What Are the Excipients in Toothpastes?

Q&A 357.4

What are the excipients in toothpastes?

Prepared by UK Medicines Information (UKMi) pharmacists for NHS healthcare professionals

Before using this Q&A, read the disclaimer at

Date prepared:April 2015

Background

Toothpastes contain a large number of excipients including fluoride, abrasives, detergents, binding agents, humectants, preservatives, colouring agents, antiseptics and flavourings [1]. There are reports that some of these excipients cause adverse oral reactions such as cheilitis (due toallergic or irritant contact dermatitis – ACD and ICD), peri-oral eczema, stomatitis, lichenoid reactions, burning mouth syndrome, loss of taste and systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis, rhinitis and breathing difficulties [1-25]. In a retrospective study of 202 patients referred to a tertiary dermatology centre with eczematous cheilitis, 25.9% of cases were caused by toothpastes, the second most common cause after lip cosmetics [2].

Excipients most commonly implicated are flavourings (and their active compounds)– spearmint (carvone), peppermint (menthol), fennel (anethole) and cinnamon or cassia oil (cinnamic aldehyde) [1,3,4]. Others that have been reported to cause contact allergic reactions includethe antibacterial, triclosan [5,6], foaming agents such as cocamidopropyl betaine [7,8] and sodium laurylsulphate [9,10], andpreservatives such as parabens [2], polyethylene glycol [7,11] and sodium benzoate [12]. Pyrophosphates in tartar-control toothpastes have causedICD with ulceration, sloughing, erythema, fissuring and a burning sensation [13,14]. Tartar-control toothpastes containing pyrophosphates can be a particular problem as they contain higher concentrations of flavourings and detergents to mask the bitter taste of these compounds and increase their solubility [13,14]. Essential oils (tea tree oil and propolis) [3,26] and fragrances (limonene and linalool) [27] have also been reported to cause allergy.

For patients who experience adverse effects that are thought to be due to their toothpaste, changing to another product that does not contain the suspected excipient results in complete resolution of symptoms within a few weeks or months [3,8,13,14,17,18,20,21,28]. If ACD is suspected, patch testing can be helpful in identifying the likely allergen [29,30].

Answer

The following table is a list of toothpastes widely available in the UK and the excipients they contain which are associated with irritant or allergic reactions affecting the mouth and lips, or systemic adverse effects. It can be used to choose a suitable product that does not contain excipients suspected to be the cause of adverse reactions. The table also includes fluoride content, and sweeteners and other excipients which may be undesirable.

