
What is SLS, and why use SLS free toothpaste?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (sls) is a common detergent used in toothpaste. Sls can cause or irritate existing allergies, canker sores and bad breath, which is why an sls free alternative is worth considering. Several brands are available online.
Which does toothpaste contain SLS?
SLS is a surfactant that makes things foam and a major ingredient in most popular toothpaste sold in the grocery store. Crest, Colgate, AquaFresh, and Pepsodent contain SLS; Sensodyne is a major brand that doesn't. Click to see full answer.
What is the bad stuff in toothpaste?
- Surfactants: Coconut-derived substitutes for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are popular ingredients in many “SLS-free” toothpastes. ...
- Preservatives: Paraben-free toothpastes often substitute “food-grade preservatives” that still worry me. ...
- Carrageenan, derived from seaweed, is a common thickening agent in toothpaste. ...
What toothpaste does not have sodium lauryl sulphate?
With this in mind, one should be very mindful of the toothpaste they use to prevent even heart problems later in life. Toothpaste Without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Tom’s toothpaste Burt’s Bees Whitening Sensodyne pronamel gentle whitening toothpaste Kiss my face fluoride-free toothpaste Squigle enamel saver Earthpaste organic toothpaste

How do I know if my toothpaste has SLS?
SLS also helps lift plaque from the teeth to leave a clean feeling. Chances are if your toothpaste is foamy, it may contain SLS.
What brands contain sodium lauryl sulfate?
BRANDAcqua Di Parma (1)Act (3)Alberto (8)Almay (1)Anastasia Beverly Hills (4)Anthony (1)Aphogee (1)Aquafresh (3)More items...
Does all toothpaste have SLS?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in many different dental care products, including as much as 85% of all toothpastes on the market today.
What toothpastes dont have SLS?
Here are the best SLS-free toothpastes: The Best Overall, All Things Considered: Verve Ultra SLS-Free Toothpaste With Fluoride. The Fan-Favorite Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste. An SLS-Free Toothpaste For Kids: hello Fluoride Kids Toothpaste.
Is Colgate toothpaste SLS free?
Colgate Zero, Colgate Max White and Colgate Total Whitening are also SLS-free.
Does Sensodyne toothpaste contain SLS?
All Sensodyne products contain fluoride, which helps fight against cavities, so you can maintain healthy teeth, every day. Most Sensodyne toothpastes are also free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), an inactive ingredient that makes toothpastes foamy when brushing.
Is Sensodyne Pronamel SLS free?
Sensodyne Pronamel Multi-Action SLS Free Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth, to Reharden and Strengthen Enamel, Cleansing Mint - 4 Ounces (Pack of 3)
What are the side effects of sodium lauryl sulfate in toothpaste?
The main negative effects of SLS are tissue sloughing, canker sores, dry mouth, and bad breath. Tissue sloughing is when the skin of your inner cheeks or lips begins to peel, resulting in an irritated, raw, or burning sensation. Sensitivity to SLS is a common cause for tissue sloughing.
What are the side effects of sodium lauryl sulfate?
Human Toxicity ProfileAcute toxicity. Ocular irritation. Like most chemicals, SLS can be irritating to the eye when delivered neat as a raw material or at high concentrations. ... Chronic toxicity. Carcinogenicity. The most egregious claim by far is that SLS is carcinogenic. ... Dermatological effects. Hair loss.
Does Listerine have sodium lauryl sulfate?
Aroma (flavor), Benzoic Acid, Blue 1, Methyl Salicylate, Poloxamer 407, Propylene Gly-col, Red 1, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Saccharin, Sorbitol, Su-cralose, Water (eau).
Do most toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate?
Many toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This common ingredient creates the foam when you brush, but can also irritate sensitive teeth and gums.
Does mouthwash have SLS?
Of course, the SLS in the mouthwash and oral foam is not intended to be smeared on your skin, so it is harmless.
Does makeup contain SLS?
Sodium lauryl sulfate is found in most cleansing skincare and haircare products, and some makeup items too—even the best lip balms out there can contain SLS.
