Claim: A Facebook user claimed that toothpaste can clear wrinkles from the skin.
Verdict: False. There is no scientific evidence that toothpaste removes wrinkles. Experts warn that its use on the skin may cause irritation, burns, or conditions such as contact dermatitis.
Full Text
Beauty standards have long shaped how people see ageing. Across cultures, the desire to look youthful is not new, as many people try to maintain a younger appearance even as they grow older. Studies show that society often associates youth with beauty, confidence, and desirability, which partly explains why anti-ageing products and cosmetic procedures continue to grow in popularity.
While some people can afford expensive cosmetic procedures and anti-ageing treatments, others cannot. As a result, many turn to cheaper alternatives, home remedies, or supposed quick fixes they can easily access around them.
On Facebook, a user identified as @Queen Real World claimed that toothpaste can clear wrinkles (archived here).
The caption of the claim reads, “Get rid of wrinkles with toothpaste. So many testimonies coming in.”
DUBAWA transcribed the audio, in which the claimant explained the procedure for using the remedy.
“Since too many testimonies are coming for how toothpaste clears wrinkles, I decided to make another one. You can use any type of toothpaste, but make sure it does not exceed 5 minutes on your face.”
She then went silent for a few seconds as she applied toothpaste under her eye, around her mouth, and close to her jawline.
Afterwards, she continued, “It’s a bit hot, but you will have to endure it. I thought to repeat this video because I know it will help a lot of people. Go and use it and come back to testify. Your testimony will encourage others to take the step.”
As of May 18, 2025, the post had 5,000 likes, 376 comments, 439 shares and over 280,000 views.
From the testimonies she claimed were shared by users of the remedy and the overall nature of the video, DUBAWA inferred that this was not the first time the claim had surfaced. We traced an earlier video where the claimant shared the same claim here.
We found that other Facebook users shared the same or similar claims here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
The skin is a delicate part of the body, and false narratives around skincare or anti-ageing remedies can cause more harm than the benefits they claim to offer. Putting this into consideration, DUBAWA decided to scrutinise the claim and establish the facts.
Verification
DUBAWA started by searching for publications that prove that toothpaste clears wrinkles or helps with reducing their visibility, but we found none. Instead, we found a learning platform called Filo, an educational platform where students can connect with tutors or academic experts to answer questions.
On the page, we found that one of the frequently asked questions was, “Does toothpaste help tighten the face for wrinkles?”
The response to the question reads, “No, toothpaste does not help tighten the face or reduce wrinkles. Toothpaste is formulated for cleaning teeth and maintaining oral hygiene, not for skincare. Applying toothpaste to the skin can cause irritation, dryness, or even allergic reactions, especially on sensitive facial skin. There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of toothpaste for tightening skin or treating wrinkles.”
While there was not much we found that relates to wrinkles and the toothpaste remedy, we found several other publications that showed how toothpaste is not a good recommendation for the skin.
For instance, Colgate, a toothpaste-producing company, notes that toothpaste is formulated strictly for oral care and not for application on the skin. It warns that using it on facial skin may cause irritation or a burning sensation, as the ingredients are designed for use in the mouth and not the skin’s surface. Colgate noted that instead of improving skin conditions, such use may result in redness, burning, dryness, or discomfort.
A Healthline article on the use of toothpaste for pimples explains that while toothpaste may appear to dry out blemishes, it is not designed for skin use. It warns that applying toothpaste to the skin can lead to irritation, redness, and increased inflammation, especially on sensitive facial areas.
A publication by O’Hara Dermatology also notes that toothpaste does not treat acne or improve skin texture. It explains that the ingredients in toothpaste are formulated for oral hygiene and may cause sensitivity when applied to the face.
In summary, we did not find any study or article that supports the claimant’s stance that toothpaste clears wrinkles, nor did we find any publication supporting its use for the treatment of any skin condition.
Addition from experts
Fatima Ismail, a dermatologist at Skin Wellness, told DUBAWA that she has encountered many cases where people resort to different formulated remedies to treat skin problems. She noted that just as skin type differs, how different skin reacts to products also differs.
“Skincare is important, and there are many formulations from companies, trained and untrained local vendors, and even random suggestions people pick up from friends or social media. Skin types differ, and while something harmful may not have a severe effect on one person, another person who tries the same thing may suffer long-term damage,” she said.
Fatima explained the risks associated with applying toothpaste to the skin, noting that the burning or minty sensation people feel in the mouth can be harsher on the skin because facial skin is more delicate and sensitive than the gums.
“Toothpaste can irritate and burn the skin, and depending on the skincare products a person already uses, the reaction could be worse because it mixes with other chemicals already on the skin. One of the skin conditions that may result is contact dermatitis, an itchy rash caused by direct contact with certain substances, including cosmetic products, chemicals, and even toothpaste,” she explained.
Fatima lamented that many people only seek professional help after causing significant damage to their skin.
Whether it is to address an existing skin concern or simply maintain healthy skin, Fatima advised users to consult an expert who understands their skin type and can recommend products or procedures that improve the skin without harmful consequences.
David Godswill, a dentist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, told DUBAWA that there is no scientific evidence showing that toothpaste clears wrinkles or reduces signs of ageing.
“Toothpaste was formulated for the teeth and gums, not the face. Even in oral care, some people react to certain ingredients in toothpaste, especially if they have sensitive gums or lips. In some cases, people complain of irritation, a burning sensation, dryness around the lips, or discomfort depending on the product and how sensitive they are to its ingredients,” he said.
He explained that while some people may mistake the tingling or tightening sensation from toothpaste as proof that it works, such feelings do not mean the skin is healing or that wrinkles are disappearing. He emphasised that toothpaste does not serve as a skincare or anti-ageing treatment, and repeated application to the skin can cause damage.
Conclusion
DUBAWA found no scientific evidence supporting the claim that toothpaste clears wrinkles or reduces their visibility. Instead, available dermatological guidance and expert opinions show that toothpaste is formulated for oral hygiene and may irritate or damage the skin when applied to the face. The claim is therefore false.