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Keratin Smooth Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.3 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains several ingredients that warrant caution, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies. The presence of formaldehyde-releasing DMDM Hydantoin and the potent sensitizer Methylisothiazolinone, even in trace amounts, is a significant concern. While the product is rinse-off, the high load of declared fragrance allergens and the undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend increase the risk of contact dermatitis for susceptible users. The primary surfactant, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, can also be irritating. Despite these concerns, the formulation includes conditioning agents like Dimethiconol and Amodimethicone, which contribute to hair manageability.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Dimethiconol
- Amodimethicone
- Cetrimonium Chloride
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Contains formaldehyde releaser and potent sensitizers; high fragrance allergen load
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and Methylisothiazolinone, a potent contact sensitizer, both of which are concerning even in trace amounts. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend and several declared fragrance allergens, increasing the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions for those with sensitive skin. The primary cleansing agent, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, can also be an irritant.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — DMDM Hydantoin and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are declared.
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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
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
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
High load of declared fragrance allergens (EU-listed)
Rule PC-CAP-03
What's good
Includes multiple conditioning agents (Dimethiconol, Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride) to improve hair feel and manageability.
Watch out for
Presence of formaldehyde-releasing DMDM Hydantoin, a known sensitizer and source of a Group 1 carcinogen.
Inclusion of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers restricted in cosmetics.
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend and a high load of declared fragrance allergens, increasing the risk of allergic reactions for sensitive individuals.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate and TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate can be irritating to the skin and scalp.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen for some.
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 →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 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 Allergens (EU-listed)
These are individual fragrance components that are known contact allergens. EU rules require them to be named on the label when present above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off), because "parfum" alone would hide them. Limonene and linalool are especially common and become more allergenic as they oxidise on exposure to air. This is a risk for people who are sensitised, not a general-population hazard.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2023/1545 (extended fragrance-allergen labelling); SCCS opinions on fragrance allergens
Fragrance Allergens (EU-listed): 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 DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Formaldehyde is classified by IARC as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans).
Contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers. These are prohibited in EU leave-on cosmetics and restricted in rinse-off products due to their high sensitization potential.
Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of its components, which is a common source of allergens and can cause skin sensitivities.
Contains multiple declared fragrance allergens (Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal), which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a primary surfactant, can be irritating to sensitive skin and scalp. It may also carry a trace impurity of 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans), though SCCS considers levels ≤10 ppm safe in finished products.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals, often due to manufacturing impurities.
Claim check
1 claim not supported by label dataFront-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 claim refers to a performance benefit ('smoother, shiny hair') with a percentage ('Up to 100%') that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
This claim refers to professional usage, which cannot be confirmed or denied from the ingredient list or other label information provided.
The label states 'Lower Sulphate* Formula' but does not provide a reference point or specific sulphate content to verify this claim.
The ingredient list includes Hydrolyzed Keratin, supporting the 'Keratin Smooth' claim.
The ingredient list includes Hydrolyzed Keratin and Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, supporting the claim of containing both 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.
WaterWATER
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2.
Sodium Laureth SulfateSODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
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3.
DimethiconolDIMETHICONOL
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4.
Trideceth-10TRIDECETH-10
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5.
TEA-DodecylbenzenesulfonateAND TEA-DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE
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6.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCOCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
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7.
Sodium ChlorideSODIUM CHLORIDE
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8.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePERFUME
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9.
AmodimethiconeAMODIMETHICONE
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10.
Cetrimonium ChlorideAND CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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11.
Trideceth-12AND TRIDECETH-12
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12.
CarbomerCARBOMER
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13.
Glycol DistearateGLYCOL DISTEARATE
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14.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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15.
MicaMICA
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16.
Titanium DioxideAND TITANIUM DIOXIDE
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17.
Sodium HydroxideSODIUM HYDROXIDE
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18.
Citric AcidCITRIC ACID
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19.
DMDM HydantoinDMDM HYDANTOIN
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20.
Disodium EDTADISODIUM EDTA
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21.
Hydrolyzed KeratinHYDROLYZED KERATIN
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22.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil trace amountARGANIA SPINOSA (ARGAN) KERNEL OIL
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23.
MethylchloroisothiazolinoneMETHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE
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24.
MethylisothiazolinoneAND METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE
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25.
LinaloolLINALOOL
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26.
Benzyl SalicylateBENZYL SALICYLATE
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27.
CitronellolCITRONELLOL
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28.
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE
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29.
Hexyl CinnamalHEXYL CINNAMAL
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.
✓ 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 shampoo 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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What are the ingredients in Keratin Smooth Shampoo?
The label of Keratin Smooth Shampoo lists 29 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Dimethiconol, Trideceth-10, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Carbomer, Glycol Distearate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, Hexyl Cinnamal. Flagged by the analysis: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, DMDM Hydantoin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and 3 more.
Is Keratin Smooth Shampoo safe to use?
Keratin Smooth Shampoo scores 3.3/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and Methylisothiazolinone, a potent contact sensitizer, both of which are concerning even in trace amounts. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend and several declared fragrance allergens, increasing the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions for those with sensitive skin. The primary cleansing agent, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, can also be an irritant.
Why does Keratin Smooth Shampoo score 3.3/10?
Flagged in the score: Presence of formaldehyde-releasing DMDM Hydantoin, a known sensitizer and source of a Group 1 carcinogen. Inclusion of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers restricted in cosmetics. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend and a high load of declared fragrance allergens, increasing the risk of allergic reactions for sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid Keratin Smooth Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or fragrance allergies; Avoiding formaldehyde-releasing preservatives; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives; Prone to contact dermatitis.
Does Keratin Smooth Shampoo contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 5 fragrance allergens: Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE and Hexyl Cinnamal. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Keratin Smooth Shampoo 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; the label does separately list 5 fragrance allergens (Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE and Hexyl Cinnamal). This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Keratin Smooth Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Up to 100% smoother, shiny hair*" — misleading. "USED BY PROFESSIONALS" — can't be verified from the label. "LOWER SULPHATE* FORMULA" — 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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