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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, but its formulation includes several ingredients that warrant caution for specific user groups. Sodium Laureth Sulfate, while effective, can be an irritant for sensitive skin and may carry a trace of 1,4-dioxane (a manufacturing by-product that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic, Group 2B), though levels in finished products are typically regulated to be very low. The presence of 'Fragrance' without specific allergen disclosure, alongside individually listed fragrance allergens like Limonene, Linalool, and Hydroxycitronellal, means individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin should exercise caution. Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate are common preservatives, with Sodium Benzoate having a known interaction with vitamin C to form benzene, though this is less of a concern in a rinse-off product. Overall, it's a functional shampoo, but those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should be mindful of its composition.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
- Niacinamide
- Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
- Tocopherol
Shampoo with cleansing surfactants, undisclosed fragrance, and potential irritants
This shampoo effectively cleanses hair using a mix of surfactants, including Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which can be irritating for sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity, 1,4-dioxane, classified as a possible carcinogen. It also contains 'Fragrance' and several declared fragrance allergens, which are common triggers for skin sensitivity and allergies. Preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate are present, with the latter having a known interaction with vitamin C, though this is less relevant for a rinse-off product.
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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.
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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 for hair manageability.
Includes Niacinamide and Ricinus Communis Seed Oil for potential hair and scalp benefits.
Contains Tocopherol (Vitamin E) as an antioxidant.
Watch out for
Potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions due to Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and multiple fragrance allergens.
The presence of 'Fragrance' without full disclosure of all components may be a concern for those with sensitivities.
Ethoxylated ingredients (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Steareth-6, PEG-100 Stearate, Trideceth-10, Trideceth-3) may contain trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane.
Salicylic Acid — exfoliating active - not for leave-on use on children under 3; limit in pregnancy.
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 surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may carry a trace of 1,4-dioxane, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic safe.
Contains 'Fragrance' and several declared fragrance allergens (Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol), which are common sensitizers for individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin.
Contains Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative. French regulators advise caution for use in products for children under 3 years old.
Contains Sodium Benzoate, a preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C, though this interaction is less relevant for a rinse-off topical product.
Contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant that is a recognised contact allergen, primarily due to manufacturing impurities.
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 specify the 4% concentration of 'REPAIR CONCENTRATE WITH KERATIN', nor does it list 'Keratin' by its common name or a recognizable INCI equivalent, so the strength and specific composition cannot be confirmed.
The claim 'Repairs & reinforces hair fibers' is a benefit claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
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.
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1.
WaterAQUA
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2.
Sodium Laureth SulfateSODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
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3.
Glycol DistearateGLYCOL DISTEARATE
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4.
Sodium ChlorideSODIUM CHLORIDE
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5.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCOCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
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6.
DimethiconeDIMETHICONE
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7.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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8.
NiacinamideNIACINAMIDE
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9.
Ricinus Communis Seed OilRICINUS COMMUNIS SEED OIL
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10.
TocopherolTOCOPHEROL
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11.
Sodium BenzoateSODIUM BENZOATE
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12.
HydroxycitronellalHYDROXYCITRONELLAL
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13.
Sodium HydroxideSODIUM HYDROXIDE
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14.
PhenoxyethanolPHENOXYETHANOL
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15.
Steareth-6STEARETH-6
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16.
Acetic AcidACETIC ACID
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17.
PEG-100 StearatePEG-100 STEARATE
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18.
Trideceth-10TRIDECETH-10
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19.
Trideceth-3TRIDECETH-3
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20.
Salicylic AcidSALICYLIC ACID
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21.
LimoneneLIMONENE
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22.
Fumaric AcidFUMARIC ACID
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23.
LinaloolLINALOOL
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24.
Benzyl AlcoholBENZYL ALCOHOL
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25.
AmodimethiconeAMODIMETHICONE
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26.
CarbomerCARBOMER
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27.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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28.
Hexylene GlycolHEXYLENE GLYCOL
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29.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePARFUM
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 Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo?
The label of Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo lists 29 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethicone, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Niacinamide, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Steareth-6, Acetic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Trideceth-10, Trideceth-3, Salicylic Acid, Limonene, Fumaric Acid, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Amodimethicone, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Fragrance. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol 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 effectively cleanses hair using a mix of surfactants, including Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which can be irritating for sensitive skin and may contain a trace impurity, 1,4-dioxane, classified as a possible carcinogen. It also contains 'Fragrance' and several declared fragrance allergens, which are common triggers for skin sensitivity and allergies. Preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate are present, with the latter having a known interaction with vitamin C, though this is less relevant for a rinse-off product.
Why does Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions due to Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and multiple fragrance allergens. The presence of 'Fragrance' without full disclosure of all components may be a concern for those with sensitivities. Ethoxylated ingredients (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Steareth-6, PEG-100 Stearate, Trideceth-10, Trideceth-3) may contain trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane.
Who should avoid Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or fragrance allergies; Avoiding ethoxylated ingredients; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives.
Does Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 3 fragrance allergens: Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene and Linalool. 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 (Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene and Linalool). 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.
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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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