toothpaste for acne and pimples

toothpaste for acne and pimples

Acne is one of the common beauty concerns for many people across the world. Acne is a result of bacterial action in the skin pores and hair follicles that are clogged with excess oil. Various reasons that result in excess oil production are a weak immune system, accumulation of toxins in the body, a lack of nourishment, hormonal imbalance and stress.

How Acne Occurs

In contrast to popular perception, acne breakouts aren’t attributable to bad dietary habits or hygiene. It is a condition that has a genetic propensity and is rooted in the changes in hormone secretions. These changes occur during times of stress to the body, which include periods of growth spurts such as at puberty and during pregnancy. So cleaning the face or adhering to a strict diet just isn’t likely to improve your condition in the slightest degree. If your parents or anyone in the family suffered from acne, it is highly likely that you will be a victim to the condition too.

This is how acne occurs:

  • Oil glands in the skin secrete an oily substance called Sebum, which coats the hair shafts and the skin to prevent damage and dryness due to exposure to the air.
  • Sebum is released through pores in the skin.
  • A pimple develops when hormones force the skin’s oil glands, called sebaceous glands, to secrete too much oil.
  • The pores in the epidermis, just aren’t capable of handling the extra oil, which then clogs the pore.
  • The clogged oil then attracts old skin debris to create an obstruction which could be a whitehead or a blackhead. To be precise, a whitehead or blackhead is really a widened hair follicle that is clogged with dead skin cells and sebum allowing bacteria to cultivate.
  • It is common for the blackheads or whitehead to get inflamed. If left untreated this forms a pimple.
  • Sometimes the inflammation can occur deep inside the epidermis causing hardened nodes to form which in turn become infected and cause for acne.

While a pimple may be a one-off eruption, acne can spread around causing redness, papules, and pustules. Acne can cause lifelong scarring of the skin and should be treated as soon as possible.

Many people claim that home remedies are more effective than chemical based skin care products. Today let’s discuss about Toothpaste for treating pimples? Yep, this weirdest way is actually one of the most effective ways and also readily available at home.

Quick Note: Toothpaste remedies treat the present acne or pimples. However, if you want to stop acne breakouts in future, you may have to incorporate changes in your diet, lifestyle, and skincare routine.

Is Toothpaste Really Effective in Treating Pimples?

  • The clotting property of toothpaste reduces redness and swelling and prevents bacteria from spreading to other skin pores.
  • It dries out and shrinks the pimples.
  • It contains triclosan (antibacterial property) and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, which kills the bacteria (especially P.acne bacteria causing acne).
  • The cleansing and absorbent properties draws out pimples from the pores.
  • It’s bleaching heal the acne and other dark spots on the skin.
  • It contains baking soda which exfoliates impurities, and balances the skin’s pH level.
  • Silica in it has anti-inflammatory properties and heals the damaged skin.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste:

Different toothpastes contain different ingredients. It is very important to choose the right toothpaste to achieve positive results. Here are few tips, you should consider while choosing the toothpaste.

  • Check the ingredients list to find whether it contains baking soda, triclosan, alcohol, sodium pyrophosphate, menthol, fluoride, hydrogen peroxide or a combination of 2 or 3 of these. You can prefer mint based toothpaste also.
  • Avoid toothpastes with artificial colors.
  • Avoid gel-based toothpaste. Its ingredients are different than a regular paste and may not be effective to treat pimples.
  • Natural and organic toothpastes are best because they contain fewer harsh chemicals.
  • Look for natural toothpastes that contain tea tree oil, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, aloe, or eucalyptus.
  • Make sure to choose a toothpaste that does not contain ingredients you are allergic to.
  • Toothpastes that contain bleach may irritate skin. People with darker skin should take care as bleach reacts highly with the melanin.

How to Use Toothpaste to Treat Breakouts:

Different remedies using toothpaste are listed below. Choose any one of them and follow it regularly to achieve the desired results. Before trying out any treatment, wash your face with a face wash containing acne-fighting ingredients.

