After moisturizing soaps or self-tanners, it's the turn of toothpastes to pass the Que Choisir
magazine test
.
In fact, the latter compared 24 different models according to different criteria: effectiveness (with fluorine content, abrasiveness on dentin and cleaning power), composition and impact on the environment.
But also on cosmetic qualities such as “the appearance, texture, quantity of foam, taste and its intensity, freshness in the mouth (fresh breath effect), the feeling of clean teeth and the feeling in the mouth after brushing” .
Also read: Can you brush your teeth only once a day?
The magazine's first observation is that the results are quite disappointing, with no toothpaste achieving three stars in terms of the criteria.
No rating above 13.9/20 either.
And four models don't even get the average.
If two toothpastes come out on top with the best score tied, Fluocaril bi-fluorinated mint is the only one to contain the right dosage of fluoride, which is essential when choosing your toothpaste because, as the magazine reminds us: “According to all specialists on the subject, first and foremost the World Health Organization, believe that a sufficient quantity of fluoride is the
sine qua non
condition for anti-cavity effectiveness.”
On the other hand, its price (€61 per liter) could well tip the scales: in fact, the Colgate Triple Action available at the price of €12 per liter, and tied, will perhaps be more popular with the public.
Fluocaril bi-fluorinated mint toothpaste shares first place on the podium with Colgate Triple Action.
Fluocaril
In its test, the magazine of the Federal Consumers' Union compares references available in supermarkets and drugstores, but also organic, paste or lozenge formats.
Among the bad points which lower the grades,
Que Choisir
notes too much abrasiveness which risks damaging the enamel instead of protecting it;
but also a number of problematic substances such as sodium lauryl sulfate to make the product foam and considered irritating.
Allergens and dyes also still seem too present in the compositions.
Some manufacturers even go so far as to include banned molecules in food such as titanium dioxide.
For a product that can be ingested, the choice remains surprising.
Finally, the magazine also regrets that the environment has not been taken into account enough: between non-recycled packaging, overpackaging and polluting or toxic ingredients for aquatic organisms.
So many elements to take into account, to avoid mechanically and randomly taking your toothpaste when shopping.
Also read: The results of the Que Choisir test in full