Should I Use a Toothpaste That Does Not Contain SLS?

SLS-containing toothpastes are safe and effective. However, if you happen to be sensitive to SLS, or simply prefer to use a product without it, there are plenty of toothpastes available to you that don’t contain SLS. In fact, SLS is not present in any Pronamel toothpastes.

Haleon Huddle unlocks exclusive savings on brands including Pronamel, Advil, Centrum and more.

*indicates required field.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) collecting my Consumer Health Data. Continue reading...I understand that my Consumer Health Data may be used by Haleon as described in our Washington Consumer Health Data Notice, where I can find the categories of data collected, the purposes of collection, and with whom we may share your information. I understand that if I choose not to consent to Haleon’s collection of my Consumer Health Data, I may not be able to receive certain marketing or informational materials or other forms of communication directly from Haleon or participate in surveys and focus groups. I further understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) sharing my Consumer Health Data with third parties Continue reading... as described in the Washington Consumer Health Data Notice. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

By signing up for Haleon newsletters, you are certifying you are 18 years of age and older.

Check your inbox for a confirmation email from Haleon Huddle to receive coupons!

Care that's better together:

Proven science and trusted expertise

Simple and personal guidance

Big savings on brands you know and love

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Whether SLS-Free Toothpastes Are Right For You

Q: What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Used For?

Since SLS is a common ingredient listed in a variety of personal care, cosmetic, and household cleaning products, you’re likely to find it in: Grooming products, such as shaving cream, lip balm, hand sanitizer, nail treatments, makeup remover, foundation, facial cleansers, exfoliants, and liquid hand soap. Hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, hair dye, and styling gel. Dental care products, such as toothpaste, teeth whitening products, and mouthwash. Bath products, such as bath oils or salts, body wash, and bubble bath. Laundry detergents.

Q: Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Safe?

SLS has a long history of use and safety. Studies have shown that there’s no link between the use of SLS and increased cancer risk. In fact, the American Cancer Society does not include SLS on any list of known, probable, or anticipated human carcinogens (or cancer-causing agents). SLS can have potential side effects for some people. SLS can be irritating if it’s present at high concentrations and left on the skin for a long period of time. However, the amount of SLS found in personal care products is limited in concentration for consumer safety.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common foaming agent found in many beauty, cleaning and self-care products like toothpaste.¹ If you’re searching for an SLS-free toothpaste with fluoride, especially one that’s gentle enough for maintaining the health and strength of your teeth, understanding how SLS works and its alternatives can help you make the right choice.

That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about SLS, including what it is, why it’s used and whether an SLS-free toothpaste is right for you.

Key Takeaways:

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant used in many personal care, cleaning, and dental products to create foam and help remove particles; it can be derived from synthetic or natural sources.
SLS is considered safe by scientific studies and agencies like the American Cancer Society, though it may cause irritation in high concentrations or for people with sensitivities.
SLS-free toothpaste options are widely available—including all Pronamel products—and are a good alternative for individuals with sensitivity to SLS or who prefer less foaming.

What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a chemical compound that is commonly used in personal care and cleaning products, such as body washes, detergents, cleansers, shampoos, handwashes and toothpastes.^1,3 SLS is what’s known as a surfactant—that means it reduces the surface tension between ingredients in a product.² It can be made synthetically in a laboratory setting or naturally from coconut oil and palm oil, and it’s what creates a rich lather in cleaning products.³

What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Used For?

SLS is a common ingredient listed in a variety of personal care, cosmetic and household cleaning products.^1,3

Common Products That Contain SLS

You’re likely to find SLS in:^1,3

Hygiene products, such as body wash, hand soap and facial cleansers.
Hair care products, especially in shampoos, because SLS can help trap the dirt and oil in hair and allow it to be rinsed away
Dental care products, like toothpaste, use SLS as a foaming agent and it helps to remove food particles from teeth
Household cleaning products like detergents and degreasers, due to SLS’s ability to break down oil and grease

You’ll even find it as an additive in some foods! SLS is often used an emulsifier, like in fruit juices, and a thickener for products like marshmallows.³

Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Safe?

Studies have shown that there’s no link between the use of SLS and increased cancer risk. In fact, the American Cancer Society does not include SLS on any list of known, probable or anticipated human carcinogens (or cancer-causing agents).² When used in oral health care products, SLS was not found to have a negative effect on tooth enamel.²

SLS may have side effects for some people. SLS can be irritating if it’s present at high concentrations and left on the skin for a long period of time. However, the amount of SLS found in personal care products is limited in concentration for consumer safety.⁴

Should I Use an SLS-Free Toothpaste?

SLS-containing toothpastes are considered safe and effective. However, some clinical studies have found that brushing with a toothpaste that contains SLS may cause mouth ulcers, inflammation, and epithelial sloughing in some people.⁵

If you happen to be sensitive to SLS, or simply prefer to use a toothpaste that produces less foam, there are plenty of SLS-free toothpastes available to you. In fact, SLS isn’t present in any Pronamel toothpastes.

Does SLS-Free Toothpaste Clean as Well as Regular Toothpaste?

In a study comparing the cleaning ability of toothpastes with and without SLS, the two were found to be equally effective in terms of gingival health and plaque index scores.⁵

Pros and Cons of SLS in Toothpaste

Pros	Cons
Effective foaming and cleaning agent	May cause irritation for some people⁵
Helps remove food particles from teeth	Not ideal for people with mouth ulcers or are already sensitive to SLS⁵
Well-studied and commonly used

Who Should Consider SLS-Free Toothpaste?

People prone to mouth irritation or ulcers⁵
Individuals who are sensitive to SLS
Those who prefer low-foaming oral care

What Pronamel Products Are SLS-Free?

Pronamel toothpastes are SLS-free and proven to drive minerals deep into enamel surfaces to help protect teeth from cavities and actively repair acid-weakened areas for stronger, better protected teeth after you brush.

All Pronamel toothpastes are SLS-free:

Pronamel Clinical Enamel Strength Toothpaste
- Deep Clean
- Whitening Action
Pronamel Active Shield Toothpaste
- Whitening
- Fresh Mint
Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste
Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Pronamel Fresh Breath Toothpaste
Pronamel Daily Protection Toothpaste
Pronamel Multi-Action Toothpaste

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SLS-free toothpaste still contain fluoride?

All Pronamel products contain fluoride, which strengthens and protects acid-weakened enamel* while protecting teeth from cavities.

How does SLS work in toothpaste?

SLS is responsible for the foaming effect of some toothpastes that helps to remove residue from teeth.^3,5 It’s considered a detergent which exerts cleansing and antibacterial effects through surface action.⁵

What effect does SLS have on gums?

People who are sensitive to SLS may experience inflammation, ulcers, and impairment of the oral mucosa.⁶ Surfactants like SLS may have a disintegration effect on the mucus layer and the epithelial cells that form a protective barrier within the mouth, potentially leading to ulcers and sloughing.⁵

Source Citations:

Human and Environmental Toxicity of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Evidence for Safe Use in Household Cleaning Products. Environmental Health Insights. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651417/. Accessed 9/23/24.
The Yin and Yang of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Use for Oral and Periodontal Health: A Literature Review. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10506142/. Accessed 9/23/24.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Chemical Safety Facts. https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/sodium-lauryl-sulfate-sls/. Accessed 9/23/24.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfite. Cosmetics Info. https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/sodium-lauryl-sulfate/. Accessed 9/23/24.
The effectiveness of dentifrices without and with sodium lauryl sulfate on plaque, gingivitis and gingival abrasion—a randomized clinical trial. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4799265/. Accessed 4/30/25