Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of Yardley and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks
Brand owned by Wipro Enterprises (India) · about the brand
Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.5 ShowHide
Reviewed 6 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hand wash contains several ingredients that warrant caution, particularly the formaldehyde-releasing preservative DMDM Hydantoin, which is a sensitizer and has carcinogen concerns according to the EU SCCS. The primary surfactant, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, can be an irritant for some individuals, and the undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend is a common source of allergens. Additionally, BHT is present, which is associated with endocrine disruption. While it is a rinse-off product, reducing exposure time, these ingredients collectively lower its safety profile, making it less suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Glycerin
- Lactic Acid
- Citric Acid
Contains formaldehyde-releasing preservative and undisclosed fragrance
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hand wash includes DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, which is a known sensitizer and has carcinogen concerns. It also contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can cause skin irritation, and an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, a common source of allergens. BHT, an ingredient with endocrine disruption concerns, is also present. These factors make it less ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — DMDM Hydantoin and BHT are declared.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for bath body. 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 ingredient flagged for endocrine-disruption concern
Rule PC-CAP-07
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 glycerin, a good humectant for skin hydration
Includes mild pH adjusters (Lactic Acid, Citric Acid) for skin compatibility
Cocamidopropyl Betaine helps to reduce irritation potential of other surfactants
Watch out for
DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative with sensitizing and carcinogen concerns
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can trigger allergies and sensitivities
BHT is associated with endocrine disruption concerns
Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be an irritant and may contain 1,4-dioxane
Botanical extracts are present in trace amounts, unlikely to provide significant benefits
CI 47005 — a synthetic colour (Colour Index dye) added purely for appearance — it gives the product no benefit for skin or health. Permitted at regulated levels, but synthetic dyes of this class are a recognised contact-irritant and sensitiser risk for some people, so they are noted as a moderate, subgroup-level concern rather than a general-population hazard.
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.
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 →BHT (E321)
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to stop fats and fragrance oils going rancid. The concern is endocrine activity: animal studies report effects on thyroid hormone and liver enzymes, and the EU SCCS has assessed it as an endocrine-disruption candidate. It is NOT classified as a carcinogen by IARC — that classification (Group 2B) belongs to BHA, a different additive with a similar name. Permitted in cosmetics at low levels.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU SCCS Opinion on BHT (SCCS/1636/21); EFSA re-evaluation of E321
BHT: 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 DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Formaldehyde is a known human sensitizer and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by IARC when inhaled. While this is a rinse-off topical product, its presence is a significant concern for skin sensitivity and overall safety. (EU Reg. 2022/1181)
The product contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual fragrance allergens. This can be problematic for individuals with fragrance sensitivities or allergies, as it may contain any of over 3,000 potential chemicals. (EU Reg. 1223/2009 Art. 19 + Annex III)
Contains BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), a synthetic antioxidant associated with potential endocrine disruption. (EU SCCS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a primary surfactant that, while milder than SLS, can still cause skin irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. It may also contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen, as a by-product of its manufacturing process. (EU SCCS)
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 only ingredient supporting this claim is an undisclosed generic — the label names a class, not the actual compound — so the list cannot confirm it.
The label does not provide information or ingredients that specifically substantiate the 'germ protection' claim.
The ingredient list includes lavender flower extract, peony flower extract, and ylang ylang flower extract, supporting the 'floral essence' claim.
The ingredient list includes both peony flower extract and ylang ylang flower extract.
The ingredient list includes lavender flower extract, peony flower extract, and ylang ylang flower extract, which are natural floral actives.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
-
1.
Water
-
2.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
-
3.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
-
4.
Sodium Chloride
-
5.
Glycerin
-
6.
Lactic Acid
-
7.
Citric Acid
-
8.
Fragrance undisclosed fragrancePerfume
-
9.
DMDM Hydantoin
-
10.
Disodium EDTA
-
11.
BHT
-
12.
CI 47005 synthetic colour
-
13.
CI 16255 synthetic colour
-
14.
Lavender flower extract trace amountLavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower extract
-
15.
Peony flower extract trace amountPaenonia suffruticosa (Peony) flower extract
-
16.
Ylang Ylang Flower extract trace amountCananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower extract
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
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other hand 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 Hand Wash products we've analysed, in name order.
What are the ingredients in Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash?
The label of Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash lists 16 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, BHT, CI 47005, CI 16255, Lavender flower extract, Peony flower extract, Ylang Ylang Flower extract. Flagged by the analysis: DMDM Hydantoin, BHT, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Fragrance, CI 47005 and 1 more.
Is Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash safe to use?
Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash scores 3.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This hand wash includes DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, which is a known sensitizer and has carcinogen concerns. It also contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a surfactant that can cause skin irritation, and an undisclosed 'Fragrance' blend, a common source of allergens. BHT, an ingredient with endocrine disruption concerns, is also present. These factors make it less ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Why does Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash score 3.5/10?
Flagged in the score: DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative with sensitizing and carcinogen concerns. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can trigger allergies and sensitivities. BHT is associated with endocrine disruption concerns.
Who should avoid Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Formaldehyde sensitivity.
Does Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 2 fragrant botanicals (Lavender flower extract and Ylang Ylang Flower extract) that can naturally contain fragrance allergens. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Does Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash 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 Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "fragrant handwash" — can't be verified from the label. "GERM PROTECTION" — 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.
Reader reviews
How the product performed for people who used it — taste, value, everyday experience. Separate from the Decode Label score above, which rates what is on the label.
Sign in to leave a review.
Sign in →No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.
Help us keep this accurate
Two quick questions about our analysis — not about the product.
Was this analysis helpful?
Tells us whether the breakdown above actually answered your question.
0 of 0 readers found this analysis helpful
Does your pack match this page?
Recipes change and packs get reformulated. If the ingredients or the panel on the pack in your hand differ from what we show, tell us and we will check it.
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.
Report Error
If you believe this score is inaccurate, provide details below. Our team reviews every report and will update the rating if warranted.
Report submitted
Our team will review your report and update the rating if the evidence warrants it. Thank you for helping keep our data accurate.
Share this product
Yardley London Floral Essence Peony & ylang ylang Fragrant Handwash
Link copied — paste it in your Instagram bio or Story!