1. Toothpaste

  • Wash your hands to avoid infecting the pores with toxins or germs.
  • Using your index finger, gently apply toothpaste directly to the pimples (Don’t rub just apply a thin layer wide enough to cover the zit).
  • Leave it on for 1-2 hours or overnight.
  • Rinse with cool water, using fingertips to gently massage in circular motions.
  • Pat dry with clean towel and apply a gentle moisturizer that doesn’t clog the pores.
  • Repeat the process once a day.
  • For added benefit, apply ice to the pimples for 5 minutes before moisturizing.

Caution: Using toothpaste as a face mask is not recommended.

2. Toothpaste and Baking Soda

Baking soda has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to clear pimples.

  • Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon of toothpaste, and 2 teaspoons water until smooth.
  • Apply a thin layer over each pimple and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Rinse with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process regularly.
  • Note: leaving the toothpaste and baking soda application more than 10 minutes can cause irritation and pain.

3. Toothpaste and Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains antibacterial properties which kill the bacteria. It also de-clogs the pores and dries out the acne.

  • Combine 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of toothpaste.
  • Stir well and apply the mixture directly on the acne-affected areas.
  • Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
  • Wash with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily.
  • Note: The application may sting a little bit. If, the stinging is unbearable then rinse off the application immediately.

4. Toothpaste and Salt

Salt restores the pH and oil balance on the skin. The gritty nature of salt exfoliates the impurities and oil from the skin pores.

  • Combine enough amounts of salt and toothpaste.
  • Mix well and apply the mixture on the pimples affected areas.
  • Gently scrub for few minutes.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

5. Toothpaste and Garlic

Garlic has anti-bacterial property, it kills the bacteria which causes acne. It also reduces the inflammation, redness, and irritation.

  • Crush 1 garlic clove and add a small amount of toothpaste into it.
  • Apply the mixture on the pimples.
  • Leave it on for 5 minutes.
  • Rinse with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

6. Toothpaste and Honey

Honey has anti-bacterial and healing properties. It also reduces the redness and irritation caused by the toothpaste.

  • Mix 1 tablespoon toothpaste with ½ teaspoon raw honey.
  • Using fingertips, spread a thin layer of the mixture over each pimple.
  • Leave it on for up to 20 minutes.
  • Rinse with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process once in a day.

Tips and Precautions:

  • Avoid applying toothpaste on sensitive, dry, or inflamed skin.
  • Before starting regular treatments, do a patch test to see if you’re allergic to toothpaste.
  • If you have dry or sensitive skin, don’t leave toothpaste on more than 10 minutes. As it may make skin drier and stimulates the production of excess sebum.
  • For people with sensitive skin, toothpaste containing menthol and fluoride can cause itching, irritation, and inflammation.
  • Tooth paste is not a dermatological treatment for acne. Some may not contain anti-bacterial ingredients like triclosan or hydrogen peroxide.
  • Toothpaste dries out the skin, causes irritation, patched or peeling if used too often.
  • If breakouts persist, consult a dermatologist.
  • Eat a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid eating excess sugar and carbohydrates.
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and flush toxins from the body.
  • Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.

 Have you tried treating acne with toothpaste? Do you know of any methods we haven’t mentioned? Share your experience and suggestions in the comment section below.

261 comments
    1. You can try above mentioned methods. Make sure to clean your face often with normal water and Protect your skin from pollution.

    2. I have dry skin and pimples on my face will colgate help me to reduce upcoming pimples.
      My pimples are painful and they turn red with pus in it. What is the solution for this plz reply?

      1. As per your description, looks like you have cystic acne. Toothpaste helps to reduce the pimple but it may not prevent the pimples from developing. We suggest you read this article http://wellness.guide/cystic-acne/ for more information, methods and dietary habits to prevent it.

