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Brand founded in India, 2006 · about the brand
Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.5 ShowHide
Reviewed 4 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains several ingredients of concern, most notably Diazolidinyl Urea, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and Carbon Black (CI 77266), which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. While the product is rinse-off, minimizing exposure, these ingredients warrant caution. The presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate also indicates a potential for irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive scalps. The undisclosed 'Parfum' further adds to the risk for those with fragrance allergies. Therefore, this product is not recommended for individuals with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or those who prefer to avoid formaldehyde releasers and IARC-classified ingredients.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Glycerin
- Panthenol
- CETEARYL ALCOHOL
- Polyquaternium-10
Contains formaldehyde releaser, possible carcinogen, and irritants.
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo includes Diazolidinyl Urea, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, and Carbon Black, which is classified by IARC as a possible carcinogen. It also contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can be irritating, and an undisclosed fragrance blend that may trigger allergies. These factors make it a concern most relevant to sensitive individuals.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — CI 77266 is declared.
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.
Triggered by CI 77266.
Why the score is capped
Contains a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-01
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
Contains an ingredient with an IARC carcinogen classification (e.g. talc)
Rule PC-CAP-11 · Source: IARC carcinogen classification
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
What's good
Contains humectants (Glycerin) and conditioning agents (Panthenol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10) for hair hydration and manageability.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine helps to moderate the harshness of the primary surfactant.
Watch out for
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative (Diazolidinyl Urea) is a concern for sensitisation.
Carbon Black (CI 77266) is an IARC 2B possible carcinogen, though exposure route minimizes risk.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to the scalp and skin.
Undisclosed fragrance (Parfum) poses a risk for allergic reactions.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a potential sensitizer and its use is restricted.
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.
Coal Tar
Coal tar is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by IARC. It is still permitted in dandruff and psoriasis shampoos in the US at concentrations up to 5%, but restricted in EU cosmetics. Long-term use increases risk of skin cancer with UV exposure. Use only under dermatologist supervision.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC; EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II; FDA OTC Monograph
Coal Tar: regulation, sources and other products →Carbon Black
Carbon black is a pigment produced by incomplete combustion. IARC classifies it as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), and commercial grades can carry polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon impurities. The EU restricts the grade and purity permitted in cosmetics. It is a colourant only — it delivers nothing to the formulation beyond blackness.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monograph Vol. 93; EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex IV
Carbon Black: 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 →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Diazolidinyl Urea, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, which is a known sensitizer and irritant according to the EU SCCS.
Contains CI 77266 (Carbon Black), classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen (based on inhalation studies).
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can cause skin and scalp irritation, especially for sensitive individuals.
Contains 'Parfum' (undisclosed fragrance), which can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in susceptible individuals.
Combined Effects interactions
Cocamidopropyl Betaine helps to mitigate the potential irritation and harshness of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, improving the overall mildness of the surfactant system.
These two preservatives work synergistically to provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection, but their combined presence increases the overall sensitisation potential for susceptible individuals.
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.
This claim refers to a separate free product, which cannot be verified from the ingredients list of the main product.
The claim 'New' is a marketing statement about the product's introduction and cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'Kesh Kanti Reetha (Kunkudukai) Hair Cleanser' is the product name and describes its purpose, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'Thick & Black' describes the desired outcome or characteristic of hair, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'Dermatologically Tested & Safe' refers to product testing and safety, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'FOR YOUR HAIR' indicates the product's intended use, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'THE DAILY DOSE OF NATURE' is a marketing slogan and cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
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
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.
Side-by-side comparisons
How this product's label compares with others on the same shelf, row by row.
- VS Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser vs Head & Shoulders 2-in-1 Smooth and Silky Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- VS Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser vs Kesh Kanti Anti Dandruff Hair Cleanser
- VS Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser vs Kesh Kanti Milk Protein
- VS Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser vs Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser
Also on this shelf
More Shampoo products we've analysed, in name order.
-
Head & Shoulders Head & Shoulders 2-in-1 Smooth and Silky Anti Dandruff Shampoo
See the analysis
-
Patanjali Kesh Kanti Alovera Hair Cleanser
See the analysis
-
Patanjali Kesh Kanti Anti Dandruff Hair Cleanser
See the analysis
-
Patanjali Kesh Kanti Milk Protein
See the analysis
-
Patanjali Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser
See the analysis
-
Mildy Mildy Every Day Shampoo
See the analysis
What are the ingredients in Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser?
The label of Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser lists 12 ingredients, in label order: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide MEA, Glycerin, Panthenol, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, Polyquaternium-10, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, CI 77266, Parfum. Flagged by the analysis: CI 77266, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Parfum, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.
Is Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser safe to use?
Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo includes Diazolidinyl Urea, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, and Carbon Black, which is classified by IARC as a possible carcinogen. It also contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can be irritating, and an undisclosed fragrance blend that may trigger allergies. These factors make it a concern most relevant to sensitive individuals.
Why does Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser score 3.5/10?
Flagged in the score: Formaldehyde-releasing preservative (Diazolidinyl Urea) is a concern for sensitisation. Carbon Black (CI 77266) is an IARC 2B possible carcinogen, though exposure route minimizes risk. Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to the scalp and skin.
Who should avoid Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Formaldehyde sensitivity; Preference to avoid IARC 2B ingredients.
Does Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser contain fragrance?
Yes — the ingredient list includes Parfum. 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 Kesh Kanti Reetha Hair Cleanser pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 7 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "FREE HALDI CHANDAN KANTI BODY CLEANSER 75g" — can't be verified from the label. "New" — can't be verified from the label. "Kesh Kanti Reetha (Kunkudukai) Hair Cleanser" — 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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