SLS Free Toothpaste
At Truthpaste, we think it’s important to show transparency about what ingredients go into the products that you use on a daily basis. This is especially true if those products are going into your mouth! At Truthpaste we have always been honest about our ingredients. That includes what we do not use, as well as what we do. Truthpaste is an SLS free toothpaste, but what is SLS?
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
SLS stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. In very simple terms it’s a detergent. You can find it in hair products, cleaning products and, of course, some toothpastes (not ours!).
SLS is a type of 'surfactant' - an ingredient that can reduce the surface tension or molecules and helps to trap dirt and grease, making them effective cleaners. Surfactants are also foaming agents, they break down water into foam or lather.
Good for cleaning, but for teeth and gums?
In terms of toothpaste then, it is the stuff that makes it frothy. It is worth noting that foam isn’t necessarily required for cleaning. However, since the introduction of SLS into cleaning products in the 1930s, froth and soap suds have come to be closely associated with cleanliness.
Is SLS bad for you?
Why is SLS free toothpaste important? SLS is problematic for several reasons, from its production to its effect on hair and skin and, ultimately, on our environment.
Palm oil and petroleum.
Synthetic SLS is often formulated using a by-product of either palm oil or petroleum. Whilst there are alternatives, such as coconut oil, the vast majority of SLS production is causing irreparable damage to the environment.
SLS health risks and irritation.
If you are prone to allergies then SLS in your toothpaste can cause swelling, ulcers, gum irritation or just make your whole mouth feel uncomfortable. A preliminary study in 1994 showed that patients with recurring ulcers were significantly affected by using a toothpaste containing SLS. This was backed up by a further study in 1997. SLS free toothpaste might be recommended by your dentist should you suffer from sensitive gums or recurring ulcers.
Long term effects of SLS
The full effects of SLS chemicals on our environment are still being investigated. It is considered to be toxic to aquatic life on its own. Small amounts in household products, like toothpaste or shampoo, are unlikely to cause harm when washed down a sink. However, if it is not treated or disposed of correctly during production, the effects on the environment can be potentially devastating.
Toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate
Much like titanium dioxide, we feel that SLS does not belong in Truthpaste. As our natural ingredients, such as bentonite, can remove and prevent plaque to keep our teeth and mouth clean, we are happy to leave SLS well and truly off our ingredients list. The more that consumers demand SLS-free toothpaste, the sooner the manufacturers will have to pay attention, and we a finding many other brands promoting SLS free products too.
Resources
B B Herlofson, P Barkvoll. (1994) Sodium lauryl sulfate and recurrent aphthous ulcers: A preliminary study. National library of medicine
L Chahine, N Sempson, C Wagoner (1997) The effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on recurrent aphthous ulcers: a clinical study. National library of medicine
A. Moore et al. (1983) Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. Mary Ann Leibert Publishers Inc.
Y J Shim et al. (2012) Effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial, (2012) Oral Diseases Vol. 18 Iss. 7.
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Let customers speak for us
from 799 reviewsAbsolutely love these products. Will definitely be buying again.
Wonderfullly effective, leaves mouth, tongue and teeth feeling very clean. Simple to use, natural product and sensitive packaging
Excellent mouthwash. Leaves your mouth feeling really clean and fresh but not harshly treated.
Absolutely love this !!! Very minty & can really tell the difference with the natural oils super clean teeth now and stopping inflammation
I have been using this toothpaste for at least three years and it is the best I have used. I am told by my dentist that I have excellent hygiene for last two to three years too. I am a long term vegan and always try to be env-friendly and obv avoid palm oil too. Excellent. The price is off putting but it lasts ages so it balances out, all things considered.
A nice plastic free alternative that's hygienic and long lasting. Nice appropriately sized scoop end to get into the glass jar with ease and ensure you get the right amount of paste on your brush, plus the narrower handle end is good to use in the smaller travel size tins. It also makes a good tongue scraper!
I've used mouthwashes in the past that feels like they're going to burn my tongue off...this one is much milder, especially as you can dilute it a bit with water but still freshens the mouth and does the job. No nasty plastic container, nice natural ingredients!
I read some people see big differences within only a few days of use. I thought I'd give it a bit longer before adding my review. I have a condition and it comes with fragile tooth enamel and high sensitivity. Most toothpastes are too strong, too abrasive, only offer comfort for a few days use. I also hate waste and difficult to recycle/reuse traditional toothpaste packaging. A week in using truthpaste and I'm extremely satisfied with the outcome. Vastly reduced sensitivity so far and nice clean teeth! Spatula that came with my pack can also serve as a handy tongue scraper! No more plastic waste...a lovely little jar that's recyclable, but I'll be keeping for storing things in. I like the handy travel sized tins too. So far...so good. Thanks Truthpaste!
This toothpaste in combination with my Suri toothbrush is perfect
Really like this toothpaste, leaves my teeth feeling really clean with a nice freshness. I have tried tooth powder and tables but so far this is so much better.
Great product and feels safe to trust truthpaste for providing quality ingredients .
Like a mouth spa every time! No more pain and bleeding.. great at disinfecting and cleaning… really is so botanical.. I love it! It’s my go to toothpaste now.
After seeing adverts on social media I decided to try Truthpaste. The fact that it's fluoride free - the healthier option, it was worth a try. Anyway, love it. The peppermint & wintergreen has a really fresh taste & prefer the jar & spatula to a tube of toothpaste. I also bought the mouthwash which leaves your mouth feeling fresh & the charcoal floss is a great improvement on shop bought floss. I was so impressed, I put my second order in & my husband is now converted.
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