Does Olay have sulfates?
You will instantly experience clean skin, perfectly prepared for the rest of your skincare routine. Within 1 week, you'll reveal healthy-looking skin. Within 1 month, when used with Olay moisturizers, you'll experience a noticeable skin transformation. No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, mineral oil.
Does Vanicream have SLS?
In fact, all of our cleansers, hair care and moisturizers are free of common chemical irritants such as fragrance, parabens and sulfates.
What is SLS?
SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate, is an ingredient widely used as a surfactant in toothpaste, which means it reduces surface tension to help clean your teeth. 4 SLS is also used in a variety of household products, helping to make those products foamy. 2,4
What is SLS in Toothpaste?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is often an ingredient in toothpaste because it creates foam, which provides several benefits. 5 The foam created by SLS helps to remove food debris along with your brushing, 2,5 and it helps active ingredients like fluoride make contact with your teeth. SLS also helps lift plaque from the teeth to leave a clean feeling.
SLS Toothpaste Concerns
While SLS provides some meaningful benefits, it is not the right choice for everyone. The American Dental Association has reported that SLS can cause contact irritation in some people. 3 Some Sensodyne toothpastes do not include SLS like Sensodyne Extra Whitening toothpaste.
Why is SLS in toothpaste?
SLS is included in toothpaste because of its cleaning action, and because it helps to stabilise other ingredients found in toothpaste (for example, helping the oil based and water based ingredients to stay mixed). There are also some known benefits of adding SLS to toothpaste:
Why choose a toothpaste without SLS?
Despite all these known benefits, there are some known risks (and some misinformation) about toothpastes containing SLS.
What is sodium luryl sulfate?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a detergent. This means it has a foaming action. As an ingredient, it is added to lots of different things, from house cleaning products or shampoos to toothpaste. There is some debate regarding the use of SLS in toothpaste, and some people prefer to avoid it. In this post I therefore give some recommendations for ...
What does SLS mean in the mouth?
SLS causes irritation to the cells of the gums and soft tissues in the mouth. This can lead to mouth sores and stomatitis. Trials have shown SLS to cause uncomfortable mucosal sloughing (when the top layer of your gum falls away from the surface).
Can you use SLS toothpaste without fluoride?
Best SLS-free toothpaste without fluoride. Whilst I don’t recommend fluoride free toothpaste, as you miss out on the known anti-cavity properties of fluoride, I respect that some people may still wish to avoid toothpastes containing fluoride. In which case, there are two main options available to you:
Does toothpaste foam with SLS?
People generally like the foaming sensation of toothpaste containing SLS, and it does not leave an unpleasant aftertaste (unlike some alternative detergents that could be used). Several of the recommendations in my more general best toothpaste article do include SLS.
Does SLS help with cavities?
SLS can prevent formation of plaque (which causes cavities and gum disease). SLS causes foaming, which is cleansing in itself, helping to loosen debris on and around teeth. SLS and its foaming action helps to spread toothpaste into hard to reach areas, for example helping to get fluoride between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Why is SLS in toothpaste?
SLS is included in toothpaste because of its cleaning action, and because it helps to stabilise other ingredients fo und in toothpaste (for example, helping the oil based and water based ingredients to stay mixed).
Why use SLS free toothpaste?
If you have sore gums you may consider an SLS free toothpaste to prevent further irritation, especially if you already have ulcers.
Why choose a toothpaste without SLS?
Despite all these known benefits, there are some known risks (and some misinformation) about toothpastes containing SLS.
What is the most affordable toothpaste?
Sensodyne is one of the most widely available and affordable brands of toothpaste out there.
What does SLS mean in the mouth?
SLS causes irritation to the cells of the gums and soft tissues in the mouth. This can lead to mouth sores and stomatitis. Trials have shown SLS to cause uncomfortable mucosal sloughing (when the top layer of your gum falls away from the surface).
What is sodium luryl sulfate?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a detergent. This means it has a foaming action. As an ingredient, it is added to lots of different things, from house cleaning products or shampoos to toothpaste.
