Toothpaste Color Code Myth . You may have seen small colored rectangles on the bottom edge of toothpaste tubes—black, green, red, or blue—and heard claims that these colors reveal what’s inside. According to popular online posts, a black mark means the toothpaste is made of pure chemicals, green means all-natural ingredients, red indicates a mix of natural and chemical, and blue signifies a blend of natural and medicinal components. But is this actually true?
While this “toothpaste color code” has gone viral across social media platforms, it is a myth. These colored marks are not indicators of toothpaste ingredients at all. Instead, they are called “eye marks” or “color marks” used in the manufacturing process. These marks are read by light beam sensors that tell machines where to cut, fold, or seal the packaging. They have nothing to do with the contents inside the tube.
The truth is, if you want to know what’s in your toothpaste, you need to read the ingredient list printed on the packaging—not look at a colored rectangle. Reputable toothpaste brands provide a detailed breakdown of ingredients including fluoride, flavoring agents, abrasives, and preservatives. Some natural or organic toothpastes do use simpler, plant-based ingredients, but they still require proper labeling to ensure consumer transparency.
While the color code story may seem harmless, it can spread misinformation and mislead people into making health-related decisions based on inaccurate claims. In reality, your best resource is always the official ingredient label and certification marks from dental health organizations.
So next time you reach for a tube, remember: the little colored square tells the machine where to cut the tube—not what you’re putting in your mouth. Toothpaste Color Code Myth
