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Brand owned by Reckitt (United Kingdom) · about the brand
Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Reviewed 11 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This bathing bar contains 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 includes Climbazole, an anti-dandruff antifungal whose concentration EU cosmetics rules restrict, mainly over repeated leave-on exposure, and an undisclosed 'Parfum' blend, a common source of allergens for sensitive skin. While it effectively cleanses, these ingredients raise significant safety concerns, making it unsuitable for individuals seeking products free from potential carcinogens, restricted biocides, or common fragrance allergens.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Aqua
- Glycerin
Contains Talc (possible carcinogen) and restricted biocide; undisclosed fragrance
This bathing bar contains talc, which is classified as a possible human carcinogen by IARC and has been linked to ovarian cancer with genital use. It also includes Climbazole, an antifungal restricted in the EU due to endocrine and liver concerns, and an undisclosed fragrance blend that can trigger allergies. These ingredients raise significant safety concerns for general use.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Climbazole and Talc are 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, Climbazole.
Why the score is capped
Contains a restricted antimicrobial biocide
Rule PC-CAP-10
Contains an ingredient with an IARC carcinogen classification (e.g. talc)
Rule PC-CAP-11 · Source: IARC carcinogen classification
What's good
Contains Glycerin for skin hydration
Watch out for
Potential skin irritation or sensitization due to undisclosed fragrance and Limonene
Concerns regarding Talc's classification as a possible carcinogen
Concerns regarding Climbazole's endocrine and liver effects
CI 21100/CI 11680 — 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.
CI 12490 — 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.
Climbazole
Climbazole is an azole antifungal used against dandruff, and it is effective against Malassezia. The EU SCCS found the margin of safety inadequate at earlier use levels, so EU rules now cap its concentration by product type. The scientific concern is systemic exposure from repeated leave-on use: azole antifungals as a class can inhibit steroid-hormone enzymes, and animal studies show liver effects. How much that applies depends on concentration and contact time, and in a rinse-off shampoo exposure is shorter. The label does not state the concentration.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU SCCS Opinion SCCS/1506/13 and SCCS/1600/18; EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V
Climbazole: regulation, sources and other products →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 →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
Contains Talc, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) and linked to ovarian cancer with genital use.
Contains Climbazole, an anti-dandruff antifungal whose concentration EU cosmetics rules restrict, mainly over repeated leave-on exposure.
Contains undisclosed 'Parfum' and the allergen Limonene, which can cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions in sensitive 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 claim '12HR PROTECTIVE SHIELD' is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
The term 'ORIGINAL' is a product descriptor that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
The claim 'PROTECTS FROM 99.99% ILLNESS CAUSING GERMS' is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
The claim 'BE 100% SURE' is a marketing assurance that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
The claim 'IMA RECOMMENDED' is an endorsement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
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
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What are the ingredients in Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar?
The label of Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar lists 14 ingredients, in label order: SODIUM PALMATE, SODIUM PALM KERNELATE, Aqua, Parfum, Talc, Sodium Chloride, Etidronic Acid, TETRASODIUM EDTA, Climbazole, Disodium Etidronate, Glycerin, Limonene, CI 21100/CI 11680, CI 12490. Flagged by the analysis: Talc, Climbazole, Parfum, CI 21100/CI 11680, CI 12490 and 1 more.
Is Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar safe to use?
Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This bathing bar contains talc, which is classified as a possible human carcinogen by IARC and has been linked to ovarian cancer with genital use. It also includes Climbazole, an antifungal restricted in the EU due to endocrine and liver concerns, and an undisclosed fragrance blend that can trigger allergies. These ingredients raise significant safety concerns for general use.
Why does Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Concerns regarding Talc's classification as a possible carcinogen. Concerns regarding Climbazole's endocrine and liver effects. Also noted: Potential skin irritation or sensitization due to undisclosed fragrance and Limonene.
Who should avoid Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Concerns about potential carcinogens; Concerns about endocrine disruptors.
Does Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 1 fragrance allergen: Limonene. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Dettol Original Germ Protection 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 1 fragrance allergen (Limonene). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Dettol Original Germ Protection Bathing Soap Bar pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "12HR PROTECTIVE SHIELD" — can't be verified from the label. "ORIGINAL" — can't be verified from the label. "PROTECTS FROM 99.99% ILLNESS 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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