Simply stated, the answer is no, experts say.
“Using toothpaste for acne typically does more harm than good,” says S. Tyler Hollmig, MD, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School.
While there is a kernel of plausibility about why it might be considered helpful — including that toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and menthol, all of which may cause drying and therefore help shrink active pimples — the risks outweigh the benefits, and here’s why.
May Cause Irritation and Dryness
Toothpaste’s drying properties can damage the skin barrier, leading to dermatitis, says Dr. Hollmig. (Dermatitis refers to skin inflammation and irritation, characterized by dryness, itching, or a rash.)
In short, your skin may appear (and feel) worse after using toothpaste on it.
May Impact Inflammation and Worsen Breakouts
The cause of acne is multifactorial, driven by a buildup of skin cells, C. acnes bacteria, oil production, inflammation, hormonal factors, and genetics.
Toothpaste may possibly worsen this process by clogging pores, says Hollmig, although there isn’t much research to prove this happens. Plus, skin barrier breakdown triggers inflammation. This can contribute to a cycle of acne.
May Increase Risk of Scarring
Due to irritation from toothpaste, it’s possible to end up with scarring that leads to hyperpigmentation, an especially big risk for those with darker skin tones, says Deirdre O’Boyle Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. The inflammation from acne itself, called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, can trigger this condition, too.
But injury to the skin and harsh skin treatments (such as toothpaste) can also cause cellular skin damage that can lead to discoloration, which may require further treatments, she says.
May Raise Perioral Dermatitis Risk
Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition in which you develop a red, often pimplelike rash around your mouth.
Toothpaste may be one factor in its development, among others.
“Perioral dermatitis is a complicated disease, and there are many causes,” says Dr. Hooper, including topical steroid use, chewing gum, and dental fillings.
Still, the last thing you want to do is irritate this rash, which toothpaste can do. If you suspect that using toothpaste to brush your teeth may be the cause of these rashy, pimplelike bumps, she recommends trying a toothpaste free of common irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate, cinnamon, and mint for four weeks to see if it helps.