Can SLS toothpaste affect your taste buds?
An unple asant side effect after using a toothpaste containing SLS is that it may affect your taste buds after usage. You may have noticed this yourself, in what the authors of this paper described as the orange juice effect: “when consuming a citrus juice drink just after toothbrushing with an SLS dentifrice, SLS causes an astringent and unpleasant taste sensation.”
Why is toothpaste foamy?
Because sodium lauryl sulfate is the ingredient that causes hygiene products to fo am, it's found in most toothpastes. In fact, some research shows as much as 85% of all toothpastes on the shelves has sodium lauryl sulfate on the ingredient list.
Can SLS cause hair to hurt?
After all, SLS can lead to everything from itchy, irritated skin, to damaged hair, to persistent canker sores. So, if you're in the market for one of the best SLS-free toothpastes, you've come to the right place. More like this. Tons Of Amazon Reviewers Swear By These Pain-Relieving Shoe Inserts — And They’re On Sale For Prime Day.
Is Tom's toothpaste SLS free?
This Tom's SLS-free toothpaste is a great option if you're trying to avoid fluoride in addition to sulfates (although the American Dental Association does recommend fluoride ). It's "botanical" formula includes natural ingredients like bee propolis to whiten and protect your teeth.
Is SLS free toothpaste good for you?
If you've experienced mouth irritation or persistent canker sores, this SLS-free toothpaste is the best pick for you. Not only is it free of sodium lauryl sulfate, but it's formulated with vitamin E to help reduce gum inflation, and fluoride to prevent against tooth decay.
Does toothpaste have sodium lauryl sulfate?
The good news: SLS doesn't actually play an active role in keeping your teeth clean. So, opting for a toothpaste without it shouldn't have any serious repercussions on your dental health.
Is SLS toothpaste good for teeth?
The good news: SLS doesn't actually play an active role in keeping your teeth clean. So, opting for a toothpaste without it shouldn't have any serious repercussions on your dental health. When deciding between one SLS-free toothpaste and another, keep your flavor preferences, budget, and consumer habits in mind.
Is Hello's toothpaste vegan?
Even better, the formula is vegan and not tested on animals. For just $4 (a truly deal-breaking price), you'll get 4 ounces of this sensitivity-relief toothpaste. Made with a sugar substitute, moisturizing coconut oil, and soothing aloe, this fan-favorite toothpaste is packed with ingredients designed to protect sensitive teeth. But, don't take my word for it. Hundreds of reviewers rave.
What is SLS toothpaste?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common detergent used in toothpaste. It was featured in a famous Internet hoax nearly 20 years ago. Colgate toothpaste contains SLS, which was supposedly proven to cause cancer, but at least buying Colgate rather than Crest, manufactured by Procter & Gamble, didn’t support Satan—or so claimed another famous hoax that alleged that “a large portion of the profits of Procter and Gamble products goes to support the Satanic Church.”
Does Tom's toothpaste contain SLS?
At least some Tom’s Toothpaste formulations contain SLS; I just checked the ingredients online. It’s important to read the ingredient list.
Does SLS cause canker sores?
No wonder SLS might make canker sores worse. If you go back to the original American Cancer Society source debunking SLS as being cancer-causing, the response was that SLS is not a known carcinogen—it’s just a known irritant.
Does toothpaste cause desquamation?
Researchers smeared some toothpastes on the gums of some dental hygienists for two minutes twice a day for four days, and although the SLS-free toothpaste didn’t cause any problems, the ones with the typical amount of SLS caused “desquamation” among most of the participants— in other words, a sloughing off or peeling of the topmost layers of the inside lining of their mouths. No wonder SLS might make canker sores worse.
Does SLS dry out mucous membranes?
Agreed! SLS is known to dry out mucous membranes as it reduces saliva quantity. Another effect is then to decrease your salivary secretory IgA...which is your first line immune defense against bacteria entering your upper respiratory tract. Bad stuff. I avoid any toothpaste with it.
