Our take
Why It’s on Our Radar
The current Colgate Total no longer contains triclosan (reformulated 2019). We flag the historical triclosan formula for the endocrine and antibiotic-resistance concerns that drove the change.
What's inside
Ingredients & Safety
The original formula paired fluoride with triclosan (removed 2019), plus sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide, and synthetic blue dye.
Worth a closer look — 3 ingredients we flag:
Triclosan
Antibacterial agent linked to hormone disruption, banned in many products.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate — sometimes listed as SLS
Strong surfactant linked to skin irritation, strips natural oils.
FD&C Blue 1 — sometimes listed as Blue 1
A synthetic petroleum-derived certified color (a "lake" pigment) used to shade lip and cheek makeup; clean formulas replace it with mineral or plant pigments and some batches can carry trace heavy-metal impurities.
Ingredient List Reviewed
- Sodium Fluoride
- Triclosan Caution
- Water also listed as Aqua, Purified Water
- Sorbitol
- Hydrated Silica
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate also listed as SLS Caution
- Flavor
- Sodium Saccharin
- Titanium Dioxide also listed as Non-Nano Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891
- FD&C Blue 1 also listed as Blue 1, CI 42090 Watch
Formula scope: the disclosed ingredient list captured for this review. Formulas can differ by product, scent, country, and date; compare the current package with this list before deciding.
Want another top-tier option? Davids in Oral Care currently meets our top criteria. Review its formula scope and cited records before deciding.
Who owns it
Ownership & Independence
Colgate Total is a Colgate-Palmolive product.
Where to buy
Key Products
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions never influence scores.
Check the exact formula, size, seller, and availability on Amazon. Search links show results that may include other brands. Links open in a new tab.
- Colgate Total (original, triclosan) Search on Amazon →