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Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.5 ShowHide
Reviewed 11 times · 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 of concern, most notably Methylisothiazolinone, a potent contact sensitizer that is prohibited in leave-on cosmetics in the EU due to its high risk of allergic reactions. The presence of an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend also raises transparency issues for individuals with fragrance allergies, as specific allergens are not listed. Additionally, Climbazole, an anti-dandruff antifungal whose concentration EU cosmetics rules restrict, mainly over repeated leave-on exposure, is present. While it is a rinse-off product, reducing exposure time, these ingredients collectively make it a concern most relevant to individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
- Coco Glucoside
- Glycerin
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Panthenol
- +3 more →
Contains potent sensitizer Methylisothiazolinone and undisclosed fragrance
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains Methylisothiazolinone, a preservative known for causing skin allergies, which is restricted in many cosmetic products. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, making it difficult for those with scent sensitivities to identify potential allergens. Furthermore, Climbazole, an antifungal ingredient with regulatory restrictions and potential endocrine concerns, is present. These factors make the product unsuitable for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Climbazole and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are declared.
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.
Triggered by Climbazole, CI 19140, CI 16035 — a synthetic colour on our aromatic-amine watch list (impurity risk). A colour-quality caution, not a finding that this product contains a carcinogen.
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
Contains a restricted antimicrobial biocide
Rule PC-CAP-10
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
What's good
Contains mild surfactants like Cocoamidopropyl Betaine and Coco Glucoside to balance harsher ones
Includes conditioning agents such as Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, and Cetrimonium Chloride
Contains humectant Glycerin for hydration
Includes antioxidant Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) for hair health
Watch out for
High potential for skin irritation and sensitization due to Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend makes it difficult to identify specific allergens
Presence of restricted biocide Climbazole raises safety concerns
Harsh primary surfactants (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocamide MEA) can be irritating to sensitive scalps
Artificial colorants (CI 19140, CI 16035) may cause allergic reactions in some individuals
Silicones (Dimethiconol, Amodimethicone) may lead to product build-up on hair over time
Botanical extracts (Aloe Vera Extract, Neem Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Lemon Oil, Rosemary Oil) are listed in trace amounts and are not counted as a formulation strength as formulation strengths.
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 →Climbazole
Climbazole is an azole antifungal used against dandruff, and it is effective against Malassezia. The EU SCCS found the margin of safety inadequate at earlier use levels, so EU rules now cap its concentration by product type. The scientific concern is systemic exposure from repeated leave-on use: azole antifungals as a class can inhibit steroid-hormone enzymes, and animal studies show liver effects. How much that applies depends on concentration and contact time, and in a rinse-off shampoo exposure is shorter. The label does not state the concentration.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU SCCS Opinion SCCS/1506/13 and SCCS/1600/18; EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V
Climbazole: 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
"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 →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, potent contact sensitizers prohibited in EU leave-on cosmetics and restricted in rinse-off products due to high risk of allergic reactions (EU Reg. 2016/1198).
Contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual allergens, posing a risk for individuals with fragrance sensitivities (EU Reg. 1223/2009 Art. 19 + Annex III).
Contains Climbazole, an anti-dandruff antifungal whose concentration EU cosmetics rules restrict, mainly over repeated leave-on exposure (EU Reg. 1223/2009 Annex III).
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can irritate sensitive skin and may carry a 1,4-dioxane impurity (IARC Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans). The EU SCCS considers ≤10 ppm safe.
Contains artificial colorants CI 19140 (Tartrazine) and CI 16035 (Allura Red AC), which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Combined Effects interactions
The combination of these strong anionic and non-ionic surfactants, particularly with Cocamide MEA, increases the overall irritation potential of the product, especially for sensitive skin. Cocamide MEA can also contribute to nitrosamine formation in the presence of certain other ingredients, though specific precursors are not explicitly listed.
The combination of potent sensitizers like Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone with an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend significantly increases the risk of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions for susceptible individuals. The cumulative sensitizing potential is higher than from individual components.
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 term '7 satt poshan' is a proprietary claim and cannot be verified against the ingredient list.
Lemon (Citrus limon) Oil and Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum) are listed in the ingredients.
Climbazole, an anti-dandruff agent, is listed in the ingredients.
Climbazole, an anti-dandruff agent, is listed in the ingredients, supporting the 'dandruff free' aspect. The presence of various herbal extracts and oils suggests a focus on 'healthy hair'.
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.
Sodium Laureth SulfateSodium Laureth Sulphate
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3.
Cocamide MEA
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4.
Dimethiconol
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5.
TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
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6.
Herbal ExtractHerbal extract containing Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Henna (Lawsonia inermis), and Almond (Prunus amygdalus)
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Methi within Herbal ExtractMethi (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
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Henna within Herbal ExtractHenna (Lawsonia inermis)
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Almond within Herbal ExtractAlmond (Prunus amygdalus)
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7.
Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
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8.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePerfume
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9.
Coco Glucoside
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10.
Glycol Distearate
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11.
GlycerinGlycerine
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12.
Sodium Chloride
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13.
Aloe Vera ExtractAloevera (Aloe barbadensis) Extract
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14.
Neem ExtractNeem (Azadirachta indica) Extract
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15.
Tea Tree OilTea Tree(Melaleuca alternifolia) Oil
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16.
Lemon OilLemon (Citrus limon) Oil
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17.
Rosemary OilRosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Oil
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18.
Tocopheryl AcetateTocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate
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19.
Panthenol
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20.
Climbazole
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21.
Carbomer
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22.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
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23.
Menthol
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24.
Amodimethicone
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25.
Trideceth-12
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26.
Cetrimonium Chloride
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27.
PEG-90MPEG 90M
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28.
Lactic Acid
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29.
Sodium Hydroxide
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30.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
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31.
Methylisothiazolinone
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32.
CI 19140 synthetic colour
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33.
CI 16035 synthetic colour
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.
The label declares each of these as a blend and then lists what is in it. The components appear in the groups above on their own merits, so the blend itself is shown here rather than counted a second time.
✓ 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 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 Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo?
The label of Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo lists 36 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Dimethiconol, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Herbal Extract, Methi, Henna, Almond, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Coco Glucoside, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Aloe Vera Extract, Neem Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Lemon Oil, Rosemary Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Climbazole, Carbomer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Menthol, Amodimethicone, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-90M, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 19140, CI 16035. Flagged by the analysis: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Climbazole, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Fragrance and 4 more.
Is Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo safe to use?
Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This shampoo contains Methylisothiazolinone, a preservative known for causing skin allergies, which is restricted in many cosmetic products. It also includes an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, making it difficult for those with scent sensitivities to identify potential allergens. Furthermore, Climbazole, an antifungal ingredient with regulatory restrictions and potential endocrine concerns, is present. These factors make the product unsuitable for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
Why does Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo score 3.5/10?
Flagged in the score: High potential for skin irritation and sensitization due to Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend makes it difficult to identify specific allergens. Presence of restricted biocide Climbazole raises safety concerns.
Who should avoid Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or contact allergies; Fragrance allergy; Avoiding isothiazolinone preservatives; Avoiding restricted biocides.
Does Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 3 fragrant botanicals (Tea Tree Oil, Lemon Oil and Rosemary Oil) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff 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. This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Dabur Vatika Anti Dandruff Shampoo pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "7 satt poshan" — 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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