Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of Dove and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks
Brand owned by Unilever (United Kingdom) · about the brand
Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This shampoo provides effective cleansing and conditioning, primarily driven by its blend of surfactants and silicones. However, it contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant known to cause irritation in sensitive individuals, and a significant number of declared fragrance allergens, which are a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities or contact dermatitis. While it includes several botanical oils and extracts, these are present in trace amounts and do not contribute significantly to the product's overall formulation strength or benefits. The presence of 'Fragrance' without full disclosure of its components also limits transparency.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Shampoo with common irritant surfactant and high fragrance allergen load
This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a common surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin, and a high number of declared fragrance allergens, which are a concern for individuals with fragrance allergies. It also includes 'Fragrance' without full disclosure of its components, which can be problematic for those seeking to avoid specific sensitizers. While it contains several plant-derived ingredients, these are present in very small amounts.
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 Glycerin for hydration
Includes Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride for conditioning
Watch out for
Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to sensitive skin and scalp
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens are a concern for individuals with sensitivities
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative with some age-related cautions
Botanical oils and extracts are present in trace amounts and do not contribute significantly to product benefits
TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate — an anionic surfactant and cleansing agent. Can be a skin irritant.
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.
Sodium Benzoate (E211)
Benzoates are permitted preservatives with an established acceptable daily intake. Two documented concerns: in acidic drinks that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) they can slowly form small amounts of benzene, especially with heat and light (US FDA beverage survey, 2006); and sodium benzoate was one of the additives in the Southampton study mixtures associated with hyperactivity in children. It can also trigger reactions in some people with asthma or urticaria.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (2016); US FDA benzene-in-beverages survey (2006); McCann et al., Lancet 2007
Sodium Benzoate: regulation, sources and other products →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 →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 →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
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may carry a 1,4-dioxane impurity (IARC Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans). The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic safe.
Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of its components, which is a common source of allergens and sensitizers for individuals with fragrance sensitivities.
Contains multiple declared fragrance allergens (Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Linalool) which are known sensitizers and must be declared separately under EU regulations.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen, primarily due to manufacturing impurities.
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative; French regulators advise caution for use in products for children under 3 years old.
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 'new' is a temporal marketing statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
The ingredient list includes several protein-related ingredients such as Lysine HCL, Arginine, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, and Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, supporting the 'Bio-Protein Care' claim.
Ceramide NG is listed in the ingredients, supporting the claim of containing ceramide.
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.
WaterWATER
-
2.
Sodium Laureth SulfateSODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
-
3.
DimethiconolDIMETHICONOL
-
4.
TEA-DodecylbenzenesulfonateTEA-DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE
-
5.
Glycol DistearateGLYCOL DISTEARATE
-
6.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCOCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
-
7.
Fragrance undisclosed fragranceFRAGRANCE
-
8.
GlycerinGLYCERIN
-
9.
Sodium ChlorideSODIUM CHLORIDE
-
10.
CarbomerCARBOMER
-
11.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
-
12.
MicaMICA
-
13.
Titanium DioxideTITANIUM DIOXIDE
-
14.
Disodium EDTADISODIUM EDTA
-
15.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
-
16.
Sodium BenzoateSODIUM BENZOATE
-
17.
PhenoxyethanolPHENOXYETHANOL
-
18.
Lysine HClLYSINE HCL
-
19.
ArginineARGININE
-
20.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilHELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL
-
21.
Ceramide NGCERAMIDE NG
-
22.
LecithinLECITHIN
-
23.
CholesterolCHOLESTEROL
-
24.
Xanthan GumXANTHAN GUM
-
25.
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract trace amountLENS ESCULENTA (LENTIL) SEED EXTRACT
-
26.
Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract trace amountHYDROLYZED CICER SEED EXTRACT
-
27.
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract trace amountCHENOPODIUM QUINOA SEED EXTRACT
-
28.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil trace amountPRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) KERNEL OIL
-
29.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil trace amountMACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL
-
30.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil trace amountOLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL
-
31.
SqualaneSQUALANE
-
32.
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE
-
33.
CitronellolCITRONELLOL
-
34.
CoumarinCOUMARIN
-
35.
GeraniolGERANIOL
-
36.
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.
-
LIVON Hyaluron Intense Hydration Protein Smooth Shampoo
See the analysis
-
L'OREAL Hyaluron Moisture 72H Moisture Filling Shampoo
See the analysis
-
L'Oreal Hyaluron Pure 72H Purifying Shampoo
See the analysis
-
LIVON Keratin Damage Repair Protein Smooth Shampoo
See the analysis
-
Tresemmé Keratin Smooth+ Professional Shampoo
See the analysis
-
Patanjali Kesh Kanti Alovera Hair Cleanser
See the analysis
What are the ingredients in Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo?
The label of Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo lists 36 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Dimethiconol, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Glycol Distearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Carbomer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Lysine HCl, Arginine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ceramide NG, Lecithin, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Squalane, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Citronellol, COUMARIN, Geraniol, Linalool. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Fragrance, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate and 1 more.
Is Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo safe to use?
Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a common surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin, and a high number of declared fragrance allergens, which are a concern for individuals with fragrance allergies. It also includes 'Fragrance' without full disclosure of its components, which can be problematic for those seeking to avoid specific sensitizers. While it contains several plant-derived ingredients, these are present in very small amounts.
Why does Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to sensitive skin and scalp. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens are a concern for individuals with sensitivities. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen.
Who should avoid Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or scalp; Fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis; Avoiding ethoxylated ingredients (due to 1,4-dioxane impurity concern); Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives (due to Cocamidopropyl Betaine impurity concern).
Does Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo 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 Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care 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; 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 Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 3 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.
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.
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
Intense Repair Bio-Protein Care Shampoo
Link copied — paste it in your Instagram bio or Story!