What does SLS-free toothpaste mean?

SLS-free toothpaste is toothpaste made without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the ingredient that makes most supermarket toothpastes foam. Without it, toothpaste feels smoother and doesn't lather up. Some people choose SLS-free for that gentler feel, or because they prefer a shorter, simpler ingredient list. You still brush the same way.

Key takeaways

  • SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is a surfactant: the ingredient that makes toothpaste foam.
  • SLS-free toothpaste doesn't lather, so it feels creamier and calmer in your mouth.
  • Foam is mostly about feel and habit. You brush with an SLS-free toothpaste exactly as you would with any other.
  • Check the ingredient list for "sodium lauryl sulfate" or "sodium lauryl sulphate" to find out whether a toothpaste contains it.
  • All Maxwell & McIntyre toothpastes and our toothpowder are SLS-free and fluoride-free, handcrafted in small batches in Kerikeri.

What is SLS and why is it in toothpaste?

SLS stands for sodium lauryl sulfate (you'll also see it spelt sodium lauryl sulphate). It's a surfactant, which means one end of the molecule is attracted to water and the other end is attracted to oils. That's what lets it lift grease into water and create a rich lather.

Because it foams so readily and is inexpensive, SLS is one of the most widely used surfactants in personal care products, from shampoos and body washes to toothpaste. Chemists at the University of Bristol describe it as the surfactant most commonly chosen for toothpastes. If your current toothpaste froths up the moment you start brushing, SLS or a similar foaming agent is usually the reason.

Does toothpaste need to foam?

No. Foam is something most of us have come to expect, but it isn't what makes a toothpaste a toothpaste. The University of Bristol's chemistry department notes that foaming has very little effect on how a product performs, and that foaming agents are added largely because people expect to see a lather.

In other words, the bubbles are mainly about the experience. With an SLS-free toothpaste, you still brush for two minutes, reach every surface of every tooth, and rinse as usual. The only real difference is that there's no foam filling your mouth while you do it.

Why do some people choose SLS-free toothpaste?

People switch for a few different reasons, and most of them come down to personal preference:

  • The feel. Some people simply find a non-foaming paste calmer and more pleasant to brush with, especially first thing in the morning.
  • A simpler ingredient list. Many people moving to natural products like to recognise everything on the label. A toothpaste without SLS often has a shorter list of ingredients.
  • Consistency with the rest of their routine. If you've already chosen SLS-free shampoo or body wash, it can feel natural to do the same with toothpaste.

It's worth knowing that research on SLS in toothpaste is mixed. A 2023 literature review in the Journal of Dentistry looked at 40 studies and concluded that the findings conflict and the evidence on most questions isn't conclusive yet. So choosing SLS-free is a matter of what suits you, rather than a verdict on other toothpastes. If you have questions about your own teeth or gums, your dentist is the best person to ask.

What does SLS-free toothpaste feel like?

The first few brushes can feel a little unusual. Instead of a mouthful of foam, you get a smooth, creamy texture and a clean, fresh finish. Many people say it takes about a week to get used to, and after that, conventional foaming toothpaste starts to feel like a lot.

A few tips for the first week:

  • Use a small amount. Without foam spreading it around, a little goes a long way.
  • Brush gently with a soft toothbrush for the full two minutes.
  • Don't judge it by the bubbles. Notice how your mouth feels after you rinse instead.

How can you tell if a toothpaste is SLS-free?

Turn the jar or tube over and read the ingredient list. Look for "sodium lauryl sulfate" or "sodium lauryl sulphate". If it isn't listed, the toothpaste doesn't contain SLS. Some brands also put "SLS-free" on the front of the pack, but the ingredient list is the most reliable place to check.

Keep in mind that some toothpastes leave out SLS but use a different foaming agent instead. If you're after a paste that doesn't foam at all, look for one with no surfactants listed.

Which Maxwell & McIntyre products are SLS-free?

All of them. Every toothpaste and toothpowder we make is SLS-free, fluoride-free and vegan, with no synthetic preservatives or artificial sweeteners. Our coconut toothpastes are made with organic virgin coconut oil, natural baking soda and calcium carbonate as mild polishing agents, and organic xylitol for a touch of natural sweetness.

Coconut oil sets below about 24°C, so if your paste firms up in winter, stir in a teaspoon (about 5ml) of warm water and it will go smooth again. Each 150g jar of toothpaste lasts one person three months or more.

Browse the full SLS-free range and find the flavour that suits you.

Frequently asked questions

What does SLS stand for?

SLS stands for sodium lauryl sulfate, also spelt sodium lauryl sulphate. It's a surfactant, which is a type of ingredient that helps oil and water mix and creates foam. It's used in many shampoos, body washes and toothpastes.

Is SLS-free toothpaste the same as fluoride-free toothpaste?

No. SLS and fluoride are two different ingredients, so a toothpaste can be one without being the other. Always check the ingredient list. All Maxwell & McIntyre toothpastes and our toothpowder are both SLS-free and fluoride-free.

Why doesn't my SLS-free toothpaste foam?

Foam in toothpaste usually comes from SLS or another foaming agent. Without one, the paste stays smooth and creamy while you brush. That's completely normal, and most people get used to the different feel within about a week.

Do I need to brush differently with SLS-free toothpaste?

No. Use a small amount on a soft toothbrush, brush gently for two minutes so you reach every tooth surface, then rinse. The only real difference is that you won't see foam while you brush.

How do I know if a toothpaste contains SLS?

Check the ingredient list on the jar, tube or box for "sodium lauryl sulfate" or "sodium lauryl sulphate". If neither appears, the toothpaste is SLS-free. The ingredient list is more reliable than front-of-pack labels.

Sources

Maxwell & McIntyre natural oral care is handcrafted in Kerikeri, Northland · B Corp certified.

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