As a loyal Sensodyne toothpaste user for years, I was shocked when I recently learned that some varieties may contain pork-derived ingredients. With a growing number of people avoiding animal products for ethical, religious or health reasons it’s important to know what’s actually in your toothpaste tube.
In this article, I’ll share what I uncovered in my research on Sensodyne and pork, as well as tips for identifying toothpastes that align with your personal needs and values
The Potential Use of Pork in Toothpaste
Like many toothpastes, Sensodyne relies on humectants like glycerin and emulsifiers like gelatin to achieve the desired texture and prevent drying out. While vegetable oils can produce glycerin and alternatives exist for gelatin, animal fats and collagen provide inexpensive commercial sources for these ingredients.
Specifically, glycerin derived from pork fat gives toothpaste a smooth, non-gritty texture. Gelatin obtained from the bones, skins and tissues of pigs acts as a stabilizer and thickener. The concern is that without detailed labeling, there’s no way to know if these specific ingredients come from pork or vegetable alternatives.
Sensodyne Varieties Containing Pork
Through my research, I found that some varieties of Sensodyne do indeed contain pork-derived ingredients:
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Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste contains stearic acid from pork sources according to customer service.
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Sensodyne Extra Whitening and Sensodyne Complete Protection also list glycerin without specifying the source, which may potentially indicate pork.
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Several formulations sold internationally contain gelatin or other animal-based ingredients according to labels.
It’s important to note that these ingredients are not present in all Sensodyne toothpastes. I found the use of pork-derived components depends on the specific product formula. Sensodyne Pronamel, for example, does not contain pork.
Seeking Out Vegetarian Toothpaste Options
For those wishing to avoid animal products like pork, there are toothpaste options clearly labeled vegetarian or vegan:
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Tom’s of Maine toothpastes are all vegetarian and use glycerin from non-animal sources.
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Desert Essence uses sustainable palm oil and coconut oil instead of animal-based glycerin.
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Hello toothpastes contain no pork or other animal derivatives.
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Jason relies on vegetarian ingredients like seaweed, tea tree oil and plant extracts.
Checking labels is crucial when seeking out pork-free toothpaste. Contacting the manufacturer directly may also be required to confirm the source of questionable ingredients like glycerin.
Oral Health Without Pork
Switching to a pork-free toothpaste is a logical first step for excluding pig-based ingredients from dental care. But there are additional tips for achieving oral health without compromising ethics or religious beliefs:
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Use vegan dental floss instead of silk floss containing glycerin.
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Opt for nylon toothbrushes or those with pig-free natural bristles.
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Research any whitening products for potential animal derivatives.
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Rinse with homemade mouthwashes to avoid questionable ingredients in commercial brands.
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Drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in vegetables, greens and lean proteins for oral health.
Is there Pork, Glycerin, or Animal Fat in my Toothpaste?
khaoula ilaje @ Dec 03, 2020
Pork and its uses in dental products:
Fewer costs are involved in getting glycerin from fat taken from animal bones, like pork. This is why it is used in some toothpaste brands to give them their texture. Historically pig hair was also used to make tooth brush bristles. The fat from pork is now used to make glycerin, which is found in many modern household items.
Glycerin can come from various animals. The most common sources being tallow which is a kind of beef or mutton fat. Pork is also used to make over 40 products including toothpaste. A lot of different kinds of toothpaste use the fat that is taken from its bones to give them texture.
However glycerin can also be obtained from vegetable and plant sources. The most common being soya bean and palm. Triglyceride-rich plant oils like palm, soy, and coconut oils are heated under pressure or with a strong alkali like lye to make it. This makes the glycerin separate from the fatty acids and mix with the water, creating a sweet, odorless liquid that looks like syrup.
Pigs also make a very significant contribution to the world of industrial and consumer products. Pig co-products are sources of chemicals used in the manufacture of a wide range of products that cannot be duplicated by syntheses. Additionally, pig skin is used extensively as high-quality leather for clothing, shoes, and handbags, sporting goods, upholstery and more. Along with toothpaste there are many other house hold products that come from the pig. These include insulin for the treatment of diabetes, valves for human heart surgery , suede used in shoes and clothing, and gelatin for foods and non-food uses.
By-products from pigs are also used to make water filters, insulation, rubber, antifreeze, some plastics, floor waxes, crayons, chalk, glues, and fertilizer (USDA, 2016). In shaving creams, soaps, make-up, baked goods, and other foods, lard is the fat from pig bellies.
Does Sensitivity Toothpaste Actually Work?
FAQ
What toothpaste does not contain pork?
Does Sensodyne toothpaste contain animal products?
Is Sensodyne toothpaste halal or haram?
What is the pig ingredient in toothpaste?
Is Sensodyne toothpaste good for sensitive teeth?
Yes. Sensodyne is a daily toothpaste specially formulated to relieve and protect against tooth sensitivity* and is the #1 dentist recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth. Use it every day to help relieve tooth sensitivity and to also keep it from returning. What are the active ingredients in Sensodyne toothpastes?
Does Sensodyne toothpaste have glycerol?
You’ll find glycerol and PEG-8 in Sensodyne toothpastes. A few ingredients are added to Sensodyne toothpastes to give them a fresh, pleasant flavor and cover the taste of other ingredients. These include sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol, and sodium saccharin, an artificial sweetener.
Do all Sensodyne pronamel toothpastes have the same ingredients?
All of the different types of Sensodyne Pronamel toothpastes contain a subset of identical ingredients in their formulation. I like to refer to this subset as the core/base ingredients for all of the pronamel toothpastes since they’re present in every one of their product lines.
Does Sensodyne toothpaste contain gluten?
Sensodyne products do not contain gluten as a direct ingredient. However, we cannot exclude the presence of trace amounts of gluten in these products as a result of third-party manufacturing processes because Haleon Consumer Healthcare does not test the final products for gluten. Are Sensodyne toothpastes kosher?