain 1,4-dioxane impurity.
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens increase the risk of sensitisation.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen for some individuals.
Sodium Benzoate can potentially form benzene with vitamin C, though less relevant in a rinse-off product.
CI 19140 — permitted cosmetic colourant - the EU limits where on the body each may be used.
CI 15510 — permitted cosmetic colourant - the EU limits where on the body each may be used.
Salicylic Acid — exfoliating active - not for leave-on use on children under 3; limit in pregnancy.
PEG-8 — 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.
Methylisothiazolinone
MI and its chlorinated partner MCI are preservatives and recognised contact sensitisers. After MI replaced parabens in many products, European dermatology clinics recorded a sharp rise in contact allergy to it. Contact allergy, once acquired, is usually long-lasting, so people already sensitised to MI are advised to avoid it. EU rules ban MI from leave-on cosmetics (since 2017) and limit it to 15 ppm in rinse-off products. Whether a particular product causes a reaction depends on the person, the concentration and the contact time, which the label alone cannot show.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2017/1224; SCCS Opinion SCCS/1521/13; British Journal of Dermatology (MI epidemic)
Methylisothiazolinone: 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 →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 →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 →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 →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 Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers. These are prohibited in EU leave-on cosmetics and are a significant concern for individuals with sensitive or allergy-prone skin, even in rinse-off products.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin. It may also carry a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), though SCCS considers ≤10 ppm safe in finished products.
Contains 'Fragrance' and declared fragrance allergens (Linalool, Citral, Limonene), which are common causes of contact allergy and sensitisation, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, while a mild surfactant, is a recognized contact allergen, mostly due to manufacturing impurities.
Combined Effects interactions
Potential for benzene formation under certain conditions, though less likely in a rinse-off product.
These two preservatives are often used in combination (Kathon CG) and are known for their high sensitizing potential, especially in leave-on products. Even in rinse-off, they are a significant concern for allergic individuals.
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 label makes a specific percentage claim about bacterial protection, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
The claim of '12HR Odour Protection' is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim of being 'IMA Recommended' is a third-party endorsement that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The product name and marketing text clearly indicate 'Lime Fresh' as a scent or variant.
The product is explicitly labeled as a 'Shower Gel'.
The ingredient list includes 'Parfum', which can contain citrus fragrances like yuzu, and the marketing text explicitly states 'With Yuzu Citrus Fragrance'.
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
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2.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
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3.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
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4.
PEG-8
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5.
Glycerin
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6.
Fragrance undisclosed fragranceParfum
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7.
Salicylic Acid
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8.
Citric Acid
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9.
Sodium Citrate
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10.
Tetrasodium EDTA
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11.
Polyquaternium-10
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12.
Sodium Chloride
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13.
Sodium Benzoate
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14.
Sodium Hydroxide
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15.
Linalool
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16.
Citral
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17.
Limonene
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18.
Magnesium Nitrate
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19.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
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20.
Methylisothiazolinone
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21.
Potassium Ferrocyanide
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22.
CI 19140 synthetic colour
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23.
CI 15510 synthetic colour
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 body wash 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.
What are the ingredients in Lime Fresh Shower Gel?
The label of Lime Fresh Shower Gel lists 23 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-8, Glycerin, Fragrance, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, TETRASODIUM EDTA, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Citral, Limonene, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Potassium Ferrocyanide, CI 19140, CI 15510. Flagged by the analysis: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance and 5 more.
Is Lime Fresh Shower Gel safe to use?
Lime Fresh Shower Gel scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This body wash contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which can irritate sensitive skin and may have a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane (a manufacturing by-product that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic, Group 2B). It also includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, known contact sensitizers. While these are present in lower amounts, they pose a risk for individuals with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. The product also contains undisclosed fragrance and declared fragrance allergens.
Why does Lime Fresh Shower Gel score 3.5/10?
Flagged in the score: Presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers, even if in trace amounts. Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating for sensitive skin and may contain 1,4-dioxane impurity. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens increase the risk of sensitisation.
Who should avoid Lime Fresh Shower Gel?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives; Avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.
Does Lime Fresh Shower Gel contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 3 fragrance allergens: Linalool, Citral and Limonene. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Lime Fresh Shower Gel 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 (Linalool, Citral and Limonene). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Lime Fresh Shower Gel pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 6 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Protects from 99.9% odour causing bacteria" — can't be verified from the label. "12HR Odour Protection" — can't be verified from the label. "IMA 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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