Spotted a breakout around your mouth and instinctively reached for the toothpaste? You're not alone. For years, putting toothpaste on spots has been a go-to DIY fix. But while the idea might feel nostalgic (thanks, teenage sleepovers), science says otherwise. Toothpaste might dry out a pimple temporarily, but the harsh truth? It often makes things worse.
Why do people put toothpaste on spots – and does it actually work?
The logic behind putting toothpaste on spots is that some formulas contain ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol – all of which can have a drying effect. But here’s the catch: toothpaste is designed for enamel, not delicate facial skin. And what might zap the oil out of a zit can also strip your skin barrier, leading to more irritation, more redness, and more breakouts.
Does toothpaste help spots?
Not really. Dermatologists have long advised against using toothpaste as a spot treatment. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, harsh ingredients and the wrong pH levels can disrupt your skin’s microbiome, making acne-prone skin even more reactive.
So... can toothpaste cause acne?
Surprisingly, yes. Even if you're not dabbing it on your face, your everyday toothpaste could still be triggering breakouts – especially around the mouth, jawline or chin. That’s because many conventional toothpastes include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), a foaming agent that can be irritating to skin.
SLS is what gives toothpaste its frothy lather. But it's also a known skin irritant, commonly linked to perioral dermatitis – a type of rash that causes redness, bumps, and dry, flaky patches around the mouth. If you’re noticing breakouts in that area, your toothpaste might be the undercover culprit.
Cleansing after brushing can help
If you brush your teeth and then wash your face, that lingering foam (and any SLS residue) gets rinsed away. Do it the other way around, and those skin-irritating ingredients can stay put, setting up camp in your pores. That’s why many dermatologists suggest you cleanse after you brush.
Solutions to breakouts around the mouth
Cleansing after brushing can help – but if you want to skip the risk altogether, switching to an SLS-free toothpaste is your best bet. It might sound like a small change, but it can make a big difference. Alongside helping with toothpaste acne and breakouts, ditching SLS can:
- Help reduce mouth ulcers
- Prevent dry mouth
- Stop that weird metallic taste when you drink orange juice after brushing
Behind the formula
“At Life Supplies, we designed our refillable toothpaste without SLS because it simply doesn’t belong near your skin or your mouth. Instead, we use gentle, effective ingredients that protect your enamel without triggering sensitivity or spots,” says Majedeh Mazraei, our Formulation Chemist and dental expert. “You shouldn’t have to choose between healthy teeth and happy skin.”
The best SLS-free toothpaste?
Ours. Obviously we’re biased, but our daily whitening toothpaste ticks all the boxes: SLS-free, made with naturally derived ingredients, refillable, vegan, and dentist-approved. Plus, unlike many natural options, it still includes fluoride for proper cavity protection. Your dentist will thank you. So will your skin.
If you’re dealing with toothpaste breakouts, it might be time to rethink what’s sitting on your bathroom shelf. Swapping to an SLS-free formula like ours could be the glow-up your skin (and smile) has been waiting for.
Looking to make the switch? Try our SLS-free toothpaste and see the difference for yourself.
