We know of two concerns regarding this ingredient. The first is its potential to have an adverse effect on a condition known as recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores). There have been a couple of studies on this subject. The first study involved 10 subjects who were predisposed to canker sores. The researchers found that the application of SLS on the canker sores aggravated them. The study concluded, however, that more research was needed before any conclusions could be made about SLS and canker sores (possibly because of the small number of test subjects and the scientific methods being used). A more recent study conducted at the St. Bartholemew's College in the UK included 100 test subjects plus a control group. It found that the use of a non-SLS toothpaste vs. a toothpaste containing SLS did not have any effect on the occurrence, duration, or severity of canker sores.
The other concern about this ingredient is its potential link to cancer. In order for this to be possible, SLS must contain impurities and be present in a product that also contains amines. If both of these are present in a product and the conditions of processing and/or storage are favorable, nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer, may form. The important word here is potential. There are no amines present in our toothpaste, either alone or in a combination ingredient. Therefore, it would not be possible for a nitrosamine to form.
At Tom’s we are concerned about the safety and efficacy of our products, so we take these rumors seriously. Specifically, we have heard claims that SLS is linked to cancer, cataracts, liver or kidney damage, and other maladies. These widespread rumors have been investigated by respected publications such as The Washington Post and The Berkeley Wellness Newsletter, both of which have called them a "sham" and a "hoax." So rampant are these rumors that they are even addressed on the Urban Legends website under the "toxins du jour " heading, which provides additional reputable sources of information about SLS research. You may also consult our SLS Ingredient Fact Sheet.
For those of our consumers who prefer to use a toothpaste without SLS, we also offer a line of SLS-free toothpastes which use glycyrrhizin, derived from licorice root, to foam and disperse ingredients:
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