Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of Colgate and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks
Brand owned by Colgate-Palmolive (United States) · about the brand
Charcoal Clean
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a known irritant, which is a primary concern for individuals with sensitive oral mucosa or a history of canker sores. While it includes fluoride for cavity protection and charcoal for potential whitening (though in trace amounts), the presence of multiple potential allergens like Benzyl Alcohol and Eugenol, alongside Cocamidopropyl Betaine, means those with sensitivities should exercise caution. The formulation is otherwise standard for oral care, with the main caveat being the irritant surfactant and potential for allergic reactions.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
Contains irritant surfactant Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; multiple potential allergens
This toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong surfactant that can irritate sensitive gums and oral tissues. It also includes several ingredients like Benzyl Alcohol, Eugenol, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which are known contact allergens for some individuals. While it provides fluoride for cavity protection, those with sensitive mouths or known allergies should consider alternatives.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is declared.
Personal check · free
Is this right for you or your family?
Just checking whether the product is safe? The analysis above is yours, no account needed. To know if it is safe for you, your father or your child, add a profile and we check this label against them.
- Allergies. Peanut, milk, gluten, egg and more, checked against the ingredient list.
- Diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, no egg, no dairy.
- Health and goals. Sugar, salt, protein, steady blood sugar, heart-friendly, weight.
- Everyone you buy for. Save a profile for Papa or the kids and switch in one tap.
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 — use only a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing to limit swallowing.
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 Sodium Fluoride for effective cavity protection
Watch out for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can cause oral irritation or canker sores in sensitive individuals
Undisclosed 'Flavours' may contain unknown allergens or irritants
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen for some
Benzyl Alcohol and Eugenol are fragrance allergens that can cause sensitisation
Sodium Saccharin — intense artificial sweetener - widely used in toothpaste; not a classified carcinogen.
Sorbitol — sugar alcohol - excessive intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect.
Polyethylene Glycol 600 — ethoxylated ingredient - quality depends on removal of manufacturing impurities.
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 →Saccharin (E954)
Saccharin is an approved intense sweetener and is used in small amounts to flavour toothpaste. An earlier rodent-bladder finding was judged not relevant to humans and IARC moved it to Group 3 (not classifiable) in 1999. The WHO (2023) nevertheless advises against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. In toothpaste the amount swallowed is very small.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Vol. 73 (1999); WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (2023); EFSA/JECFA acceptable daily intake
Saccharin: regulation, sources and other products →Fragrance Allergens (EU-listed)
These are individual fragrance components that are known contact allergens. EU rules require them to be named on the label when present above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off), because "parfum" alone would hide them. Limonene and linalool are especially common and become more allergenic as they oxidise on exposure to air. This is a risk for people who are sensitised, not a general-population hazard.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2023/1545 (extended fragrance-allergen labelling); SCCS opinions on fragrance allergens
Fragrance Allergens (EU-listed): regulation, sources and other products →Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is the usual "gentle" co-surfactant in shampoos, face washes and baby washes. It was named Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2004; the reactions are attributed mainly to impurities (amidoamine, DMAPA) and are uncommon, but it is a common cause of surfactant allergy in people with eczema.
Peer-reviewed research Source: American Contact Dermatitis Society - Allergen of the Year 2004; contact-dermatitis literature
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: regulation, sources and other products →Sugar Alcohols (Polyols)
Polyols are bulk sweeteners and humectants (also used in toothpaste). They are only partly absorbed, so large amounts can cause gas, bloating and a laxative effect, and EU rules require foods containing them to say "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects". Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex III (polyol labelling statement); EU Regulation 1333/2008
Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): regulation, sources and other products →Fluoride
Fluoride in toothpaste prevents tooth decay; the EU caps it at 0.15% fluorine. Swallowing a lot of toothpaste while the permanent teeth are forming (under about 6 years) can cause dental fluorosis, so children should use a smear or pea-sized amount, be supervised, and spit. For adults it is a benefit, which is why this is information, not a deduction.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III (max 0.15% fluorine); SCCS opinions on fluoride
Fluoride: regulation, sources and other products →Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is both a preservative (permitted up to 1% in the EU) and one of the fragrance substances the EU requires to be named on a label because it can cause contact allergy in sensitised people. It is information for someone who knows they react to it, not a general hazard.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III and Annex V
Benzyl Alcohol: regulation, sources and other products →Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
PEG ingredients are made by ethoxylation, which can leave traces of ethylene oxide (IARC Group 1) and 1,4-dioxane (IARC Group 2B) unless removed. Good manufacturing removes them, so the ingredient itself is not a hazard, but the label cannot tell you whether it was done well. PEGs should not be applied to broken skin.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Vol. 100F (ethylene oxide) and Vol. 71 (1,4-dioxane); Cosmetic Ingredient Review
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong surfactant and recognised skin and mucous membrane irritant, which may cause irritation in sensitive individuals or those prone to canker sores.
