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Brand owned by Procter & Gamble (United States) · about the brand
Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
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. While it includes an anti-dandruff active, Piroctone Olamine, the presence of multiple declared fragrance allergens and an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend means it may not be suitable for those with fragrance allergies or contact dermatitis. The formulation is primarily driven by its surfactant system, with botanical extracts and other fragrance components listed in trace amounts, indicating they are not primary functional ingredients.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Piroctone Olamine
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Contains strong irritant surfactants and multiple fragrance allergens
This shampoo uses strong cleansing agents, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which are known to cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. It also contains an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend and several individually declared fragrance allergens, making it a concern for people with fragrance sensitivities or allergies. While it includes an anti-dandruff ingredient, the overall formulation prioritizes strong cleansing and scent over mildness.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is 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.
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 Piroctone Olamine, an effective anti-dandruff active ingredient.
Includes Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride for hair conditioning.
Watch out for
High concentration of strong sulfate surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which can be irritating.
Presence of an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend.
Multiple declared fragrance allergens (Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene) and Peppermint Oil, increasing the risk for sensitive individuals.
Dimethicone can lead to product build-up on hair over time.
Menthol and Peppermint Oil are not suitable for infants and toddlers.
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.
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 →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 →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 →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong skin and mucous membrane irritant, especially when listed high in the ingredient order.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant 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 the EU SCCS considers levels at or below 10 ppm in finished cosmetics safe.
Contains 'Fragrance', an undisclosed mix of chemicals that is a common allergen and a transparency concern.
Contains multiple declared fragrance allergens (Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene) and Peppermint Oil, which can cause sensitization in individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin.
Contains Menthol and Peppermint Oil, which are not recommended for use on infants and toddlers due to potential breathing reflex risks.
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.
Selenium Sulphide is not listed in the ingredients, so its presence cannot be confirmed.
The claim "Maximum Dandruff Protection" is a comparative marketing claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The claim of working "2X faster" is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The ingredient list includes Menthol and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, which are known for cooling and soothing properties that can help with itch relief.
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.
Sodium Xylenesulfonate
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6.
Dimethicone
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7.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrance
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8.
Piroctone Olamine
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9.
Citric Acid
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10.
Sodium Benzoate
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11.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
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12.
Tetrasodium EDTA
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13.
Sodium Hydroxide
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14.
Menthol
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15.
Hexyl Cinnamal
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16.
Linalool
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17.
Hydroxycitronellal
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18.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil trace amount
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19.
Limonene
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
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What are the ingredients in Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo?
The label of Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo lists 19 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Piroctone Olamine, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, TETRASODIUM EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Menthol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, Limonene. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Fragrance, Menthol, TETRASODIUM EDTA.
Is Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo safe to use?
Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo uses strong cleansing agents, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which are known to cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. It also contains an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend and several individually declared fragrance allergens, making it a concern for people with fragrance sensitivities or allergies. While it includes an anti-dandruff ingredient, the overall formulation prioritizes strong cleansing and scent over mildness.
Why does Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: High concentration of strong sulfate surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which can be irritating. Presence of an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend. Multiple declared fragrance allergens (Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene) and Peppermint Oil, increasing the risk for sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or scalp; Fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis; Avoiding strong sulfate surfactants.
Does Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 4 fragrance allergens: Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal and Limonene. It also lists a fragrant botanical (Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue 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 4 fragrance allergens (Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal and Limonene). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Rescue Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Selenium Sulphide Dandruff Shampoo" — can't be verified from the label. "Our Maximum Dandruff Protection" — can't be verified from the label. "Starts working 2X faster to fight the main cause of dandruff" — 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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