![Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] by Dove — product pack](/storage/products/ec55987f-de32-48e6-8c4f-9cb0382bb8e4.jpg)
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Brand owned by Unilever (United Kingdom) · about the brand
Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid]
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant that can be irritating for individuals with sensitive skin, and may carry a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B). It also includes Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant but a recognized contact allergen for some due to manufacturing impurities. The product contains 'Perfume' and several declared fragrance allergens (ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Citronellol, COUMARIN, Geraniol, Linalool), which are common sensitizers for those with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin. While these are rinse-off concerns, the cumulative allergen load is notable. The formulation also includes Zinc Pyrithione, an effective anti-dandruff agent. Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is listed near the end, indicating a small share and not a primary benefit.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Zinc Pyrithione
- Glycerin
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Shampoo with common irritants and multiple fragrance allergens
This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane. It also includes Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which can be a contact allergen for some. The product features an undisclosed 'Perfume' blend alongside several individually declared fragrance allergens, which are common sensitizers for people with fragrance 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.
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
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
High load of declared fragrance allergens (EU-listed)
Rule PC-CAP-03
What's good
Contains Zinc Pyrithione, an effective anti-dandruff agent
Includes Glycerin for hydration
Contains Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride for conditioning
Watch out for
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) can be irritating to sensitive skin and may contain trace 1,4-dioxane
Undisclosed 'Perfume' blend and multiple declared fragrance allergens are common sensitizers
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen for some
TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate can be a skin irritant
Dimethiconol (silicone) may lead to product build-up over time
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 →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). While SCCS considers levels ≤10 ppm safe in finished cosmetics, its presence cannot be confirmed from the ingredient list.
The product contains 'Perfume' (an undisclosed fragrance blend) along with multiple individually declared fragrance allergens (ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Citronellol, COUMARIN, Geraniol, Linalool). These are common sensitizers and can cause allergic reactions or irritation in individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, while a mild surfactant, is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals, often due to impurities from its manufacturing process.
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 does not include Salicylic Acid.
The claim 'new' is a temporal marketing statement that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other static label information.
The ingredient list includes Zinc Pyrithione, which is an active ingredient commonly used for anti-dandruff properties.
The ingredient list includes Zinc Pyrithione, which is an active ingredient commonly used for dandruff care.
The ingredient list includes Lysine HCL, which is an amino acid and can be considered a protein component, supporting the 'Bio-Protein Care' claim.
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.
WaterWATER
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2.
Sodium Laureth SulfateSODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
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3.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCOCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
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4.
DimethiconolDIMETHICONOL
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5.
Tea-DodecylbenzenesulfonateTEA-DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE
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6.
Zinc PyrithioneZINC PYRITHIONE
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7.
GlycerinGLYCERIN
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8.
Sodium ChlorideSODIUM CHLORIDE
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9.
CarbomerCARBOMER
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10.
Perfume undisclosed fragrancePERFUME
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11.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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12.
Zinc SulfateZINC SULFATE
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13.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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14.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil trace amountHELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL
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15.
Lysine HClLYSINE HCL
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16.
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE
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17.
CitronellolCITRONELLOL
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18.
CoumarinCOUMARIN
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19.
GeraniolGERANIOL
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20.
LinaloolLINALOOL
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.
Learn More
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.
Also on this shelf
More Shampoo products we've analysed, in name order.
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Dove Dryness Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo
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What are the ingredients in Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid]?
The label of Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] lists 20 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethiconol, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Zinc Pyrithione, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Carbomer, Perfume, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Zinc sulfate, Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lysine HCl, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Citronellol, COUMARIN, Geraniol, Linalool. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Perfume, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate.
Is Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] safe to use?
Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane. It also includes Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which can be a contact allergen for some. The product features an undisclosed 'Perfume' blend alongside several individually declared fragrance allergens, which are common sensitizers for people with fragrance sensitivities.
Why does Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) can be irritating to sensitive skin and may contain trace 1,4-dioxane. Undisclosed 'Perfume' blend and multiple declared fragrance allergens are common sensitizers. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen for some.
Who should avoid Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid]?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Avoiding ethoxylated ingredients; Allergy to Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
Does Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 5 fragrance allergens: ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Citronellol, COUMARIN, Geraniol and Linalool. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Dandruff Care 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 5 fragrance allergens (ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Citronellol, COUMARIN, Geraniol and Linalool). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Dandruff Care Bio-Protein Care Shampoo [+Salicylic Acid] pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "SHAMPOO [+SALICYLIC ACID]" — false. "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.
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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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