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Colgate is one of the most popular and well-known toothpaste brands worldwide However, there has been some controversy around whether certain Colgate toothpastes contain pork-derived ingredients In this article, we’ll examine the claims, look at Colgate’s statements, and try to find the truth.
The Claims About Pork in Colgate Toothpaste
A news story from The Lakewood Scoop in November 2021 said that Colgate Max Fresh with Mini Breath Strips have pork gelatin in them. The article said an inquiry was sent to Colgate and their response was:
“All Colgate toothpastes and toothbrushes that are marketed in the U.S., with the exception of Colgate Max Fresh with Mouthwash Beads and Colgate Wisp (the gelatin is derived from pork) are free of any animal-derived ingredients”
This statement from a Colgate representative seemed to confirm that the gelatin in two Colgate products – Colgate Max Fresh and Colgate Wisp – is derived from pork.
For people who avoid pork for religious, ethical or health reasons, this raised alarm bells. Many wondered whether other Colgate toothpastes also contain pork-derived ingredients
Colgate’s Stance on Animal Ingredients
Colgate says on their website that most of their products don’t contain any animal products, but there are a few that do:
“Every Colgate toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash sold in North America, except for Colgate Wisp, does not contain any ingredients that come from animals.” Colgate Wisp contains porcine gelatin. “.
They go on to say:
“We source our ingredients responsibly and do not conduct or fund animal testing unless required by law.”
This seems to imply that, apart from Colgate Wisp, their toothpastes do not contain any pork-derived or other animal-derived ingredients.
Digging Deeper into Specific Ingredients
To find out if pork-derived gelatin is used in any other Colgate products, we need to look at two ingredients more closely:
Glycerin
Glycerin is a common ingredient in toothpaste. It can be derived from animal fats or made synthetically.
Colgate states:
“The glycerin used in our toothpastes comes from synthetic or vegetable sources.”
This indicates the glycerin used in Colgate toothpaste, apart from Colgate Wisp, is not animal-derived.
Gelatin
Gelatin is used to create the “breath strips” in Colgate Max Fresh and the wisps in Colgate Wisp. It is commonly made from pork, in particular pig skin.
As mentioned above, Colgate has confirmed that:
- The gelatin in Colgate Wisp is pork-derived.
- Colgate Max Fresh also contains pork-derived gelatin.
They have not indicated that gelatin derived from pork is used in any other Colgate products.
Sifting Through the Evidence
Based on the available information from Colgate and analysis of their ingredients, these seem to be the facts:
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Colgate Wisp contains gelatin derived from pork. This is clearly stated by Colgate.
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Colgate Max Fresh also contains pork-derived gelatin, according to the Colgate representative’s statement.
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Other Colgate toothpastes do not appear to contain any animal-derived ingredients like glycerin or gelatin from pork or other animals.
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Colgate’s website and statements indicate their toothpastes and oral care products, apart from Colgate Wisp and Max Fresh, are free from animal-derived ingredients.
Why This Matters
For people avoiding pork and animal products for religious, ethical or other reasons, it’s concerning to hear that popular oral care items like Colgate Wisp and Max Fresh contain pork-derived gelatin.
However, the good news is that Colgate’s regular toothpastes – like Colgate Total, Colgate Optic White, Colgate Sensitive, etc. – seem to be free of pork-based ingredients. Colgate has created alternative formulas for most of their toothpastes to respect consumers’ preferences.
Of course, it’s always important to check labels and ingredients lists carefully, and contact manufacturers if you have any questions. For those wishing to avoid pork, Colgate confirms their toothpaste options like Colgate Optic White and Colgate Cavity Protection do not contain pork-derived ingredients or animal-based glycerin.
What We Can Take Away
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Colgate Wisp and Colgate Max Fresh do contain pork-based gelatin. Colgate has acknowledged and confirmed this.
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Colgate’s other regular toothpastes seem to be pork-free based on their ingredients and Colgate’s statements.
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As with any product, it’s wise for concerned consumers to check labels and ingredients lists, and contact the manufacturer if they have questions.
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Colgate aims to offer toothpaste options to accommodate people who wish to avoid animal ingredients for personal or religious beliefs. Their website outlines their policies on sourcing ingredients responsibly.
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Even though some of our ingredients are hard to say, they are all backed by science and are there to keep you and your smile healthy and bright.
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The majority of our products are vegan and don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients, animal by-products, or processing aids.
We don’t add sugar to our products. We use sugar substitutes or artificial & natural sweeteners to improve flavor.
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