A Sweet, Sulfate Free Toothpaste By joojifish on Nov 03, 2007 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

If you're looking for a sulfate-free toothpase, Trader Joe's anise-flavored toothpaste is an excellent choice. It's inexpensive, tastes pretty good (think licorice with mild sweetness), and seems to clean teeth well. The anise flavor makes for a decent breath freshener as well. One thing to note though: this is a fluoride-free toothpaste, if that matters to you. The primary reason I use sulfate-free toothpaste is to prevent canker sores. Sulfates, including sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate, are used as foaming agents in many toothpastes and bath and body products. However, these sulfates can irritate the skin, some more so than others. Irritation can lead to canker sores or exacerbate existing ones. Thus, I try to avoid sulfates when I can. Heck, foaming is overrated, especially in toothpastes. Who needs 'the rabid look' anyway?