Many of us have never dared to look into the long list of ingredients on the back of our toothpaste’s tube. However, if you have, you may have discovered your toothpaste contains SLS.
But what is SLS in toothpaste? In this article, we’ll explain exactly what SLS is, if you should be worried, and what alternatives there are. If you are someone who is health conscious, and worried about your environmental impact, read on to learn more about:
- What is SLS in toothpaste?
- Benefits of SLS in toothpaste
- Potential concerns with SLS and what it means to your health
- SLS-free alternatives
- Benefits of using SLS-free toothpastes
- What the experts have to say
Let's get into it!
What is SLS in toothpaste?
SLS stands for sodium lauryl sulfate. It is an ingredient that has been used for decades and is commonly found in many cosmetic products, including many toothpastes.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is used as a surfactant and foaming agent. It is commonly found in products such as soap, shampoos and toothpastes. Whilst it is so commonly used, scientists and dental care experts warn against the use of SLS in certain populations.
Properties of SLS
- Surfactant Properties: SLS can act as a surfactant, which helps to lift oils and other debris, helping to clean teeth. SLS also aids in removing plaque from teeth to impart a feeling of cleanliness.
- Foaming Agent: SLS helps to create the foam many toothpastes produce when brushing our teeth. It traps air in the toothpaste which helps to create the foam.
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Emulsification: SLS helps to mix up the ingredients found in toothpaste.
Benefits of SLS in Toothpaste
SLS is commonly used in toothpaste for a number of reasons. In many ways, it is responsible for creating the experience many of us associate with brushing our teeth.
Enhanced Cleaning
SLS is a popular chemical that is used due to its cleaning properties. That's why you’ll often find it in products such as shampoo, body wash, and toothpaste.
It works by attaching itself to oils and breaking up other substances, such as food particles. This helps to clean teeth, as SLS can penetrate, and break up plaque.
Studies looking at SLS have found that it indeed has anti plaque activity, which can help support oral health.
Foaming Action
When people think of brushing, they often think of a foamy, minty mouth. SLS helps to create this experience by acting as a foaming agent. The same goes for other products which we associate with cleanliness, such as shampoo and soap.
This foaming action does more than bring about the sensory experience of cleanliness. It also helps to distribute the toothpaste evening across your mouth. This helps the protective substances found in toothpaste to reach those hard-to-reach areas.
Antibacterial Properties
SLS has various antibacterial properties. It works by preventing the bacteria from forming a film which they use to multiply. This can help support our teeth’s health, and keeps our breath fresh.
Cost Effectiveness
SLS is a cheap ingredient, which is why you’ll find it in so many products. It also means that companies that use SLS in their toothpaste are able to sell their products for a reduced price.
Potential Concerns with SLS
While SLS is used in many toothpastes, there are some concerns when it comes to its safety and the impact it may have on the environment. It is important to understand these concerns, and what alternatives may be available, when it comes to making decisions about your health.
According to a research study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2022 showed mucosal desquamation, irritation or inflammation of the oral mucosa or the dorsal section of the tongue, ulcerations, and toxic responses in the oral cavity have all been listed as potential side effects of SLS.
Let’s discuss some of the common concerns here:
Slow Wound Healing
Some medical studies suggest that using SLS may slow down wound healing after surgical procedures. This is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a toothpaste to use after dental procedures, such as tooth extractions.
“...to be on the safe side, applying an SLS-free toothpaste is recommended in order to avoid possible negative responses in early stages of healing.” - Hamoun Sabri, Dept. of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan Dental School
Canker Sores
People who suffer from canker sores have issues with ulcers. People with this condition develop ulcers, which are often painful, on their inner cheeks, tongue, and on the inside of their lips. This can make eating, drinking and speaking uncomfortable.
Whilst it is unclear what SLS has to do with this condition, it is known that people with this condition that use SLS-free toothpaste suffer from fewer ulcers, and the ones that do occur do not last as long. They also have reduced ulcer pain, compared to people who use toothpaste that contains SLS.
This may be due to the slower wound healing that SLS contributes to.
Allergies and Irritation
Some people have allergies to SLS, which often goes undiagnosed. For these people, the use of SLS containing toothpaste can cause inflammation and irritation in their gums and on the tongue.
Environmental Concerns
Whilst there is mixed evidence when it comes to the effects that SLS can have on the environment. Some people are concerned with the effects that SLS may have on the environment, particularly aquatic life.
People who share concerns for the environment, and their impact on it, will often steer clear of surfactants such as SLS, to err on the side of caution.