1

Medicines Q&A 357.4 What are the excipients in toothpastes? April 2015

Available through NICE Evidence Search at

Toothpaste name and manufacturer / Fluoride (ppm) / Excipients associated with adverse reactions (see Limitations) / Other excipients
Anti-bacterial / Flavouring / Foaming agent / Fragrance / Preservative/
Solvent / Pyro-phosphate / Other / Sweetener / Alcohol
AloeDent by Optima Health & Nutrition (Telephone 01274 526360)
Children’s Fluoride-free / None / Tea tree / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Miswak / None / Tea tree / Menthol
Peppermint / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Sensitive Fluoride / 1500 / Tea tree / Menthol
Peppermint / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Sensitive Fluoride-free / None / Tea tree / Menthol
Peppermint / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Triple Action Fluoride / 1500 / Tea tree / Menthol
Peppermint / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Triple Action Fluoride-free / None / Tea tree / Menthol
Peppermint / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Whitening Fluoride / 1500 / Tea tree / Menthol
Peppermint / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Whitening Fluoride-free / None / Tea tree / Menthol
Peppermint / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Aquafresh by GlaxoSmithKline (Telephone 020 8047 2500)
Active Cavity Protection Fluoride / 1400 / Aroma NS
Citral / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Active Fresh Breath Fluoride / 1400 / Aroma NS
Citral / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Active 12 Hour Protection Fluoride / 1400 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Active Whitening Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Complete Care Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Aquafresh by GlaxoSmithKline (Telephone 020 8047 2500)continued
Complete Care Extra Fresh Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS
Citral / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Complete Care Whitening Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
High Definition White Illuminating Mint Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
High Definition White Tingling Mint Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Little Teeth 3-5 Years Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Milk Teeth 0-2 Years Fluoride / 1000 / Aroma NS / CAPB / Sorbitol / Saccharin
My Big Teeth 6+ Years Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Triple Protection Fresh & Minty Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Ultimate + Whitening Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene
Linalool / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Arm and Hammer by Church and Dwight UK (Telephone 01303 858700)
Advance White / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Advance White Intense Fresh / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Advance White Sensitive / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Enamel Pro Repair Sensitive / 1100 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG/PPG-38/8 copolymer
PEG/PPG 166-66 copolymer
PEG-8 / Saccharin
Arm and Hammer by Church and Dwight UK (Telephone 01303 858700)continued
Enamel Pro Repair Whitening / 1100 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG/PPG-38/8 copolymer PEG/PPG 166-66 copolymer
PEG-8 / Saccharin
Max Booster / 250 / Aroma NS / Eugenol
Limonene / PEG/PPG-38/8 copolymer
PEG/PPG 166-66 copolymer
PEG-8 / Saccharin
Original Coolmint / 1100 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-8 / Saccharin
Sucrose octaacetate
Truly Radiant / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG/PPG 166-66 copolymer
PEG-8
Polyethylene / Saccharin
Beverly Hills Formula by Purity Laboratories (Telephone 00 353 1842 6611 - ROI)
Dentist’s Choice Gum & Whitening Expert / 1000 / Doublemint / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Natural White / 1000 / Triclosan / Doublemint / SLS / Limonene / PEG-32 / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Natural White Gentle Sensitive / 1000 / Doublemint / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Natural Whitening Expert / None / Herbalmint / SLS / PEG-1500 / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Perfect White / 1400 / Freshmint / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-32 / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Beverly Hills Formula by Purity Laboratories (Telephone 00 353 1842 6611 - ROI) continued
Perfect White Black / 1400 / Freshmint / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-32 / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Perfect White Sensitive / 1400 / Freshmint / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-32 / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Sensitive Whitening Expert / 1000 / Doublemint / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Total Breath Whitening / 1300 / Triclosan / Peppermint / SLS / Limonene / PEG-32 / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Total Enamel Sensitive / 1300 / Peppermint / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Total Protection Whitening / 1000 / Triclosan / Doublemint / SLS / Limonene / PEG-32 / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Biosis by Biosis (Telephone 0845 004 4844)
Alba Pura Neutral toothpowder / None
Biotene by GlaxoSmithKline (Telephone 020 8047 2500)
Gentle Formula Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Sucralose
Blanx by Coswell (Telephone Acdoco 0161 359 4130)
Active Enamel Protection / 890 / Aroma NS / SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / Benzyl alcohol
PEG-32
Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Advanced Whitening / 890 / Aroma NS / Eugenol
Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Classic White / 890 / Aroma NS / Eugenol
Limonene / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Blanx by Coswell (Telephone Acdoco 0161 359 4130) continued
Extrawhite Intensive Whitening Treatment / 792 / Aroma NS / SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / Parabens
PEG-32 / Tetra-potassium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Intensive Stain Removal / 890 / Anethole
Aroma NS
Menthol
Peppermint / Eugenol / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Sensitive Teeth / 890 / Aroma NS / SLS / Benzyl alcohol
Parabens
PEG-32 / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
White Shock / 890 / Aroma NS / Benzyl alcohol / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Brilliant by Lornamead (Telephone 01276 415740)
Daily Advanced Whitening / 1100 / Peppermint / SLS / Eugenol / Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Sparkling Whitening / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Parabens
PEG-8 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Whitening Booster gel / None / Peppermint / CAPB
SLS / Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Clinomyn by EC DeWitt / Lornamead (Telephone 01276 415740)
Smokers / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Phenoxyethanol / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Colgate by Colgate-Palmolive (Telephone 0800 32132132)
Advanced White GoPure Gel / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12
Polyethylene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Advanced White with Micro-Cleansing Crystals / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12
Polyethylene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Anticavity for Kids Mild Flavour 6+ Years / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Anti-Tartar Plus Whitening Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Baking Soda Fluoride / 1100 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Saccharin
Cavity Protection / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Tetra-sodium PP / Saccharin
Cool Stripe / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Saccharin
Deep Clean Whitening with Baking Soda Fluoride / 1100 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Saccharin
Fluoride Family Action / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Saccharin
Fresh Gel Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Kids for 0-3 Years / 1000 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12
Polyethylene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Kids for 4-6 Years / 1450 / Aroma NS
Cinnamal Menthol / SLS / Eugenol Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
MaxFresh with ActiClean / 1450 / Aroma NS
Menthol / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
MaxFresh with Cooling Crystals / 1450 / Aroma NS
Menthol / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Maximum Cavity Protection Fresh Mint / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Benzyl alcohol / Tetra-sodium PP / Saccharin
Colgate by Colgate-Palmolive (Telephone 0800 32132132)continued
Maximum Cavity Protection Mild Mint Kids 3+ Years / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Benzyl alcohol / Tetra-sodium PP / Saccharin
Max White One / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-12
Polyethylene / Tetra-potassium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Max White One Active / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-12
Polyethylene / Tetra-potassium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Max White One Luminous / 1450 / Aroma NS
