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Pantene Shampoo delivers on its core promise of anti-dandruff control and basic conditioning, but consumers with sensitive or dry hair should be mindful of its strong cleansing base and potential sensitizers.
₹149 • Analysed 25 August 2026
Pantene Shampoo is a staple in the Indian market, positioned as an affordable daily-use solution for common hair concerns. Its anti-dandruff claims, supported by Zinc Pyrithione, are relevant for the Indian climate where scalp issues are common. The presence of strong surfactants might be drying for some hair types, especially with hard water prevalent in many Indian cities, but the conditioning agents aim to mitigate this. The pricing is highly competitive, often with discounts, making it accessible to a broad consumer base.
Independent and free. The Clean Sheet takes no money from brands to review, rank, or approve a product. This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.
The formula contains conditioning agents (Dimethicone) and Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether) which are known to improve hair's appearance and strength. However, no finished product study for this specific claim is publicly visible.
The INCI lists Zinc Pyrithione, a well-established active ingredient for anti-dandruff treatment. Its presence supports the claim. While no specific finished product study is visible, the active is known to be effective.
The INCI lists Panthenol and Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, which are forms of Pro-Vitamin B5. This claim is directly supported by the ingredient list.
The formulation is designed for regular cleansing. While it contains strong surfactants, the inclusion of conditioning agents makes it suitable for daily use for many hair types. This is a routine claim, supported by formula design.
The product contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which are strong surfactants. While they are effective cleansers, 'gently' might be an overstatement for some hair types, especially those prone to dryness or sensitivity. The conditioning agents help mitigate this.
The provided INCI lists 'Benzyl Alcohol'. While Benzyl Alcohol is not typically considered a 'drying alcohol' (like ethanol or alcohol denat.) and is often used as a preservative or fragrance component, its presence technically contradicts a strict 'alcohol-free' claim. However, the common consumer understanding of 'alcohol-free' usually refers to drying alcohols.
What we could confirm from public sources and the verified ingredient list.
Ingredient Safety & Toxicity
Full ingredient list retrieved and verified against INCIDecoder.
Screened against the ingredient database (13 of 26 ingredients matched); no cosmetics-prohibited ingredient found.
No ingredient with a recognised endocrine-activity concern found in the database.
No IARC-classified or formaldehyde-releasing ingredient found in the database screen.
Irritation & Allergen Risk
Declares 4 known allergen(s) (linalool, benzyl alcohol, cinnamal, hexyl cinnamal). Reactive skin should note these.
MI - a known contact sensitiser; EU bans it in leave-on products. MCI - sensitiser, tightly restricted to rinse-off at low levels.
Built on a stronger sulphate surfactant (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate) - effective, but can feel stripping on sensitive skin or in hard water.
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Screened against a curated reference set that we are continuing to verify and expand, so “clear” means no flag from that set, not a guarantee. Not a substitute for a full toxicological or clinical assessment.
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate |
Dimethicone |
Glycol Distearate |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Sodium Citrate |
Cocamide MEA |
Sodium Xylenesulfonate |
Zinc Pyrithione |
Parfum |
Citric Acid |
Sodium Chloride |
Sodium Benzoate |
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride |
Benzyl Alcohol |
Glycerin |
Linalool |
Hexyl Cinnamal |
Panthenol |
Panthenyl Ethyl Ether |
Methylisothiazolinone |
Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate |
Magnesium Nitrate |
Methylchloroisothiazolinone |
Magnesium Chloride |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal are fragrance allergens that must be declared. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are restricted preservatives with maximum allowed concentrations and rinse-off product limitations.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified. INCI order appears correct.
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are restricted.
Zinc Pyrithione is an OTC drug active for dandruff in the US, regulated under specific monographs.
Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal are fragrance allergens. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are restricted.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Zinc Pyrithione is regulated as a therapeutic good for anti-dandruff claims.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
The formula contains conditioning agents (Dimethicone) and Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether) which are known to improve hair's appearance and strength. However, no finished product study for this specific claim is publicly visible.
Mentioned only
The INCI lists Zinc Pyrithione, a well-established active ingredient for anti-dandruff treatment. Its presence supports the claim. While no specific finished product study is visible, the active is known to be effective.
