Does Toothpaste Help With Acne?
Skin ConditionsAcne

Should You Put Toothpaste on Pimples?

Should You Put Toothpaste on Pimples?
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Published on March 18, 2026
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Remember the trick of putting toothpaste on your pimples overnight, which purportedly dried out acne? This old-school tip is enjoying a resurgence as a skin hack on TikTok and other social media platforms.

 

But the question remains: Does toothpaste really help with acne? Our experts, who are board-certified dermatologists, say no. In fact, it may even make your acne worse. Here’s their take on how toothpaste impacts your skin and better ways to treat breakouts.

Should You Put Toothpaste on Pimples?

Simply stated, the answer is no, experts say.

 “Using toothpaste for acne typically does more harm than good,” says S. Tyler Hollmig, MD, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School.

While there is a kernel of plausibility about why it might be considered helpful — including that toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and menthol, all of which may cause drying and therefore help shrink active pimples — the risks outweigh the benefits, and here’s why.

May Cause Irritation and Dryness

Toothpaste’s drying properties can damage the skin barrier, leading to dermatitis, says Dr. Hollmig. (Dermatitis refers to skin inflammation and irritation, characterized by dryness, itching, or a rash.)

 In short, your skin may appear (and feel) worse after using toothpaste on it.

May Impact Inflammation and Worsen Breakouts

The cause of acne is multifactorial, driven by a buildup of skin cells, C. acnes bacteria, oil production, inflammation, hormonal factors, and genetics.

Toothpaste may possibly worsen this process by clogging pores, says Hollmig, although there isn’t much research to prove this happens. Plus, skin barrier breakdown triggers inflammation. This can contribute to a cycle of acne.

May Increase Risk of Scarring

Due to irritation from toothpaste, it’s possible to end up with scarring that leads to hyperpigmentation, an especially big risk for those with darker skin tones, says Deirdre O’Boyle Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. The inflammation from acne itself, called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, can trigger this condition, too.

 But injury to the skin and harsh skin treatments (such as toothpaste) can also cause cellular skin damage that can lead to discoloration, which may require further treatments, she says.

May Raise Perioral Dermatitis Risk

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition in which you develop a red, often pimplelike rash around your mouth.

 Toothpaste may be one factor in its development, among others.
“Perioral dermatitis is a complicated disease, and there are many causes,” says Dr. Hooper, including topical steroid use, chewing gum, and dental fillings.

Still, the last thing you want to do is irritate this rash, which toothpaste can do. If you suspect that using toothpaste to brush your teeth may be the cause of these rashy, pimplelike bumps, she recommends trying a toothpaste free of common irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate, cinnamon, and mint for four weeks to see if it helps.

Better Acne Treatments

The good news is that there are many effective acne treatments, says Hollmig. Some come over the counter (OTC), and others require a prescription.

“There are lots of options here, and these can and should be tailored to the individual,” he says. In other words, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist about what's best for your skin, he adds.

Acne treatments include:

Retinoids Prescription retinoids like tretinoin and OTC versions like adapalene are topical treatments that improve skin-cell turnover to help clear pores, Hollmig says. In some cases, an oral pill called isotretinoin may be recommended for nodule acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

However, isotretinoin is not a safe choice for everyone. Birth defects are a serious risk, so pregnant women should steer clear. It’s also been associated with mood changes, but more research is needed, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Benzoyl Peroxide This OTC treatment decreases inflammation and kills the growth of bacteria that can cause acne.

Salicylic Acid Another ingredient available OTC, salicylic acid encourages exfoliation to help keep pores clear, and it may be worth trying if you have mild acne, says Hooper.

Topical and Oral Antibiotics These prescription treatments target both the bacteria and inflammation that can contribute to acne, says Hollmig.

 Oral antibiotics tend to be less durable treatments, and acne often comes back, making these best used on a short-term basis for flare-ups, Hooper adds.

 The American Academy of Dermatology advises using systemic antibiotics for no more than three to four months alongside other acne treatments, which reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Hormonal Treatments Hormonal factors can contribute to acne.

 Doctors can prescribe oral contraceptives or spironolactone for women, says Hollmig.

 For all adults, another option is the topical prescription cream clascoterone (Winlevi), which inhibits androgen (a group of sex hormones, including testosterone) receptors in the skin to reduce sebum production and inflammation.

Laser Treatment For some patients, Hollmig recommends laser treatments like Aviclear by Cutera. This approach, cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has been shown to be effective in aiding moderate to severe acne by targeting sebum (oil) glands for those with Fitzpatrick skin types 2 to 6 (fair to dark brown or black). That said, research is emerging and has limitations — primarily a lack of controls and industry funding.

