3 Ways to Clean Your Face With Toothpaste - wikiHow

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Last Updated: October 30, 2025 Approved

Using Toothpaste on Individual Spots

This article was co-authored by Melissa Jannes . Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in Pennsylvania. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 583,349 times.

Toothpaste is often cited as a homemade treatment for your skin that can help counter acne. The consensus among dermatologists is that toothpaste is not an effective way to treat your skin, and can in fact damage your skin. The toothpaste can be an irritant that causes redness and peeling. Some of the ingredients in toothpaste can dry out your skin, and there is no evidence to suggest that this is more effective than conventional treatments. If you do decide to use toothpaste, use it sparingly. [1] X Research source

Using Toothpaste on Individual Spots

1 Check the toothpaste's ingredients. If you are going to use toothpaste to try and clean your face, you should check the ingredients on the tube before you go any further. A number of the ingredients commonly found in toothpaste can significantly irritate your skin. [2] X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MD Board Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview If your toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, and/or sodium fluoride, then think again about using it.

These ingredients in particular are known as irritants to the skin. [3] X Expert Source Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator Expert Interview

Ingredients such as calcium carbonate and zinc can have a more positive effect on your skin, but these can be found in specialist treatments which don't include the irritants. [4] X Research source

Plain white toothpaste may contain fewer irritants than clear gels.

2 Apply a small amount to clean skin. If you decide to proceed with using toothpaste, it's sensible to test it out first. Apply small amounts to your skin in a few different places. If your skin reddens, becomes excessively dry or discoloured you should not continue to use toothpaste directly on your skin. If you don't have a bad reaction, apply a small amount to a spot and allow it dry.

You can use a q-tip to do this. If you use your fingers, be sure to wash your hands first.

Keep an eye on your skin around the toothpaste. If it becomes irritated or sore, wash it off immediately. [5] X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MD Board Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview

3 Wash it off. Given that the benefits of using toothpaste on spots are unclear at best, the amount of time you need to leave it on your skin is not fixed. Some people leave the toothpaste on overnight, but if you have sensitive skin this prolonged exposure could cause irritation. Be conservative in order to minimise the risks of damaging your skin. When you wash it off, use warm water and a gentle circular motion.

Splash some cool water on your face and apply a moisturiser if your skin feels tight and dry. [6] X Research source

1 Make a diluted toothpaste face wash. If you want to use toothpaste to clean more of your face than just a few isolated spots, it's possible to construct a face wash that features toothpaste. Given the potential for toothpaste to irritate your skin, this is generally not recommended. Be sure to test the toothpaste on your skin before considering this. There is no fixed formula, but you can just mix a small squeeze of toothpaste in a cup of water.

You probably shouldn't use more than a teaspoon, but you will have to judge how much of it an irritant it is to your skin.

2 Gently apply it to your face. Once you have mixed the solution you can gently apply it to a clean face. Lightly brush the liquid onto your skin, ensuring that it does not sting or cause any irritation. Use plenty of water and don't scrub at your skin with your hands. If your skin feels sore or irritated , wash it off immediately. [7] X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MD Board Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview

Don't mistake dryness, redness or tightness for an indication that the solution is effectively drying out your pimples. [8] X Research source

3 Wash it off and moisturise. Gently wash it off as you would with any other face wash, and pat your face dry with a soft towel. Given the potential for toothpaste to dry and irritate your skin, it's a good idea to apply a moisturiser to your face after using toothpaste. Ensure your hands are clean before you do this. If your skin is red, sore, or irritated, considered alternative ways to clean your face.

1 Try an over-the-counter treatment. Toothpaste does contain ingredients that can help dry out spots, but you can buy products that are specifically designed to work on your spots without causing the kind of irritation that the other ingredients in toothpaste can cause. [9] X Expert Source Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator Expert Interview Rather than using toothpaste, try an over-the-counter acne cream or gel to tackle excess oil. In particular, you should consider treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredient. [10] X Expert Source Melissa Jannes Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator Expert Interview [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

You can buy these products at your local pharmacy or drug store.