Menthol / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-12
Polyethylene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Max White One Optic / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / PEG-12 / Tetra-potassium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Max White Shine Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / PEG-12 / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Max White with White Micro-Crystals Crystal Mint / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Sensitive Enamel Protect / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Eugenol Limonene / PEG-12 / Tetra-sodium PP / Saccharin
Sensitive Multi Protection / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / PEG-12 / Tetra-potassium PP / Saccharin
Sensitive Pro-Relief / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Sorbitol / Potassium acesulfame
Sucralose
Sensitive Pro-Relief Enamel Repair / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Benzyl alcohol / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Colgate by Colgate-Palmolive (Telephone 0800 32132132)continued
Sensitive Pro-Relief Multi-Protection / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Sorbitol / Potassium acesulfame
Sucralose
Sensitive Pro-Relief + Whitening / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Sorbitol / Potassium acesulfame
Sucralose
Sensitive Whitening / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / PEG-12 / Tetra-sodium PP / Saccharin
Total Advanced Antibacterial & Fluoride / 1450 / Triclosan / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Saccharin
Total Advanced Clean Antibacterial & Fluoride / 1450 / Triclosan / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Saccharin
Total Advanced Freshening Antibacterial & Fluoride / 1450 / Triclosan / Aroma NS
Cinnamal / SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / Saccharin
Total Advanced Whitening Antibacterial & Fluoride / 1450 / Triclosan / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Saccharin
Total Sensitive Antibacterial & Fluoride / 1450 / Triclosan / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Saccharin
Triple Action Fluoride Original Mint / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Saccharin
Whitening 2in1 Toothpaste & Mouthwash / 1100 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Whitening & Fresh Breath Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / Methylparaben
PEG-12
Propylparaben / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Corsodyl by GlaxoSmithKline (Telephone 020 8047 2500)
Daily Extra Fresh / 1400 / Aroma NS
Peppermint
Wildmint / CAPB / Limonene / Sodium benzoate / Saccharin / Alcohol
Daily Original / 1400 / Peppermint
Wildmint / CAPB / Limonene / Sodium benzoate / Saccharin / Alcohol
Daily Whitening / 1400 / Peppermint
Wildmint / CAPB / Limonene
Linalool / Sodium benzoate / Saccharin / Alcohol
Dr Organic by Dr Organic (Telephone 01792 646475)
Aloe Vera Whitening / 1000 / Menthol
Peppermint / Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Pomegranate Healthy Gums / 1000 / Aroma NS
Menthol / Limonene / Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Tea tree Fresh Breath Antibacterial / 1000 / Tea tree / Menthol
Peppermint / Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol
Xylitol
Euthymol by Johnson and Johnson (Telephone 01628 822222)
Original / None / Aroma NS / SLS / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Janina Ultrawhite by Brodie & Stone (Telephone 020 7299 7400)
Extra Strength / 1500 / Wildmint / SLS / Parabens / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Enamel Repair / 1500 / Wildmint / SLS / Limonene
Linalool / Parabens / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Maxiwhite / 1500 / Wildmint / SLS / Limonene
Linalool / Parabens
Phenoxyethanol / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Sensitive / 1500 / Wildmint / SLS / Parabens / Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Kingfisher by Kingfisher Natural Toothpaste (Telephone 01603 630484)
Aloe Vera, Tea Tree and Fennel fluoride-free / None / Tea tree / Fennel / Limonene
Aloe Vera, Tea Tree and Mint fluoride-free / None / Tea tree / Fennel / Limonene
Baking Soda fluoride-free / None / Peppermint
Spearmint / Limonene
Children’s Strawberry fluoride-free / None / Aroma NS
Fennel / Limonene
Fennel with fluoride / 1050 / Anethole
Fennel / Limonene
Fennel fluoride-free / None / Anethole
Fennel / Limonene
Mint with fluoride / 1050 / Fennel
Peppermint / Limonene
Mint fluoride-free / None / Fennel
Peppermint / Limonene
MacLeans by GlaxoSmithKline (Telephone 020 8047 2500)
Fresh Mint Fluoride / 1400 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Ice Whitening Gel Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Health Whitening Fluoride / 1400 / Aroma NS
Citral / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
White & Shine Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Whitening Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB SLS / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Oral-B by Procter and Gamble (Telephone 01932 896000)
1-2-3 / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
3D White Brilliance / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Di-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
3D White Luxe Healthy Shine / Yes NS / Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / PEG-20M / Di-sodium PP / Sorbitol
Xylitol / Saccharin
Sucralose
3D White Vitalize / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Di-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Complete Extra Fresh / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Complete Extra White / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Complete Mouthwash & Whitening / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Pro-Expert All-Around Protection Clean Mint/Mild Mint / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-6
Propylene glycol / Saccharin
Pro-Expert Enamel Shield / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / PEG-6
Propylene glycol / Saccharin
Pro-Expert Premium Gum Protection / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / PEG-6
Propylene glycol / Saccharin
Pro-Expert Sensitive & Gentle Whitening / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Pro-Expert Whitening / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-6
Propylene glycol / Saccharin
Stages / Yes NS / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Pearl Drops by Church and Dwight UK(Telephone 01303 858700)
Everyday White / 1400 / Aroma NS / CAPB
SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Tetra-potassium PP
Tetra-sodium PP / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Instant White / 1300 / Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Pro-White / 1300 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin / Alcohol
Restore White / 1300 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin / Alcohol
Ultimate Whitening / 1300 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-12 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Rapid White by Lornamead (Telephone 01276 415740)
Daily Whitening / 1100 / Peppermint / CAPB / Limonene / Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol / Potassium acesulfame
Saccharin
Express Instant Whitening / 1100 / Peppermint / CAPB / Limonene / Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol / Potassium acesulfame
Saccharin
Triple Action Whitening Booster Gel / None / Peppermint / CAPB
SLS / Sodium benzoate / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Sensodyne by GlaxoSmithKline (Telephone 020 8047 2500)
Classic / None / Cinnamal
Aroma NS / Limonene / PEG-40 stearate / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Complete Protection Complete Daily with Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Eugenol
Limonene / PEG-8 / Saccharin
Daily Care Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Sucralose
Daily Care Gel Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Sucralose
Extra Fresh Complete Protection Complete Daily / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-8 / Saccharin
Gentle Whitening Fluoride / 1400 / Aroma NS / CAPB / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Pronamel Daily Protection / 1450 / Anise alcohol Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Pronamel Gentle Whitening Cool Mint Fluoride / 1450 / Aroma NS / CAPB / Limonene / PEG-6 / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Rapid Relief & Long Lasting Protection Mint with Fluoride / 1040 / Aroma NS / Limonene / Parabens / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Repair & Protect Daily Repair / 1450 / Aroma NS / SLS / Limonene / PEG-8 / Potassium acesulfame
UltraDEX by Periproducts (Telephone 0208 868 1500)
Low Abrasion / 1000 / Aroma NS
Menthol / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Recalcifying & Whitening / 1000 / Aroma NS
Menthol / Limonene
Linalool / Saccharin
Retardex fluoride-free / None / Aroma NS
Menthol / Limonene / Sorbitol / Saccharin
Weleda by Weleda UK (Telephone 0115 944 8222)
Calendula / None / Aroma NS
Fennel / Limonene / Alcohol
Plant Gel / None / Aroma NS
Peppermint
Spearmint / Limonene / Alcohol
Salt / None / Aroma NS
Menthol / Limonene
Linalool / Alcohol
Ratanhia / None / Aroma NS
Peppermint
Spearmint / Limonene / Alcohol