        1. I have really big and bad forehead acne would this help and also about how long would this take? please reply in need of suggestions

          1. Yes, toothpaste will help in reducing the forehead acne but make sure to patch test it before trying out the treatment on affected area. It is difficult to tell the exact time frame as it depends on the skin texture, healing capacity and other factors.

      1. Try baking soda for closing the open pores. Mix enough amounts of baking soda and water to make a paste. Massage the paste on the affected areas for few minutes. Leave the application for another 15 minutes. Finally, rinse off with water and pat dry. Repeat the process regularly until you notice the results.

    1. Yes! But apart from it you have to consume nutritional diet, exercise regularly. Avoid excess oily and fatty foods.

    1. Yes, you can. But avoid gel based toothpaste as they contain different ingredients than regular toothpaste which are not effective in treating pimples.

          1. I am 14 years old n I am suffering from pimples from 12 years I am a school student and everyone’s see’s me like I am not good I want to get rid of my pimples in this holidays so can u help me please

  1. what happens if i use toothpaste and it burns but i leave it on overnight then when i wash it off the pimple is filled with pus.

    1. It is good that the infection has come to the head of the pimple. Repeat the process regularly to drain out the infection. And Remember, don’t prick or squeeze the pimple filled with pus, as the can easily spread to different areas of skin.

    1. The effectiveness of the remedies depends on your skin type. So try to use different methods to find out the one that works best.

    1. No, gel based toothpaste do not contain beneficial ingredients to reduce acne. Try toothpaste cream based toothpaste.

    1. No, gel based toothpaste don’t show any effect on pimples as they have different ingredients than cream based toothpaste.

    1. It’s difficult to say the exact time as everyone has different skin type. Some may experience different in few days and some in weeks. So don’t stop the treatment and continue till you achieve the result. Apart from that maintain a good diet and exfoliate regularly.

  2. By accident I discovered that a light layer of toothpaste on my really oily/shiny nose controls the oil 🙂 I realize that toothpaste may not be the best product to use daily for this but I was trying to figure out what ingredient could be used or looked for in other products that might provide the same oil/shine control? I used Colgate Optic White Paste.

    I can also say that after way to many years of dealing with acne and knowing about toothpaste as a great help in controlling acne it is one that I do not use often enough – but it really does work with clearing up pimples fast. They might come to a head and burst but the toothpaste also helps clear up the blemish in a matter of days – like 3 or 4.

    1. Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and sodium pyrophosphate are the main ingredients to look out in other products. These ingredients help to reduce pimples.

    1. Apply any moisturizer after rinsing off the application. Natural moisturizers like almond oil, cocoa butter, shea butter or coconut oil are better than commercial ones.

  3. I used toothpaste over the night and I wash it in a morning my skin is sensitive can it cause inflection

    1. Yes, you can. Detailed description of using toothpaste with garlic or baking soda is mentioned in the above article.

      1. which tooth paste shud i use colgate or pepsodent if colgate which one im not able to find…. no toothpaste is having all of them or even 3 of them

  4. i used it two times it does big black circle then my dark spot was… then i just touched it and it cause burning type skin and shows mark on face… what i do now? can i fix this as before??

    1. Don’t worry, it is just a way of healing. Don’t touch it as it leaves a dark scar behind. Repeat the application for few more days to completely remove the pimple.

    1. You can try the methods mentioned above in the article. If you don’t want to use toothpaste, you can find more remedies in this article – http://wellness.guide/pimples/. Apart from that avoid oily foods from your diet and exfoliate your face regularly.

  5. does toothpaste treatement is helpfull in……….reducing holes on face………that are caused by acne

  6. I use toothpaste on my face for acne but toothpaste discolur my skin I means white patches on my cheeks please tel me any solution

    1. Generally, toothpaste doesn’t cause any discolorations or white patches. It might have caused due to other reasons. If it is caused only by toothpaste then stop using it and try other remedies. The white patches should get normal within few days.

