Decode Label Safe or Not? We Decode, You Decide.
Search Compare Why Decode Label How we score Our Story Our Team FAQ
Log in Submit a Product
Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] by Dove — product pack

Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of Dove and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks

Compare
Dove

Brand owned by Unilever (United Kingdom) · about the brand

Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid]

haircare
5.0 Moderate

Decode Label Safety Score

Ingredient safety · 55% 8.7/10
Processing · 15% 3.5/10
Marketing · 30% 8.2/10
How we got 5.0 Show
Weighted score 7.7/10
Capped — Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS) ≤ 5.0
Final score 5.0/10 · Moderate

Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed

This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant that can be irritating to sensitive skin and may carry a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B). It also includes 'Perfume' without specific disclosure of its components, which is a common source of allergens for individuals with fragrance sensitivities. Cocamidopropyl Betaine, another surfactant, is a recognized contact allergen for some. Salicylic Acid is present as an exfoliating active, which is generally safe in rinse-off products but warrants caution for children under 3 and pregnant individuals in leave-on applications. The product is generally suitable for most adults without specific sensitivities, but those with fragrance allergies or very sensitive skin should exercise caution.

At a glance

From the declared label — not a lab test

Findings to weigh

Score limiter Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS) See which concerns held the score down. → Ingredient · worth noting Sodium Laureth Sulfate Surfactant — can irritate sensitive skin; may carry a 1,4-dioxane impurity → Ingredient · worth noting Linalool Named fragrance allergen - the EU requires it to be declared separately → Ingredient · worth noting Salicylic Acid Exfoliating active - not for leave-on use on children under 3; limit in pregnancy →

What’s favorable

  • Glycerin
  • Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
  • Zinc sulfate
  • Glycine

Contains irritating surfactant and undisclosed fragrance; Salicylic Acid present

This shampoo uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane, classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also includes 'Perfume', an undisclosed blend that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Cocamidopropyl Betaine, another surfactant, is a known contact allergen for some users. Salicylic Acid is present, which is generally safe in rinse-off products but has specific cautions for young children and pregnant individuals in leave-on applications.

Okay for: Most adults without specific sensitivities

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.
Create a free account Sign in About two minutes. Health details are stored encrypted.
Concern breakdown What drives the score, concern by concern · score out of 10, higher = fewer concerns
Key risks: Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS) Sodium Laureth Sulfate Linalool Salicylic Acid Perfume +1 more

Concern breakdown

Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concerns

How 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.

Fragrance & Allergen Load Significant concern · 3.0/10
Harsh Surfactants & Irritants Moderate concern · 4.0/10
Preservative Safety No concern identified · 8.0/10
Irritant & Sensitising Actives No concern identified · 8.0/10
Endocrine-Active Ingredients No concern identified · 8.0/10
Carcinogen & Contaminant Risk No concern identified · 8.0/10
Label Transparency No concern identified · 8.0/10

Why the score is capped

Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)

Rule PC-CAP-05

What's good

Contains Glycerin for hydration

Includes Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride for conditioning

Contains Zinc Sulfate for potential anti-dandruff benefits

Includes Glycine for hair conditioning

Watch out for

Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to sensitive skin and may contain 1,4-dioxane impurity

Undisclosed 'Perfume' is a common allergen source

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen for some

Salicylic Acid has specific cautions for young children and pregnant individuals in leave-on applications

Linalool is a declared fragrance allergen

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.

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 →

Decode Label Analysis

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a primary surfactant that can be irritating to sensitive skin. It may also contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, an impurity classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic safe.

The product contains 'Perfume', an undisclosed blend of fragrance chemicals. This lack of transparency can be problematic for individuals with fragrance allergies, as it may contain any of the 3,000+ possible fragrance chemicals.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine, while a mild surfactant, is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals, primarily due to manufacturing impurities.

Salicylic Acid is present as an exfoliating active. While generally safe in rinse-off products, it is not recommended for leave-on use on children under 3 and should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Linalool is a declared fragrance allergen, which can cause sensitization in individuals with fragrance allergies.

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.

?
"new" Can't verify

The claim 'new' is a temporal marketing statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or other label information.

new
✓
"ANTI-DANDRUFF" Checks out

The ingredient list includes Salicylic Acid and Zinc Sulfate, which are common anti-dandruff agents.

