Misinformation About Harmful Chemicals in Dove Soap, Andrex Tissue Paper, and Crest Toothpaste 

Recently, social media users were found to raise concerns about the use of certain harmful chemicals like Triclosan, Formaldehyde, and Titanium Dioxide in Dove bath soaps, Andrex tissue papers and Crest toothpastes respectively. 

The claim suggests that these ingredients are carcinogenic in nature and also cause damage to the DNA. 

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Fact Check- 

Does Dove soap contain triclosan?

First, we checked the list of ingredients used in Dove bath soaps. We found that the soap contains Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Sodium Oleate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone etc. 

We did not find Triscolan mentioned as an ingredient in the list. 

Further research led us to Dove’s website. It was clearly mentioned that the company does not use Triscolan & Triclocarban in their products. These ingredients are used for their antibacterial properties. Although these ingredients are declared safe by expert bodies, some people prefer not to use them. After finding an alternative to these ingredients, Dove phased them out in 2017.

The company does not use Lyral, Phthalates and Lilian in their products. Ingredients like parabens, formaldehyde & formaldehyde donors (DMDMH) are also phasing out. 

Does Andrex Tissue paper contain Formaldehyde? 

We looked for the list of the ingredients used in the Andrex Ultimate Quilts tissue paper. We found that the product is latex free, paraben free, BPA free, tree free, formaldehyde free, chlorine free, plastic free, bleach free, dye free, metal free, and synthetic free.

It is clearly mentioned that the product is formaldehyde free and chlorine free. 

Titanium Dioxide in Crest Toothpaste:

The confusion over the safety of titanium dioxide exists, as it is banned by the European Union as a food additive. It was found that in 2021, EFSA does not consider titanium dioxide as a safe food additive after scientists found it to be a potential risk to health. It was found to cause damage to the DNA and increase the risk of cancer. 

EFSA said that although the body absorbs only small amounts of titanium dioxide after eating it, the particles can build up in the body. Because of this a safe daily intake level could not be established. 

However, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has allowed the use of titanium dioxide as a color additive in foods according to the specifications and conditions. According to FDA regulations, the quantity of titanium dioxide should not exceed 1% by weight of the food. You can read the details here.

On 24 November 2023, World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) released an assessment of the health impacts of titanium dioxide. According to the report, TiO₂ is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. JECFA found no evidence of carcinogenic, reproductive, or developmental toxicity effects from long-term exposure to TiO₂.

However, some concerns were there for the genotoxicity of TiO₂ nanoparticles. JECFA highlighted the limitations of current testing methods, which may not be suitable for nanoparticles. Despite some uncertainties, JECFA reaffirmed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for TiO₂ as “not specified,” maintaining its safety for use in food.

Apart from this, in 2022, the Court of Justice of the European Union overturned the European Commission’s decision to classify titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen. The court found that the scientific study used to support the classification was flawed because it did not consider how TiO₂ particles tend to clump together and how it affects their behavior in the lungs. Additionally, the court ruled that titanium dioxide does not naturally cause cancer. The risk only arises in specific situations when large amounts of fine particles are inhaled. Due to these errors, the court found the classification to be wrong and chose to cancel it.

It is true that Crest toothpaste contains titanium dioxide. But as it is approved by expert panels, it is used only for the purpose of coloring the paste white. It is mentioned on the Crest website that they have a variety of toothpaste options that are free from Titanium dioxide.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. Dove soap and Andrex tissue papers do not contain triclosan and formaldehyde, respectively. Crest toothpaste contains titanium dioxide, but it is well approved by safety authorities to be used in toothpastes.