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Vitamin C Face Wash
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 7.5 ShowHide
Rates 7.8/10 on the rest of its formulation — the cap is a targeted caution, not a problem with the whole product.
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This face wash is formulated with a blend of mild surfactants, making it generally suitable for most skin types. The primary concern is the presence of 'Fragrance', which is an undisclosed mix of chemicals and a common allergen. Individuals with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or contact dermatitis should exercise caution or consider alternatives to avoid potential irritation or sensitization. The product also contains beneficial ingredients like Niacinamide and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, though these are listed in lower concentrations, indicating they are not the primary drivers of the formulation's performance.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycerin
- Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
- Decyl Glucoside
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
- Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
- +1 more →
Mild face wash with undisclosed fragrance, suitable for most skin types
This face wash uses gentle cleansing agents, making it generally well-tolerated. However, it contains 'Fragrance', an undisclosed blend of chemicals that can be a common allergen. People with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies should be cautious, as this could lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Key beneficial ingredients like Niacinamide and Vitamin C derivative are present but in lower amounts.
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.
Why the score is capped
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
What's good
Formulated with multiple mild surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate) making it gentle for cleansing.
Contains Glycerin, a beneficial humectant for skin hydration.
Includes Niacinamide, a skin-restoring ingredient, though in lower concentration.
Contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable Vitamin C derivative with antioxidant properties, though in lower concentration.
Watch out for
The presence of 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of its components means potential allergens are not individually listed, which is a concern for individuals with fragrance sensitivities or allergies.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an ethoxylated ingredient that may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen, though levels in cosmetics are typically controlled to be safe.
Phenoxyethanol — common preservative - capped at 1%; French regulator advises caution for under-3s.
PEG-150 Distearate — ethoxylated ingredient - quality depends on removal of manufacturing impurities.
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.
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 →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 →Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
PEG ingredients are made by ethoxylation, which can leave traces of ethylene oxide (IARC Group 1) and 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B) unless removed. Good manufacturing removes them, so the ingredient itself is not a hazard, but the label cannot tell you whether it was done well. PEGs should not be applied to broken skin.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Vol. 100F (ethylene oxide) and Vol. 71 (1,4-dioxane); Cosmetic Ingredient Review
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains 'Fragrance', an undisclosed blend of chemicals that is a common allergen and can cause skin irritation or sensitization, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. EU regulations require specific declaration of known fragrance allergens above certain thresholds.
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 & IMPROVED' is a comparative statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or label information.
The claim 'Brightens Skin' is a benefit claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list.
The claim 'Reduces Dullness' is a benefit claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list.
The claim 'Formulated for men's skin' is a product positioning statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list.
"Toxin-free" has no defined meaning — toxicity depends on dose, not on whether an ingredient sounds natural — so the phrase cannot be supported as written. Judge the product on the ingredient list below rather than on the slogan.
The ingredient list includes 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which is a form of Vitamin C.
The ingredient list includes Niacinamide.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
26 entries as printed on the label · 23 distinct ingredients (some are declared more than once).
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1.
Purified Water
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2.
Glycerin listed twice
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3.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine listed twiceCocamidamidopropyl Betaine
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4.
WaterWater (and)
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5.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine listed twiceCocamidopropyl Betaine (and)
-
6.
Glycerin listed twiceGlycerin (and)
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7.
Caprylyl/Capryl GlucosideCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (and)
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8.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate listed twice
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9.
Decyl Glucoside
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10.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate listed twice
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11.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
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12.
PEG-150 Distearate
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13.
Niacinamide
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14.
PhenoxyethanolPhenoxyethanol (and)
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15.
Ethylhexylglycerin
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16.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrance
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17.
Sodium Benzoate
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18.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter trace amount
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19.
Polyquaternium-7
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20.
Xanthan Gum
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21.
Lactic Acid
-
22.
Sodium Hydroxide
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23.
Polysorbate 20
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24.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
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25.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil trace amount
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26.
Sodium Gluconate
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.
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
Declared on this label as
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.
Also on this shelf
More Face Wash products we've analysed, in name order.
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DERMAFIQUE Absolute Detox Facial Cleanser Normal - Dry
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Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Face Wash
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CeraVe Brightening Vitamin C Cleanser
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-
Forest Essentials Forest Essentials Facial Cleanser With Kashmiri Saffron & Neem
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-
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
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Botani Bestie Total Radiance Face Wash
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What are the ingredients in Vitamin C Face Wash?
The label of Vitamin C Face Wash lists 23 ingredients, in label order: Purified Water, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, PEG-150 Distearate, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyquaternium-7, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Gluconate. Flagged by the analysis: Fragrance, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-150 Distearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
Is Vitamin C Face Wash safe to use?
Vitamin C Face Wash scores 7.5/10 on Decode Label (Favorable). This face wash uses gentle cleansing agents, making it generally well-tolerated. However, it contains 'Fragrance', an undisclosed blend of chemicals that can be a common allergen. People with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies should be cautious, as this could lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Key beneficial ingredients like Niacinamide and Vitamin C derivative are present but in lower amounts.
Why does Vitamin C Face Wash score 7.5/10?
Flagged in the score: The presence of 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of its components means potential allergens are not individually listed, which is a concern for individuals with fragrance sensitivities or allergies. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an ethoxylated ingredient that may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, an IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen, though levels in cosmetics are typically controlled to be safe. Phenoxyethanol — common preservative - capped at 1%; French regulator advises caution for under-3s.
Who should avoid Vitamin C Face Wash?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis.
Does Vitamin C Face Wash 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 Vitamin C Face Wash pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 7 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "NEW & IMPROVED" — can't be verified from the label. "Brightens Skin" — can't be verified from the label. "Reduces Dullness" — 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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