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Brand founded in India, 2006 · about the brand
Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.5 ShowHide
Reviewed 7 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 Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, a primary surfactant known for its potential to irritate the scalp and skin, especially with frequent use. The presence of Diazolidinyl Urea, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, is a significant concern due to its classification as a contact allergen and potential for sensitisation. Additionally, the product includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, which can contain numerous allergens not individually listed, making it unsuitable for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. While it contains some beneficial ingredients like Glycerin and Panthenol, these do not offset the concerns raised by the harsh surfactant and problematic preservatives.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Glycerin
- Panthenol
- Decyl Glucoside
- Polyquaternium-44
Contains harsh surfactant, formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and undisclosed fragrance.
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo uses a strong cleansing agent, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, which can be irritating to the scalp. It also contains Diazolidinyl Urea, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, a known allergen. The 'Fragrance' ingredient is a blend of undisclosed chemicals, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
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 17200 — a synthetic colour on our aromatic-amine watch list (impurity risk). A colour-quality caution, not a finding that this product contains a carcinogen.
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
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
What's good
Contains humectants (Glycerin, Panthenol) for hydration.
Includes mild surfactant Decyl Glucoside to balance cleansing.
Watch out for
Potential for scalp and skin irritation due to Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate.
Risk of allergic reactions or sensitisation from formaldehyde-releasing preservative Diazolidinyl Urea.
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' makes it difficult for allergy sufferers to identify triggers.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a known contact allergen.
CI 17200 — a synthetic colour (Colour Index dye) added purely for appearance — it gives the product no benefit for skin or health. Permitted at regulated levels, but synthetic dyes of this class are a recognised contact-irritant and sensitiser risk for some people, so they are noted as a moderate, subgroup-level concern rather than a general-population 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.
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 classified as a contact allergen and sensitizer by the EU SCCS.
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is a primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential, especially for sensitive skin or scalp.
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend can contain numerous allergens not individually listed, posing a risk for individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a preservative known to be a contact allergen and sensitizer, particularly for individuals with compromised skin.
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 'New' is a marketing designation that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
The claim 'Natural Conditioning' is a general marketing statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
The claim 'Dermatologically Tested & Safe' is a certification or testing claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
The claim 'FOR YOUR HAIR' is a general product use statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
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.
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What are the ingredients in Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser?
The label of Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser lists 12 ingredients, in label order: Aqua, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Panthenol, Decyl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-44, Acrylates Copolymer, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, CI 17200, Fragrance. Flagged by the analysis: Fragrance, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, CI 17200.
Is Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser safe to use?
Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo uses a strong cleansing agent, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, which can be irritating to the scalp. It also contains Diazolidinyl Urea, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, a known allergen. The 'Fragrance' ingredient is a blend of undisclosed chemicals, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Why does Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser score 3.5/10?
Flagged in the score: Potential for scalp and skin irritation due to Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate. Risk of allergic reactions or sensitisation from formaldehyde-releasing preservative Diazolidinyl Urea. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' makes it difficult for allergy sufferers to identify triggers.
Who should avoid Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Irritated scalp.
Does Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser 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 Kesh Kanti Shikakai Hair Cleanser pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "New" — can't be verified from the label. "Natural Conditioning" — can't be verified from the label. "Dermatologically Tested & Safe" — 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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