Key takeaways:
Applying toothpaste to reduce acne isn’t scientifically backed.
Although many people use toothpaste to banish blemishes, it can actually irritate your skin further.
There are safer methods for removing acne, such as dermatologist-approved over-the-counter products.
Pimples can rear their heads at the worst possible times, leading people to look for a miracle solution. The rumor that toothpaste can be a remedy for nixing acne has been circulating for generations. While there are claims that certain ingredients in toothpaste dry the skin out and reduce the size of problem spots, the remedy isn’t scientifically backed.
Keep reading to find out why toothpaste has been thought to zap zits and why it isn’t the best idea for your skin.
What is toothpaste made of?
While the specific ingredients of toothpastes vary, there are some general ones. Most toothpastes are made up of:
Water: This is the base ingredient in toothpaste.
Fluoride: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends toothpastes with fluoride, as it is “nature's cavity fighter.”
Abrasives: Abrasives work to remove debris and buildup from your teeth.
Flavors: These, of course, help your toothpaste taste good. They usually don’t include sugar, as it's detrimental to teeth.
Humectants: Humectants keep your toothpaste from drying out and crumbling.
Detergents: Notice how toothpaste foams as you brush your teeth? That's because of detergents, like sodium laureth sulfate.
SPECIAL OFFER
Cabtreo™: A new, lower-cost acne treatment Save on Cabtreo™ (clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide), a new medication approved for patients 12 years of age and older. Now available for as little as $0 per month with GoodRx.
Learn more
Why do people think toothpaste will help with pimples?
Using toothpaste to treat acne is a myth that’s been passed down for generations. For a while, toothpastes commonly contained a chemical called triclosan. Triclosan was added to toothpaste to fight gingivitis, and people thought it could also work to kill the bacteria that contribute to breakouts. In 2017, the FDA banned its use in dental products.
Claim: Toothpaste clears acne
Why do people still claim that it works today? This is likely because there are still sometimes drying ingredients in toothpaste (like baking soda). People assume that because it can dry your skin out, it can help with pimples. Also, many celebrities have promoted this at-home remedy. But is this enough to promote it as a pimple fighter? Let’s dive in.
What does the science say?
First of all, your teeth are entirely different from your skin. Made up of minerals, like calcium, teeth are hard and resilient. Skin, on the other hand, is softer and more reactive. It can be prone to inflammation and dryness. Thus, a product that fits one usually isn’t best for the other.
The studies on toothpaste specifically for acne are lacking. Some studies have looked at the specific ingredients in toothpaste and found them to be harmful to skin. Many other studies have pointed to the irritating effect of hydrogen peroxide (a common whitening ingredient in toothpaste) on skin.
As for toothpaste studies, one found that toothpaste should not be used for skin burns and is harmful to them. So it makes sense that using toothpaste to treat any skin condition isn’t ideal.
Ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda can also dry out skin. And, as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says, “dry skin is irritated skin.”
What do the experts say?
The expert consensus is a resounding “no.” The AAD notes that toothpaste can make your skin much worse: “Toothpaste contains several ingredients that can clog your pores and irritate your skin, such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, alcohol, and menthol.”
And Maryanne Mikhael, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, told GoodRx, “I definitely do not recommend people use toothpaste on pimples. It can cause irritation and leave red or dark marks on the skin. There are better, more targeted options for pimples — like a topical antibiotic or benzoyl peroxide.”
What are proven treatments for pimples?
So, if toothpaste is a no-go, what should you try? When you first see a pesky pimple, consider over-the-counter or prescription-only products, like:
Benzoyl peroxide
Topical retinoids
Salicylic acid
Topical antibiotics
One study also pointed to tea tree oil as a potential treatment for acne. If you have more severe acne or are having trouble treating it at home, discuss your options with a dermatologist.
So should you try it?
Probably not. While it likely won’t cause much harm, it probably won’t do anything to help either. If you’re experiencing acne, experts recommend using over-the-counter products specifically for preventing and treating acne. Stick with products with ingredients that work, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2018). How to treat deep, painful pimples.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne.
View All References (7)
expand_more
Bennett, C. V., et al. (2019). First aid for children’s burns in the US and UK: An urgent call to establish and promote international standards. Burns.
Malhi, H. K., et al. (2017). Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 week uncontrolled, open-label phase II pilot study. Australasian Journal of Dermatology.
Moharamzadeh, K. (2017). Biocompatibility of oral care products. Biocompatibility of Dental Biomaterials.
Mouth Healthy. (n.d.). Fluoride.
Murphy, E. C., et al. (2019). Hydrogen peroxide and cutaneous biology: Translational applications, benefits, and risks. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Thomas, G. W., et al. (2009). Mechanisms of delayed wound healing by commonly used antiseptics. Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection and Critical Care.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). 5 things to know about triclosan.
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
Was this page helpful?
Get the facts on Acne.
Sign up for our newsletter to get expert tips on condition management and prescription savings.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.