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Refreshing Facial Wash
Decode Label Safety Score
Decode Label Safety Badge
Held by the top 12% of everything we score. Awarded on this product's published 9.0/10 — every scoring lane clear, no significant concern, and nothing on the label that its own ingredient list contradicts.
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Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This face wash is generally well-formulated for rinse-off use, featuring mild cleansing agents and beneficial skin conditioners. The primary concern is the presence of Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, a preservative with potential for skin sensitization and regulatory restrictions in certain cosmetic applications, particularly for leave-on products or those for children. While this is a rinse-off product, individuals with sensitive skin or known preservative allergies should exercise caution. The product is otherwise transparent with its ingredient disclosure.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Panthenol
- Glycerin
- Tocopheryl Acetate
Mild cleansing with a preservative concern for sensitive skin
This face wash uses gentle cleansing agents and includes skin-benefiting ingredients like Panthenol and Tocopheryl Acetate. However, it contains Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, a preservative that can cause skin sensitization in some individuals and has regulatory restrictions in certain cosmetic uses. It is generally suitable for most users, but those with sensitive skin or allergies should be aware.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for skincare. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
What's good
Contains mild cleansing agents (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) suitable for sensitive skin.
Includes beneficial skin conditioning agents like Panthenol and Tocopheryl Acetate.
Transparent ingredient list with no undisclosed fragrance.
Watch out for
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, a preservative with potential for skin sensitization, especially for those with allergies.
Phenoxyethanol — common preservative - capped at 1%; French regulator advises caution for under-3s.
Propylene Glycol — humectant/solvent - occasional skin irritant at higher concentration.
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.
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 →Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
IPBC is a preservative that the EU restricts: a low maximum concentration, not for lip or oral-hygiene products, and not for leave-on products or body lotions intended for children under three. It is a recognised contact sensitiser.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V (conditions of use); SCCS opinion on IPBC
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: 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 →Propylene Glycol (E1520)
Propylene glycol is a widely used humectant and solvent considered safe at normal levels. It can irritate or sensitise a minority of people, mainly in leave-on products on damaged or eczema-prone skin.
Peer-reviewed research Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review; contact-dermatitis literature
Propylene Glycol: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, a preservative associated with skin sensitization and contact allergy. Its use is restricted in certain cosmetic applications by EU regulations, particularly in leave-on products and those for children. While this is a rinse-off product, individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies should be cautious.
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 is a proprietary or trademarked claim that cannot be verified against the ingredient list or other label information.
This claim describes a performance benefit that cannot be objectively verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
This claim refers to a testing process that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The term 'harsh chemicals' is subjective and not defined, making the claim unverifiable from the ingredient list.
The ingredient list includes Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), supporting the claim.
The ingredient list does not contain any ingredients typically identified as soap (e.g., sodium cocoate, sodium olivate, sodium tallowate).
The ingredient list does not contain any ingredients typically identified as colorants.
The ingredient list does not contain any ingredients typically identified as perfumes or fragrance compounds.
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.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCOCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
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3.
Propylene GlycolPROPYLENE GLYCOL
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4.
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseHYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE
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5.
PanthenolPANTHENOL
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6.
Disodium EDTADISODIUM EDTA
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7.
GlycerinGLYCERIN
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8.
Iodopropynyl ButylcarbamateIODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
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9.
PhenoxyethanolPHENOXYETHANOL
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10.
Sodium HydroxideSODIUM HYDROXIDE
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11.
Tocopheryl AcetateTOCOPHERYL ACETATE
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12.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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 face 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.
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More Face Wash products we've analysed, in name order.
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CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
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What are the ingredients in Refreshing Facial Wash?
The label of Refreshing Facial Wash lists 12 ingredients, in label order: Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid. Flagged by the analysis: Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA.
Is Refreshing Facial Wash safe to use?
Refreshing Facial Wash scores 9.0/10 on Decode Label (Favorable). This face wash uses gentle cleansing agents and includes skin-benefiting ingredients like Panthenol and Tocopheryl Acetate. However, it contains Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, a preservative that can cause skin sensitization in some individuals and has regulatory restrictions in certain cosmetic uses. It is generally suitable for most users, but those with sensitive skin or allergies should be aware.
Why does Refreshing Facial Wash score 9.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, a preservative with potential for skin sensitization, especially for those with allergies. Phenoxyethanol — common preservative - capped at 1%; French regulator advises caution for under-3s. Propylene Glycol — humectant/solvent - occasional skin irritant at higher concentration.
Who should avoid Refreshing Facial Wash?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Preservative allergies; Avoiding Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.
Are the claims on the Refreshing Facial Wash pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 8 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "KIND TO SKIN™" — can't be verified from the label. "deeply cleanses for smooth and fresh skin from 1st use" — can't be verified from the label. "DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED" — 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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