Is Total Dentifrice Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Colgate
Total Dentifrice is one of the oral care 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 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Saccharin, Sucralose 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 fluoride is beneficial for dental health but also indicates a processed formulation.
Main concern
Includes sodium lauryl sulfate, 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 in preventing cavities and promoting dental health.
- Incorporates zinc oxide, known for its antibacterial properties, contributing to oral hygiene.
Concerns
- Includes sodium lauryl sulfate, a synthetic surfactant that may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Contains sodium saccharin and sucralose, artificial sweeteners that raise concerns about synthetic additives.
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 oral care.
-
Is Glycerin safe in this oral care?
Good
Glycerin is used here as base. Glycerin is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the dentifrice, enhancing texture and usability. It is generally considered safe and effective.
Role in formula: base
Original: Glycerin
-
Is Hydrated Silica safe in this oral care?
Medium
Hydrated Silica is used here as abrasive. Hydrated silica acts as a mild abrasive to aid in cleaning teeth. While effective, its abrasive nature can be a concern for enamel wear if used excessively.
Role in formula: abrasive
Original: Hydrated Silica
-
Is Aqua safe in this oral care?
Good
Aqua is used here as solvent. Aqua serves as a solvent in the formulation, helping to dissolve other ingredients and create a paste-like consistency. It is safe and essential for product formulation.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: Aqua
-
Is Calcium Pyrophosphate safe in this oral care?
Medium
Calcium Pyrophosphate is used here as anticalculus agent. Calcium pyrophosphate is included to help reduce tartar buildup. While effective, it is a processed ingredient that may raise some quality concerns.
Role in formula: anticalculus agent
Original: Calcium Pyrophosphate
-
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate safe in this oral care?
Bad
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used here as surfactant. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a synthetic surfactant that creates foam but can cause irritation for some users, raising concerns about its inclusion in oral care products.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
-
Is Arginine safe in this oral care?
Good
Arginine is used here as natural_extract. Arginine is an amino acid that may help in remineralizing enamel and improving oral health. Its natural origin supports its inclusion as a beneficial ingredient.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: Arginine
-
Is Aroma safe in this oral care?
Medium
Aroma is used here as flavor. Aroma is used to enhance the flavor of the dentifrice. While it improves user experience, the specific composition is often undisclosed, raising some concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Aroma
-
Is Cellulose Gum safe in this oral care?
Medium
Cellulose Gum is used here as thickener. Cellulose gum is a thickening agent that improves texture. It is derived from plant sources but is processed, which may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Cellulose Gum
-
Is Zinc Oxide safe in this oral care?
Good
Zinc Oxide is used here as antimicrobial. Zinc oxide is included for its antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce bacteria in the mouth. It is generally regarded as safe and effective.
Role in formula: antimicrobial
Original: Zinc Oxide
-
Is Poloxamer 407 safe in this oral care?
Medium
Poloxamer 407 is used here as surfactant. Poloxamer 407 is a synthetic surfactant that aids in the dispersion of ingredients. While effective, it raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: Poloxamer 407
-
Is Zinc Citrate safe in this oral care?
Good
Zinc Citrate is used here as antimicrobial. Zinc citrate is included for its antibacterial properties, contributing to oral hygiene. It is considered safe and beneficial for dental health.
Role in formula: antimicrobial
Original: Zinc Citrate
-
Is Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate safe in this oral care?
Medium
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate is used here as anticalculus agent. Tetrasodium pyrophosphate helps prevent tartar buildup. While effective, it is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: anticalculus agent
Original: Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
Read the full ingredient profile for Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
-
Is Xanthan Gum safe in this oral care?
Medium
Xanthan Gum is used here as thickener. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that improves texture and stability. It is derived from fermentation but is processed, which may raise concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Xanthan Gum
-
Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine safe in this oral care?
Medium
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is used here as surfactant. Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil, used for its mildness. However, it is still a processed ingredient, raising some concerns.
Role in formula: surfactant
Original: Cocamidopropyl Betaine
-
Is Sodium Fluoride safe in this oral care?
Good
Sodium Fluoride is used here as antimicrobial. Sodium fluoride is included for its proven effectiveness in preventing cavities and promoting dental health. It is a key ingredient in many oral care products.
Role in formula: antimicrobial
Original: Sodium Fluoride
-
Is Sodium Saccharin safe in this oral care?
Bad
Sodium Saccharin is used here as sweetener. Sodium saccharin is an artificial sweetener used to enhance flavor. Its synthetic nature raises concerns about its inclusion in oral care products.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sodium Saccharin
-
Is Phosphoric Acid safe in this oral care?
Medium
Phosphoric Acid is used here as acidulant. Phosphoric acid is used to adjust pH and enhance cleaning efficacy. While effective, it is a synthetic ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Phosphoric Acid
-
Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose safe in this oral care?
Medium
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is used here as thickener. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a thickening agent that improves texture. It is synthetic and raises concerns about its inclusion in oral care products.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
-
Is Sucralose safe in this oral care?
Bad
Sucralose is used here as sweetener. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that enhances flavor but raises concerns due to its synthetic nature and potential health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sucralose
-
Is Benzyl Alcohol safe in this oral care?
Medium
Benzyl Alcohol is used here as preservative. Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth. While effective, it is a synthetic ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Benzyl Alcohol
-
Is Linalool safe in this oral care?
Medium
Linalool is used here as fragrance. Linalool is a naturally occurring compound used for fragrance. While it enhances user experience, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: fragrance
Original: Linalool
-
Is Ci 73360 safe in this oral care?
Bad
Ci 73360 is used here as colorant. CI 73360 is a synthetic colorant used for aesthetic purposes. Its synthetic nature raises concerns about its safety and quality in oral care products.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: CI 73360
-
Is Ci 74160 safe in this oral care?
Bad
Ci 74160 is used here as colorant. CI 74160 is another synthetic colorant that enhances appearance. Its inclusion raises concerns about the use of synthetic additives in oral care products.
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: 4284018
More from this brand: Colgate products in Zerotox
Similar products: oral_care 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.