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Brand owned by Reckitt (United Kingdom) · about the brand
Neem Soap
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 bathing bar is primarily a traditional saponified soap base, which can be alkaline and potentially drying for some skin types. The main safety concerns are the presence of Talc, which IARC classifies as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) for perineal use, and Methylchloroisothiazolinone, a potent contact sensitizer restricted to rinse-off products in the EU. While Methylchloroisothiazolinone is listed in trace amounts, its presence is still a concern for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to isothiazolinones. The product also contains a 'Fragrance' blend and several declared fragrance allergens, which are common sensitizers for those with fragrance sensitivities. The harsh surfactant Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is also present, which can contribute to skin dryness or irritation. This product is best suited for individuals without sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, who are not concerned about the presence of talc or isothiazolinone preservatives.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Contains talc and a potent contact sensitizer; high fragrance allergen load
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This bathing bar contains talc, which is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans for perineal use. It also includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone, a strong contact sensitizer, and a significant number of declared fragrance allergens, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The primary cleansing system is a traditional soap base, which can be alkaline and potentially drying, alongside a harsh surfactant.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Talc and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are 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 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 isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-15
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 for skin hydration
Includes botanical extracts like Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil (Neem) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera) known for skin benefits
Watch out for
Presence of Talc, classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) for perineal use
Methylchloroisothiazolinone, a potent contact sensitizer, even in trace amounts
High load of declared fragrance allergens and undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, increasing sensitization risk
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a harsh surfactant that can cause dryness and irritation
Traditional saponified soap base (Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate) can be alkaline and potentially drying to the skin barrier
CI 74160 — permitted cosmetic colourant - the EU limits where on the body each may be used.
CI 11680 — permitted cosmetic colourant - the EU limits where on the body each may be used.
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.
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 →Talc
In July 2024 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified talc as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), citing limited evidence of ovarian cancer in people and strong evidence of carcinogenic mechanisms. Talc that contains asbestos-like fibres is a separate, established carcinogen (Group 1), and talc can occur naturally alongside asbestos, which is why testing of the source matters. The classification rests mostly on perineal and inhalation exposure, so a rinse-off use is a lower exposure than a loose powder. Cornstarch-based powders avoid the question.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Volume 136 (2024), talc; US FDA talc testing programme
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 →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 →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 →Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is both a preservative (permitted up to 1% in the EU) and one of the fragrance substances the EU requires to be named on a label because it can cause contact allergy in sensitised people. It is information for someone who knows they react to it, not a general hazard.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III and Annex V
Benzyl Alcohol: 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 Methylchloroisothiazolinone, a potent contact sensitizer restricted to rinse-off products in the EU due to its high sensitization potential.
Contains Talc, which IARC classifies as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) for perineal use. The ECHA RAC opinion proposes a Carc. 1B classification, though this is not yet legally binding.
Contains 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens (Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene), which are common causes of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Contains Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, an anionic surfactant that can be harsh and drying, potentially leading to skin irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
Claim check
1 claim 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.
The ingredient list includes Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil (Neem Oil), but it also contains many other ingredients, so the claim of '100% Pure Neem Oil' is misleading as it implies the product is solely neem oil or that the neem oil component is 100% pure, not the product itself.
This is a promotional offer that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information provided.
This is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information provided.
This is an endorsement claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information provided.
The ingredient list includes Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil (Neem Oil), which supports the product being a Neem Soap.
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.
Sodium Palmate
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2.
Sodium Palm Kernelate
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3.
WaterAqua
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4.
Talc
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5.
Fragrance undisclosed fragranceParfum
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6.
Glycerin
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7.
Sodium Chloride
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8.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
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9.
Disodium Etidronate
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10.
Tetrasodium EDTA
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11.
Azadirachta Indica Seed OilAzadirachta Indica Seed Oil (Neem Oil)
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12.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
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13.
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
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14.
Benzyl Alcohol
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15.
Linalool
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16.
Benzyl Salicylate
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17.
Citral
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18.
Hexyl Cinnamal
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19.
Limonene
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20.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
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21.
CI 74160 synthetic colour
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22.
CI 11680 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 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 Neem Soap?
The label of Neem Soap lists 22 ingredients, in label order: SODIUM PALMATE, SODIUM PALM KERNELATE, Water, Talc, Fragrance, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Etidronate, TETRASODIUM EDTA, Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, CI 74160, CI 11680. Flagged by the analysis: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Talc, Fragrance, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, CI 74160 and 3 more.
Is Neem Soap safe to use?
Neem Soap scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This bathing bar contains talc, which is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans for perineal use. It also includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone, a strong contact sensitizer, and a significant number of declared fragrance allergens, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The primary cleansing system is a traditional soap base, which can be alkaline and potentially drying, alongside a harsh surfactant.
Why does Neem Soap score 3.5/10?
Flagged in the score: Presence of Talc, classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) for perineal use. Methylchloroisothiazolinone, a potent contact sensitizer, even in trace amounts. High load of declared fragrance allergens and undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, increasing sensitization risk.
Who should avoid Neem Soap?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or fragrance allergies; Avoiding IARC Group 2B classified ingredients (talc); Allergy to isothiazolinone preservatives; Prone to skin dryness or irritation.
Does Neem Soap contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 5 fragrance allergens: Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal and Limonene. It also lists a fragrant botanical (Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Neem Soap 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 5 fragrance allergens (Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal and Limonene). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Neem Soap pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "100% Pure Neem Oil" — misleading. "BUY 3 GET 1 FREE" — can't be verified from the label. "Protects from 99.9% Skin Infection Causing Germs" — 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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