  7. I have black spot on my face and and no. Of small black spot (mole) increases on my face . there 8 black dots on my face . can i get rid off this problem by using colgate paste or extra wht i have to do? Plz give me suggestion i’m so scared for my face . can i get back my face clean and without spotless face .Is it possible??

  8. I had red pimple and pinkish marks and I am using tooth paste from a week no good results are seen wat to do and I have oily skin I care a lot with eventhough pimple are appearing

    1. If toothpaste methods are not working for you then you can try different methods mentioned in this article – http://wellness.guide/pimples/. As you have oily skin, the excess oil may clog the pores which results in a pimple. So, avoid oily foods and eat nutrients and vitamins rich food. Exfoliate your skin regularly to unclog the pores.

  9. hi i have pimples problem for long time doctor says u got infection problem .i tried many medicines but still not work mostly i got blackheads which are cause of pus pimples on my face i want to know which type of paste i should try?

    1. You have to improve your immune system to get rid of the infection. Once the infection is gone, the pimples will also reduce. Eat a nutritional diet and exercise regularly. You can apply toothpaste and try if it is reducing pimples or causing any discomfort. You any cream based toothpaste, don’t use any gel based toothpaste. But strengthening your immune system should be the main goal.

    2. I have ance all over my nose and side of its parts which is causing small holes on nose how can I cure it

  10. So I have a slight burning feel on the pimple. It’s not burning like crazy. Just a tab uncomfortable. Is that normal and should I continue?

    1. If you are talking about the acne scars or dark spots that are left behind by acne, then instead of toothpaste try other remedies as it doesn’t have much effect in removing the spots. Read this article for remedies -http://wellness.guide/acne-scars-1/

  11. I have many pimples on my face I apply babool toothpaste on it but some sites says sodium layer sulphate is not good for skin so can I continue using it and by applying it somw pimples are removed from my cheeks but on my head they are increasing please tell me what I do

    1. Yes, sodium sulphate is not good for your skin. Buy toothpaste that doesn’t contain this chemical. Try it and see if the pimples are reducing or increasing. If they are increasing, try using other ingredients like tomato, lemon, clay and others. You can find the methods in this article – http://wellness.guide/pimples/. Apart from trying out the remedies, you have to avoid oily foods, include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet and exfoliate regularly.

  12. When I use Colgate on my pimples it burns my pimples and skin. So it is good or bad and what I use it to repair it

  13. I applied ARM and Hammer Soda with Sensodyne tooth paste on my face for overnight. The next day when i washed my face turned red along with acne scars. I applied this to reduce the red marks and little pimples. But my face turned worse. Please help me with a remedy. I wanted to have a clear face.

    1. The application may have increases blood circulation on the applied area so it may have caused redness. This redness should subside in few hours. If it didn’t, then apply some ice on it to reduce the redness. Apply some potato juice on the scars daily 2 – 3 times to reduce their appearance.

    1. Gel based toothpaste contain a clear texture, artificial colours and flavours. The toothpaste which contains these ingredients is not effective in removing pimples. The cream based toothpaste refers to toothpaste which contains baking soda as primary ingredient. Its colour is white and doesn’t contain any added colours.

  14. i leave the toothpaste on pimples for full night and then i wash it in the morning can i do this for clearing pimples and spots

  15. I use Colgate 4 or 5 days
    But it not working
    What I do it’s not effect on my face
    Please tell me
    How I remove pimple

  16. I’ve used a toothpaste for 3-4 days now and my skin is very dry and there are some really dark shades over my skin in the pimples area.Should i keep going or is this irritating and damaging the skin?

    1. Repeat the remedy for few more days and check if the dark shades have lightened or not. If not, stop using it and try the remedies mentioned in this article -http://wellness.guide/acne-scars-1/. After rinsing off the toothpaste apply moisturizer to avoid dryness.

    1. It is very difficult to tell the exact time period as everyone’s skin type and healing capacity is different. So try to follow the process regularly with some patience to notice the results. Apart from that, you should eat nutritional food, drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins and avoid oily, processed and canned foods.

