Replacing Triclosan in Toothpaste

You are looking for alternatives to Triclosan in toothpaste and are considering Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and Four-EO™. Both are effective ingredients for oral care, particularly for their antibacterial properties.

Should you choose one or both?

Both Cetylpyridinium chloride and Four-EO™ can be used as alternatives or complements to Triclosan in toothpaste formulations. They have different mechanisms of action:

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent effective against bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath.
• Four-EO™ is a blend of essential oil extracts (Thymol, Eucalyptol, Menthol, Menthyl Salicylate) known for their antibacterial properties and ability to provide freshness.

Choosing one or both depends on the desired properties of your toothpaste formulation. Using both could potentially offer a wider range of benefits, combining the direct antibacterial action of CPC with the natural antibacterial and refreshing qualities of the essential oils in Four-EO™.

Recommended Usage Rates

Based on the information available:

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC): The recommended usage rate for oral products is 0.025% to 0.1%. The US FDA considers this range safe for short-term use as an OTC oral antiseptic.
• Four-EO™: The recommended usage rate is 0.20% to 0.35%. A concentration of 0.26% is noted as being equivalent to the 4EO component in Listerine.

Using Both Ingredients

It is possible to use both Cetylpyridinium chloride and Four-EO™ in the same toothpaste formulation. However, specific combined usage percentages are not provided. When combining ingredients, it is crucial to consider potential interactions, stability, and overall efficacy and safety of the final product.

As a starting point, you could consider using the lower end of the recommended range for each ingredient when combining them, and then perform testing to optimize the concentration based on the desired performance and regulatory guidelines for toothpaste.

Remember that formulating toothpaste requires careful consideration of all ingredients and their compatibility to ensure stability, efficacy, and safety.