Contains 'Flavours' without specific disclosure, which can be a concern for individuals with sensitivities or allergies to undisclosed flavouring compounds.
Contains Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild surfactant but a recognised contact allergen, mostly through manufacturing impurities.
Contains Benzyl Alcohol and Eugenol, which are declared fragrance allergens and can cause sensitisation in susceptible individuals.
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 only ingredient supporting this claim is an undisclosed generic — the label names a class, not the actual compound — so the list cannot confirm it.
Charcoal is listed in the ingredients.
Charcoal is listed in the ingredients, and 'Flavor' is listed, which could include Wintergreen Mint.
Charcoal is listed in the ingredients.
The product displays a 100% Vegetarian symbol.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
-
1.
Sorbitol
-
2.
Water
-
3.
Silica
-
4.
Sodium Lauryl SulfateSodium Lauryl Sulphate
-
5.
Flavor undisclosed fragrance
-
6.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCocoamidopropyl Betaine
-
7.
Polyethylene Glycol 600
-
8.
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
-
9.
Sodium Saccharin
-
10.
Sodium Fluoride
-
11.
Charcoal
-
12.
Benzyl Alcohol
-
13.
Eugenol
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
Declared on this label as
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.
Also on this shelf
More Toothpaste products we've analysed, in name order.
-
Herby angel Baby Toothpaste Berry Burst - Herbal Kids Oral Care Toothpaste
See the analysis
-
the herbal Botanical Toothpaste100g
See the analysis
-
Dabur Clove Cavity Protection Toothpaste
See the analysis
-
colgate Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste
See the analysis
-
colgate Colgate MaxFresh Breath Freshner Oral Care Toothpaste
See the analysis
-
colgate Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste, Red Gel Paste with Menthol
See the analysis
What are the ingredients in Charcoal Clean?
The label of Charcoal Clean lists 13 ingredients, in label order: Sorbitol, Water, Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Flavours, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polyethylene Glycol 600, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Fluoride, Charcoal, Benzyl Alcohol, Eugenol. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Saccharin, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitol and 2 more.
Is Charcoal Clean safe to use?
Charcoal Clean scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a strong surfactant that can irritate sensitive gums and oral tissues. It also includes several ingredients like Benzyl Alcohol, Eugenol, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which are known contact allergens for some individuals. While it provides fluoride for cavity protection, those with sensitive mouths or known allergies should consider alternatives.
Why does Charcoal Clean score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can cause oral irritation or canker sores in sensitive individuals. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known contact allergen for some. Also noted: Undisclosed 'Flavours' may contain unknown allergens or irritants.
Who should avoid Charcoal Clean?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive oral mucosa or canker sores; Fragrance allergy or contact dermatitis; Allergy to Benzyl Alcohol; Allergy to Eugenol; Allergy to Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
Does Charcoal Clean contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 1 fragrance allergen: Eugenol. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Charcoal Clean pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 5 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Wintergreen Mint known to purify 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.
Reader reviews
How the product performed for people who used it — taste, value, everyday experience. Separate from the Decode Label score above, which rates what is on the label.
Sign in to leave a review.
Sign in →No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.
Help us keep this accurate
Two quick questions about our analysis — not about the product.
Was this analysis helpful?
Tells us whether the breakdown above actually answered your question.
0 of 0 readers found this analysis helpful
Does your pack match this page?
Recipes change and packs get reformulated. If the ingredients or the panel on the pack in your hand differ from what we show, tell us and we will check it.
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.
Report Error
If you believe this score is inaccurate, provide details below. Our team reviews every report and will update the rating if warranted.
Report submitted
Our team will review your report and update the rating if the evidence warrants it. Thank you for helping keep our data accurate.
Share this product
Charcoal Clean
Link copied — paste it in your Instagram bio or Story!