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Brand owned by Colgate-Palmolive (United States) · about the brand
Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Reviewed 5 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This toothpaste provides effective oral hygiene with fluoride for cavity protection and potassium nitrate for sensitivity relief. However, the presence of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as a primary surfactant may cause irritation for individuals with sensitive gums or a tendency towards canker sores. The generic 'Flavor' also limits transparency for those with specific sensitivities. While generally suitable for most adults, those with oral sensitivities should consider alternatives.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Calcium Carbonate
- Sorbitol
- Potassium Nitrate
- Hydrated Silica
- Sodium Monofluorophosphate
- +1 more →
Fluoride for cavities, but contains irritant SLS and undisclosed flavor.
This toothpaste offers cavity protection from fluoride and helps with sensitivity due to potassium nitrate. However, it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a surfactant known to irritate sensitive gums and oral mucosa. The generic 'Flavor' ingredient also means specific flavor components are not disclosed, which can be a concern for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is declared.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for oral care. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Other audiences
LimitContains fluoride (Sodium Monofluorophosphate) — use only a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing to limit swallowing, as excessive ingestion can lead to fluorosis.
Why the score is capped
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
Undisclosed generic ingredient (specific compound not named)
Rule PC-CAP-08
What's good
Contains fluoride for effective cavity protection
Includes potassium nitrate for tooth sensitivity relief
Uses mild abrasives like calcium carbonate and hydrated silica for cleaning
Contains sodium bicarbonate for pH balance and mild cleaning
Watch out for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can cause oral irritation for sensitive individuals
Undisclosed 'Flavor' may contain allergens or irritants for some users
Eugenol and Limonene are potential fragrance allergens for sensitive individuals
Sodium Saccharin — saccharin (INS 954) is a high-intensity, calorie-free sweetener, FSSAI/JECFA-approved with an established acceptable daily intake and considered safe within it. Some people prefer to limit or avoid intense sweeteners, so it is noted as a moderate, preference-level concern rather than a hazard.
CI 74160 — a synthetic colour (Colour Index dye) added purely for appearance — it gives the product no benefit for skin or health. Permitted at regulated levels, but synthetic dyes of this class are a recognised contact-irritant and sensitiser risk for some people, so they are noted as a moderate, subgroup-level concern rather than a general-population hazard.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS is an aggressive surfactant that strips skin of its natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can cause contact dermatitis, canker sores, and eye irritation. People with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin should avoid SLS-containing products. It is particularly harsh in oral care products where it contacts mucous membranes.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; American Academy of Dermatology; Herlofson & Barkvoll 1996
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a strong skin and mucous membrane irritant, which may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive oral tissues or those prone to canker sores.
The generic 'Flavor' ingredient lacks transparency, which can be a concern for individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities to undisclosed flavoring compounds.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The claim 'FIGHTS 99.9% GERMS' is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition information.
The claim 'Bad Breath' is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition information.
The ingredient list includes Sodium Monofluorophosphate, which is an anticavity agent.
The ingredient list includes Sodium Chloride, which is salt.
The ingredient list includes Potassium Nitrate, which is used to relieve gum sensitivity.
The ingredient list includes Sodium Monofluorophosphate, which helps prevent cavities.
The ingredient list includes Sodium Monofluorophosphate for healthy teeth and Potassium Nitrate for healthy gums.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Calcium Carbonate
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2.
Water
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3.
Sorbitol
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4.
Potassium Nitrate
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5.
Hydrated Silica
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6.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
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7.
Flavor undisclosed fragrance
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8.
Cellulose Gum
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9.
Sodium Monofluorophosphate
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10.
Sodium Chloride
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11.
Sodium Bicarbonate
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12.
Sodium Silicate
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13.
Benzyl Alcohol
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14.
Sodium Saccharin
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15.
Xanthan Gum
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16.
Eugenol
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17.
Limonene
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18.
CI 74160 synthetic colour
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
Fragrance allergens are substances EU cosmetics rules require to be named on the label (such as Limonene and Linalool). Fragrant botanicals such as essential oils are grouped with them because they can naturally contain such substances, but they are not on that list. They matter mainly for people with fragrance allergies or already-sensitive skin — not a general-population safety issue. Each named allergen takes a small deduction from the ingredient score, and a high count can cap it; fragrant botanicals take none. Naming them on the label is a transparency positive.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other toothpaste products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
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What are the ingredients in Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste?
The label of Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste lists 18 ingredients, in label order: Calcium Carbonate, Water, Sorbitol, Potassium Nitrate, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Flavor, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Monofluorophosphate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Silicate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Saccharin, Xanthan Gum, Eugenol, Limonene, CI 74160. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Saccharin, CI 74160.
Is Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste safe to use?
Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This toothpaste offers cavity protection from fluoride and helps with sensitivity due to potassium nitrate. However, it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a surfactant known to irritate sensitive gums and oral mucosa. The generic 'Flavor' ingredient also means specific flavor components are not disclosed, which can be a concern for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Why does Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can cause oral irritation for sensitive individuals. Also noted: Undisclosed 'Flavor' may contain allergens or irritants for some users. Eugenol and Limonene are potential fragrance allergens for sensitive individuals.
Who should avoid Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive gums; Recurrent canker sores; Fragrance/flavor allergies.
Does Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 2 fragrance allergens: Eugenol and Limonene. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 7 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "FIGHTS 99.9% GERMS" — can't be verified from the label. "Bad Breath" — can't be verified from the label.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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