Toothpaste is one of the essential everyday products — at least, for anyone who wants to maintain proper oral hygiene. However, these products are often singled out for two reasons:first, some brands contain undesirable or even toxic components; moreover, toothpaste tubes, made of a complex mixture of plastic and aluminum, are generally not recyclable. Millions of toothpaste tubes are thrown away every year in France.
The big brands, however, seem determined to tackle the problem. The Unilever group (which owns, among other things, the Signal brand) announced last year that it would gradually eliminate non-recyclable tubes from its production, in favor of containers made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It thus adopts the same approach of its competitor, the Colgate-Palmolive group, which, in 2020, launched a tube of recyclable toothpaste, made of HDPE – a type 2 plastic, already used for the manufacture of food bottles and bottles. of milk.
This new product line, dubbed Smile for good , is not only more respectful of the environment, but is also based on a “light” composition. Because this is one of the major concerns of toothpastes, like many other cosmetic products:a long list of ingredients, often incomprehensible to the average consumer, some of which are likely to interfere with the hormonal system. A good way to get rid of these unwanted compounds is to opt for an organic toothpaste, which you will find in any specialized store.
The most common endocrine disruptors in toothpaste are butylparaben and propylparaben, as well as triclosan, reports UFC-Que Choisir. Both butylparaben and propylparaben are used as both flavoring additives and preservatives.
Triclosan is an antimicrobial, which could induce increased resistance of bacteria to this compound. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration in 2016 ordered that it be removed from handwashing products used in homes and hospitals. However, triclosan is still used in many consumer products (cosmetics, toys, sports equipment, etc.) — including many toothpastes, because it prevents inflammation of the gums.
But that's not all ! A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reports that triclosan may trigger intestinal inflammation. Experiments in mice revealed that certain gut microbial enzymes activated the harmful effects of triclosan, exacerbating colitis symptoms and colitis-associated colorectal tumorigenesis. “The safety of triclosan and related compounds should be reconsidered given their potential for intestinal damage concluded the researchers.
Some toothpastes also contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a surfactant that makes the toothpaste foam when it comes in contact with water. Problem:This compound is known to cause irritation. A study published in 2012 advised against its use in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (canker sores and/or aphthous ulcerations), as it delays the healing process and increases pain.
In terms of toothpaste, the choice is really wide, each boasting the specific properties of its formula. "Sensitive teeth", "anti-tartar", "reinforced enamel", etc., so many mentions that must be taken with tweezers:the association UFC-Que Choisir recalls that, by virtue of their status as cosmetic products (and not drugs), manufacturers do not have to prove the virtues of their toothpaste before they are put on the market. As for the logos of the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) and the International Dental Federation (FDI), they only endorse the effectiveness of the product in the prevention of cavities.
For an effective and “no frills” product, natural and organic toothpastes – usually plant-based – are a healthy alternative. Note, however, that some do not contain fluoride. However, if this trace element can be toxic in high doses, it is important to emphasize that it is also the most effective measure to prevent the appearance of cavities. For adults, a fluoride content between 1000 and 1500 ppm is recommended.
The cosmetics sector has undergone a major turning point in recent years, especially around the 2010s, when aluminum salts in antiperspirant deodorants were suspected of causing breast cancer. The question is again topical:a new study published last October in the journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirms that aluminum salts induce marked alterations in the cells of the mammary gland. The observed changes are characteristic of cancerous tumors, according to the researchers, who call for the outright banning of these compounds in antiperspirants.
Consumers, who are now more vigilant with regard to the products they apply to their bodies, are now expecting chemical-free cosmetic products made from natural products. As such, products marketed in organic shops are popular:according to Xerfi experts, the French market for organic and natural cosmetics is growing and could be worth nearly 1.4 billion euros by 2023.
