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Brand owned by Procter & Gamble (United States) · about the brand
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 2.9 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains strong cleansing agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which can be irritating for individuals with sensitive skin or scalp. A significant concern is the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers restricted in leave-on cosmetics by EU regulations, though permitted in rinse-off products at controlled concentrations. The product also includes 'Fragrance' and several declared fragrance allergens, which are common sensitizers for those with fragrance allergies. While it contains anti-dandruff active Piroctone Olamine, the overall formulation leans towards a higher irritation potential due to its primary surfactants and preservative system, making it less suitable for individuals prone to skin sensitivity or allergies.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Zinc Carbonate
- Piroctone Olamine
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
- Polyquaternium-10
Contains strong irritant surfactants and potent sensitizing preservatives
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo uses harsh cleansing agents that can irritate sensitive skin and scalp. It also contains preservatives, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, known for causing contact allergies. The product includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend and several declared fragrance allergens, which are common triggers for allergic reactions.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are declared.
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.
Triggered by CI 19140, CI 42090 — a synthetic colour on our aromatic-amine watch list (impurity risk). A colour-quality caution, not a finding that this product contains a carcinogen.
Why the score is capped
Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-15
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 Carbonate and Piroctone Olamine, effective anti-dandruff agents.
Includes conditioning agents like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Polyquaternium-10 for hair manageability.
Watch out for
High potential for skin and scalp irritation due to strong anionic surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate).
Significant risk of contact allergy and sensitisation from Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone.
Presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens increases the risk for allergic reactions.
Dimethicone may lead to product build-up on hair over time.
CI 19140 — permitted cosmetic colourant - the EU limits where on the body each may be used.
CI 42090 — permitted cosmetic colourant - the EU limits where on the body each may be used.
Propylene Glycol — humectant/solvent - occasional skin irritant at higher concentration.
TETRASODIUM EDTA — tetrasodium 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.
Methylisothiazolinone
MI and its chlorinated partner MCI are preservatives and recognised contact sensitisers. After MI replaced parabens in many products, European dermatology clinics recorded a sharp rise in contact allergy to it. Contact allergy, once acquired, is usually long-lasting, so people already sensitised to MI are advised to avoid it. EU rules ban MI from leave-on cosmetics (since 2017) and limit it to 15 ppm in rinse-off products. Whether a particular product causes a reaction depends on the person, the concentration and the contact time, which the label alone cannot show.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2017/1224; SCCS Opinion SCCS/1521/13; British Journal of Dermatology (MI epidemic)
Methylisothiazolinone: regulation, sources and other products →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 →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 →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 →Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is both a preservative (permitted up to 1% in the EU) and one of the fragrance substances the EU requires to be named on a label because it can cause contact allergy in sensitised people. It is information for someone who knows they react to it, not a general hazard.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III and Annex V
Benzyl Alcohol: regulation, sources and other products →Synthetic Cosmetic Colourants (CI)
These Colour Index (CI) numbers are colourants on the EU list of permitted cosmetic colours, each with conditions on where it may be used (for example, some are allowed only in products that do not stay in contact with mucous membranes). A listed colour in a product used as directed is not a finding of harm; the colour serves only to colour the product, and this is information for anyone who prefers to avoid synthetic dyes.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex IV (permitted colourants); SCCS opinions on colourants
Synthetic Cosmetic Colourants (CI): 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 Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers. These are prohibited in EU leave-on cosmetics and restricted in rinse-off products due to their high sensitizing potential.
Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong skin and mucous membrane irritant, listed high in the ingredient order.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a strong cleansing agent that can irritate sensitive skin. It may also carry a 1,4-dioxane impurity, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), though SCCS considers ≤10 ppm safe in finished products.
Contains 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens (Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol), which are common causes of contact allergies and sensitisation, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.
Contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant but a recognized contact allergen, mostly due to manufacturing impurities.
Combined Effects interactions
The combination of strong anionic surfactants (SLS, SLES) with an amphoteric surfactant (CAPB) is common for cleansing and foam, but the high concentration of SLS and SLES can exacerbate irritation, even with the milder CAPB present.
These two preservatives are often used together in a blend (Kathon CG) and are known for their high sensitizing potential, especially in leave-on products. While this is a rinse-off product, the combined presence still poses a significant risk for contact allergy.
The presence of an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend alongside multiple individually declared fragrance allergens significantly increases the overall potential for allergic reactions and skin sensitisation in susceptible individuals.
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 ingredient list does not contain information to confirm or deny the product's suitability for greasy hair.
The claim of 'up to 100% free' from dandruff is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
Piroctone Olamine, an anti-dandruff agent, is listed in the ingredients.
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract is listed in the ingredients, supporting the 'Lemon Fresh' 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.
Water
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2.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
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3.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
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4.
Sodium Chloride
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5.
Glycol Distearate
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6.
Zinc Carbonate
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7.
Piroctone Olamine
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8.
Sodium Xylenesulfonate
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9.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
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10.
Dimethicone
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11.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrance
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12.
Sodium Benzoate
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13.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
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14.
Tetrasodium EDTA
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15.
Polyquaternium-10
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16.
Mica
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17.
CI 77891 synthetic colour
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18.
Hydrogenated Polydecene
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19.
Benzyl Alcohol
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20.
Trihydroxystearin
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21.
Linalool
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22.
Hexyl Cinnamal
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23.
Citronellol
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24.
Amyl Cinnamal
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25.
Propylene Glycol
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26.
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract trace amount
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27.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
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28.
Methylisothiazolinone
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29.
CI 19140 synthetic colour
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30.
CI 42090 synthetic colour
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.
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What are the ingredients in Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh?
The label of Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh lists 30 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Zinc Carbonate, Piroctone Olamine, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, TETRASODIUM EDTA, Polyquaternium-10, Mica, CI 77891, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Benzyl Alcohol, Trihydroxystearin, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, AMYL CINNAMAL, Propylene Glycol, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 19140, CI 42090. Flagged by the analysis: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and 6 more.
Is Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh safe to use?
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh scores 2.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo uses harsh cleansing agents that can irritate sensitive skin and scalp. It also contains preservatives, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, known for causing contact allergies. The product includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend and several declared fragrance allergens, which are common triggers for allergic reactions.
Why does Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh score 2.9/10?
Flagged in the score: High potential for skin and scalp irritation due to strong anionic surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate). Significant risk of contact allergy and sensitisation from Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. Presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' and multiple declared fragrance allergens increases the risk for allergic reactions.
Who should avoid Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or scalp; Fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives.
Does Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 4 fragrance allergens: Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol and AMYL CINNAMAL. It also lists a fragrant botanical (Citrus Limon Fruit Extract) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh 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 4 fragrance allergens (Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol and AMYL CINNAMAL). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Lemon Fresh pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "FOR GREASY HAIR" — can't be verified from the label. "DANDRUFF UP TO 100% FREE" — 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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