    1. It is difficult to give a specific time frame as everyone has different skin texture. Try it regularly and check if you see any improvement. If you see improvement then continue following it regularly until you achieve the desired results. If you have no improvement, then try a different remedy.

    1. Yes, you can use. Add some water to the tooth powder to make a paste. Apply the paste on the pimples and leave it overnight. Rinse off the application in the morning. Repeat the process regularly until you achieve the results.

    1. It is difficult to mention which method works the best. Because the method which works for me may not work for you and vice versa. So, choose any one as per your convenience and try it regularly with some patience.

    1. We cannot mention the exact time frame as the results vary from person to person. Try the toothpaste methods regularly to notice the results quickly. You can use a toothpaste which contains baking soda or fluoride as ingredients. Avoid using gel based toothpaste.

  17. i have a dark spots and i wnt to remove this spost instantly the toothpaste is works or not on dark spots if not works then what i can use to remove apots instantly..please tell me

    1. Toothpaste application is helpful in reducing dark spots but it is difficult to tell the exact time as everyone is different. Try the remedy regularly with some patience.

  18. I applied colgate salt on my face, but it causes irritation and a dark redness on my face, so what shall i do now.

  19. I have pimples on my face; back and shoulders and i tried several means but no better is being yield . Please can you help me with different ways

  20. Wow such an informative blog.. so I tried the toothpaste and its working very effective for me. However inhave a few tiny moles around my nose and i hate them. Is it possible to remove them?

  21. Okay so I have fairly bad acne and have been trying with toothpaste for the last few days, whether it’s using it to wash my face or applying it to my skin for a few hours.

    Each time, once applied, my skin burns for like the first few minutes with what feels like cold fire and then it is fine again after a while. Is that something i should be worried about? My mother thinks that because it burns for at first, the cleansing is kind of like… working?

    I’ve been doing this for not long and so there have not been any changes as of yet. I’ve been using Colgate Fluoride Toothpasgd, Herbal Propolis (also contains Chamomile, Sage and… Eucalyptus… I think anyway. ) main active ingredient : Sodium Monofluorophosphate.

    1. The burning sensation is common and an indication that the application is working. So, you don’t have to worry about it. If you haven’t observed any improvement with toothpaste then try any other remedy mentioned in this article – http://wellness.guide/acne/

    1. Can you let us know the active ingredients mentioned on the toothpaste. Or else you can research online to know the other ingredients present in that toothpaste.

    1. It doesn’t usually affect the beard growth. It is difficult to tell the exact time as everyone’s skin is different. So, try the method regularly until you achieve the desired results.

    1. All the methods are effective for treating the pimples. However, it depends on the skin type as well. As we are not aware of your skin type, we would recommend trying anyone as per your preference until you achieve the results.

  22. Hi,I have a big and redness pimples in my face,are u sure the toothpaste is effective and remove my pimples,reply pls thanks..

    1. Yes, it helps. If the application is causing any irritation then wash it off immediately. Apply any other ingredient like aloe vera, lemon juice or any other remedy. But topical application only provide temporary relief from the present acne. If you want to prevent new breakouts, then know the secret recipe in this article – http://wellness.guide/acne/

  23. I used toothpaste on my skin to remove pimples. I did this 4 times. After the 4th time, there is brown patch. IT seems like a burn. How to remove this patch.

  24. i have pimples on my face and my skin is also oily which method i would try and dabur lal paste is safe for face

    1. You can try 3, 4, or 5 method mentioned in the article. If dabur lal paste is not gel based then you can try it.

    1. Combine baking soda with enough amounts of water to make a paste. Massage the mixture on the affected areas for few minutes and leave it on for another 10 minutes. Rinse off with water and pat dry. Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day regularly until you achieve the results.

  25. I don’t understand the gel based n cream based toothpaste…… but can I use oral-b for my pimple???

    1. If oral-b is while colored and has a creamy consistency then you can use it. But it has a clear or gel consistency then you should avoid it.

