Have you ever wondered what’s in your toothpaste?
With so many different ingredients listed on the packaging, it can be hard to know what you’re actually putting in your mouth.
One ingredient that has caused controversy in recent years is pork. Yes, you read that right – pork in toothpaste.
But is it true?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in popular toothpaste brands and answer the question once and for all: is pork in toothpaste?
Is Pork In Toothpaste?
The short answer is no, pork is not an ingredient in toothpaste. However, there have been rumors and concerns raised by some consumers about the use of animal-derived ingredients in toothpaste.
Toothpaste is made up of several ingredients, including glycerin, flavorings, artificial sweeteners, dyes and colorings, antimicrobials, and thickening agents. Some toothpastes use glycerin derived from animal fats, mainly pork, to give the toothpaste its texture.
However, popular toothpaste brands like Crest and Colgate have confirmed that they do not use any animal-derived ingredients in their products. Crest toothpaste does not include any pork or other animal-derived ingredients. Each and every one of their toothpastes has artificial colors. Similarly, Colgate Toothpastes and Toothbrushes that are currently on the market in the United States do not contain any animal-derived components, with the exception of Colgate Wisp and Colgate Max Fresh with Mouthwash Beads.
While hygiene and beauty products like shampoos and conditioners may contain fatty acids extracted from pig bone fat to give them a shiny appearance, this is not the case for toothpaste.
What Is Pork And Why Is It Used In Products?
Pork is a type of meat that comes from pigs, which are versatile animals that provide many different products. Pork is the most widely consumed meat in the world, and people eat various pork products such as bacon, sausage, pork chops, and ham. In addition to these food items, swine provides several valuable by-products such as insulin for the regulation of diabetes, valves for human heart surgery, suede for shoes and clothing, and gelatin for foods and non-food uses.
Gelatin, a product derived from pig body parts, is used in many wine purification processes, as well as in the production of fruit gums and low-calorie yogurt. Cysteine, which is most often synthesized from pig bristles, is used in many baking goods such as bread. Stearic acid obtained from animal fats, mostly from a pig’s stomach, is used in many chewing gums. However, it is important to note that popular toothpaste brands like Crest and Colgate do not use any animal-derived ingredients in their products.
Pork co-products are also sources of chemicals used in the manufacture of a wide range of products that cannot be duplicated by syntheses. Pigskin is used extensively as high-quality leather for clothing, shoes, handbags, sporting goods, upholstery, and more. Hogs also make a very significant contribution to the world of industrial and consumer products. They are a source of nearly 20 drugs and pharmaceuticals such as adrenal glands, corticosteroids, epinephrine, blood albumens and fibrin, fetal pig plasma, plasmin, brain cholesterol and hypothalamus.
The Controversy Surrounding Pork In Toothpaste
Despite the reassurances from toothpaste manufacturers, there has been an ongoing controversy surrounding the use of pork in toothpaste. Some consumers have claimed that certain toothpaste brands, particularly Crest’s Pro-Health toothpaste, contain pork fat in their active ingredients.
Proctor and Gamble (P&G), the company that manages the Crest brand, has denied these claims. While there have been no official statements released by P&G, concerned consumers have been assured in several reply emails and responses on e-commerce sites that Crest does not utilize any animal or animal by-product in the production of its products.
It is important to note that glycerin, which is used as a thickening agent in toothpaste, can come from various sources including animal fat. However, most toothpaste manufacturers use glycerin derived from plant sources like soya bean and palm.
Popular Toothpaste Brands And Their Ingredients
Toothpaste has come a long way over the years, and there are now several popular toothpaste brands available on the market. Some of the most popular toothpaste brands include Colgate, Crest, Sensodyne, Arm & Hammer, Close-Up, Pepsodent, and Tom’s of Maine.
Colgate is a well-known and trusted brand that has been around for many years. Their toothpaste products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, except for Colgate Wisp and Colgate Max Fresh with Mouthwash Beads.
Crest is another popular brand that offers a wide range of toothpaste products. Crest toothpaste does not contain any pork or other animal-derived ingredients. Their toothpaste products offer a variety of purposes, such as whitening toothpaste, toothpaste that offers tartar build-up protection, and toothpaste specifically flavored for children.
Sensodyne is a toothpaste brand that is popular and trusted by people with sensitive teeth. Sensodyne is designed to lessen the pain associated with tooth sensitivity.
Arm & Hammer is a brand of natural toothpaste as it uses baking soda which is a natural ingredient used to whiten teeth. This company also makes whitening toothpastes and toothpaste that makes teeth stronger.
Close-Up is known for including mouthwash ingredients; designed to prevent cavities, whiten teeth and make breath fresh. Closeup was the first toothpaste to combine the efficacy of a silica base with a gel’s smoothness. The company’s focus is on cavity protection, giving its users a ‘freshness feeling’ and whitening teeth.
Pepsodent is a toothpaste brand that offers to eliminate plaque buildup, whiten teeth, and strengthen tooth enamel.
Tom’s of Maine is best known for its naturally sourced and derived ingredients. They believe in transparency and quality when it comes to their ingredients. You will find their toothpaste will not include artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, nor will any of their other products. Their Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste contains natural ingredients but doesn’t eliminate the one ingredient that is extremely effective- fluoride. It fights cavities and isn’t loaded with ingredients that you can’t pronounce.
Examining The Ingredients: Is Pork Really In Toothpaste?
When examining the ingredients in toothpaste, there are concerns about the use of animal-derived ingredients. One such ingredient is glycerin, which can be derived from animal fats, including pork. This has raised questions about whether or not pork is used in toothpaste.
Additionally, there are concerns about the use of colorings and flavorings in toothpaste. Some colorings and flavorings are not vegan, and it is unclear whether or not they are derived from animal sources.
To address these concerns, some consumers have reached out to popular toothpaste brands like Crest for clarification on their ingredients. Crest has confirmed that they do not use any animal-derived ingredients in their products, including pork. They also use artificial colors and flavorings in their toothpastes.
It is important to note that while other hygiene and beauty products may contain fatty acids extracted from pig bone fat, this is not the case for toothpaste. Toothpaste does not contain any animal-derived components, making it a safe choice for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Alternatives To Pork In Toothpaste
For individuals who have religious or cultural beliefs that prohibit the consumption of pork, there are alternative options available in the market. One such option is Sprinjene toothpaste, which is 100% pork-free and made with pure vegetable-derived glycerin. It is also free of harmful ingredients, making it suitable for those who are looking for a more natural and organic toothpaste.
Glycerin is a common ingredient in toothpaste, and it can be derived from various sources, including animal fats like beef or mutton tallow. However, glycerin can also be obtained from vegetable and plant sources like soya bean and palm. Some toothpaste brands use glycerin derived from plant sources to cater to consumers who prefer vegan or halal products.
In addition to glycerin, there are several other natural alternatives to pork in toothpaste. Baking soda mixed with water can be used to brush teeth and whiten them. Coconut oil can also be used along with baking soda as a substitute for toothpaste, and it provides several benefits to the body. Other oils like sesame and sunflower can be used for oil pulling to keep the teeth clean. Sea salt is another effective substitute for toothpaste that can clean all parts of the mouth and keep it free of harmful bacteria. Essential oils like peppermint, cinnamon, and eucalyptus can also be used to cleanse teeth and improve their shine and health.
It is important to note that while natural alternatives may be a healthier option, they may not provide the same level of protection against cavities as traditional toothpaste. It is always recommended to consult with a dentist before making any significant changes to your oral care routine.
