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Brand owned by Colgate-Palmolive (United States) · about the brand
Colgate Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost Toothpaste
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.9 ShowHide
Reviewed 7 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a known irritant, and Titanium Dioxide, which is banned as a food additive in the EU due to genotoxicity concerns when ingested. While the genotoxicity concern for Titanium Dioxide primarily relates to ingestion and is less relevant for a product largely spat out, its presence, along with the irritant surfactant and undisclosed 'Flavor', lowers the overall safety and transparency.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Calcium Carbonate
- Arginine
- Hydrated Silica
- Sodium Monofluorophosphate
- Potassium Nitrate
- +1 more →
Contains irritant surfactant and EU-banned food additive
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This toothpaste includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a common surfactant that can irritate sensitive gums and oral mucosa. It also contains Titanium Dioxide, which is banned as a food additive in the EU due to potential genotoxicity when swallowed, a concern relevant for toothpaste that may be inadvertently ingested. The generic 'Flavor' also reduces transparency.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Titanium Dioxide and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are 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 Sodium Monofluorophosphate (fluoride) — use only a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing to limit swallowing, as excessive fluoride ingestion can lead to fluorosis.
Why the score is capped
Contains an additive restricted for a recognised health hazard
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
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 (Sodium Monofluorophosphate) for cavity protection
Includes Arginine and Potassium Nitrate for sensitivity relief
Uses mild abrasives like Calcium Carbonate and Hydrated Silica
Watch out for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can cause oral irritation for some users
Titanium Dioxide is a controversial additive with ingestion concerns
Undisclosed 'Flavor' and listed allergens (Eugenol, Limonene) may trigger 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.
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.
Titanium Dioxide (E171)
EFSA concluded in 2021 that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive, citing genotoxicity concerns, and the EU banned its use in food from August 2022. It is still used in some cosmetics where skin absorption is the concern. Indian regulations are under review.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA 2021; EU Regulation 2022/63
Titanium Dioxide: regulation, sources and other products →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 is a strong surfactant and known irritant to skin and mucous membranes, which can cause oral irritation or canker sores in sensitive individuals.
Titanium Dioxide (E171) is banned as a food additive in the EU due to concerns about genotoxicity when ingested. While primarily a topical product, some ingestion of toothpaste is common.
The generic 'Flavor' ingredient lacks transparency, potentially hiding allergens or sensitizers. Specific fragrance allergens like Eugenol and Limonene are also listed, which can cause contact allergies in sensitive 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 term 'Dental Cream' is a product descriptor or classification that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
The claim 'ADVANCED FORMULA' is a marketing statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
The claim 'WITH NEW FRESHER FLAVOR^' is a marketing statement about taste and newness that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
The label declares Sodium Monofluorophosphate, which remineralises enamel — the established mechanism behind this claim. The ingredient list supports it.
The label declares Sodium Monofluorophosphate — the recognised anti-caries active, and the agent cavity-protection claims rest on. The ingredient list supports this claim.
The ingredient list includes Sodium Monofluorophosphate, which is an anticavity agent.
The ingredient list includes Calcium Carbonate, which provides calcium.
The ingredient list includes Arginine.
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.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
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5.
Arginine
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6.
Flavor undisclosed fragrance
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7.
Titanium Dioxide
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8.
Hydrated Silica
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9.
Sodium Monofluorophosphate
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10.
Potassium Nitrate
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11.
Sodium Bicarbonate
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12.
Cellulose Gum
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13.
Sodium Silicate
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14.
Benzyl Alcohol
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15.
Sodium Saccharin
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16.
Xanthan Gum
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17.
Eugenol
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18.
Limonene
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 Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost Toothpaste?
The label of Colgate Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost Toothpaste lists 18 ingredients, in label order: Calcium Carbonate, Water, Sorbitol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Arginine, Flavor, Titanium Dioxide, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Monofluorophosphate, Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Silicate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Saccharin, Xanthan Gum, Eugenol, Limonene. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Saccharin.
Is Colgate Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost Toothpaste safe to use?
Colgate Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost Toothpaste scores 3.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This toothpaste includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a common surfactant that can irritate sensitive gums and oral mucosa. It also contains Titanium Dioxide, which is banned as a food additive in the EU due to potential genotoxicity when swallowed, a concern relevant for toothpaste that may be inadvertently ingested. The generic 'Flavor' also reduces transparency.
Why does Colgate Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost Toothpaste score 3.9/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can cause oral irritation for some users. Titanium Dioxide is a controversial additive with ingestion concerns. Also noted: Undisclosed 'Flavor' and listed allergens (Eugenol, Limonene) may trigger sensitivities.
Who should avoid Colgate Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost Toothpaste?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive gums; Oral irritation; Fragrance allergy.
Does Colgate Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost 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 Strong Teeth Calcium-Boost Toothpaste pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 8 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Dental Cream" — can't be verified from the label. "ADVANCED FORMULA" — can't be verified from the label. "WITH NEW FRESHER FLAVOR^" — 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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