Does SLS affect mucus?
The researchers thought the SLS was adversely affecting the protective mucus layer that lines the mouth. You always have to be cautious about published abstracts, though. You should always make sure that researchers actually go on to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Can you get SLS from eating chocolate?
I haven't noticed SLS in the toothpastes I used in a while, but I still get canker sores usually when eating too many sweets or acidic foods, including chocolate.
Why is SLS used in toothpaste?
SLS in toothpaste can help rinse away food debris after you brush. It also allows the toothpaste to foam and reach all areas of your mouth.
How Do SLS-Free Toothpastes Clean Teeth?
Instead of sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS-free toothpastes use other cleansers to disperse and remove food particles. Some, such as ARM & HAMMER™ Essentials, also use baking soda to help remove food, stains, and whiten teeth for a beautiful smile.
What is sodium laureth sulfate?
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate? SLS and its cousin, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are ingredients that can be found in everyday products around your home or for your body. You’ll find SLS in lotions, liquid soap, laundry detergent, dish detergent, body wash, shampoo, facial cleansers, bath bombs, and even toothpaste.
Where does sodium lauryl sulfate come from?
Sodium lauryl sulfate can be created from petroleum , but more often it is made from plant sources such as coconut oil or palm oil. Although it comes from natural sources, it is converted from fatty acids into a crystalline salt using a chemical manufacturing process.
Is there a toothpaste without SLS?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in cleaning and personal care products, including toothpaste. Some people choose products without SLS for various reasons. Good news: there are SLS-free toothpastes that do an excellent job cleaning your teeth and freshening your breath. 1.
Is SLS toothpaste good for gums?
If your gums are sensitive or you are prone to canker sores, SLS-free toothpaste might be a good alternative.
Is SLS a food additive?
SLS is approved for use as a food additive by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services states that SLS is safe for use in oral care products. SLS is also permitted for use in the European Union. You’ll find SLS in some foods such as marshmallows where it is added as a thickener or as an emulsifier to keep oils mixed with other ingredients.
How is SLS made?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it's created by: Combining sulfur trioxide with plant or petroleum-based lauryl alcohol. That product forms hydrogen la uryl sulfate. Hydrogen lauryl sulfate is then neutralized with sodium carbonate to yield — sodium lauryl ...
What is SLS in texting?
SLS. It's not a distress call at sea. Nor is it an abbreviation your kids use while texting their friends. Nope. It's sodium lauryl sulfate and it's in many things you use every single day. From cleaners to cosmetics to toothpaste — it's a very common ingredient used to create foam for deeper cleaning. Have you ever wondered why you have ...
What is sodium lauryl sulfate used for?
How Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Used In Toothpaste. One of the most common products SLS can be found in is toothpaste. It not only helps remove food debris and particles, but it allows for your toothpaste to create the foam that forms as you brush, according to Chemical Safety Facts.
What are the health risks of SLS?
Overall, the health and safety concerns for SLS are minimal. But there are some details you should know: 1 SLS is a safe compound for consumer personal care products and not a known carcinogen, says the NIH 2 Stomatitis or mouth sore sufferers that use SLS toothpaste will develop more irritation, says the NIH, while toothpaste without SLS will reduce the pain 3 If you extract its separate elements or change its chemical composition, it's possible SLS could become toxic 4 Ultimately though, when adequately formulated and qualified, SLS is safe and not dangerous
Is sodium lauryl sulfate a surfactant?
Here's a little breakdown of sodium lauryl sulfate and its connection to toothpaste. SLS is a cleaning agent and surfactant found in many consumer products, according to Chemical Safety Facts. Because of it's cleaning power, SLS is prevalent in toothpaste. It not only cleans but also helps remove food debris stuck in your mouth and teeth.
Is SLS a carcinogen?
And the American Cancer Society does not include SLS as a known carcinogen.
Is sodium lauryl sulfate natural or synthetic?
What's really interesting is that it can be made naturally or synthetically. Thus, it can be found in both synthetic and natural products.
