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Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo by Sunsilk — product pack

Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of Sunsilk and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks

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Sunsilk

Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo

haircare
3.5 Concerning

Decode Label Safety Score

Ingredient safety · 55% 3.7/10
Processing · 15% 3.5/10
Marketing · 30% 5.0/10
How we got 3.5 Show
Weighted score 4.1/10
Capped — Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS) ≤ 3.5
Also flagged
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS) Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Final score 3.5/10 · Concerning

Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed

The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), potent contact sensitizers restricted in rinse-off cosmetics by EU regulations due to their high allergenic potential. While permitted in rinse-off products at controlled concentrations, their presence is a significant concern for individuals with sensitive skin or a history of contact allergies. The product also includes Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a common surfactant that can cause irritation, and an undisclosed 'Perfume' blend, which is a frequent source of allergens. The numerous hydrolyzed proteins are listed in trace amounts and are not counted as a formulation strength.

At a glance

From the declared label — not a lab test

Findings to weigh

Score limiter Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS) See which concerns held the score down. → Ingredient · high-priority finding Methylchloroisothiazolinone Preservative — potent contact sensitiser; banned from EU leave-on products → Ingredient · potential concern Cyclotetrasiloxane Silicone — D4 & D5 banned in EU wash-off cosmetics; endocrine concern → Ingredient · worth noting Sodium Benzoate Preservative - can form benzene with vitamin C; in the Southampton colour/preservative mixtures →

What’s favorable

  • Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Contains potent sensitizing preservatives and undisclosed fragrance

The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), preservatives known for causing skin sensitization and allergies, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. It also uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate the skin, and an undisclosed 'Perfume' blend, which may contain common allergens. These factors contribute to a lower safety profile, particularly for those prone to skin reactions.

Consider this product carefully if you are

  • Avoiding certain additives or colours — Cyclotetrasiloxane and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are declared.

Personal check · free

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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.
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Concern breakdown What drives the score, concern by concern · score out of 10, higher = fewer concerns
Key risks: Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS) Methylchloroisothiazolinone Cyclotetrasiloxane Sodium Benzoate Sodium Laureth Sulfate +3 more

Concern breakdown

Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concerns

How 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.

Preservative Safety Significant concern · 2.0/10
Fragrance & Allergen Load Significant concern · 3.0/10
Harsh Surfactants & Irritants Moderate concern · 4.0/10
Irritant & Sensitising Actives No concern identified · 8.0/10
Endocrine-Active Ingredients No concern identified · 8.0/10
Carcinogen & Contaminant Risk No concern identified · 8.0/10
Label Transparency No concern identified · 8.0/10

Why the score is capped

Contains an isothiazolinone contact sensitizer — MCI/MI (EU SCCS)

Rule PC-CAP-15

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 conditioning agents like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride for hair manageability.

Watch out for

Presence of potent sensitizing preservatives (MCI/MI) which are a major concern for skin allergies.

Inclusion of Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), a silicone with endocrine disruption concerns.

Use of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can be irritating.

Undisclosed 'Perfume' blend, which may contain common allergens.

Numerous hydrolyzed proteins are present only in trace amounts and are not counted as a formulation strength.

TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate — anionic surfactant, can be irritating to skin and eyes.

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.

Methylisothiazolinone

MI and its chlorinated partner MCI are preservatives and recognised contact sensitisers. After MI replaced parabens in many products, European dermatology clinics recorded a sharp rise in contact allergy to it. Contact allergy, once acquired, is usually long-lasting, so people already sensitised to MI are advised to avoid it. EU rules ban MI from leave-on cosmetics (since 2017) and limit it to 15 ppm in rinse-off products. Whether a particular product causes a reaction depends on the person, the concentration and the contact time, which the label alone cannot show.

Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2017/1224; SCCS Opinion SCCS/1521/13; British Journal of Dermatology (MI epidemic)

Methylisothiazolinone: regulation, sources and other products →

Cyclomethicone

D4 (cyclotetrasiloxane) is a reproductive toxicant and persistent environmental pollutant. D5 (cyclopentasiloxane) bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms. The EU has banned D4 and D5 in wash-off cosmetics. They are still used in some Indian products. Avoid in hair products and body washes.

Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2018/35; ECHA

Cyclomethicone: regulation, sources and other products →

Sodium Benzoate (E211)

Benzoates are permitted preservatives with an established acceptable daily intake. Two documented concerns: in acidic drinks that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) they can slowly form small amounts of benzene, especially with heat and light (US FDA beverage survey, 2006); and sodium benzoate was one of the additives in the Southampton study mixtures associated with hyperactivity in children. It can also trigger reactions in some people with asthma or urticaria.

Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (2016); US FDA benzene-in-beverages survey (2006); McCann et al., Lancet 2007

Sodium Benzoate: 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 →

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 →

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 →

Decode Label Analysis

Contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), potent contact sensitizers restricted in EU rinse-off cosmetics due to their high allergenic potential. These are a significant concern for individuals with sensitive skin or contact allergies.

Contains Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), a silicone restricted in EU wash-off cosmetics due to endocrine disruption concerns and environmental persistence.

Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may carry a 1,4-dioxane impurity (IARC Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans), though SCCS considers ≤10 ppm safe in finished products.

Contains an undisclosed 'Perfume' blend, which is a common source of fragrance allergens. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution.

Contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant but a recognized contact allergen, often due to manufacturing impurities.

Contains Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative capped at 1%; French regulator advises caution for children under 3.

Combined Effects interactions

Methylchloroisothiazolinone Methylisothiazolinone

These two preservatives are often used in combination (MCI/MI blend) and are known for their synergistic sensitizing potential, making them a significant concern for contact allergies.

Sodium Benzoate Citric Acid

Sodium Benzoate can form benzene in the presence of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and heat. While Citric Acid is not Vitamin C, the combination of benzoate with acids can sometimes be a concern, though less so in a rinse-off cosmetic.

Claim check

2 claims not supported by label data

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.

x
"CERAMIDES" Contradicted by label data

Ceramides are not listed in the ingredients.

!
"AMINO-SILK COMPLEX* 3%" Not supported by label data

The ingredient list contains 'HYDROLYZED SILK', 'LYSINE HCL', and 'ARGININE' which are amino acids and silk components, but the label does not state the 3% concentration of the 'AMINO-SILK COMPLEX*', so the strength cannot be confirmed.

HYDROLYZED SILK LYSINE HCL ARGININE
?
"ULTIMATE SILK TOUCH" Can't verify

The claim 'ULTIMATE SILK TOUCH' describes a product benefit that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.

✓
"AMINO ACIDS" Checks out

The ingredient list includes 'LYSINE HCL' and 'ARGININE', which are amino acids.

LYSINE HCL ARGININE
✓
"SILK PEPTIDES" Checks out

The ingredient list includes 'HYDROLYZED SILK', which are silk peptides.

HYDROLYZED SILK

Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.

59 entries as printed on the label · 42 distinct ingredients (some are declared more than once).

