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Charcoal Shaving Foam
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Reviewed 1 time · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This shaving cream contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a known skin irritant, and Triethanolamine, which can form nitrosamines. While it includes soothing Menthol and Kaolin, the presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' and declared allergens like Limonene and Coumarin means individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution. The Charcoal Powder is present in trace amounts and does not contribute significantly to the product's benefits.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Kaolin
Contains skin irritant Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and undisclosed fragrance
This shaving cream contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a surfactant known to cause skin irritation, especially with prolonged contact. It also includes Triethanolamine, which has the potential to form nitrosamines, a concern for long-term exposure. The product lists 'Fragrance' without full disclosure, which is a common source of allergens, alongside individually declared fragrance allergens like Limonene and Coumarin, making it less suitable for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is declared.
Why the score is capped
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
What's good
Contains Kaolin, a natural clay that can help absorb excess oil and provide a smooth shave.
Includes Menthol for a cooling and potentially soothing sensation.
Watch out for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a primary surfactant with recognized irritation potential, which can lead to skin dryness, redness, and irritation.
Triethanolamine has the potential to form nitrosamines, which are classified as possible carcinogens.
The presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' and declared allergens (Limonene, Coumarin) increases the risk of allergic reactions and skin sensitization for susceptible individuals.
Charcoal Powder is not counted as a formulation strength.
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 Lauryl Sulfate
SLS is an aggressive surfactant that strips skin of its natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can cause contact dermatitis, canker sores, and eye irritation. People with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin should avoid SLS-containing products. It is particularly harsh in oral care products where it contacts mucous membranes.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; American Academy of Dermatology; Herlofson & Barkvoll 1996
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: regulation, sources and other products →Menthol and Peppermint Oil
Menthol, the main component of peppermint oil, can trigger a reflex that slows or stops breathing in babies when applied or inhaled near the face. The European Medicines Agency herbal monograph for peppermint oil contraindicates it under 2 years of age because of this laryngospasm risk, and does not recommend it between 2 and 4 years because there is not enough experience. For adults and older children it is a normal cooling and flavouring agent in toothpaste and body products, and can irritate sensitive skin at higher strengths.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EMA/HMPC European Union herbal monograph on Mentha x piperita L., aetheroleum
Menthol and Peppermint Oil: 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 →Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine is a pH adjuster and emulsifier. EU rules restrict alkanolamines because they can react with nitrosating agents (some preservatives) to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic; products must be formulated to avoid this. It can irritate skin at higher concentrations.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 (Annex III restrictions on alkanolamines and nitrosamine formation); SCCS
Triethanolamine: 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 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong skin and mucous membrane irritant, especially concerning in a leave-on product like shaving cream.
Contains Triethanolamine, which can react with nitrosating agents to form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. The extent of this risk depends on the presence of such agents and storage conditions.
Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of its components, which is a common source of allergens and sensitizers. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers with sensitivities to identify potential triggers.
Contains declared fragrance allergens Limonene and Coumarin, which can cause sensitization in individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin.
Combined Effects interactions
Triethanolamine can react with nitrosating agents, which may be present as impurities in other ingredients or formed during storage, to create nitrosamines. While 'Fragrance' itself is not a nitrosating agent, the presence of a complex, undisclosed fragrance blend increases the potential for such interactions if nitrosating impurities are present.
The combination of a strong irritant like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate with multiple declared and undisclosed fragrance allergens (Limonene, Coumarin, and 'Fragrance') can increase the overall potential for skin irritation and sensitization, especially in individuals with pre-existing sensitivities.
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.
Charcoal Powder is listed in the ingredients.
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.
Water
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2.
Triethanolamine
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3.
Palmitic Acid
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4.
Stearic Acid
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5.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrance
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6.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
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7.
Propane
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8.
Kaolin
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9.
Menthol
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10.
Limonene
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11.
Coumarin
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12.
Charcoal Powder
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 shaving cream 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.
What are the ingredients in Charcoal Shaving Foam?
The label of Charcoal Shaving Foam lists 12 ingredients, in label order: Water, Triethanolamine, PALMITIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, Fragrance, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Propane, Kaolin, Menthol, Limonene, COUMARIN, Charcoal Powder. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Triethanolamine, Fragrance, Menthol.
Is Charcoal Shaving Foam safe to use?
Charcoal Shaving Foam scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shaving cream contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a surfactant known to cause skin irritation, especially with prolonged contact. It also includes Triethanolamine, which has the potential to form nitrosamines, a concern for long-term exposure. The product lists 'Fragrance' without full disclosure, which is a common source of allergens, alongside individually declared fragrance allergens like Limonene and Coumarin, making it less suitable for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Why does Charcoal Shaving Foam score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a primary surfactant with recognized irritation potential, which can lead to skin dryness, redness, and irritation. Triethanolamine has the potential to form nitrosamines, which are classified as possible carcinogens. The presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' and declared allergens (Limonene, Coumarin) increases the risk of allergic reactions and skin sensitization for susceptible individuals.
Who should avoid Charcoal Shaving Foam?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Avoiding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; Avoiding Triethanolamine.
Does Charcoal Shaving Foam contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 2 fragrance allergens: Limonene and COUMARIN. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Charcoal Shaving Foam 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 2 fragrance allergens (Limonene and COUMARIN). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Charcoal Shaving Foam pack accurate?
Yes — all 1 claim on the pack checked out against the ingredient list and nutrition panel.
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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