SLS Free Toothpaste: Why You Should Avoid SLS in Toothpaste and Which SLS Free Toothpaste Is Best


The ingredients we put into our mouths every day deserve as much scrutiny as what we eat. While most people wouldn't knowingly ingest a skin irritant or toxin, many unknowingly brush their teeth with one. That ingredient is sodium lauryl sulfate —  commonly known as SLS. Found in many mainstream toothpaste formulations, SLS is rightly under increasing scrutiny for its impact not only on oral health but also on broader systemic wellness.

In this article, we'll explore what SLS is, why it's used, the science behind its risks, and why making the switch to an SLS free toothpaste is one of the simplest ways to protect your health.


What is SLS?


Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a synthetic surfactant — a compound that reduces surface tension and creates foam. Its primary function is to act as a detergent, breaking down oils and allowing debris to be washed away, which is why it is commonly used in industrial cleaning products.

Is SLS a Natural Ingredient?


SLS does not exist in nature and must be produced through a chemical process called sulfation. This occurs when lauryl alcohol (fatty alcohol) is reacted with sulfur trioxide gas or chlorosulfonic acid, followed by neutralisation with sodium carbonate or hydroxide. The lauryl alcohol used in this process can come from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or petroleum. Regardless of its origin, it undergoes heavy chemical processing.

Why Is SLS Used in Toothpaste?


In toothpaste, SLS is added to create foam, which aids in distributing the toothpaste evenly across the teeth and gums. This foaming action gives users the sensory impression of effective cleaning, but the mechanism is purely cosmetic.


The Case for SLS Free Toothpaste: SLS Can Harm Health


Importantly, SLS has no proven antibacterial, anti-plaque, or anti-cavity function. Its inclusion in toothpaste is aesthetic — not therapeutic. This raises the question: if SLS serves no real function in cleaning the mouth or improving oral health, what effect does it actually have? The answer is that its effects are harmful — not only to oral health but to systemic health. Herein lies the benefit of switching to an SLS free toothpaste.



Why Use SLS Free Toothpaste? The Side Effects of SLS


1. Oral Mucosa Irritation


Several studies have identified SLS as a known irritant to the delicate lining of the mouth. A double-blind crossover study published in Oral Diseases (Herlofson & Barkvoll, 1996) showed a significant increase in oral mucosal desquamation (shedding of the inner mouth lining) among individuals using SLS-containing toothpaste compared to SLS free alternatives.


2. Increased Risk of Canker Sores


SLS has been directly implicated in the formation of recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores). A study in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica (1994) demonstrated that patients prone to ulcers experienced a marked reduction in occurrence when they switched to SLS free toothpaste.


3. Disruption of Oral Microbiome


Emerging research suggests SLS may impact the natural balance of oral flora. Disruption of this balance can lead to downstream effects such as increased bad breath, gum inflammation, and even systemic immune responses. A 2000 study in Microbiology Today quotes: "The use of surfactants such as SLS in oral hygiene products can disrupt microbial homeostasis, possibly favouring pathogenic species."


4. Systemic Absorption and Cumulative Toxicity


Although SLS is not typically swallowed, trace amounts can be absorbed through the oral mucosa with repeated exposure. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology (1983) found that SLS penetration through the skin and mucous membranes (such as those within the mouth) increases significantly with repeated use. To this end, in high enough doses, SLS has been shown to cause liver and kidney stress in animal models. This cumulative toxicity is one of the main reasons to opt for an SLS free toothpaste.



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The Benefits of SLS Free Toothpaste


Given that SLS doesn't serve any benefit to oral health and presents numerous vectors for health risks, the case for SLS free toothpaste is obvious to us. By opting for SLS free toothpaste, you avoid needlessly exposing yourself to a known irritant and toxin.


Our SLS Free Toothpaste


However, an SLS free toothpaste on its own isn't enough. That's why we've formulated The Toothpaste — an all natural, non toxic, fluoride free and SLS free toothpaste. Formulated by Dr Eric Davis, it is made from a unique combination of natural ingredients, is designed to be more effective than standard formulas and is free from harmful additives (like SLS).


What's in Our SLS Free Toothpaste?


Our SLS free toothpaste contains only natural ingredients, including hydroxyapatite, sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica (derived from bamboo extract), and xylitol. It is supplemented with essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, and other natural ingredients.

  • Hydroxyapatite: Clinically proven to reduce sensitivity and strengthen enamel
  • Xylitol: A natural sweetener that inhibits cavity-causing bacteria
  • Natural essential oils: For fresh breath without chemical aftertaste
  • pH-balanced formula: To support a healthy oral microbiome


Every ingredient is carefully selected for its ability to strengthen enamel, support the microbiome, and promote overall body wellbeing.


Improve Your Oral and Total Body Health with Our SLS Free Toothpaste


Oral health isn't separate from whole-body health. The mouth is a gateway to systemic wellness or disease. Choosing an SLS free toothpaste that respects this oral-systemic link and supports rather than irritates is a foundational step in proactive health management.


SLS free toothpaste represents more than a trend. It's a science-backed decision to avoid unnecessary irritation, protect the integrity of the oral lining, and preserve microbial harmony.