SALICYLIC ACID ZINC SULFATE
✓
"Bio-Protein Care" Checks out

The ingredient list includes Glycine, which is an amino acid and a component of protein, supporting the 'Bio-Protein Care' claim.

GLYCINE
✓
"SHAMPOO [+SALICYLIC ACID]" Checks out

The ingredient list explicitly includes Salicylic Acid.

SALICYLIC ACID

Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.

  • 1.
    Water
    WATER
  • 2.
    Sodium Laureth Sulfate
    SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
  • 3.
    Cocamidopropyl Betaine
    COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
  • 4.
    Dimethiconol
    DIMETHICONOL
  • 5.
    Glycerin
    GLYCERIN
  • 6.
    Sodium Chloride
    SODIUM CHLORIDE
  • 7.
    Perfume undisclosed fragrance
    PERFUME
  • 8.
    Carbomer
    CARBOMER
  • 9.
    Salicylic Acid
    SALICYLIC ACID
  • 10.
    Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
    GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
  • 11.
    Zinc Sulfate
    ZINC SULFATE
  • 12.
    Glycine
    GLYCINE
  • 13.
    Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract trace amount
    CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (LIME) FRUIT EXTRACT
  • 14.
    Citric Acid
    CITRIC ACID
  • 15.
    Sodium Gluconate
    SODIUM GLUCONATE
  • 16.
    Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil trace amount
    HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL
  • 17.
    Linalool
    LINALOOL

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.

Learn More

Google Wikipedia EWG Skin Deep Open Food Facts

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.

View all →
Total Rebalance Shampoo

Total Rebalance Shampoo

8.7

Botani Bestie
Argan Oil & Lavender Smooth and Serene Sulfate Free Shampoo

Argan Oil & Lavender Smooth and Serene Sulfate Free Shampoo

7.7

LOVE beauty AND planet
Shakntala Hair Cleanser

Shakntala Hair Cleanser

7.5

Avimee
AGYU Bio Fusion Shampoo

AGYU Bio Fusion Shampoo

7.5

AGYU
Rosemary with Biotin Shampoo

Rosemary with Biotin Shampoo

7.5

WOW

Also on this shelf

More Shampoo products we've analysed, in name order.

What are the ingredients in Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid]?

The label of Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] lists 17 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethiconol, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Perfume, Carbomer, Salicylic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Zinc sulfate, Glycine, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Linalool. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Perfume, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Salicylic Acid.

Is Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] safe to use?

Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane, classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also includes 'Perfume', an undisclosed blend that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Cocamidopropyl Betaine, another surfactant, is a known contact allergen for some users. Salicylic Acid is present, which is generally safe in rinse-off products but has specific cautions for young children and pregnant individuals in leave-on applications.

Why does Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] score 5.0/10?

Flagged in the score: Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to sensitive skin and may contain 1,4-dioxane impurity. Undisclosed 'Perfume' is a common allergen source. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen for some.

Who should avoid Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid]?

The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.

Does Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] contain allergens?

Yes — the label lists 1 fragrance allergen: Linalool. It also lists a fragrant botanical (Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.

Does Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] contain fragrance?

Yes — the ingredient list includes Perfume. 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 (Linalool). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.

Are the claims on the Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] pack accurate?

Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "new" — 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.

Reader reviews

How the product performed for people who used it — taste, value, everyday experience. Separate from the Decode Label score above, which rates what is on the label.

Sign in to leave a review.

Sign in →

No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.

Help us keep this accurate

Two quick questions about our analysis — not about the product.

Was this analysis helpful?

Tells us whether the breakdown above actually answered your question.

Yes No

0 of 0 readers found this analysis helpful

Does your pack match this page?

Recipes change and packs get reformulated. If the ingredients or the panel on the pack in your hand differ from what we show, tell us and we will check it.

It matches Something is different

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.

Report Error

If you believe this score is inaccurate, provide details below. Our team reviews every report and will update the rating if warranted.

Report submitted

Our team will review your report and update the rating if the evidence warrants it. Thank you for helping keep our data accurate.

Share this product

Clean & Fresh Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid]

Link copied — paste it in your Instagram bio or Story!