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Eight months ago, I was diagnosed with perioral dermatitis (PD) after going through topical steroid withdrawal. If you’ve dealt with PD, you know how frustrating (and honestly, confusing) it can be. Is it your diet, your environment, stress, or hormones? The guessing game of figuring out the triggers is SO exhausting. I’ve been on a healing journey ever since, and thanks to my amazing dermatologist, I’m now completely PD-free. While everyone’s skin is different, I quickly learned that small changes can make a big difference. One of the easiest swaps? Toothpaste.
Fluoride, SLS, and even certain essential oils can be major triggers for perioral dermatitis, so switching to a gentle, PD-friendly toothpaste is a simple way to help prevent flare-ups. If you're looking for one that won’t make things worse, I’ve rounded up the best perioral dermatitis toothpastes that are free of common irritants and the last option is the one I love and use myself.
P.S. If you’re curious about exactly how I cleared my perioral dermatitis, drop a comment below! I can send you an email with all the details—or maybe even write a full blog post on my journey.
I came across Toms Kids Strawberry Toothpaste on Reddit, where someone with severe perioral dermatitis said they had tried everything, and this was the only toothpaste that helped them. It’s fluoride-free, SLS-free, and non-toxic, making it a super gentle option for anyone looking to eliminate common triggers. Plus, the strawberry flavor is a nice bonus—no harsh minty burn, just a mild, easy-on-the-teeth formula. If you’re struggling with PD and haven’t looked into your toothpaste, this might be worth a try!
P.S this is also one of the toothpastes that my dermatologist recommended when I had severe perioral dermatitis not so long ago and it helped. The only drawback is that it made my teeth a bit dull/yellow after using, so I would not recommend using it for more than 2-3 months!
I first came across RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste through a TikTok recommendation, and after looking into it, I had to give it a try. Unlike conventional toothpastes that rely on fluoride, this one uses hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen enamel and remineralize teeth. It’s also completely free of SLS, artificial flavors, and other potential irritants, making it a great option for anyone with perioral dermatitis or sensitive skin.
After using it for a while, I can confidently say that it feels just as effective as traditional toothpaste, but without the harsh ingredients. The texture is smooth, it foams up just enough, and the taste is mild—not overpowering like some natural toothpastes tend to be. The only potential downside? It’s a little pricey compared to your standard drugstore options, but if you’re looking for a non-toxic, skin-friendly toothpaste that actually supports oral health, I think it’s worth it.
Related: Check out my favorite non-toxic candles for the house
I first found out about Davids Toothpaste from the clean beauty world—people kept talking about how good it was because of the ingredients, the aluminum packaging, and the fact that it’s fluoride-free. I’ve been trying to cut out anything that could trigger my perioral dermatitis, so I figured I’d try it.
What I liked about it:
No fluoride or SLS: This was the main reason I tried it. SLS is super irritating and a common trigger for PD.
Uses nano-hydroxyapatite instead of fluoride: It helps strengthen and remineralize teeth naturally, which I love.
Super clean ingredients: No weird fillers or fake sweeteners, and it’s EWG-certified.
Tastes good: I went with the peppermint—it’s fresh without that intense burn. They also make a charcoal version and a herbal citrus mint one if you want something different.
Sustainable packaging: The tube is aluminum and comes with a little key so you can squeeze out every last drop.
What I didn’t love:
The texture is different: It’s thicker and doesn’t foam up like regular toothpaste. Not a big deal, but it took a few uses to get used to.
It’s not cheap: Around $10–$12 per tube. Definitely more than drugstore brands, but the ingredients are better and it lasts a while.
Doesn’t give that intense “clean” feeling: Since it doesn’t foam, it might not feel as effective—but it is.
Final thoughts: If you’re looking for a clean, fluoride-free toothpaste that actually helps strengthen your teeth, Davids is worth checking out. The formula is one of the cleanest I’ve seen, and the enamel support is a huge bonus. It’s more expensive than most, but if ingredients matter to you, I think it’s worth the splurge.
Related: check out my favorite face wash for perioral dermatitis
Happy Toothpaste in Orange Citrus is a great fluoride-free, SLS-free option for those with perioral dermatitis . It’s gentle on sensitive skin, non-toxic, and free from artificial flavors and preservatives. The mild, refreshing citrus flavor is non-irritating, and the formula is clean. A solid choice if you want something super gentle.
20,000 people purchased these in the past month! No BS Toothpaste Tablets are a game-changer, especially for those with perioral dermatitis. These tablets are SLS-free, fluoride-free, and have minimal ingredients, making them a great option for sensitive skin. They’re super easy to use—just pop a tablet in your mouth, chew it, and brush. I love how they’re mess-free, travel-friendly, and still manage to leave your mouth feeling fresh. While they don’t foam like traditional toothpaste, they still get the job done without irritating sensitive skin. Definitely a solid choice for anyone looking for a clean, simple option!
Boka’s toothpaste is a standout for perioral dermatitis because it’s fluoride-free, SLS-free, and made with clean ingredients. Plus, it’s non-toxic, so it's perfect for anyone looking for a gentle option that still works. My personal favorite flavor is Coco Ginger—it’s refreshing without being overpowering. It’s also kid-friendly, which is a bonus if you’re trying to keep the whole family on the same page with their oral care. If you're looking for a soothing, effective toothpaste, Boka is definitely worth trying!
