Serves as an effective emulsifier, preventing the separation of ingredients. However, carrageenan has been shown to negatively impact gut health and its consumption is linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and even colon cancer.

• Borsani, Barbara, et al. "The role of carrageenan in inflammatory bowel diseases and allergic reactions: where do we stand?." Nutrients 13.10 (2021): 3402. This review paper highlights that there are legitimate studies that link carrageenans to inflammatory bowel disease in some portion of the human population.

While controversial, fluoride is commonly added to toothpaste for its purported dental benefits. However, excessive fluoride exposure may lead to fluorosis, a condition that affects tooth enamel and appearance. It can decrease quality of bone formation and is shown to have  a negative impact on the thyroid hormone.

• Kheradpisheh, Zohreh, et al. "Impact of drinking water fluoride on human thyroid hormones: a case-control study." Scientific reports 8.1 (2018): 2674. This paper supports the claims that fluoride is an endocrine disruptor.
• Yu, Qiuli, et al. "Effects of drinking water fluorosis on L-type calcium channel of hippocampal neurons in mice." Chemosphere 220 (2019): 169-175. This research highlights that fluoride does impact neurological physiology in animals and gives support to the claims that fluoride is a neurotoxin.

Although the taste of peppermint can be quite refreshing when brushing your teeth, mint flavoring ingredients are harmful to your gut microbiome.

• Balloni, Stefania, et al. "Cytotoxicity of three commercial mouthrinses on extracellular matrix metabolism and human gingival cell behaviour." Toxicology In Vitro 34 (2016): 88-96. This study highlights how essential oils can act as broad spectrum antibiotics and have adverse effects on cell tissues. Structural and tissue integrity can be compromised with continued use over time. 
• Abers, Mareshah, et al. "Antimicrobial activity of the volatile substances from essential oils." BMC complementary medicine and therapies 21.1 (2021): 124. This paper shows that essential oils function similar to that of broad spectrum antibiotics and indiscriminately kill bacteria, both the good and the bad.

Abrasive silica is utilized in many conventional toothpastes for its cleaning properties. However, it can be overly abrasive and potentially damage tooth enamel with prolonged use.

• Baig, M., et al. "Evolution of wear on enamel caused by tooth brushing with abrasive toothpaste slurries." Wear 476 (2021): 203580. This study shows that silica is abrasive to enamel and certain formulations of silica are worse than others.

This foaming agent, often present in conventional toothpaste brands, can cause irritation to sensitive oral tissues and disrupt the natural balance of your mouth.

• Green, A., et al. "A randomised clinical study comparing the effect of Steareth 30 and SLS containing toothpastes on oral epithelial integrity (desquamation)." Journal of Dentistry 80 (2019): S33-S39. This study shows that people who suffer from mouth ulcers experience a major decrease in mouth ulcers when they remove SLS from their toothpaste.

Xylitol, Erythritol and Stevia are sugar alcohols commonly used to enhance the flavor of various toothpastes. However, they have the potential to negatively impact the integrity of healthy cells as well. The methods and materials used to make these alcohols are concerning.

• Witkowski, Marco, et al. "Xylitol is prothrombotic and associated with cardiovascular risk." European Heart Journal 45.27 (2024): 2439-2452. Sugar alcohols have been under intense scrutiny in recent years. Many studies always spared xylitol as the one sugar alcohol that was not worrisome. However this study from the Cleveland Clinic highlights that increased levels of xylitol are associated with higher levels of stroke and heart attack. This and many other studies that have shown sugar alcohols are horrible for the gut and digestion have led us to avoid all sugar alcohols in all of our products and foods. Sugar alcohols are a major profit product for the industrial food processing world.

Found in many toothpaste formulations to make toothpaste white in color, titanium dioxide has been associated with potential health concerns and may have adverse effects on your well-being.

• Nakagawa, Yuzuki, et al. "The photogenotoxicity of titanium dioxide particles." Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 394.1-3 (1997): 125-132. This study showed that photoexcited TiO2 particles induced primary DNA damage and structural chromosome aberrations in cultured mammalian cells.

Often used as an antibacterial agent, triclosan has raised concerns due to its potential contribution to antibiotic resistance and environmental harm.

• Dinwiddie, Michael T., Paul D. Terry, and Jiangang Chen. "Recent evidence regarding triclosan and cancer risk." International journal of environmental research and public health 11.2 (2014): 2209-2217. This study highlights the risks of triclosan and cancer risks, it provides celleular research that raises many red flags.

This thickening agent, present in certain toothpaste formulations, may cause allergic reactions in some individuals and can be a concern for those with sensitivities.

• Zhang, Shanshan, et al. "Effects of four food hydrocolloids on colitis and their regulatory effect on gut microbiota." Carbohydrate Polymers 323 (2024): 121368. This study shows that in some people xantham gum and carrageenans can negatively impact the gut microbiome and worsen symptoms in people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.