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Dandruff Control Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 7.4 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This shampoo offers a generally mild cleansing experience with several beneficial ingredients for scalp and hair health, such as Piroctone Olamine for anti-dandruff action, Panthenol for conditioning, and various hydrolyzed proteins. However, the presence of 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of its components means individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin should exercise caution, as it may contain common allergens. Additionally, Salicylic Acid, while beneficial for scalp exfoliation, is advised against for leave-on use on children under 3 and should be used with limits during pregnancy. The formulation is otherwise well-suited for general use, particularly for those seeking anti-dandruff benefits.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
- Decyl Glucoside
- Piroctone Olamine
- Polyquaternium-10
- Betaine
- +6 more →
Mild anti-dandruff shampoo with undisclosed fragrance
This shampoo is formulated with mild cleansing agents and includes Piroctone Olamine for anti-dandruff benefits, along with conditioning ingredients like Panthenol and various proteins. The main caution is the presence of 'Fragrance' without specific allergen disclosure, which is relevant for people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Salicylic Acid is also present, which requires caution for young children and during pregnancy.
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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.
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Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for haircare. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Why the score is capped
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
What's good
Uses mild surfactants (Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Decyl Glucoside) which are gentle on the scalp and hair.
Contains Piroctone Olamine, an effective anti-dandruff agent.
Includes conditioning ingredients like Polyquaternium-10, Betaine, Panthenol, and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil for hair health.
Contains hydrolyzed proteins (Corn, Wheat, Soy) which can help strengthen hair.
Includes Thymol, a natural antimicrobial.
Watch out for
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can be problematic for individuals with fragrance sensitivities or allergies.
Salicylic Acid requires caution for young children and during pregnancy.
Ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs) may contain trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine can be a contact allergen for some.
Caffeine — stimulant - about 400 mg/day is the adult limit, 200 mg in pregnancy, 3 mg per kg for children.
Propylene Glycol — humectant/solvent - occasional skin irritant at higher concentration.
Disodium EDTA — disodium 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.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is the most widely used paraben-free preservative. The EU limits it to 1% in cosmetics (SCCS has confirmed this is safe for adults), and the French regulator ANSM advised in 2012 against leave-on products containing it for the nappy area of children under three and recommended a lower concentration for them. It can irritate sensitive skin.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V (max 1.0%); SCCS opinion SCCS/1575/16; ANSM recommendation (2012)
Phenoxyethanol: 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 →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 →Caffeine
The EU food safety authority found that up to 400 mg of caffeine a day (about 3 mg per kg of body weight a day in children and adolescents) does not raise safety concerns, and that pregnant and breastfeeding women should stay at or below 200 mg a day. Caffeine added to a drink or supplement counts toward that total alongside coffee and tea. Energy drinks and fat-burner stacks are judged by their own caps; this record explains the substance.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine, EFSA Journal 2015;13(5):4102
Caffeine: regulation, sources and other products →Propylene Glycol (E1520)
Propylene glycol is a widely used humectant and solvent considered safe at normal levels. It can irritate or sensitise a minority of people, mainly in leave-on products on damaged or eczema-prone skin.
Peer-reviewed research Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review; contact-dermatitis literature
Propylene Glycol: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual fragrance allergens, which can be a concern for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies (EU Reg. 1223/2009 Art. 19 + Annex III).
Salicylic Acid is present, which is not recommended for leave-on use on children under 3 and should be used with limits during pregnancy. This is a rinse-off product, reducing exposure.
Ethoxylated ingredients like PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and PEG-150 Distearate may carry a 1,4-dioxane residue, a possible carcinogen (IARC Group 2B). The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic safe, and levels are typically controlled in manufacturing.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant, is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals, mostly due to manufacturing impurities.
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative; the French regulator advises caution for use on children under 3 years old. This is a rinse-off product, limiting exposure.
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 states 'Dermatologically Tested', but no supporting documentation or certification is provided to verify this claim.
The label claims 'No Toxic Chemicals', but without a specific definition of 'toxic chemicals' or a comprehensive list of excluded substances, this claim cannot be verified.
The label states 'No Animal Testing', but no certification or external verification is provided to support this claim.
The label claims 'Itch Free Formula', but this is a subjective benefit that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The label claims 'Mild Cleansing Effect', but this is a subjective benefit that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The label claims 'Protects & Moisturisers', but these are subjective benefits that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The label claims 'Free From GMO', but there is no information on the label to verify the absence of genetically modified organisms in the ingredients.
The label claims 'Free From Phthalate', but there is no information on the label to verify the absence of phthalates in the ingredients, especially since 'Parfum' is listed which can sometimes contain phthalates.
The label states 'Made in India', but there is no information on the label to verify the country of origin.
The ingredient list does not contain any parabens.
The ingredient list does not contain any sulphates.
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.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
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3.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
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4.
Decyl Glucoside
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5.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
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6.
Piroctone Olamine
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7.
Polyquaternium-10
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8.
Betaine
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9.
Panthenol
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10.
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilArgania (Witch Hazel) Water
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11.
Thymol
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12.
Caffeine
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13.
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
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14.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
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15.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
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16.
Propylene Glycol
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17.
Azadirachta Indica ExtractAzadirachta Indica (Neem) Extract
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18.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceAloe Barbadensis (Aloevera) Leaf Juice
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19.
Salicylic Acid
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20.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract trace amountRosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
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21.
Cymbopogon Citratus Extract trace amountCymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Extract
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22.
Fragrance undisclosed fragranceParfum
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23.
Phenoxyethanol
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24.
Ethylhexylglycerin
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25.
Butylene Glycol
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26.
Citric Acid
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27.
PEG-150 Distearate
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28.
Disodium EDTA
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
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.
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Compare with other shampoo 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 Dandruff Control Shampoo?
The label of Dandruff Control Shampoo lists 28 ingredients, in label order: Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Piroctone Olamine, Polyquaternium-10, Betaine, Panthenol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Thymol, Caffeine, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Propylene Glycol, Azadirachta Indica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Salicylic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus Extract, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, PEG-150 Distearate, Disodium EDTA. Flagged by the analysis: Fragrance, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and 4 more.
Is Dandruff Control Shampoo safe to use?
Dandruff Control Shampoo scores 7.4/10 on Decode Label (Favorable). This shampoo is formulated with mild cleansing agents and includes Piroctone Olamine for anti-dandruff benefits, along with conditioning ingredients like Panthenol and various proteins. The main caution is the presence of 'Fragrance' without specific allergen disclosure, which is relevant for people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Salicylic Acid is also present, which requires caution for young children and during pregnancy.
Why does Dandruff Control Shampoo score 7.4/10?
Flagged in the score: Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can be problematic for individuals with fragrance sensitivities or allergies. Salicylic Acid requires caution for young children and during pregnancy. Also noted: Ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs) may contain trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane.
Who should avoid Dandruff Control Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or fragrance allergies; Children under 3 (due to Salicylic Acid); Pregnancy (due to Salicylic Acid limits).
Does Dandruff Control Shampoo contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 2 fragrant botanicals (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract and Cymbopogon Citratus Extract) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Dandruff Control Shampoo 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. This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Dandruff Control Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 11 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Dermatologically Tested" — can't be verified from the label. "No Toxic Chemicals" — can't be verified from the label. "No Animal Testing" — 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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