Why You Should Never Use Toothpaste on Spots, According to Experts

According to specialists on Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, one of the internet’s most popular “skincare hacks” could be doing more harm than good.

Despite going viral on TikTok and YouTube tutorials, using toothpaste as a DIY spot treatment is strongly discouraged by dermatologists and beauty professionals. While toothpaste does contain ingredients such as fluoride, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide that can dry out a blemish, it’s not formulated for skin use – and can cause long-term irritation.

The Dangers of Toothpaste on Skin

• Chemical burns: Harsh compounds in toothpaste can inflame or damage skin tissue.
  
  
• Excessive dryness: Stripping natural oils can worsen acne and lead to flaking.
  
  
• Pigmentation issues: Irritation may cause redness or dark marks that take weeks to fade.
  
  

What the Experts Say

“We see a lot of clients coming in with skin flare-ups after trying viral hacks,” say Fresha’s skincare specialists. “Toothpaste is designed for enamel – not delicate facial skin. It can trigger chemical burns, disrupt your skin barrier, and actually make breakouts worse.”

Safer Alternatives to Treat Spots

Instead of reaching for toothpaste, Fresha experts recommend:

• Spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
  
  
• Applying a gentle clay mask to draw out impurities
  
  
• Using hydrocolloid patches to reduce inflammation overnight