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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.

Luigi Cellini

7/16/20262 min read

What does it say on the tube of toothpaste?

Fluoride (Sodium Fluoride / Sodium Monofluorophosphate)
Sodium Fluoride · Sodium Monofluorophosphate

NaF / MFP

Use
Strengthens enamel and promotes remineralisation, reducing the formation of cavities. It is the most studied and effective anti-caries ingredient in toothpastes.

Risks
If ingested in high and repeated doses, particularly in young children, it can cause dental fluorosis (staining of the enamel). For this reason, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is recommended for children under 6 years of age.

Note: this fact sheet is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a dentist or pharmacist. The concentrations used in commercially available cosmetic products are normally within safety limits; the risks listed refer mostly to improper use, ingestion, prolonged exposure, or predisposed individuals.

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.

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 distribute the product in the mouth and loosen debris.

Risks
May irritate the oral mucosa and contribute to the development of canker sores in predisposed individuals. It is not carcinogenic, but those who suffer from recurrent canker sores often benefit from SLS-free formulations.