Long Term Health Effects
SLS is known to be harmful at high concentrations, or if used excessively.
Whilst the concentration which is used in toothpaste is low, some people still express concerns over the use of SLS in toothpaste. For the health conscious person, avoiding SLS may bring them more peace of mind.
SLS-Free Alternatives
For people who are concerned with the effects that SLS may have on their health, there are numerous SLS-free alternatives. However, it is important to know what these are, as they are less common than SLS-containing toothpastes.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a milder surfactant, which is used in products which are designed for sensitive skin. This compound is derived from coconut oil and amino acids.
This compound is biodegradable, and is great for people with sensitive skin. It is often used in baby products, due to its gentle nature.
Some toothpastes will use Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate as an alternative to SLS.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is another mild surfactant that is used in personal care products, including some toothpastes. Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a compound which is made from a natural amino acid.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a gentle product, which also has properties that support dental health, including exhibiting antibacterial properties. It also helps to foam products, whilst still being gentle and biodegradable.
Boka’s SLS-Free toothpaste is a great example of how Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate can help achieve great tooth-cleaning results, without compromising quality. We pride ourselves on carefully designing toothpaste that uses cutting edge technology, ingredients powered by nature, and proven methods to achieve the best, SLS-free toothpaste.
Benefits of Using SLS-Free Toothpaste
Using SLS-free toothpaste is something that may appeal to those who are conscious of their health, and the environment. There are numerous benefits of using SLS-free toothpaste, including peace of mind.
Whilst SLS-free formulations often come with a larger price tag, there are many benefits to using toothpaste free of SLS, including:
Decreased Irritation
People with sensitivity to SLS may discover that using SLS-free toothpaste helps to reduce irritation and inflammation of their gums, and surrounding tissue. Many people do not know that they suffer from a sensitivity to SLS until they switch to a toothpaste that does not use this ingredient.
Reduction in Oral Canker Sores
People who suffer from canker sores are often advised to avoid SLS containing toothpastes. Avoiding SLS containing toothpaste has been shown to reduce the amount of ulcers these people suffer from, and provide relief from the pain associated with their ulcers.
Better Wound Healing
People who have undergone dental procedures, in particular dental surgery, may find that their wounds heal better without SLS. This could be a particular benefit to those who suffer from other health conditions, or are concerned about their healing time.
Protecting Marine Life
Unfortunately, SLS often ends up in the ocean, where it can have harmful effects on aquatic life. Avoiding the use of SLS containing products reduces the demand of SLS, which helps to reduce the amount that ends up in the natural environment.
Supports the Use of Natural Ingredients
Toothpaste that is free on SLS often replaces the Sodium lauryl sulfate with more natural ingredients. These toothpastes often use ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate to help clean teeth.
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
Whilst the use of SLS in personal care products is common, some healthcare professionals suggest avoiding this compound if you suffer from certain medical conditions.
Some dentists recommend avoiding SLS containing dental care products after surgery, to help your mouth recover and heal properly. Additionally, scientists are shedding light on the effect that SLS can have on people who suffer from canker sores.
On the other side, environmental scientists have shared concerns over the effects that large amounts of SLS can have on aquatic life. Whilst these amounts are much larger than what is found in toothpaste, it is unclear what effects these smaller amounts of SLS have on the whole ecosystem.
According to licensed endodontist Dr. Anjum Chaudhary (BDS, MDS), SLS is a safe ingredient for consumer personal care goods like toothpaste and is not known to cause cancer. However, should be used cautiously if any have recent oral surgery or are suffering from mouth ulcers.
If you suffer from dental conditions, it is important to ask your dentist about what oral hygiene products you should be using, and which you should be avoiding. In general, your dentist is the best person to ask for up-to-date evidence about SLS and other chemicals that can influence your dental health.
Conclusion
SLS is a surfactant which is used in many cosmetic and household products. It is often used in toothpaste as it helps to clean our teeth, foam up toothpaste and allows for toothpaste to be made, and sold at a lower cost.
For people with certain health concerns, using SLS may not be the best choice. Studies suggest that in certain populations, using SLS-containing products can be detrimental to their health.
Whilst they are less common, there are toothpastes available on the market that use other surfactants, such as Boka’s SLS-Free toothpaste that uses Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, which is derived from a naturally occurring amino acid, instead of SLS.
There are many reasons people opt for using an SLS-free toothpaste. If you are concerned about the potential effects of SLS, consider trying our line of dentist approved toothpastes.