Mentioned only
The INCI lists Panthenol and Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, which are forms of Pro-Vitamin B5. This claim is directly supported by the ingredient list.
Mentioned only
The formulation is designed for regular cleansing. While it contains strong surfactants, the inclusion of conditioning agents makes it suitable for daily use for many hair types. This is a routine claim, supported by formula design.
Evidence visible
The product contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which are strong surfactants. While they are effective cleansers, 'gently' might be an overstatement for some hair types, especially those prone to dryness or sensitivity. The conditioning agents help mitigate this.
Mentioned only
The provided INCI lists 'Benzyl Alcohol'. While Benzyl Alcohol is not typically considered a 'drying alcohol' (like ethanol or alcohol denat.) and is often used as a preservative or fragrance component, its presence technically contradicts a strict 'alcohol-free' claim. However, the common consumer understanding of 'alcohol-free' usually refers to drying alcohols.
Missing
This review evaluates brand claims against visible evidence and formula logic. It does not replace a full ingredient safety analysis or a clinical product test. Results vary by individual, and the consumer should always read the full ingredient list and follow usage guidance.
Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.
No IARC-classified or formaldehyde-releasing ingredient found in the database screen.
Irritation & Allergen Risk
Declares 4 known allergen(s) (linalool, benzyl alcohol, cinnamal, hexyl cinnamal). Reactive skin should note these.
MI - a known contact sensitiser; EU bans it in leave-on products. MCI - sensitiser, tightly restricted to rinse-off at low levels.
Built on a stronger sulphate surfactant (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate) - effective, but can feel stripping on sensitive skin or in hard water.
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Screened against a curated reference set that we are continuing to verify and expand, so “clear” means no flag from that set, not a guarantee. Not a substitute for a full toxicological or clinical assessment.
The formulation is designed for regular cleansing. While it contains strong surfactants, the inclusion of conditioning agents makes it suitable for daily use for many hair types. This is a routine claim, supported by formula design.
The product contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which are strong surfactants. While they are effective cleansers, 'gently' might be an overstatement for some hair types, especially those prone to dryness or sensitivity. The conditioning agents help mitigate this.
The provided INCI lists 'Benzyl Alcohol'. While Benzyl Alcohol is not typically considered a 'drying alcohol' (like ethanol or alcohol denat.) and is often used as a preservative or fragrance component, its presence technically contradicts a strict 'alcohol-free' claim. However, the common consumer understanding of 'alcohol-free' usually refers to drying alcohols.
Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal are fragrance allergens that must be declared. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are restricted preservatives with maximum allowed concentrations and rinse-off product limitations.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified. INCI order appears correct.
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are restricted.
Zinc Pyrithione is an OTC drug active for dandruff in the US, regulated under specific monographs.
Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal are fragrance allergens. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are restricted.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Zinc Pyrithione is regulated as a therapeutic good for anti-dandruff claims.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
The formula contains conditioning agents (Dimethicone) and Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether) which are known to improve hair's appearance and strength. However, no finished product study for this specific claim is publicly visible.
Mentioned only
The INCI lists Zinc Pyrithione, a well-established active ingredient for anti-dandruff treatment. Its presence supports the claim. While no specific finished product study is visible, the active is known to be effective.
Mentioned only
The INCI lists Panthenol and Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, which are forms of Pro-Vitamin B5. This claim is directly supported by the ingredient list.
Mentioned only
The formulation is designed for regular cleansing. While it contains strong surfactants, the inclusion of conditioning agents makes it suitable for daily use for many hair types. This is a routine claim, supported by formula design.
Evidence visible
The product contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which are strong surfactants. While they are effective cleansers, 'gently' might be an overstatement for some hair types, especially those prone to dryness or sensitivity. The conditioning agents help mitigate this.
Mentioned only
The provided INCI lists 'Benzyl Alcohol'. While Benzyl Alcohol is not typically considered a 'drying alcohol' (like ethanol or alcohol denat.) and is often used as a preservative or fragrance component, its presence technically contradicts a strict 'alcohol-free' claim. However, the common consumer understanding of 'alcohol-free' usually refers to drying alcohols.
Missing