Related: Check out my favorite cream for perioral dermatitis to repair your skin barrier.
Jason's Toothpaste was the toothpaste I used when my perioral dermatitis was really flaring up, and it helped a lot. It has a mild coconut mint flavor, which was refreshing but not too overpowering, and it felt like it was really cleaning my teeth without triggering my perioral dermatitis. The best part? It’s super affordable at just $7 per bottle, which is a win.
The only downside I found was that, over time, it made my teeth a bit sensitive. But if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that’s gentle on your PD and effective for your teeth, Jason’s is definitely worth considering.
Related: Check out my holy grail moisturizer for perioral dermatitis.
Dealing with perioral dermatitis (PD) was hands down one of the most mentally draining and frustrating experiences I’ve ever gone through. Not only did it look terrible, but it also burned and itched constantly. It seriously took a toll on my confidence. I battled it on and off for almost 9 months before I was finally able to get it under control—with the help of a PA, not even a dermatologist!
It all started when I was prescribed a topical steroid for a random rash that appeared on my cheeks. Within days, the rash disappeared and my skin looked great—better than before, honestly. But about three months later, the PD kicked in. And once it started, it just kept flaring up, getting worse and more stubborn over time.
I went down every rabbit hole you could imagine. I read hours of Reddit threads and tried every “natural remedy” under the sun—beef tallow, clean beauty products, azelaic acid, niacinamide, Korean skincare, even a whole skincare line supposedly formulated for PD (which made everything worse, by the way). I visited two different dermatologists who prescribed creams that would calm things down temporarily, only for the flare-ups to come back worse once I stopped using them.
It wasn’t until I saw a PA (physician assistant) that I finally made progress. Ironically, she prescribed a topical steroid too—but only for 2–3 days to calm down the intense flare I was having. I was super hesitant, given that steroids were what triggered this mess in the first place, but she seemed so confident that I decided to give it one last shot.
After using the steroid briefly, she had me switch to prescription-strength azelaic acid, Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, prescription grade sulfur wash (1-2x week), and a basic Cetaphil face wash. That was it. No 10-step skincare routine, no fancy serums. Within a month, I noticed a huge improvement—less redness, less burning, and my skin didn’t feel as tight or inflamed.
Eventually, she had me stop the azelaic acid and steroid altogether and stick to a super simple routine:
Morning – Wash with Cetaphil face wash, moisturize with Avene Tolerance Cream, and apply Elta MD UV Clear sunscreen.
Night – Wash again with Cetaphil, then moisturize with Avene Cicalfate.
She also advised me to avoid alcohol, sugar, and other inflammatory foods (dairy was okay!), and to stay out of the sun while healing.
After about 2–3 months, my skin completely cleared up. Honestly, it looked even better than it did before PD. Since then, I’ve kept my routine minimal and it’s made a world of difference. These days, I stick to Avene products, Elta MD sunscreen, and occasionally use a sulfur wash if I feel a flare coming on. I also am very aware of when I get close to my period - I stay away from alcohol and too much caffeine as I notice my skin is more sensitive.
Looking back, the most important part of healing was finding someone who actually listened and didn’t just throw prescriptions at me. If I had found the right person sooner, I could’ve saved myself months of frustration and tears. PD is so misunderstood—and it’s different for everyone—but keeping things simple and consistent was ultimately what worked for me.
Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that causes red, inflamed bumps around the mouth and sometimes the eyes or nose. It can be triggered by various factors, including certain ingredients in toothpaste, like fluoride or SLS. These ingredients can irritate the skin, causing flare-ups. PD can also be linked to inflammation in the body or a deficiency of certain nutrients. I started taking a combination of vitamin D, fish oil, zinc, iron, and a multivitamin to ensure my body was getting the nutrients it needed and rule out any deficiencies.
Using gentle, non-irritating toothpaste can help prevent or reduce symptoms by minimizing potential triggers and supporting your skin’s healing process.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in toothpaste, but it can irritate the skin and worsen perioral dermatitis. SLS can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and inflammation, which can trigger flare-ups. Choosing SLS-free toothpaste helps avoid this irritation, keeping your skin calm and supporting your healing process.
When you're dealing with perioral dermatitis, the last thing you need is a pricey toothpaste that irritates your skin more than it helps. Thankfully, there are affordable options out there that are gentle on your skin and get the job done (my favorite is the Jason's Toothpaste).
From fluoride-free to SLS-free formulas, you can find a toothpaste that won’t break the bank or make your face break out in frustration. Plus, saving money means you can splurge on some skincare or a cute new lip balm to go with your fresh, PD-free smile!
Kaylin Malek Khorsandi
Hi, I'm Kaylin! I focus on finding high-quality items at reasonable prices, saving you the time and effort. Each product shared has been extensively researched and reviewed to ensure you are always given the best of the best. Happy shopping! 💓
Comments
Thank you for sharing your story , I’ve been dealing with PD for 9 months now without much improvement despite trying all kinds of prescription ointments. If you have a moment to reach back to me , I’d appreciate it .
Hey! I’d love to hear more about how you got did of your PD! I’ve been struggling with it for months and can’t figure out how to get rid of it and don’t necessarily want to go on topical medication. Thank you!!
