Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner by Herbal Essences — product pack

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Herbal Essences

Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner

haircare
3.5 Concerning

Decode Label Safety Score

Ingredient safety · 55% 5.5/10
Processing · 15% 8.5/10
Marketing · 30% 6.7/10
How we got 3.5 Show
Weighted score 6.3/10
Capped — Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS) ≤ 3.5
Also flagged
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Final score 3.5/10 · Concerning

Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed

The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This rinse-off conditioner contains a blend of conditioning agents and emollients, but its safety profile is significantly impacted by the inclusion of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), potent contact sensitizers restricted in leave-on cosmetics by EU regulations. The presence of undisclosed 'Fragrance' also raises concerns for individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin, as specific allergens are not itemized. While the product is rinse-off, reducing exposure time, the sensitizing potential of MCI/MI remains a notable concern for a segment of the population. The various botanical extracts and alcohol denat. are present in trace amounts and do not significantly contribute to the product's overall formulation strength or benefits.

Contains potent sensitizing preservatives and undisclosed fragrance

The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This conditioner includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), preservatives known as potent contact sensitizers, which are restricted in leave-on products by EU regulations. The product also contains an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which can be problematic for individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin due to the potential presence of undeclared allergens. While it is a rinse-off product, reducing exposure, these ingredients are still a concern for those prone to skin reactions.

Consider this product carefully if you are

  • Avoiding certain additives or colours — Methylchloroisothiazolinone is declared.
Okay for: Individuals without known skin sensitivities

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  • 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.
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Concern breakdown What drives the score, concern by concern · score out of 10, higher = fewer concerns
Key risks: Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS) Methylchloroisothiazolinone Benzyl Alcohol Fragrance

Concern breakdown

Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concerns

How 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.

Preservative Safety Significant concern · 2.0/10
Fragrance & Allergen Load Significant concern · 3.0/10
Harsh Surfactants & Irritants No concern identified · 8.0/10
Irritant & Sensitising Actives No concern identified · 8.0/10
Endocrine-Active Ingredients No concern identified · 8.0/10
Carcinogen & Contaminant Risk No concern identified · 8.0/10
Label Transparency No concern identified · 8.0/10

Why the score is capped

Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS)

Rule PC-CAP-15

Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)

Rule PC-CAP-06

What's good

Contains effective conditioning agents like Behentrimonium Chloride and Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone for hair manageability and shine.

Includes fatty alcohols (Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol) for emollience and texture.

Watch out for

The presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) poses a significant risk of contact sensitization, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or a history of allergies.

Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can contain numerous allergens that are not individually listed, making it difficult for sensitive individuals to avoid potential irritants.

Benzyl Alcohol is a known allergen that can contribute to skin sensitivity.

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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

Decode Label Analysis

Contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), potent contact sensitizers. These preservatives are restricted in rinse-off cosmetics and prohibited in leave-on cosmetics by EU regulations due to their high potential to cause allergic reactions.

Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual fragrance allergens. This can be problematic for individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin.

Benzyl Alcohol is a declared fragrance allergen under EU regulations and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Combined Effects interactions

Methylchloroisothiazolinone Methylisothiazolinone

These two isothiazolinone preservatives are often used in combination (MCI/MI blend) and are known for their synergistic sensitizing potential, increasing the risk of contact allergy.

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.

✓
"0% Parabens" Checks out

Parabens are not listed in the ingredients.

Parabens are not listed in the ingredients.
✓
"0% Colourants" Checks out

Colourants are not listed in the ingredients.

Colourants are not listed in the ingredients.
✓
"Coconut Milk" Checks out

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice is listed in the ingredients.

COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT JUICE

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.
    Water
    WATER
  • 2.
    Stearyl Alcohol
    STEARYL ALCOHOL
  • 3.
    Behentrimonium Chloride
    BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
  • 4.
    Cetyl Alcohol
    CETYL ALCOHOL
  • 5.
    Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone
    BIS-AMINOPROPYL DIMETHICONE
  • 6.
    Fragrance undisclosed fragrance
    FRAGRANCE
  • 7.
    Isopropyl Alcohol
    ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
  • 8.
    Benzyl Alcohol
    BENZYL ALCOHOL
  • 9.
    Disodium EDTA
    DISODIUM EDTA
  • 10.
    Histidine
    HISTIDINE
  • 11.
    Citric Acid
    CITRIC ACID
  • 12.
    Butylene Glycol
    BUTYLENE GLYCOL
  • 13.
    Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice trace amount
    ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE
  • 14.
    Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice trace amount
    COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT JUICE
  • 15.
    Alcohol Denat.
    ALCOHOL DENAT.
  • 16.
    Methylchloroisothiazolinone
    METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE
  • 17.
    Methylisothiazolinone
    METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE
  • 18.
    Ecklonia Radiata Extract trace amount
    ECKLONIA RADIATA EXTRACT

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.

Compare with other conditioner 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.

View all →

What are the ingredients in Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner?

The label of Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner lists 18 ingredients, in label order: Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Fragrance, Isopropyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Histidine, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Alcohol Denat., Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Ecklonia Radiata Extract. Flagged by the analysis: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA.

Is Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner safe to use?

Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This conditioner includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), preservatives known as potent contact sensitizers, which are restricted in leave-on products by EU regulations. The product also contains an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which can be problematic for individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin due to the potential presence of undeclared allergens. While it is a rinse-off product, reducing exposure, these ingredients are still a concern for those prone to skin reactions.

Why does Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner score 3.5/10?

Flagged in the score: The presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) poses a significant risk of contact sensitization, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or a history of allergies. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can contain numerous allergens that are not individually listed, making it difficult for sensitive individuals to avoid potential irritants. Benzyl Alcohol is a known allergen that can contribute to skin sensitivity.

Who should avoid Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner?

The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or contact allergies; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives; Fragrance allergy.

Does Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner 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. This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.

Are the claims on the Hydrate Coconut Milk Conditioner pack accurate?

Yes — all 3 claims 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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