Toothpaste Ingredients to Avoid (And What to Use Instead)

Most people never read their toothpaste ingredient list. But if you're becoming more conscious about what goes into your body, it's worth understanding what's actually in your tube — and what you might want to avoid.

This guide breaks down the most commonly questioned toothpaste ingredients, what the research says about each, and what alternatives are available. For a full A-Z reference, visit our toothpaste ingredient glossary.

Ingredients Some People Choose to Avoid

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

What it is: A detergent and foaming agent found in most conventional toothpastes. It creates the lather you feel when brushing.

Why some avoid it: Research suggests SLS may increase the frequency of canker sores (aphthous ulcers) in susceptible individuals. Some people also experience irritation, dry mouth, or peeling of the inner cheeks.

What to use instead: SLS-free toothpastes use milder surfactants like sodium lauroyl sarcosinate or cocamidopropyl betaine. Many premium brands are SLS-free by default. Browse our SLS-free toothpaste collection.

2. Triclosan

What it is: An antibacterial agent previously used in some toothpastes.

Why it was removed: The FDA banned triclosan from hand soaps in 2016, and most toothpaste manufacturers have since removed it. Concerns included potential endocrine disruption and environmental impact. You're unlikely to find it in modern premium toothpastes, but check older or budget brands.

What to use instead: Any modern toothpaste from a reputable brand will be triclosan-free.

3. Artificial Sweeteners (Saccharin, Aspartame)

What they are: Synthetic sweeteners added to improve taste. Sodium saccharin is the most common in toothpaste.

Why some avoid them: While the amounts in toothpaste are minimal, some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners as part of a broader natural lifestyle choice.

What to use instead: Natural toothpastes typically use xylitol or stevia for sweetening — both are plant-derived alternatives.

4. Microplastics (Polyethylene Microbeads)

What they are: Tiny plastic beads previously used as abrasives in some toothpastes.

Why to avoid them: Microplastics are an environmental pollutant. They can also become trapped under gum tissue. Most countries have now banned microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, and reputable brands no longer use them.

What to use instead: Modern toothpastes use natural abrasives like hydrated silica or calcium carbonate.

5. Propylene Glycol

What it is: A synthetic humectant used to maintain moisture and consistency in toothpaste.

Why some avoid it: While generally considered safe at low concentrations, some people prefer to avoid synthetic humectants as part of a natural ingredient preference.

What to use instead: Glycerin (preferably plant-derived) serves the same function in natural formulas.

6. Artificial Colours and Dyes

What they are: Synthetic colours (like Blue 1, Red 40) added purely for appearance.

Why to avoid them: They serve no functional purpose. Some people prefer to avoid unnecessary synthetic additives.

What to use instead: Premium toothpastes from brands like Boka, Davids, and Keeko don't use artificial colours.

Ingredients That Are Generally Fine

Not every chemical-sounding ingredient is bad. These are commonly questioned but generally considered safe:

• Hydrated silica — a gentle, effective abrasive used in most quality toothpastes
• Sodium fluoride — the most widely studied oral care ingredient, recommended by most dental associations
• Carrageenan — a seaweed-derived thickener, sometimes questioned but generally recognised as safe in oral care
• Xylitol — a natural sweetener with oral health benefits, not a harmful additive
• Glycerin — a humectant that's been used safely in oral care for decades

How to Read a Toothpaste Label

Toothpaste ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. The first few ingredients make up the bulk of the formula. Active ingredients (like fluoride or hydroxyapatite) are usually listed separately. Here's a quick guide:

• First 3-5 ingredients: The base — usually water, abrasive (silica), humectant (glycerin), surfactant
• Active ingredients: Listed separately — fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or other key actives
• Last few ingredients: Flavouring, sweetener, preservative, colour (if any)

Our ingredient glossary explains each common toothpaste ingredient in plain language.

The Cleanest Toothpaste Brands in Australia

These brands consistently score well on ingredient transparency:

• Boka — n-Ha based, SLS-free, no artificial colours or sweeteners
• Davids — every ingredient explained on packaging, recyclable tube
• Keeko — Australian-made, coconut oil base, certified cruelty-free
• Gem — Australian-made, clean ingredient list, no SLS
• Terra & Co — organic charcoal formulas, sustainable packaging

See our full Best Toothpaste in Australia guide for detailed recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most harmful ingredient in toothpaste?

There's no single "most harmful" ingredient in modern toothpaste from reputable brands. The most commonly avoided ingredients are SLS (linked to mouth irritation in some people), triclosan (now largely phased out), and microplastics (banned in most countries). If you want to avoid all of these, choose a premium natural toothpaste brand.

Is SLS in toothpaste dangerous?

SLS is not considered dangerous at the concentrations used in toothpaste. However, research suggests it may increase canker sore frequency in susceptible people and can cause irritation for sensitive mouths. If you experience mouth irritation, switching to an SLS-free toothpaste is an easy first step.

Should I switch to natural toothpaste?

If you want to avoid SLS, artificial sweeteners, synthetic colours, and unnecessary additives, natural toothpaste is worth exploring. The key is choosing one with effective active ingredients — particularly nano-hydroxyapatite for enamel support. Browse our natural toothpaste collection.