Does Putting Toothpaste on Acne Help? - GoodRx (2024)

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.

Does Putting Toothpaste on Acne Help? - GoodRx (1)

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.

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Does Putting Toothpaste on Acne Help? - GoodRx (2)

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)

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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.

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Does Putting Toothpaste on Acne Help? - GoodRx (2024)

FAQs

Does the toothpaste pimple trick work? ›

Putting toothpaste on a pimple may seem like an acne home remedy worth trying, but there's no evidence that it actually works.

How to clear up pimples overnight? ›

If you notice a breakout, here are seven ways to get rid of pimples fast.
  1. Dab on some benzoyl peroxide. ...
  2. Apply a little ice. ...
  3. Use products with salicylic acid. ...
  4. Apply some hydrocortisone cream. ...
  5. Use a pimple patch. ...
  6. Try a little tea tree oil. ...
  7. Visit your dermatologist.
Nov 20, 2023

How long to leave toothpaste on dark spots? ›

How long should you leave toothpaste on your spots for? Real talk: this should not be your go-to fix. Using a little paste on a nasty zit for 30 minutes isn't the end of the world – but should not become a habit.

What to put on an acne breakout? ›

Active ingredients in acne products
  • Benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient kills bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. ...
  • Adapalene. ...
  • Salicylic acid. ...
  • Azelaic acid. ...
  • Alpha hydroxy acids.

How long does it take for toothpaste to get rid of a pimple? ›

According to our dermatology providers, using toothpaste as an acne spot treatment can cause dryness and irritation and might even worsen breakouts. So, if you're wondering, “how long should I leave toothpaste on my pimple?”—don't!

How to remove blackheads in 5 minutes with toothpaste? ›

Mix 1 part toothpaste with 1 part salt. If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of water to thin it out. Rub the mixture onto your face and leave it for about 5-10 minutes. Gently rub the toothpaste mixture around to remove the blackheads from your nose pores before washing it off.

How to cure a pimple fast? ›

  1. Apply Ice to the Pimple: ...
  2. Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ...
  3. Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ...
  4. Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ...
  5. Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ...
  6. Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.
Jul 25, 2024

Can salt water remove pimples? ›

Can Salt Water Help Treat Acne? According to dermatologist Elizabeth Houshmand, MD, salt water from the ocean can dry up pimples and provide an anti-inflammatory effect in mild acne. "This is not a beneficial treatment for severe acne," she says.

What to put on a popped pimple overnight? ›

Hydrocolloid patches and bandages are excellent because they can absorb any moisture that comes out of the popped pimple while keeping the environment bacteria-free and moist. That said, if you don't have one on hand, petroleum jelly or anti-bacterial ointment can also help.

What dries out pimples? ›

How to dry out a pimple safely starts by selecting over-the-counter products that contain anti-acne ingredients. Over-the-counter acne creams or gels that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are a great place to start, as these ingredients have plenty of research that demonstrates their acne-fighting powers.

How to remove pimples with vaseline? ›

Slugging, or slathering your face with Vaseline, isn't a great way to treat acne. In fact, it can make acne worse for some individuals. You can use Vaseline as a remedy for other skin problems like skin injuries, chafing, or dry skin. It's best to use it when your skin is damp so you get the most benefits.

How to remove pimples naturally and permanently? ›

HOW TO GET RID OF PIMPLES
  1. SCRUB AND EXFOLIATE. ...
  2. APPLY HEAT. ...
  3. MAKE A NATURAL FACE MASK. ...
  4. USE A NATURAL SPOT TREATMENT. ...
  5. Develop a consistent and well-coordinated skincare routine. ...
  6. Try to limit stress. ...
  7. Follow a skin-healthy diet.

What kills acne the fastest? ›

If you're looking for quick ways to zap a zit, the best place to start is a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment. And there are lots of other things you can do to move your blemish along, from icing and heating your skin and using salicylic acne cleansers to blue light therapy and cortisone injections.

What age is acne the worst? ›

Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old. For people who have widespread acne that is classed as moderate to severe, more intervention in the form of acne treatments is often required.

How to have clear skin in 2 days? ›

How to Get Clearer Skin Just 2 Days Before the Wedding
  1. Go to Bed With a Clean Face. ...
  2. Try Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  3. Use a Sheet Mask Before Bed. ...
  4. Avoid Salty Foods in the Evening. ...
  5. Don't Be Afraid of Oils. ...
  6. Treat Your Under-Eyes. ...
  7. Hydrate. ...
  8. Don't Pop Pimples.
Feb 1, 2024

Does applying toothpaste on burns help? ›

A study published in the Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries notes that applying toothpaste to a burn is a "potentially harmful" treatment that can "worsen the burn." Toothpaste can intensify the burn's pain and increase the risk of infection and scarring.

What does toothpaste and vaseline do to your face? ›

Not so fast. Components in toothpaste are optimized for teeth, not skin, and many of them are actually irritating and too harsh for the skin. Sodium lauryl sulfate, for example, can cause irritation and redness when used on the skin, and overdrying the skin can actually make acne worse.

Can vaseline remove pimples? ›

While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.

References

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