Having a good skin care routine is a better way to help prevent spots and have clear skin, than experimenting with home remedies.

2 Speak to a doctor or dermatologist. If you are having consistent problems with your skin and have been unable to find an over-the-counter treatment that works for you, you can make an appointment to see your doctor or dermatologist. These experts will be able to closely assess your skin and give you advice about what treatments are most suited to your skin-type. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source You may be given a prescription for a topical treatment and/or some medication to take orally.

Commonly prescribed topical treatments include retinoids, antibiotics, and dapsone.

You may also be prescribed antibiotics to take orally. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

3 Consider tea tree oil. If you are still keen to try a home remedy to help you get clear skin, tea tee oil is one of the best things to use. Tea tree oil is often used in skin care products but can be bought individually from a drug store or pharmacy. There is research which suggests that tea tree oil can be as effective as benzoyl peroxide when used as a topical treatment for acne. [14] X Research source Gently dabbing tea tree oil with a q-tip onto a spot is likely to be more effective than toothpaste.

There will also be less potential for negative side effects and skin irritation.

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Question Can I clean my baby's face using toothpaste? Joel Warsh, MD Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Joel Warsh is a board certified Pediatrician and the Owner & Founder of Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Warsh specializes in holistic and integrative medicine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Community Health, and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Thomas Jefferson Medical College, where he was elected president of the Jefferson Pediatric Society. Dr. Warsh then completed his Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), where he received the George Donnell Society Research Fellow. Joel Warsh, MD Board Certified Pediatrician Expert Answer It is not advisable to use toothpaste on your baby's face. The ingredients of a toothpaste are for dentistry, with ingredients like abrasives, fluoride, and flavorings, which are likely to be too harsh for your baby's sensitive skin. Best to use gentle fragrance-free baby cleanser or mild soap made especially for infants. These products are gentle for the baby's delicate skin and will give the perfect cleaning without irritating their skin. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0

Question Is papaya seed helpful for my face? Community Answer Papaya not only cleanses your skin but also makes your skin glow. It contains rejuvenating enzymes that exfoliate your skin to provide you with a glowing complexion. It's loaded with papain and vitamin A. The enzyme papain breaks down inactive proteins and eliminates dead skin cells. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 45

Question How can I stop teen hair loss fast and naturally? Community Answer Reduce the use of heat, use an all-natural shampoo and reduce stress in your life. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 30

Do not put the toothpaste near your eyes. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 4

Use hot or warm water. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 4

Use a soft towel. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 5

This is not recommended if you have sensitive skin. [15] X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MD Board Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about personal hygiene, check out our in-depth interview with Joel Warsh, MD .

↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/23/toothpaste-pimples-acne-dry-out_n_1994320.html

↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview

↑ Melissa Jannes. Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator. Expert Interview

↑ https://www.futurederm.com/is-it-ok-to-use-toothpaste-on-skin/

↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview

↑ http://homeremediesforlife.com/toothpaste-for-pimples-and-acne/

↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview

↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/23/toothpaste-pimples-acne-dry-out_n_1994320.html

↑ Melissa Jannes. Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator. Expert Interview

↑ Melissa Jannes. Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator. Expert Interview

↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580

↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/preparing-for-your-appointment/con-20020580

↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/treatment/con-20020580

↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tea/treeoil.htm

↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview

To clean your face with toothpaste, start by checking the ingredients list for potential skin irritants like sulfates and flouride. If your toothpaste passes the inspection, try spot-treating individual areas by applying the toothpaste neat. Dab it on the area with clean fingers, let it sit on your skin for a few minutes, then wash it away with warm water. If the area becomes irritated or sore, wash the toothpaste off immediately! To learn how to make a diluted toothpaste cleanser, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

Christine Thibault Aug 15, 2022 "Thanks for the information. On checking the ingredients that are in toothpaste, whether they are harmful or not, before using really opened my eyes as I was always under the impression that toothpaste was safe for using on the skin." ..." more

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