Ingredients beyond the label

The ingredients used in dog products directly affect the skin, coat and everyday wellbeing of the dog.

Not everything applied to the dog is automatically suitable for maintaining balance and skin integrity.

Many products are marketed as “SLS-free”, “silicone-free” or “natural”. However, these claims alone do not truly describe the quality or behaviour of a formulation.

For this reason, selection always begins with reading the full ingredient list.

Surfactants

Not all surfactants behave the same way on the skin and coat.

Some are significantly more stripping and aggressive, especially in products intended for frequent use.

Among the most discussed:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Sodium Myreth Sulfate (SMS / MSL)
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS / ASL)

These are often found in highly foaming shampoos with strong cleansing action.

Many brands advertise “SLS-free” formulas while replacing it with surfactants that perform in a very similar way.

For this reason, “SLS-free” does not automatically mean gentler.

Cocamide DEA

Cocamide DEA is used as a foam stabiliser in some shampoos and cleansers.

It is becoming increasingly uncommon in modern formulations because it may react with other substances in the formula to form nitrosamines — compounds classified as potentially carcinogenic.

For this reason, many companies now choose formulations that avoid it completely.

Silicones

Ingredients such as:

• Dimethicone
• Amodimethicone

are commonly found in conditioners and detangling sprays.

They may create an immediate feeling of softness and slip, but over time they can also accumulate on the coat, making it heavier and more difficult to manage naturally.

Fragrance

The presence of fragrance is not automatically negative.

What matters is the proportion and role it plays within the formulation.

In an INCI list, ingredients are listed in descending order. This means that “Parfum” appearing near the top of the list has a very different impact compared to one found near the end.

Some formulations also include fragrance allergens such as:

• Citronellol
• Hexyl Cinnamal
• Benzyl Salicylate

The point is not simply whether fragrance is present, but how heavily the formula relies on it.

“Silicone-free” and “paraben-free” claims

Many products use the absence of silicones or parabens as a primary marketing message.

However, formulations may still contain:

• alternative film-forming ingredients
• synthetic polymers
• ingredients with very similar cosmetic functions

The result is often an immediate cosmetic effect rather than long-term coat functionality and balance.

Alcohol Denat.

Alcohol Denat. is commonly found in sprays and cleansers.

In some formulations it may be more drying, particularly on sensitive skin or with frequent use.

The DIXY’S criteria

DIXY’S does not exclude ingredients because of trends or marketing narratives.

Every formulation is evaluated through balance, real-life function and suitability for everyday use.

When a composition is excessively stripping, overly film-forming or poorly suited to frequent use, it does not enter the selection.

What we prioritise

• gentler, more balanced surfactants
• essential formulations
• compositions suited to regular use
• balance between cleansing and skin respect

Reading ingredients is not about searching for “perfect” formulas.
It is about understanding what genuinely makes sense to use over time.

For further information, you may contact us directly on WhatsApp.

Brands wishing to present their products may contact:
info@dixystore.com
including the full INCI list of their formulations.