Tom's of Maine Sensitive Maximum Strength Natural Toothpaste, Soothing Mint (2014 formulation)

EWG scientists reviewed the Tom's of Maine Sensitive Maximum Strength Natural Toothpaste, Soothing Mint (2014 formulation) product label collected on November 12, 2014 for safety according to the methodology outlined in our Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. We assess the ingredients listed on the labels of personal care products based on data in toxicity and regulatory databases, government and health agency assessments and the open scientific literature. EWG's rating for Tom's of Maine Sensitive Maximum Strength Natural Toothpaste, Soothing Mint (2014 formulation) is 4.
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Data last updated: November 2014
Ingredient Concerns
Cancer 

Cancer: Ingredients linked to cancer in government, industry or academic studies or assessments.
Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity 

Developmental and reproductive toxicity: Ingredients linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, a broad class of health effects that range from infertility and reproductive organ cancers to birth defects and developmental delays in children.
Allergies & Immunotoxicity 

Allergies and immunotoxicity: Ingredients linked to harm to the immune system, a class of health problems that manifest as allergic reactions or an impaired capacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body.
Use Restrictions 

Use restrictions: Ingredients restricted or prohibited for use in cosmetics, according to industry safety guidelines, government requirements or guidance from the U.S., EU, Japan or Canada.
Other Ingredient Concerns
HIGH
- Multiple, additive exposure sources
- Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
- Miscellaneous
- Occupational hazards
- Persistence and bioaccumulation
- Use restrictions
MODERATE
- Contamination concerns
- Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
LOW
- Enhanced skin absorption
- Ecotoxicology
Ingredient Concerns
Score | Data Availability | Ingredient | Concern |
---|---|---|---|
Fair
|
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low) |
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Fair
|
|
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Good
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate) |
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Good
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
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Limited
|
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate) |
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Fair
|
|
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Fair
|
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (high) |
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Fair
|
|
||
Robust
|
|
||
Limited
|
• Cancer (low) |
||
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
||
Fair
|
|
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Good
|
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate) |
Product's Animal Testing Policies
Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.
PETA: Companies That Do Test on Animals

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a leading international animal rights advocacy organization, has identified companies that "either test on animals or pay a laboratory to conduct tests on animals."
For more information visit: http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/default.aspx
Product's Label Information
Ingredients from packaging:
Active Ingredients: Potassium Nitrate 5% (Tooth Desensitizer), Sodium Fluoride 0.243% (Anticavity), Inactive Ingredients: Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica, Xylitol, Water, Glycerin, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice (Organic), Natural Flavors, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Titanium Dioxide
Directions from packaging:
Uses: builds increasing protection against painful sensitivity of the teeth to cold, heat, acids, sweets or contact helps protect against cavities Directions: adults and children 12 years of age and older: apply at least a 1-inch strip of the product onto a soft bristle toothbrush. Brush teeth thoroughly at least 1 minutes twice a day (morning and evening) or as recommended by a dentist or physician. Make sure to brush all sensitive areas of the teeth. children under 12 years of age: consult a dentist or physician.
Warnings from packaging:
When using this product, do not use longer than 4 weeks unless recommended by a dentist or physician. Stop use and ask a dentist if the problem persists or worsens. Sensitive teeth may indicate a serious problem that may need prompt care by a dentist. Keep out of the reach of children. If more than used for brushing is accidently swallowed, get medical help or dial (412) 390-3381 right away (Poison Control Center).
ABOUT THE SKIN DEEP® RATINGS
EWG provides information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings below indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks, if any. Learn more | Legal Disclaimer
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Beyond providing Skin Deep® as an educational tool for consumers, EWG offers its EWG VERIFIED™ mark as a quick and easily identifiable way of conveying personal care products that meet EWG's strict health criteria. Before a company can use EWG VERIFIED™ on such products, the company must show that it fully discloses the products' ingredients on their labels or packaging, they do not contain EWG ingredients of concern, and are made with good manufacturing practices, among other criteria. Note that EWG receives licensing fees from all EWG VERIFIED™ member companies that help to support the important work we do. Learn more | Legal Disclaimer