Why You Shouldn’t Use Toothpaste To Get Rid Of Pimples

Last Updated on March 24, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Does toothpaste help pimples?

It’s a legit question. When I was 15, I read in a magazine (hey, we didn’t have the internet back then!) that putting toothpaste on pimples would get rid of them.

I know, it sounds crazy. But if you were a young and clueless teenager desperate to get the attention of that cute guy next door, wouldn’t you try it? You know what: it worked.

But that doesn’t mean you should do it. Here’s what really happens when you put toothpaste on pimples (hint: it’s NOT good):

Why Did People Start Using Toothpaste For Pimples?

People started googling things like “how to get rid of a pimple overnight with toothpaste” because — let’s be honest — when you’ve got a zit the size of Mount Everest and a party the next day, you’ll try anything. And if all you have in the bathroom is Colgate? You go for it.

And it kind of works. Believe it or not, toothpaste is an effective treatment for pimples. Thank Triclosan for that. It’s an antibacterial agent you’ll find both in toothpaste and anti-acne treatments.

Triclosan dries out pimples, making them disappear faster. It doesn’t play alone either. Other common toothpaste ingredients, like menthol, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol, do the same thing.

No wonder your pimples look so smaller the next morning! But, there’s a catch…. Like many random DIY beauty hacks you’ll find online, it’s a short-term fix with long-term side effects.

Related: Is Alcohol Bad In Skincare?

Does Toothpaste Help Pimples?

Here’s the thing: you can’t dry out pimples without drying out and irritating your skin, too.

That’s not even the worst of it. Leave that toothpaste on your pimple a little too long and your skin could literally burn. Ouch!

I’m not kidding. Just because an ingredient is safe in a toothpaste, doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with it. Things that are safe for their intended use can turn nasty when you use them for stuff you shouldn’t…

Is it worth risking all that when there are much more effective and safer spot treatments available? Thought so.

How long should you leave toothpaste on a pimple? 

Ideally: zero minutes. Seriously, ladies and gentlemen, don’t try this at home. But most people who try it leave it overnight. That’s where the damage starts. Especially if your skin is sensitive, you can end up with redness and peeling by morning.

Is Toothpaste Good For Blackheads?

Nope. Blackheads aren’t caused by bacteria, so slathering on toothpaste won’t help. Blackheads form when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The top gets exposed to oxygen and turns black. But most of the blackhead is deep inside your pores.

So any treatment that only scratches away that blackhead gives you the illusion it’s working. In reality, it only removes the head. The tail is still inside and will develop a new head in a matter of days. If you want to get rid of blackheads, you need salicylic acid period. Check out my fave Salicylic Acid treatments here.

Does It Matter What Kind Of Toothpaste You Use?

Absolutely. Whitening toothpastes contain harsh ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, so they tend to be more irritating. Gel formulas usually have fewer drying agents, but again, it’s still not skincare. Use your toothpaste on your teeth, not your pimples.

Can toothpaste make acne worse?

If you’ve read this far, you know the answer is a big YES! Especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. The irritation from your toothpaste can trigger more inflammation – and more inflammation is synonymous with dark spots, wrinkles and even skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Pimples

In my experience, nothing gets rid of pimples faster than sulfur. This natural mineral plays an essential role in the health of your skin. It’s especially good at keeping acne away. Here’s how:

• It has antibacteri`al properties, so it kills the bacteria that cause acne
• It helps prevents acne-causing bacteria from spreading
• It helps exfoliate dead skin cells, accelerating cellular turnover and preventing breakouts
• It helps dry out blemishes
• It helps reduce oiliness, keeping breakouts at bay

Whenever I use a spot treatmet with sulfur, I can get rid of pimples in two days. It’s that powerful!

The catch? Sulfur is very drying and irritating. Brands will tell you you can safely use sulfur treatments as masks, but don’t fall for it. Sulfur is a spot treatment only!

P.S. If sulfur is too harsh for you, try Benzoyl Peroxide. It has antibacterial properties that kills the bacteria that give you acne. The best part? Bacteria don’t grow resistant to it. Again, use it on pimples only.

Best Picks:

• Epionce Purifying Spot Gel ($42.00): My fave, it kills pimples faster than everything else I’ve ever tried. Available at at Dermstore 
• Indie Lee Blemish Lotion ($26.00): A basic sulfur treatment that does the job well. Available at Cult Beauty and Dermstore,
• Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17.00): An affordable alternative to get rid of pimples quickly. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, and Ulta

Related: Benzoyl Peroxide VS Salicylic Acid: Which One Should You Use?

The Bottom Line

Putting toothpaste on pimples isn’t a good idea. It’s true it can help you shrink them and make them go away faster, but the price to pay for that is serious irritation. Heck, in the worst case scenario it can burn your skin! Stay safe and opt for a dermatologist-approved spot treatment, like sulfur or Benzoyl Peroxide.