This article takes a look at Euthymol Toothpaste. A dense, pink, uniquely flavoured paste containing thymol – a natural antiseptic derived from thyme oil. It’s fluoride free, comes in retro packaging that reflects its heritage status and has not one, but two, Facebook fan groups!
Choice of toothpaste matters way more than most people think. Research has linked poor oral health with serious systemic conditions. So it’s important to choose a toothpaste that will protect your oral health and not just for cosmetic reasons.
In this article we answer the following questions:
- What makes a good toothpaste?
- What makes Euthymol unique?
- Is Euthymol abrasive?
- How does Euthymol toothpaste work?
- Is Euthymol right for me?
- What ingredients are in Euthymol?
What makes a good toothpaste?
Obviously, a good toothpaste will clean teeth. But it must also protect them.
All toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients to clean and polish teeth. But abrasives can erode tooth enamel if they’re too harsh. This can lead to the yellow dentin beneath showing through and may cause cavities.
So a good toothpaste should be mildly abrasive and contain an ingredient to help restore and protect tooth enamel. In most cases this is fluoride at a concentration of at least 1000 parts per million (ppm). If fluoride is not used then the paste should contain an alternative.
It should also turn brushing into a pleasure by being enjoyable to use. Factors that can influence this are taste and texture. Lastly, you may have specific oral health concerns, such as gum health, that you want your toothpaste to address.
Euthymol Toothpaste does not contain fluoride but this could be one of the reasons you’re considering it. There have been some claims that fluoride may be linked to a variety of health conditions. If you share these concerns then Euthymol is definitely a product you could consider.
| Good toothpaste Criteria | Euthymol |
| At least 1000ppm fluoride | No, fluoride-free |
| Relative Dentin Abrasivity under 250 | Euthymol has not been tested for abrasivity |
| Makes you want to use it | Taste – unique non-minty taste a bit like sarsaparilla or root beer. Texture – thick and penetrating. |
What makes Euthymol unique?
Firstly taste. Euthymol is the toothpaste equivalent of Marmite. You either love it or hate it.
Thymol and wintergreen give it a slightly medicinal, warming flavour, as opposed to a cool minty feel. Some describe the taste as being like sarsaparilla or root beer.
Secondly, its ‘cult’ status. Despite having almost no internet presence, Euthymol’s followers are devoted to it. It has no less than two facebook fan groups! When it briefly disappeared from the shelves in 2013, there was a black market rush on the product with tubes selling on EBay for a tenner!
And whilst we’re on the subject of marketing, the simple old fashioned packaging makes no claims, bold or otherwise. And it looks like it’s straight out of the 19th Century (when it was first made).
And lastly… it’s PINK!
Is Euthymyol Abrasive?
This is a great question but one that’s hard to answer.
Euthymol does not appear on the Chart for Relative Abrasivity, which means the makers (Johnson & Johnson) have not tested it for abrasivity.
However, apparently Euthymol once contained aluminum oxide as an abrasive which is quite harsh.
Euthymol was reformulated by Johnson & Johnson in 2014 due to changes in European Cosmetics Regulation. Johnson & Johnson would not say which ingredient had to be changed or why. But the abrasive components are now different and less harsh.
How does Euthymol Work?
Though Euthymol does not contain fluoride, it does use ingredients that aim to fulfill the functions of a regular toothpaste.
Namely, safely cleaning and whitening teeth, strengthening tooth enamel, protecting teeth and gums by killing harmful bacteria, and freshening breath.
To achieve this Euthymol uses two abrasives to clean and polish teeth. This includes one containing calcium which helps to replenish the minerals in tooth enamel and strengthen it.
It also uses an ingredient to neutralise harmful acids in the mouth. Research suggests this helps your saliva to remineralise (strengthen) tooth enamel using the minerals it naturally contains.
To reduce plaque and kill the germs that cause bad breath Euthymol deploys the powerful antibacterial properties found in Thymol.
Thymol, wintergreen and menthol provide the distinctive flavour and warming feeling. And to help heal ulcers and sore gums Euthymol utilizes an ingredient that is commonly used to heal wounds.
Lastly, titanium dioxide whitens teeth. This is a pigment which reflects light. It creates an illusion of whiteness that is temporary. It does not actually bleach teeth.
Is Euthymol right for me?
Pros
- Naturally antiseptic
- Pleasing texture
- Fluoride free (which can be a con – depending on your point of view)
- Distinctive non minty taste
- Long lasting fresh mouth tingle
- Non plastic tube
Cons
- Pink paste may take some getting used to
- Contains sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and carrageenan which can cause irritation in some individuals
- Some may find the flavour unpleasant or overpowering
If you are looking for a non-mint, fluoride product than Euthymol is definitely worth considering.
The flavour is distinctive, strong, and not for the faint hearted. It does a thorough job of cleaning your mouth and makes it feel tingly and clean for a long time after brushing.
There are a couple of questionable ingredients. These include SLS and carrageenan, both of which are associated with irritation in some individuals. They are both commonly used and if you are sensitive to either you would almost certainly know by now.
In addition, if you have soft tooth enamel or are very prone to cavities, your dentist will certainly not recommend this fluoride free toothpaste!
That being said, if you try a single tube you could become one if its many passionate devotees.
And if you do, you can buy value multi packs and stock up in case it disappears from the shelves again and make a fortune on eBay (if you can bear to part with it!)
What ingredients are in Euthymol?
- Di-calcium Phosphate Dihydrate (an abrasive containing calcium)
- Sorbitol (artificial sweetener and binder)
- Glycerin (holds moisture and prevents drying out)
- Methyl Salicylate (oil of wintergreen)
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (foamer)
- CI77891 (titanium dioxide, a bright white pigement)
- Carrageenan (thickener derived from seaweed)
- Cellulose Gum (thickener)
- Sodium Silicate (an adhesive that’s used to heal wounds)
- Hydrated Silica (abrasive)
- Thymol (natural antiseptic to reduce plaque and gingivitis)
- Sodium Saccharin (artificial sweetener)
- Sodium Hydroxide (neutralises harmful acids in the mouth)
- Menthol (flavouring)
- CI 14720 (pink colouring)
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