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Brand owned by Colgate-Palmolive (United States) · about the brand
Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection Toothpaste
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Reviewed 9 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a surfactant known to cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes, which may be a concern for individuals with sensitive gums or a tendency towards canker sores. Additionally, the presence of an undisclosed 'Flavor' ingredient reduces transparency, as the specific compounds are not named. While it includes beneficial ingredients like Potassium Nitrate for sensitivity and Sodium Fluoride for cavity protection, the potential for irritation and lack of full flavor disclosure are key considerations. It is generally suitable for adults, but children require supervision due to fluoride content.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Potassium Nitrate
- Sodium Fluoride
Contains irritant surfactant and undisclosed flavor; suitable for most adults
This toothpaste includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a common surfactant that can irritate sensitive gums or trigger canker sores in some individuals. The 'Flavor' ingredient is not specified, which means the exact components are undisclosed. It offers cavity protection and sensitivity relief, but those with oral sensitivities should use with caution.
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.
Triggered by CI 42090 — a synthetic colour on our aromatic-amine watch list (impurity risk). A colour-quality caution, not a finding that this product contains a carcinogen.
Other audiences
LimitContains fluoride — 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 Potassium Nitrate for tooth sensitivity relief
Includes Sodium Fluoride for effective cavity protection
Watch out for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate may cause oral irritation or canker sores in sensitive individuals
Undisclosed 'Flavor' ingredient reduces transparency for those with specific sensitivities
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 42090 — 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 surfactant and known irritant to skin and mucous membranes, which may cause discomfort or trigger canker sores in sensitive individuals. (EU SCCS)
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 'Everyday Protection' is a general benefit statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
The label declares Potassium Nitrate — a recognised desensitising agent for dentine hypersensitivity. The ingredient list supports this claim.
The ingredient list includes Sodium Fluoride, which is an anticavity agent.
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.
Sorbitol
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2.
Glycerin
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3.
Silica
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4.
Potassium Nitrate
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5.
Polyethylene Glycol 600
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6.
Sodium Lauryl SulfateSodium Lauryl Sulphate
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7.
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
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8.
Flavor undisclosed fragrance
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9.
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
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10.
Sodium Saccharin
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11.
Xanthan GumXanthan
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12.
Sodium Fluoride
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13.
CI 42090 synthetic colour
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
✓ 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 Sensitive Everyday Protection Toothpaste?
The label of Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection Toothpaste lists 13 ingredients, in label order: Sorbitol, Glycerin, Silica, Potassium Nitrate, Polyethylene Glycol 600, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Flavor, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Saccharin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Fluoride, CI 42090. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Saccharin, CI 42090.
Is Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection Toothpaste safe to use?
Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection Toothpaste scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This toothpaste includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a common surfactant that can irritate sensitive gums or trigger canker sores in some individuals. The 'Flavor' ingredient is not specified, which means the exact components are undisclosed. It offers cavity protection and sensitivity relief, but those with oral sensitivities should use with caution.
Why does Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection Toothpaste score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate may cause oral irritation or canker sores in 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. Also noted: Undisclosed 'Flavor' ingredient reduces transparency for those with specific sensitivities.
Who should avoid Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection Toothpaste?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive gums; Recurrent canker sores; Fragrance allergy (due to undisclosed flavor).
Are the claims on the Colgate Sensitive Everyday Protection Toothpaste pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 3 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Everyday Protection" — 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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