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Extra Hold Hair Gel
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.5 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hair styling product contains DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, which is a known sensitizer and has carcinogen concerns according to the EU SCCS. Additionally, the presence of an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend means specific allergens are not listed, which is a common concern for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. While the product includes some conditioning agents, these are present in trace amounts and are not considered primary formulation strengths. Users with sensitive skin or those wishing to avoid formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and undisclosed fragrance should exercise caution.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
Contains formaldehyde-releasing preservative and undisclosed fragrance
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hair styling product includes DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, which is a known sensitizer and has carcinogen concerns. It also contains an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, meaning potential allergens are not individually listed, which can be problematic for people with fragrance sensitivities. While some beneficial ingredients are present, they are in very small amounts and do not offset these primary concerns.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — DMDM Hydantoin is declared.
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- 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
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.
Why the score is capped
Contains a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-01
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
Watch out for
DMDM Hydantoin (formaldehyde-releasing preservative)
Undisclosed Fragrance (potential allergens)
Sorbitol — sugar alcohol - excessive intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect.
Propylene Glycol — humectant/solvent - occasional skin irritant at higher concentration.
PEG-12 Dimethicone — ethoxylated ingredient - quality depends on removal of manufacturing impurities.
TETRASODIUM EDTA — tetrasodium 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 →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 →Sugar Alcohols (Polyols)
Polyols are bulk sweeteners and humectants (also used in toothpaste). They are only partly absorbed, so large amounts can cause gas, bloating and a laxative effect, and EU rules require foods containing them to say "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects". Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex III (polyol labelling statement); EU Regulation 1333/2008
Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): 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 →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 DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) and a known sensitizer. The EU SCCS requires specific labeling for products releasing formaldehyde above a certain threshold due to sensitizer concerns.
Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual fragrance allergens. This can be a concern for individuals with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or contact dermatitis, as common allergens like limonene or linalool may be present but not explicitly named (EU Reg. 1223/2009).
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 ingredient list does not contain any ingredients commonly identified as alcohol.
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.
WaterWATER (AQUA)
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2.
VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate CopolymerVP/ DIMETHYLAMINOETHYLMETHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
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3.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20PPG-5-CETETH-20
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4.
TriisopropanolamineTRIISOPROPANOLAMINE
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5.
Oleth-20OLETH-20
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6.
CarbomerCARBOMER
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7.
PVP
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8.
DMDM HydantoinDMDM HYDANTOIN
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9.
SorbitolSORBITOL
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10.
Propylene GlycolPROPYLENE GLYCOL
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11.
Fragrance undisclosed fragranceFRAGRANCE (PARFUM)
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12.
PEG-12 DimethiconePEG-12 DIMETHICONE
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13.
Olealkonium ChlorideOLEALKONIUM CHLORIDE
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14.
Tetrasodium EDTATETRASODIUM EDTA
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15.
PanthenolPANTHENOL
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16.
Gelatin/Keratin Amino Acids/Lysine Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGELATIN/KERATIN AMINO ACIDS/LYSINE HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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17.
Ext. Violet 2 synthetic colourEXT. VIOLET 2 (CI 60730)
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
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other hair styling 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.
What are the ingredients in Extra Hold Hair Gel?
The label of Extra Hold Hair Gel lists 17 ingredients, in label order: Water, VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Triisopropanolamine, Oleth-20, Carbomer, PVP, DMDM Hydantoin, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Olealkonium Chloride, TETRASODIUM EDTA, Panthenol, Gelatin/Keratin Amino Acids/Lysine Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Ext. Violet 2. Flagged by the analysis: DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, PEG-12 Dimethicone and 1 more.
Is Extra Hold Hair Gel safe to use?
Extra Hold Hair Gel scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hair styling product includes DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, which is a known sensitizer and has carcinogen concerns. It also contains an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, meaning potential allergens are not individually listed, which can be problematic for people with fragrance sensitivities. While some beneficial ingredients are present, they are in very small amounts and do not offset these primary concerns.
Why does Extra Hold Hair Gel score 3.5/10?
Flagged in the score: DMDM Hydantoin (formaldehyde-releasing preservative). Undisclosed Fragrance (potential allergens). Sorbitol — sugar alcohol - excessive intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect.
Who should avoid Extra Hold Hair Gel?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or fragrance allergies; Avoiding formaldehyde-releasing preservatives; Contact dermatitis.
Does Extra Hold Hair Gel 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 Extra Hold Hair Gel pack accurate?
Yes — all 1 claim on the pack checked out against the ingredient list and nutrition panel.
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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