Colgate Total Whitening Anticavity Fluoride & Antigingivitis Toothpaste Gel (2019 formulation)

EWG scientists reviewed the Colgate Total Whitening Anticavity Fluoride & Antigingivitis Toothpaste Gel (2019 formulation) product label collected on April 02, 2019 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 Colgate Total Whitening Anticavity Fluoride & Antigingivitis Toothpaste Gel (2019 formulation) is 5.
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Data last updated: April 2019
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
- Contamination concerns
- Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
- Miscellaneous
- Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
- Occupational hazards
- Persistence and bioaccumulation
- Use restrictions
MODERATE
- Endocrine disruption
- Multiple, additive exposure sources
LOW
- Enhanced skin absorption
- Ecotoxicology
- Neurotoxicity
Ingredient Concerns
Score | Data Availability | Ingredient | Concern |
---|---|---|---|
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (high) |
||
Fair
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) |
||
Fair
|
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low) |
||
Fair
|
|
||
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (high) |
||
Fair
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate) |
||
Good
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
||
Fair
|
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (high) |
||
Robust
|
|
||
Fair
|
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (high) |
||
Fair
|
|
||
Limited
|
|
||
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
||
Fair
|
|
||
Good
|
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate) |
||
Fair
|
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low) |
||
Good
|
• Cancer (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: Sodium Fluoride (0.14% W/V Fluoride Ion) 0.24%, TRICLOSAN 0.3%; Inactive Ingredients: WATER, HYDRATED SILICA, GLYCERIN, SORBITOL, PVM/MA COPOLYMER, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, CELLULOSE GUM, FLAVOR, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CARRAGEENAN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM SACCHARIN, MICA, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, FD&C BLUE NO. 1
Directions from packaging:
Supervise children as necessary until capable of using without supervision. Adults and children 6 years of age and older: Brush teeth thoroughly, preferably after each meal or at least twice a day, or as directed by a dentist or physician. Children under 12 years: Instruct in good brushing and rinsing habits (to minimize swallowing). Children under 6 years: Do not use unless directed by a dentist or physician. Antiplaque and antigingivitis use not proven in children.
Warnings from packaging:
Keep out of the reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidently swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Ask a dentist if you have: Bleeding or redness lasting more than 2 weeks; Pain, swelling, pus, loose teeth, or more spacing between teeth. These may be signs of periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease.WARNING: This product contains a chemical known in the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/.
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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