Is Max White Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Colgate
Max White is one of the skincare products analyzed by Zerotox for Colgate. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Peg 12, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Potassium Hydroxide affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium saccharin, which are synthetic additives that raise quality concerns. The presence of artificial colors also indicates a processed formulation.
Main concern
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a synthetic surfactant that may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains sodium fluoride, which is effective for dental health and cavity prevention.
- Includes natural thickening agents like xanthan gum, contributing to product stability.
Concerns
- Sodium lauryl sulfate is a synthetic surfactant that may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Artificial colors such as CI 17200 and CI 42090 raise concerns about synthetic additives in the formulation.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- users trying to avoid sulfates
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this skincare.
-
Is Water safe in this skincare?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this formulation, providing a medium for other ingredients to dissolve and function effectively.
Role in formula: base
Original: Aqua
-
Is Sorbitol safe in this skincare?
Medium
Sorbitol is used here as sweetener. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used for its sweetening properties and as a humectant, helping to retain moisture in the product.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sorbitol
-
Is Hydrated Silica safe in this skincare?
Medium
Hydrated Silica is used here as abrasive. Hydrated silica acts as a mild abrasive, aiding in the removal of plaque and stains from teeth, but may raise concerns for sensitive users.
Role in formula: abrasive
Original: Hydrated Silica
-
Is Peg 12 safe in this skincare?
Bad
Peg 12 is used here as surfactant. PEG-12 is a synthetic polymer that can be associated with skin irritation and concerns regarding contamination during manufacturing.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: PEG-12
-
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate safe in this skincare?
Bad
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used here as surfactant. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common surfactant that can cause irritation and dryness, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
-
Is Aroma safe in this skincare?
Medium
Aroma is used here as flavor. Aroma is a vague term that can refer to various flavoring agents, which may include synthetic components that could cause allergic reactions.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Aroma
-
Is Cellulose Gum safe in this skincare?
Medium
Cellulose Gum is used here as thickener. Cellulose gum is a thickening agent that helps to stabilize the product, but it is a processed ingredient with mixed safety profiles.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Cellulose Gum
-
Is Potassium Hydroxide safe in this skincare?
Bad
Potassium Hydroxide is used here as buffer. Potassium hydroxide is a strong base used to adjust pH, but it can be caustic and may cause irritation if not properly formulated.
Role in formula: buffer
Original: Potassium Hydroxide
-
Is Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate safe in this skincare?
Medium
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate is used here as chelating_agent. Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is used to bind metal ions and enhance product stability, but it is a synthetic ingredient with potential concerns.
Role in formula: chelating_agent
Original: Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
Read the full ingredient profile for Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
-
Is Phosphoric Acid safe in this skincare?
Medium
Phosphoric Acid is used here as acidulant. Phosphoric acid is used to adjust acidity, which can enhance flavor but may also contribute to enamel erosion with frequent use.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Phosphoric Acid
-
Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine safe in this skincare?
Medium
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is used here as surfactant. Cocamidopropyl betaine is a milder surfactant derived from coconut oil, providing cleansing properties with lower irritation potential.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: Cocamidopropyl Betaine
-
Is Sodium Fluoride safe in this skincare?
Good
Sodium Fluoride is used here as active. Sodium fluoride is an effective agent for preventing cavities and strengthening tooth enamel, contributing positively to dental health.
Role in formula: active
Original: Sodium Fluoride
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Is Sodium Saccharin safe in this skincare?
Bad
Sodium Saccharin is used here as sweetener. Sodium saccharin is an artificial sweetener that has faced scrutiny over safety concerns, particularly regarding long-term consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sodium Saccharin
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this skincare?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent that helps stabilize the formulation, but it is processed and may cause digestive issues in some.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan Gum
-
Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose safe in this skincare?
Medium
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is used here as thickener. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a synthetic thickener that enhances texture but may raise concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
-
Is Eugenol safe in this skincare?
Medium
Eugenol is used here as flavor. Eugenol is a natural compound with a clove-like flavor, but it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Eugenol
-
Is Ci 17200 safe in this skincare?
Bad
Ci 17200 is used here as colorant. CI 17200 is a synthetic colorant that may pose health risks and is associated with allergic reactions in some individuals.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: CI 17200
-
Is Ci 42090 safe in this skincare?
Bad
Ci 42090 is used here as colorant. CI 42090 is an artificial colorant that has been linked to hyperactivity in children and other health concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: CI 42090
-
Is Ci 73360 safe in this skincare?
Bad
Ci 73360 is used here as colorant. CI 73360 is a synthetic colorant that may raise concerns regarding its safety and potential for allergic reactions.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: CI 73360
-
Is Ci 74160 safe in this skincare?
Bad
Ci 74160 is used here as colorant. CI 74160 is an artificial colorant that can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals and raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: CI 74160
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4284044
More from this brand: Colgate products in Zerotox
Similar products: skincare in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.