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Common Ingredients in Toothpaste: INCI Nomenclature
Discover the most common ingredients in commercial toothpastes, their uses, and potential risks associated with each. Learn how INCI nomenclature helps identify these ingredients effectively.
SCIENCE
Luigi Cellini
7/16/20264 min read
Fluoride (Sodium Fluoride / Sodium Monofluorophosphate)
Sodium Fluoride · Sodium Monofluorophosphate
NaF / MFP
Use
Fluoride is incorporated into toothpastes mainly for its preventive effect against tooth decay. Clinical trials show that fluoride toothpastes can reduce the development of new caries lesions compared with fluoride-free toothpastes.
This does not mean that fluoride eliminates the problem of tooth decay: despite decades of widespread use, dental caries remains one of the most widespread diseases in the world.
Risks and open questions
Excessive ingestion during tooth development can cause dental fluorosis. But scientific research on fluoride is not limited to fluorosis.
In recent years, total exposure from different sources and its possible relationship with effects on neurodevelopment, especially during pregnancy and childhood, have also been studied.
The available literature includes experimental studies, epidemiological studies in humans, systematic reviews and assessments by scientific bodies. The results do not allow the effects observed to be automatically extrapolated to any dose or form of exposure, but they raise questions that we consider important enough to examine separately.
→ Learn more: Fluoride — what we know and what we don't know.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The presence of an ingredient in a toothpaste does not, in itself, mean that it poses a health risk.
Its possible effects depend on numerous factors: concentration, chemical form, particle size where applicable, duration and frequency of exposure, route of contact, and the characteristics of the tissues exposed.
This guide does not aim to classify ingredients as "good" or "bad". Its purpose is to explain what they are used for and to examine what we know about their interaction with the mouth and the body based on the available scientific evidence.
It is important to distinguish between what has been demonstrated in humans, what has been observed in experimental or in vitro studies, and what still lacks sufficient evidence.
Just because an effect is biologically possible does not mean that it occurs during the normal use of a toothpaste. Likewise, the fact that an ingredient is authorised for a particular use does not remove the scientific interest in studying its exposure, its interactions and its possible effects.
For this reason, where there is sufficient information to explore a topic in greater depth, this guide links to specific analyses and to the corresponding scientific sources.
Triclosan
TCS
Use
An antibacterial agent formerly used to reduce plaque and gingivitis.
Risks
It is suspected of interfering with the hormonal system and of promoting bacterial resistance. For this reason, it has been progressively phased out of toothpastes marketed in the EU and the US.
Titanium Dioxide
CI 77891
Use
White opacifying pigment: it gives toothpaste its uniform white colour and contributes to the visual "whitening" effect.
Risks
In its nanoparticle form, when inhaled, it is classified as a possible carcinogen; for this reason, the EU has banned its use as a food additive since 2022. In cosmetics, the risk from oral use is considered low, but the substance remains under monitoring.
→ Learn more: Titanium Dioxide in Toothpaste: Genotoxicity Insights
Cetylpyridinium Chloride
CPC
Use
A broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that reduces plaque and bad breath; it is also commonly found in mouthwashes.
Risks
With prolonged use, it may cause superficial tooth staining and temporary alteration of taste; both are reversible upon discontinuation of the product.
Parabens
Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben…
PARABEN
Use
Preservatives that prevent the proliferation of bacteria and mould in the tube once opened.
Risks
They have weak oestrogen-like activity; at the concentrations permitted in cosmetics, the evidence of risk to health is considered limited. Nevertheless, they remain one of the most widely debated substances and are often replaced in "paraben-free" formulations.
Polyethylene Glycol
PEG
Use
Thickener and vehicle: helps to bind the ingredients and gives toothpaste the appropriate consistency.
Risks
In itself, it is mildly irritant; the noted risk refers to a possible by-product of processing (1,4-dioxane), which is controlled by law in production processes.
Hydrated Silica
SILICA
Use
Mild abrasive: mechanically removes plaque and surface debris during brushing.
Risks
If overly abrasive or used with aggressive brushing, it can contribute to enamel wear over time; for this reason, low-abrasivity (RDA) formulations exist for sensitive teeth.
Potassium Nitrate
KNO₃
Use
Desensitising ingredient, used in toothpastes "for sensitive teeth" to reduce pain caused by thermal stimuli.
Risks
Well tolerated at cosmetic doses; adverse effects are rare and mainly associated with significant accidental ingestion.
Xylitol
XYL
Use
Natural sweetener which, unlike sugar, does not feed cavity-causing bacteria and can inhibit their growth.
Risks
Safe for humans at cosmetic doses; however, it is toxic to dogs and should therefore be kept away from pets.
Glycerin
GLY
Use
Humectant: retains moisture and prevents toothpaste from drying out or hardening in the tube.
Risks
Considered one of the safest substances available; no significant risks documented at cosmetic concentrations.
Aroma / Flavour
AROMA
Use
Impart flavour and a sensation of freshness (mint, eucalyptus, etc.), making daily use pleasant.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions or mucosal irritation in individuals sensitive to specific aromatic components.
General sources: INCI nomenclature for cosmetics, dental literature, and assessments by regulatory authorities (EFSA, FDA, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety). Content for informational purposes, updated as of July 2026; for specific concerns, consult your dentist or pharmacist.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS
Use
Foaming surfactant: produces the foam that helps to distribute the product in the mouth and to loosen debris.
Risks
What we know
SLS has been studied for its interaction with the oral mucosa. Under certain experimental conditions, irritation, desquamation and changes in the barrier properties of the mucosa have been observed. There are also clinical studies on its use in people with recurrent aphthous ulcers. The results do not allow us simply to state that SLS "causes mouth ulcers".
→ Learn more: Surfactants, foam and interaction with the mouth
→ Learn more: The oral mucosa, a living barrier
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