  • 1.
    Water
    WATER
  • 2.
    Sodium Laureth Sulfate
    SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
  • 3.
    Dimethiconol
    DIMETHICONOL
  • 4.
    Cocamidopropyl Betaine
    COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
  • 5.
    Sodium Chloride
    SODIUM CHLORIDE
  • 6.
    Perfume undisclosed fragrance
    PERFUME
  • 7.
    Sodium Benzoate
    SODIUM BENZOATE
  • 8.
    Carbomer
    CARBOMER
  • 9.
    Glycol Distearate
    GLYCOL DISTEARATE
  • 10.
    Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
    GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
  • 11.
    Mica
    MICA
  • 12.
    Titanium Dioxide
    TITANIUM DIOXIDE
  • 13.
    TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
    TEA-DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE
  • 14.
    Laureth-23
    LAURETH-23
  • 15.
    Citric Acid
    CITRIC ACID
  • 16.
    Cyclotetrasiloxane
    CYCLOTETRASILOXANE
  • 17.
    Disodium EDTA
    DISODIUM EDTA
  • 18.
    Phenoxyethanol
    PHENOXYETHANOL
  • 19.
    Lysine HCl
    LYSINE HCL
  • 20.
    Arginine
    ARGININE
  • 21.
    Amodimethicone
    AMODIMETHICONE
  • 22.
    Magnesium Nitrate
    MAGNESIUM NITRATE
  • 23.
    Methylchloroisothiazolinone
    METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE
  • 24.
    Magnesium Chloride
    MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE
  • 25.
    Methylisothiazolinone
    METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE
  • 26.
    Hydrolyzed Keratin listed twice
    HYDROLYZED KERATIN
  • 27.
    Hydrolyzed Collagen listed twice
    HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN
  • 28.
    Hydrolyzed Elastin listed twice
    HYDROLYZED ELASTIN
  • 29.
    Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN
  • 30.
    Hydrolyzed Soy Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN
  • 31.
    Hydrolyzed Milk Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED MILK PROTEIN
  • 32.
    Hydrolyzed Corn Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN
  • 33.
    Hydrolyzed Rice Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN
  • 34.
    Hydrolyzed Silk listed twice
    HYDROLYZED SILK
  • 35.
    Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN
  • 36.
    Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED YEAST PROTEIN
  • 37.
    Hydrolyzed Pearl listed twice
    HYDROLYZED PEARL
  • 38.
    Hydrolyzed Rhodophycea Extract listed twice
    HYDROLYZED RHODOPHYCEA EXTRACT
  • 39.
    Hydrolyzed Algae Extract listed twice
    HYDROLYZED ALGAE EXTRACT
  • 40.
    Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans listed twice
    HYDROLYZED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS
  • 41.
    Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid listed twice
    HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID
  • 42.
    Hydrolyzed Chitosan listed twice
    HYDROLYZED CHITOSAN
  • 43.
    Hydrolyzed Collagen listed twice
    HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN
  • 44.
    Hydrolyzed Elastin listed twice
    HYDROLYZED ELASTIN
  • 45.
    Hydrolyzed Keratin listed twice
    HYDROLYZED KERATIN
  • 46.
    Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN
  • 47.
    Hydrolyzed Soy Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN
  • 48.
    Hydrolyzed Milk Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED MILK PROTEIN
  • 49.
    Hydrolyzed Corn Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN
  • 50.
    Hydrolyzed Rice Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN
  • 51.
    Hydrolyzed Silk listed twice
    HYDROLYZED SILK
  • 52.
    Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN
  • 53.
    Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein listed twice
    HYDROLYZED YEAST PROTEIN
  • 54.
    Hydrolyzed Pearl listed twice
    HYDROLYZED PEARL
  • 55.
    Hydrolyzed Rhodophycea Extract trace amount listed twice
    HYDROLYZED RHODOPHYCEA EXTRACT
  • 56.
    Hydrolyzed Algae Extract trace amount listed twice
    HYDROLYZED ALGAE EXTRACT
  • 57.
    Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans listed twice
    HYDROLYZED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS
  • 58.
    Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid listed twice
    HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID
  • 59.
    Hydrolyzed Chitosan listed twice
    HYDROLYZED CHITOSAN

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.

Listed twice: an ingredient appears more than once in the same part of the list. This may indicate two separate ingredient blends in the formulation, or a duplication in how the label was recorded.

In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.

Learn More

Google Wikipedia EWG Skin Deep Open Food Facts

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What are the ingredients in Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo?

The label of Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo lists 42 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Dimethiconol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Perfume, Sodium Benzoate, Carbomer, Glycol Distearate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Laureth-23, Citric Acid, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Lysine HCl, Arginine, Amodimethicone, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Hydrolyzed Rhodophycea Extract, Hydrolyzed Algae Extract, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, and 2 more. Flagged by the analysis: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and 4 more.

Is Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo safe to use?

Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), preservatives known for causing skin sensitization and allergies, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. It also uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate the skin, and an undisclosed 'Perfume' blend, which may contain common allergens. These factors contribute to a lower safety profile, particularly for those prone to skin reactions.

Why does Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo score 3.5/10?

Flagged in the score: Inclusion of Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), a silicone with endocrine disruption concerns. Use of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can be irritating. Also noted: Presence of potent sensitizing preservatives (MCI/MI) which are a major concern for skin allergies.

Who should avoid Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo?

The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or contact allergies; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives; Fragrance allergy; Avoiding harsh surfactants.

Does Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo contain fragrance?

Yes — the ingredient list includes Perfume. 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 Flowy Silk Smooth Shampoo pack accurate?

Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "CERAMIDES" — false. "AMINO-SILK COMPLEX* 3%" — misleading. "ULTIMATE SILK TOUCH" — 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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