 Because acne treatment is particular to each individual’s needs, it's best to consult your dermatologist to determine the right approach for you.

When to See a Dermatologist

Having acne can be emotionally challenging and can affect your mood and self-esteem, says Hooper.

 If you’re distressed about your acne, see a board-certified dermatologist for a treatment plan, she recommends.
You should also speak to a licensed mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, both of which may be linked to acne.

It’s reasonable to use effective OTC options to treat mild acne, but any time you reach the point of frustration, see a dermatologist, says Hollmig. “We can cure almost all cases of acne, but it requires an analysis of the patient’s skin and some finesse and skill, as treatments often need to be safely and thoughtfully combined,” he says. “Most dermatologists absolutely love treating acne because they can really help remarkably with it.” And this, in turn, makes patients feel better.

The Takeaway

  • Toothpaste is not an effective hack or home remedy for treating acne, and dermatologists do not recommend using it for pimples.
  • Toothpaste for acne can often do more harm than good, and it may cause irritation, inflammation, additional breakouts, and scarring.
  • Many effective over-the-counter and prescription options treat acne, including both topical and oral treatments and in-office devices.
  • Speak to a dermatologist about the best acne treatments for your skin, and be sure to see a mental health professional if you experience symptoms of stress, depression, or anxiety because of your acne.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Nickles MA et al. What’s Being Recommended to Patients on Social Media? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Acne Treatments on YouTube. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. April 2022.
  2. Why You Should Never Put Toothpaste on a Pimple. Cleveland Clinic. December 22, 2022.
  3. Dermatitis. Mayo Clinic. May 2, 2025.
  4. Reynolds RV et al. Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. May 2024.
  5. Deng Y et al. Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Acne Vulgaris: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches. Medical Science Monitor. December 13, 2024.
  6. Markiewicz E et al. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin: Molecular Mechanism and Skincare Implications. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. November 25, 2022.
  7. Tolaymat L et al. Perioral Dermatitis. StatPearls. July 6, 2025.
  8. Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. June 19, 2024.
  9. Isotretinoin: The truth about safety, side effects, and skin care. American Academy of Dermatology Association. September 22, 2025.
  10. Benzoyl Peroxide Cream, Gel, or Lotion. Cleveland Clinic.
  11. Hormonal Acne. Cleveland Clinic. September 10, 2021.
  12. Smith CA et al. Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists. Dermatology and Therapy. January 3, 2025.
  13. Huerth K et al. Established and Emerging Laser Treatments for Acne Vulgaris in Diverse Skin Types. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. June 2025.
  14. Brownstone N. Update on New Laser Treatments for Acne. Dermatology Times. November 2022.
  15. Goldberg D et al. Safe and Effective Acne Treatment Across Skin Types with a 1726 nm Sebum-Selective Laser: One Year Data From a Prospective Multicenter Study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. February 2026.
  16. Faro B et al. Acne, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health: a Scoping Review. Psychology, Health & Medicine. January 2026.
  17. Acne Can Affect More Than Your Skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Meet Our Experts
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Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum laude from the City University of New York and then received his MD from the New York University School of Medicine. There, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and served as chapter president for two years. He completed his residency in dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center, and at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Dr. Radusky practices general and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on the early detection of skin cancer, and provides patients with a personalized approach to looking their best at any age. He has authored articles and textbook chapters on the clues that our finger- and toenails may provide us about internal disease, as well as on comprehensive therapies for cosmetic dermatology and reversing the signs of skin aging.

Complementing his medical practice, Radusky has a strong passion for the cultural arts, particularly in expanding access to youths and seniors. He previously served as an artist instructor for the Rockaway Artists Alliance, a New York City nonprofit arts and education organization, and then served as both a board director and treasurer of the organization throughout his medical school training.

Radusky enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Robyn, son Oliver, and poodle Lucy, where he can usually be found preventing photoaging and reducing the risk of skin cancer beneath an umbrella in a wide-brimmed hat. He is also the proud inventor of Sunshotz, the world’s only sunscreen measuring cup, designed to help patients of all ages apply the proper amount of sunscreen needed to enjoy all the sun without the burn.

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Jessica Migala

Author

Jessica Migala is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. She has written extensively about vision care, diabetes, dermatology, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, cancer, pregnancy, and gynecology. She was previously an assistant editor at Prevention where she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.

She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, O:The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, Fitness, Family Circle, Health, Prevention, Self, VICE, and more. Migala lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young boys, rescue beagle, and 15 fish. When not reporting, she likes running, bike rides, and a glass of wine (in moderation, of course).

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