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Brand owned by Wipro Enterprises (India) · about the brand
Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 2.2 ShowHide
Reviewed 8 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hand wash contains multiple harsh surfactants, an undisclosed fragrance blend, and several concerning preservatives and additives. The presence of DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and Triclosan, an endocrine disruptor, are significant safety concerns. While it is a rinse-off product, the combination of strong irritants and problematic additives makes it unsuitable for individuals with sensitive skin or those seeking products free from such chemicals.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Glycerin
Multiple harsh surfactants, undisclosed fragrance, and concerning preservatives.
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hand wash contains strong irritant surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, which can strip the skin's natural barrier. It also includes DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, classified by the EU SCCS as a sensitizer, and Triclosan, an antibacterial agent flagged as an endocrine disruptor. The undisclosed 'Fragrance' can contain numerous allergens, making it problematic for sensitive skin.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — DMDM Hydantoin and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are declared.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for bath body. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Triggered by CI 19140 — 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
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
Contains Glycerin, a humectant that helps to moisturize the skin.
Includes Citric Acid for pH adjustment, which can help maintain skin compatibility.
Watch out for
Multiple harsh surfactants (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate) can lead to skin dryness and irritation, especially with frequent use.
The presence of DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, is a significant concern for sensitization and potential health risks.
Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor and its use is restricted due to safety concerns.
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant with potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
Lauramide DEA can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Botanical extracts (Ocimum Sanctum Extract, Santalum Album Extract) are present in trace amounts, so a meaningful benefit is unlikely.
CI 19140 — 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.
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 →Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS is an aggressive surfactant that strips skin of its natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can cause contact dermatitis, canker sores, and eye irritation. People with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin should avoid SLS-containing products. It is particularly harsh in oral care products where it contacts mucous membranes.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; American Academy of Dermatology; Herlofson & Barkvoll 1996
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: 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 →Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that disrupts thyroid hormone signalling and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. The FDA banned it from over-the-counter hand soaps in 2016. The EU restricts its use in cosmetics. It bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms and has been detected in human breast milk.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FDA 2016 Ruling; EU Decision 2014/895; IARC
Triclosan: regulation, sources and other products →Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
ALS is the ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate and behaves much as SLS does: a powerful anionic detergent that lifts oils aggressively and can leave the skin barrier disrupted, tight and reactive. It is a common primary cleanser in cheaper shampoos and body washes. Those with eczema, rosacea or already-sensitised skin do better with a syndet or amino-acid surfactant system.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; American Academy of Dermatology; Ananthapadmanabhan et al. 2004
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate: 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 DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Formaldehyde is classified by the EU SCCS as a sensitizer and is a known human carcinogen via inhalation.
Contains Triclosan, an antibacterial agent flagged as an endocrine disruptor and restricted under EU cosmetic regulations. It has been banned from OTC soaps in the US.
Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, both harsh primary surfactants known for their potential to cause skin irritation and strip the skin's natural barrier.
Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual allergens, which is a common cause of allergic reactions and contact dermatitis for sensitive individuals.
Contains BHT, a synthetic antioxidant with potential endocrine disruption concerns.
Contains Lauramide DEA, which can react to form nitrosamines, potential carcinogens.
Combined Effects interactions
The combination of multiple harsh anionic surfactants can lead to increased skin irritation and dryness, potentially stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier more aggressively than a single mild surfactant.
Both DMDM Hydantoin (a formaldehyde releaser) and undisclosed 'Fragrance' are common sensitizers. Their combined presence increases the overall risk of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions for sensitive 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.
The claim 'GENTLE HAND WASH' describes a product characteristic that cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
The term 'CLASSIC' is a variant name or descriptive term that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'SOFT ON HANDS' describes a product characteristic that cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
The label declares Triclosan — a registered antimicrobial agent, which is what a germ-protection claim rests on. The ingredient list supports the claim (note that the same biocide is flagged separately as a safety concern).
Santalum Album Extract, which is derived from sandalwood, is listed in the ingredients.
Ocimum Sanctum Extract, which is derived from Tulsi, is listed in the ingredients.
The label declares Triclosan — a registered antimicrobial agent, which is what a germ-protection claim rests on. The ingredient list supports the claim (note that the same biocide is flagged separately as a safety concern).
Santalum Album Extract, which is derived from sandalwood, is listed in the ingredients.
Ocimum Sanctum Extract, which is derived from Tulsi, is listed in the ingredients.
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.
Water
-
2.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
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3.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
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4.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
-
5.
Glycerin
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6.
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
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7.
Sodium Chloride
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8.
Lauramide DEA
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9.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePerfume
-
10.
DMDM Hydantoin
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11.
Disodium EDTA
-
12.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor oil
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13.
BHT
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14.
Triclosan
-
15.
Citric Acid
-
16.
Ocimum Sanctum Extract trace amountOcimum Sanctum (Tulsi) Extract
-
17.
Santalum Album Extract trace amountSantalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract
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18.
CI 19140 synthetic colour
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19.
CI 16255 synthetic colour
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
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
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other hand wash 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 Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi vs DABUR Fem Floral Bouquet Soft & Safe Handwash
- VS Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi vs Dove Moisturising Liquid Hand Wash
- VS Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi vs Patanjali Herbal Hand Wash
Also on this shelf
More Hand Wash products we've analysed, in name order.
What are the ingredients in Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi?
The label of Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi lists 19 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Lauramide DEA, Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, BHT, Triclosan, Citric Acid, Ocimum Sanctum Extract, Santalum Album Extract, CI 19140, CI 16255. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, DMDM Hydantoin, BHT, Triclosan and 5 more.
Is Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi safe to use?
Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi scores 2.2/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hand wash contains strong irritant surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, which can strip the skin's natural barrier. It also includes DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, classified by the EU SCCS as a sensitizer, and Triclosan, an antibacterial agent flagged as an endocrine disruptor. The undisclosed 'Fragrance' can contain numerous allergens, making it problematic for sensitive skin.
Why does Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi score 2.2/10?
Flagged in the score: Multiple harsh surfactants (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate) can lead to skin dryness and irritation, especially with frequent use. The presence of DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, is a significant concern for sensitization and potential health risks. Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor and its use is restricted due to safety concerns.
Who should avoid Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Eczema; Endocrine disruption concerns.
Does Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists a fragrant botanical (Ocimum Sanctum Extract) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi 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 Santoor Classic Gentle Hand Wash with Natural goodness of Sandalwood & Tulsi pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 9 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "GENTLE HAND WASH" — can't be verified from the label. "CLASSIC" — can't be verified from the label. "SOFT ON HANDS" — 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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