  26. Bro i mistakely used gel toothpaste on my face.. and now my face dull rough peel what i can do now my gace going to black plz tell me any solution

  27. I have pores on my face till 14 yrs within how much days I get the result by using toothpaste.

    1. It is difficult to mention the exact time period as it depends on your skin texture and healing capability. So, it is better to follow the method regularly with some patience to achieve the results. However, you can observe the improvement within a month.

  28. Hello,
    I used a colgate with baking soda for pimples dark spot removal on nose after that when I clean my face then it something happens like it burns my nose skin.
    Now what can I do
    Plz help

    1. Toothpaste is not effective in treating pimple scars. As the combination of toothpaste and baking soda can be harsh, it might have caused the burning sensation. Apply some aloe vera on the burns. It helps to reduce the discomfort and also lighten the acne scars. For other remedies and information, you can read this article – http://wellness.guide/acne-scars-1/

  29. Am having aproble with my face skin,in fact it has divided into two different colour view that’s dark and brown yet I don’t use bleaching chemical, please how can I regain my skin colour?

  30. I used dantkanti toothpaste on my pimples nw it has caused a burn on my pimples with dark spots also it is painful pls help

      1. Please can I make use of Colgate triple action, it contains 3 different colours blue red and a little white strip

  31. I have pimples on my face for 3 yrs I tried everything but it’s not going for sometimes it’s dissaper and again it comes back I am tired of it what should I do
    Reply plz

  32. Is all kind of toothpaste advisable for face wash or is there a particular ingredients must we watch in the back of the toothpaste package. Because just like in the Philippines there’s a lot of type of Toothpaste, cool mint, with glitters and etc. Is it advisable to use?

  33. I have pimples on cheeck but it is not red and big .I have pimples from last 6 years I tried many remedies and oinment but no use of it so disgusted even I used tooth paste too .No results are seen.whether it is pimples or acne? Can I use tooth paste with baking soda.

  34. I have very small pimples on my forehead in a great amount. But by using toothpaste I am not getting rid of it. What I can do ??

  35. Hi, I tried using Colgate and garlic on my pimples and when I washed it off it was itching me and somehow red..should I still continue it?pls reply thanks

  36. Can toothpase make your complexion dark
    Is it true if true do the ayurvedic toothpaste like patanjli will also make your complexion dark during acne treatment ??

  37. I used colgate on my face (forehead) and after that two white rough patch seen on my forehead, itching also occur. I’m very worry about it. Plz give me suggestion. What I Do????

  38. Hi, I’m 17 years old girl!
    I have oily skin with large pores, blackheads, whiteheads and acne too on my face
    I have acne & whiteheads on my back & on chest.
    I want to look beautiful, no!
    I just want to get rid of these things. What should I do?

  39. I have sandy pimples all over my face and i can’t rub only on affected parts coz its plenty can i use oral b toothpaste

  40. I have alot of pimples in my whole face and down to my neck and little on my clevege.I used lemon it dryin but still it comes back..my pimples is too itchy when it gets drying that’s why I try to used vaseline petroleum jelly to avoid it will get dry and never be itchy..I tried to used honey,orange peel,lemon,rice milk,olive oil but still it spread.. I used colgate it was little pain but It drying the pimples… when pimples is itchy and you touch it do the bacteria spread??and when you have short or lock of sleep do it makes the pimples alot ?what can I do except for using colgate sir coz it’s too many and it spread to my whole face for just 1 month…. pls reply thankyou and have a nice day …

  41. Can I used the colgate fluoride toothpaste sir ? Bcoz I check the ingredients and I found no one of the effective ingredients you mention above..this is new toothpaste but the old one I used is containing of triclosan.

  42. Hi I have used Colgate herbal in it such us chamomile sage myrrh and eucalyptus my acne is red with pus and watery so after I washed my face the acne was more active with watery what should I do thanks

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