1

Medicines Q&A 357.4 What are the excipients in toothpastes? April 2015

Available through NICE Evidence Search at

Limitations

1. This is not an exhaustive list of all toothpastes available in the UK. Supermarkets’ or stores’ own-branded products are not included.

2. Only excipients reported as relatively common allergens [1-3,27], or one of the 26 allergenic substances listed within annex III of the European Commission’s (EC) Cosmetics Regulation [31] (shown in italics in the table below), are included in the table plus a few selected excipients which some people may find undesirable. These include:

Alcohol / alcohol
Antibacterials / propolis, tea tree oil, triclosan
Flavourings / anethole, anise alcohol, aroma NS, carvone, cassia oil, cinnamal, cinnamicaldehyde, cinnamon, citral, doublemint, fennel, flavour NS, herbalmint, levomenthol, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, wildmint, wintergreen
Foaming agents / CAPB, SLS
Fragrances / eugenol, limonene, linalool
Others / colophony, lactose, methylsalicylate, sorbitol, vitamin E, xylitol
Preservatives / benzyl alcohol, macrogols, parabens, PEG, polyethylene, propylene glycol,
sodium benzoate
Pyrophosphates / bisodium PP, calcium PP, tetrapotassium PP, tetrasodium PP
Sweeteners / beta-D glucose, potassium acesulfame, saccharin, sucralose, sucrose octaacetate
EC allergenic substances (if not listed in the rows above): / alpha-isomethyl ionone, amyl cinnamal, amylcinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, benzyl salicylate, butylphenyl methylpropional, citronellol, coumarin, evernia furfuracea, evernia prunastri, farnesol, geraniol, hexylcinnamal, hydroxycitronellal, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexane carboxaldehyde, isoeugenol, methyl 2-octynoate.

Note: Aroma NS and Flavour NS: manufacturers do not have to name ingredients on product labelling if the concentration falls below the threshold stated in the CosmeticsRegulation, even if they are one of the 26 EC allergens. The thresholds are 0.001% for leave-on products and 0.01% for rinse-off products [31,32].