Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of L'Oréal Paris and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks
Brand owned by L'Oréal (France) · about the brand
Total Repair 5 Repairing 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 with a blend of mild and stronger surfactants. The presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, while effective, may be irritating for individuals with sensitive skin, and it may carry a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane, classified by IARC as Group 2B. The product also contains 'Fragrance' and declared fragrance allergens like Limonene and Linalool, which are common sensitizers for those with fragrance allergies or contact dermatitis. Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate are present as preservatives, with Sodium Benzoate having a caution regarding benzene formation with vitamin C, though this is less relevant in a rinse-off product. Overall, it's a functional shampoo, but those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
- Coconut oil
- Arginine
Contains irritating surfactant and undisclosed fragrance blend
This shampoo uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane (a manufacturing by-product that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic, Group 2B). It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend along with specific fragrance allergens like Limonene and Linalool, which are common causes of skin sensitization. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should be cautious.
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
What's good
Contains conditioning agents like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Coconut oil for hair benefits.
Includes amino acids like Arginine, Serine, and Glycine which can support hair health.
Watch out for
Potential for scalp irritation due to Sodium Laureth Sulfate, especially for sensitive individuals.
Risk of allergic reactions or sensitization from the undisclosed 'Fragrance' and declared fragrance allergens.
Dimethicone can lead to silicone build-up on hair over time, potentially weighing it down or making it feel greasy.
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 →Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic acne and dandruff active. EU rules cap it (3% in leave-on products) and bar it from leave-on products for children under three years except shampoos, because it is absorbed through the skin and is chemically related to aspirin. Dermatologists commonly advise limiting high-strength use in pregnancy.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III (conditions of use); SCCS opinion on salicylic acid
Salicylic Acid: 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 →Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
PEG ingredients are made by ethoxylation, which can leave traces of ethylene oxide (IARC Group 1) and 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B) unless removed. Good manufacturing removes them, so the ingredient itself is not a hazard, but the label cannot tell you whether it was done well. PEGs should not be applied to broken skin.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Vol. 100F (ethylene oxide) and Vol. 71 (1,4-dioxane); Cosmetic Ingredient Review
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant that can be irritating to sensitive skin and scalp. It may also carry a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), though SCCS considers levels ≤10 ppm safe in finished products.
Contains 'Fragrance' (undisclosed blend) and several declared fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol), which are common sensitizers for individuals with fragrance allergies or contact dermatitis.
Phenoxyethanol is present as a preservative; French regulators advise caution for use in products for children under 3 years old.
Salicylic Acid is present; it is not recommended for leave-on use on children under 3 and should be used with caution during pregnancy. In a rinse-off product, exposure is minimal.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant, is a recognized contact allergen, primarily due to manufacturing impurities.
Combined Effects interactions
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is often used to mitigate the harshness and irritation potential of stronger surfactants like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, creating a milder overall cleansing system.
Sodium Benzoate can form benzene in the presence of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). While Citric Acid is present, it is not Vitamin C, and the risk of benzene formation in a rinse-off cosmetic is generally considered low.
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 'TOTAL REPAIR 5' is a proprietary designation that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'REPAIRING SHAMPOO' is a functional claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The ingredient list does not state the 4% concentration of 'REPAIR CONCENTRATE WITH KERATIN', so the strength cannot be confirmed. While 'KERATIN' is not explicitly listed, 'ARGININE', 'SERINE', 'GLYCINE', and 'CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE' are amino acids that are components of keratin, bu
The claim 'Repairs & reinforces hair fibers' is a functional claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'DAMAGED HAIR' indicates the product's target use, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
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.
DimethiconeDIMETHICONE
-
4.
Glycol DistearateGLYCOL DISTEARATE
-
5.
Sodium ChlorideSODIUM CHLORIDE
-
6.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCOCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
-
7.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
-
8.
Coco-BetaineCOCO-BETAINE
-
9.
Coconut OilCOCONUT OIL
-
10.
Sodium BenzoateSODIUM BENZOATE
-
11.
Sodium HydroxideSODIUM HYDROXIDE
-
12.
PhenoxyethanolPHENOXYETHANOL
-
13.
Steareth-6STEARETH-6
-
14.
Acetic AcidACETIC ACID
-
15.
PEG-100 StearatePEG-100 STEARATE
-
16.
ArginineARGININE
-
17.
Trideceth-10TRIDECETH-10
-
18.
Salicylic AcidSALICYLIC ACID
-
19.
LimoneneLIMONENE
-
20.
Fumaric AcidFUMARIC ACID
-
21.
LinaloolLINALOOL
-
22.
Benzyl AlcoholBENZYL ALCOHOL
-
23.
AmodimethiconeAMODIMETHICONE
-
24.
2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol2-OLEAMIDO-1,3-OCTADECANEDIOL
-
25.
Fragrance undisclosed fragranceFRAGRANCE
-
26.
CarbomerCARBOMER
-
27.
SerineSERINE
-
28.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
-
29.
CitronellolCITRONELLOL
-
30.
Hexylene GlycolHEXYLENE GLYCOL
-
31.
GlycineGLYCINE
-
32.
Capryloyl GlycineCAPRYLOYL GLYCINE
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.
Present in trace amounts
Listed near the end of the ingredient list, so present in small quantities — not counted as a headline benefit.
✓ 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.
-
Head & Shoulders 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner Active Protect
See the analysis
-
Head & Shoulders 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner Cool Menthol
See the analysis
-
Johnson's Active Kids Shiny Drops Shampoo
See the analysis
-
JOVEES HERBAL Thyme & Tea Tree Anti Dandruff Shampoo
See the analysis
-
L'ORÉAL Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo
See the analysis
-
Botanic Hearth Volume & Growth Shampoo
See the analysis
What are the ingredients in Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo?
The label of Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo lists 32 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Dimethicone, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, Coconut oil, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Steareth-6, Acetic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Arginine, Trideceth-10, Salicylic Acid, Limonene, Fumaric Acid, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Amodimethicone, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Fragrance, Carbomer, Serine, Citric Acid, Citronellol, Hexylene Glycol, Glycine, Capryloyl Glycine. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Fragrance and 1 more.
Is Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo safe to use?
Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This shampoo uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane (a manufacturing by-product that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic, Group 2B). It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend along with specific fragrance allergens like Limonene and Linalool, which are common causes of skin sensitization. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should be cautious.
Why does Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Potential for scalp irritation due to Sodium Laureth Sulfate, especially for sensitive individuals. Risk of allergic reactions or sensitization from the undisclosed 'Fragrance' and declared fragrance allergens. Also noted: Dimethicone can lead to silicone build-up on hair over time, potentially weighing it down or making it feel greasy.
Who should avoid Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or scalp; Fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis; Avoiding ethoxylated ingredients; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives.
Does Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 3 fragrance allergens: Limonene, Linalool and Citronellol. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Total Repair 5 Repairing 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 3 fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool and Citronellol). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "TOTAL REPAIR 5" — can't be verified from the label. "REPAIRING SHAMPOO" — can't be verified from the label. "4% [REPAIR CONCENTRATE WITH KERATIN]" — 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
Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo
Link copied — paste it in your Instagram bio or Story!