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Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.5 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 DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, which is a significant concern for individuals with sensitisation to formaldehyde or those who prefer to avoid such chemicals. The presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, while a common cleansing agent, can be irritating for sensitive scalps and may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane (a manufacturing by-product that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic, Group 2B). The undisclosed 'Fragrance' also poses a potential allergen risk for sensitive individuals. While it includes beneficial ingredients like Aloe Extract and Rice Starch, these are listed lower in the ingredient order, suggesting they are not primary components.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative and undisclosed fragrance present
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, which is a known sensitiser. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which can be problematic for people with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin. The primary cleansing agent, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, may cause irritation for some individuals and can contain a trace impurity, 1,4-dioxane, classified as a possible carcinogen.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — DMDM Hydantoin and BHT 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.
Why the score is capped
Contains a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-01
Contains an ingredient flagged for endocrine-disruption concern
Rule PC-CAP-07
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
What's good
Includes humectants like Glycerin and Erythritol for moisture.
Contains conditioning agents like Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride.
Watch out for
DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, is a significant concern for sensitisation.
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating and may contain 1,4-dioxane impurities.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant flagged as a potential endocrine disruptor.
Multiple ethoxylated ingredients may contain trace 1,4-dioxane.
Cocoamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen for some.
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.
DMDM Hydantoin
DMDM hydantoin slowly releases formaldehyde as a preservative mechanism. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (IARC Group 1) and potent sensitiser. It can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The EU restricts its maximum concentration and requires labelling that it releases formaldehyde.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC; EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V
DMDM Hydantoin: regulation, sources and other products →BHT (E321)
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to stop fats and fragrance oils going rancid. The concern is endocrine activity: animal studies report effects on thyroid hormone and liver enzymes, and the EU SCCS has assessed it as an endocrine-disruption candidate. It is NOT classified as a carcinogen by IARC — that classification (Group 2B) belongs to BHA, a different additive with a similar name. Permitted in cosmetics at low levels.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU SCCS Opinion on BHT (SCCS/1636/21); EFSA re-evaluation of E321
BHT: 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
"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 →Sugar Alcohols (Polyols)
Polyols are bulk sweeteners and humectants (also used in toothpaste). They are only partly absorbed, so large amounts can cause gas, bloating and a laxative effect, and EU rules require foods containing them to say "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects". Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex III (polyol labelling statement); EU Regulation 1333/2008
Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): 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 DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, which is a known sensitiser and can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Formaldehyde is classified as an IARC Group 1 carcinogen.
Contains 'Fragrance', an undisclosed blend of chemicals that can contain numerous allergens and sensitising compounds. Individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin should exercise caution.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant that can be irritating to sensitive skin and scalp. It may also contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen, as a manufacturing impurity.
Contains BHT, a synthetic antioxidant that has been flagged as a priority endocrine-disruptor candidate by the EU SCCS. While deemed safe within limits for cosmetic use, some consumers may prefer to avoid it.
Contains multiple ethoxylated ingredients (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Phenoxy PEG-4 Laurate/Palmitate, PEG-45M) which may carry trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing impurity classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B). The EU SCCS considers 1,4-dioxane at or below 10 ppm in a finished cosmetic safe.
Contains Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant that is a recognised contact allergen, primarily due to manufacturing impurities.
Combined Effects interactions
While Cocoamidopropyl Betaine can mitigate some irritation from Sodium Laureth Sulfate, the combination still presents a risk for sensitive individuals due to the inherent properties of SLES and potential impurities in CAPB.
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 describes a duration of product benefit that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The ingredient list includes Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, which is a form of rice.
The ingredient list includes Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Extract.
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.
WaterWATER
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2.
Sodium Laureth SulfateSODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
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3.
PolydimethylsiloxanePOLYDIMETHYL SILOXANE
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4.
Glycol DistearateGLYCOL DISTEARATE
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5.
PEG-7 Glyceryl CocoatePEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE
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6.
Fattyamide MEAFATTYAMIDE MEA
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7.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) StarchORYZA SATIVA (RICE) STARCH
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8.
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) ExtractALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE) EXTRACT
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9.
Stearamidopropyl DimethylamineSTEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE
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10.
Cocoamidopropyl BetaineCOCOAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
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11.
Fragrance undisclosed fragranceFRAGRANCE
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12.
GlycerinGLYCERIN
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13.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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14.
CarbomerCARBOMER
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15.
Phenoxy PEG-4 Laurate/PalmitatePHENOXY PEG-4 LAURATE/PALMITATE
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16.
ErythritolERYTHRITOL
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17.
Disodium EDTADISODIUM EDTA
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18.
Sodium HydroxideSODIUM HYDROXIDE
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19.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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20.
Sodium ChlorideSODIUM CHLORIDE
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21.
PEG-45M
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22.
DMDM HydantoinDMDM HYDANTOIN
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23.
BHT
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
✓ 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 Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera?
The label of Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera lists 23 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Polydimethylsiloxane, Glycol Distearate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Fattyamide MEA, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Extract, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Phenoxy PEG-4 Laurate/Palmitate, Erythritol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, PEG-45M, DMDM Hydantoin, BHT. Flagged by the analysis: DMDM Hydantoin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, BHT, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance and 4 more.
Is Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera safe to use?
Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, which is a known sensitiser. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which can be problematic for people with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin. The primary cleansing agent, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, may cause irritation for some individuals and can contain a trace impurity, 1,4-dioxane, classified as a possible carcinogen.
Why does Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera score 3.5/10?
Flagged in the score: DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, is a significant concern for sensitisation. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating and may contain 1,4-dioxane impurities.
Who should avoid Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive to formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives; Fragrance allergy or sensitive skin; Avoiding ethoxylated ingredients due to 1,4-dioxane concerns; Prone to scalp irritation.
Does Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera 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 Smooth & Shine Shampoo with Rice Kanji & Aloe Vera pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 3 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "upto 72Hrs Smooth & Shiny Hair" — 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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