--- title: "Toothpaste on Pimples: Why It Doesn't Work" description: "Why toothpaste is terrible for your skin and what dermatologists actually recommend for spot-treating pimples." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Dabbing toothpaste on a pimple overnight will dry it out faster.", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Toothpaste contains ingredients that irritate and damage skin. Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatments are far more effective and safe." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Myth vs Fact", "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/myth-vs-fact" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Toothpaste Helps Dry Out Pimples", "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/myth-vs-fact/toothpaste-on-pimples" } ] } ] --- [![School of Dermatology](/assets/logo-AGZDufdq.svg)](/) Articles [Skin Types](/skin-types) Tools [Glossary](/glossary) ![Toothpaste Helps Dry Out Pimples](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1559056199-641a0ac8b55e?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&fm=webp) [Myth vs. Fact](/myth-vs-fact) # Toothpaste Helps Dry Out Pimples MYTH By Jamie Reeves, Licensed Esthetician February 20, 2024 4 min read ## The Claim "Dabbing toothpaste on a pimple overnight will dry it out faster." ## The Science This home remedy has been passed down for generations, and while there is a kernel of logic behind it — older toothpaste formulations contained triclosan, an antibacterial agent — modern toothpaste is formulated for teeth, not skin. The ingredients that make toothpaste effective at cleaning teeth are actively harmful to facial skin. Toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate (a harsh surfactant), fluoride, and various whitening agents that can cause contact dermatitis, chemical burns, and significant irritation when applied to broken or inflamed skin. The drying effect people experience is not therapeutic — it is the skin's barrier being stripped and damaged, which can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. Modern spot treatments containing benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) or salicylic acid (2%) are specifically formulated for treating acne lesions. They target acne-causing bacteria and excess sebum without damaging the surrounding skin. Hydrocolloid pimple patches are another excellent option — they absorb wound fluid, protect the lesion from picking, and create an optimal healing environment. ### Key Takeaway Toothpaste contains ingredients that irritate and damage skin. Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatments are far more effective and safe. ## Related Articles [ ![Why You Still Have Acne in Your 30s (And What to Do About It)](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1616394584738-fc6e612e71b9?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Skin Concerns ### Why You Still Have Acne in Your 30s (And What to Do About It) You thought acne was a teenage problem. So why is your skin still breaking out at 32? The causes of adult acne are different — and so are the solutions. Jamie Reeves · 9 min read ](/articles/skin-concerns/acne-in-your-30s)[ ![The Purge Is Real: What Happens When You Start Active Ingredients](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1598440947619-2c35fc9aa908?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Treatments ### The Purge Is Real: What Happens When You Start Active Ingredients You started a new retinoid and your skin looks worse than ever. Is it purging or a bad reaction? Understanding the difference can save your skin. Jamie Reeves · 7 min read ](/articles/treatments/the-purge-active-ingredients)[ ![Closed Comedones: Why They're Harder to Treat Than Regular Acne](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1552693673-1bf958298935?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Skin Concerns ### Closed Comedones: Why They're Harder to Treat Than Regular Acne Those tiny, flesh-colored bumps that refuse to come to a head? They're closed comedones — and they require a completely different treatment strategy than inflammatory acne. Jamie Reeves · 9 min read ](/articles/skin-concerns/closed-comedones-treatment) #### Ingredients - [Browse All](/topics/ingredients) #### Treatments - [Browse All](/topics/treatments) #### Skin Concerns - [Browse All](/topics/skin-concerns) #### Light Therapy - [Browse All](/topics/light-therapy) #### Skin Care - [Browse All](/topics/skin-care) #### Resources - [Skincare Glossary](/glossary) - [All Articles](/articles) - [Contact Us](/contact) © 2026 School of Dermatology. All rights reserved. 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