Fact Check: Dermatologists Warn Toothpaste Doesn’t Help improve skin complexion; Viral Post Is Fake
No, toothpaste isn’t used for skin whitening. The viral post is fake and the claim is refuted by dermatologists.
- By: Urvashi Kapoor
- Published: Aug 27, 2021 at 04:32 PM
New Delhi (Vishvas News): A viral post on social media claims that toothpaste can help improve your skin complexion. Vishvas News investigated and found the viral post to be fake.
Claim
A post shared on social media reads: “Toothpaste for Instant Skin Whitening Apply Toothpaste on your Darkspots and see the Magic. Check on the Link: https://youtu.be/Gw8Etu1v0K0 .” The Youtube link shows the method of application of a mixture of toothpaste and crushed tomato on the skin to remove dark spots.
The archived version of the post can be seen here.
Investigation
Vishvas News started its investigation by searching Google using appropriate keywords. We found a tweet on the handle of The British Association of Dermatologists. The tweet states that toothpaste does include anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, but it can be irritating to the skin and causes severe discoloration.
We investigated further and found a report by the Cleveland Clinic, a US-based academic medical center. The report dated October 14, 2019 states that toothpaste is not intended to be put directly on your face.
The link in the viral post also mentions the application of crushed tomato on the skin. When we searched reports related to the same we found that tomatoes are healthy and contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which may help strengthen your immune system when used as a dietary source. But, there’s little scientific evidence to support the claim that you can get these or other benefits from applying tomatoes to your skin.
Vishvas News spoke to Dr. Kiran Sethi, an aesthetic dermatologist from New Delhi, and shared the viral post with her. She said: “Please don’t use toothpaste for skin whitening. It has abrasive agents like silica that aren’t refined enough for skin, detergents like sulfates which dry and irritate the skin, and sometimes hydrogen peroxide – which is a drying acid that can bleach but it can cause harm to your skin if used inappropriately. Teeth are strong and can handle a lot of abrasive and chemical agents, but the skin is soft and gentle- they can’t be treated the same. The viral post is fake.”
Vishvas News debunked a similar post claiming toothpaste is a reliable solution for the treatment of acne. Read here.
The post is shared on Facebook by a user named Sana Noor in a group named Organic Beauty Tips. When we scanned the profile of the user we found that the user is based out of Pakistan.
Conclusion: No, toothpaste isn’t used for skin whitening. The viral post is fake and the claim is refuted by dermatologists.
- Claim Review : Toothpaste for Instant Skin Whitening Apply Toothpaste on your Darkspots and see the Magic.
- Claimed By : Fb user: Sana Noor
- Fact Check : False
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