Toothpaste does not contain any ingredients that specifically target acne or pimples. Perhaps, it may temporarily reduce the size of a pimple by drying it out, hence why we may all be mislead by the before and after TikTok videos, but it can also clog the pores and trap bacteria, which can lead to more pimples or acne.
Technically speaking, most toothpastes contain ingredients like triclosan, which is anti-bacterial and may help to mitigate the acne-causing bacteria that lead to spots. It’s true also, that certain ingredients in your toothpaste will help to dry skin (and therefore the whitehead) out. But, the chemicals in question – namely baking soda, alcohol and even hydrogen peroxide (a type of bleach) – aren’t safe for skin, are likely to irritate and cause more problems in the long run than they solve.
“It’s effectiveness against acne is unfortunately a myth. It’s best to stick to actives for example benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid which have proven efficacy for spot treatment.” says Dr. Zainab Laftah.
Toothpaste is designed to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, which can be harsh on the delicate skin of the face. Applying toothpaste to a pimple or acne can also make it more prone to flakiness, cracking, or other skin issues. After all, skin is a sensitive organ and living tissue, teeth are not, so naturally, teeth can handle a bit more abrasion and trauma than skin could ever.
Instead, we’re better off sticking to dermatologist-approved alternatives like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide which have been tested on skin.
And, it turns out toothpaste isn’t the only beauty hack that’s secretly sabotaging your skincare routine. From using kitchen sugar as a body scrub to trying coconut oil as a moisturiser, we’re all guilty of turning to TikTok to find a beauty DIY shortcut, but Dr. Zainab Laftah cites these two beauty hacks as two of the worst culprits for damaged skin.
It looks like it’s time to say goodbye to mint-scented blemishes and a trail of sugar in the shower and hello to radiant, refreshed skin. Sorry Colgate, it’s not us, it’s you.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
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