Can Toothpaste Cause Acne Around the Mouth? Best Fluoride-Free Picks & Skincare Tips

If you're battling breakouts around your mouth, nose, or chin that won’t seem to budge, it might not be your skincare routine, it could be your toothpaste. This surprising but common trigger for acne and Perioral Dermatitis (POD) is often overlooked. Many toothpastes contain harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin, leading to red bumps, whiteheads, flaking, or a tight, rash-like feel. If you've tried everything and still can't get rid of those stubborn spots, this article is for you.

Can Toothpaste Really Cause Acne Around the Mouth?

Yes, it can. Ingredients like fluoride, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), artificial colors, and strong flavoring agents can disrupt the skin barrier, especially around the sensitive area near your lips. This may lead to inflammation or trigger Perioral Dermatitis, a condition that mimics acne but worsens with many acne treatments.

POD usually shows up as red, bumpy, inflamed skin around the mouth, nostrils, and sometimes the eyes. It can feel dry, itchy, or slightly burning. The key is to simplify and identify irritants, and toothpaste is one of the first things to assess.

Ingredients to Avoid in Toothpaste for Acne-Prone Skin

To help calm acne around the mouth, avoid toothpaste that contains:

• Fluoride: Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals

• SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate): A foaming agent that strips skin and may inflame POD

• Artificial flavors or colors: Often cause reactions in sensitive skin

Best Toothpaste Alternatives for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin

Below is a table of the best SLS-free and fluoride-free toothpastes that are gentle on skin and available in the UK:

Aloe Dent Triple Action Aloe Vera Toothpaste Fluoride Free

Amazon

£4–£8

Green People Organic Fennel Toothpaste

Amazon

£7–£10

Georganics Fluoride Toothpaste - 60ml

georganics.com, H&B

£6–£10

Ben & Anna Whitening Toothpaste Fluoride Free 100ml

Amazon, Ethical Superstore

£6–£8

Dr Bronner's All One Spearmint Toothpaste

£10–£12

How to Prep Your Face If You Have Acne Around the Mouth

Switching your toothpaste is only part of the solution. The skin around the mouth is thin and prone to irritation, especially if inflamed. Here’s how to care for it:

1. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.

2. Avoid harsh actives (acids, retinoids, scrubs) near the affected area.

3. Pat dry with a clean towel and don’t rub or tug on irritated skin.

4. Apply a minimal, non-comedogenic moisturizer (e.g., CeraVe PM or Vanicream Light).

Aftercare: What to Use Once You Switch Toothpaste

Once you switch to a gentler toothpaste and simplify your routine, keep things consistent. Here’s a basic skincare aftercare plan:

Morning:

• Cleanse with Vanicream or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

• If skin allows, apply Azelaic Acid 10% (good for inflammation and redness)

• Moisturize with Vanicream Light or CeraVe PM

• Apply La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 (a gentle, non-irritating sunscreen)

Evening:

• Repeat gentle cleansing

• Moisturize

• 1–2x/week, use Nizoral Shampoo as a face wash to reduce possible fungal triggers

When to See a Dermatologist

If breakouts around your mouth persist or worsen, or you suspect Perioral Dermatitis, consult a dermatologist. You may need prescription-strength topicals or oral antibiotics like doxycycline to calm the inflammation fully.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the answer to persistent breakouts isn’t found in your skincare cabinet but on your bathroom sink. If you're struggling with acne around the mouth, switching to a fluoride-free, SLS-free toothpaste might be the skin reset you need. Pair it with a minimal, calming routine and stay patient — clear skin often comes from small, consistent changes.