Breakouts Around Your Mouth? Here’s What Might Really Be Causing It
Is Your Toothpaste Breaking You Out? Let’s Talk About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Have you ever noticed breakouts popping up around your mouth, chin, or jawline—and no matter what skincare products you try, they just won’t go away? The sneaky culprit might not be your cleanser or moisturizer… it could actually be your toothpaste.
Yep, you read that right.
What is SLS and Why Is It in Everything?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent found in many everyday products: toothpaste, face wash, shampoo, body wash, and even laundry detergent. It helps products lather and spread, but it can also irritate the skin, disrupt your skin barrier, and contribute to breakouts—especially around the sensitive mouth area.
Even if you’re using all the “right” skincare products, an SLS-heavy toothpaste could still be triggering inflammation or clogged pores.
But SLS isn’t the only ingredient to watch for...
The Mouth Area = Pore-Clogging Zone?
Many lip balms, flavored toothpastes, and even facial tissues contain comedogenic ingredients—aka pore-cloggers. Here are a few common offenders:
Coconut oil
Isopropyl myristate
Menthol or peppermint oil
Fragrance
Lanolin
If you’re noticing breakouts specifically around your lips or mouth, check your lip balm, toothpaste, tissues, or even your hand-to-face habits. They may be sabotaging your skin without you realizing it.
How to Keep the Mouth Area Clear:
Switch to an SLS-free toothpaste (bonus if it's fluoride-free too)
Use non-comedogenic lip products—I love recommending plain petroleum jelly (like Vaseline)
Avoid heavily scented or infused facial tissues
Cleanse thoroughly around your mouth after brushing your teeth
Keep drinks, utensils, and napkins clean (you’d be surprised how much this can help!)
PSA for the Lovers: Beard Acne Is Real
And if you’re smooching someone with a beard? It might be time for a gentle skincare intervention.
Beards can trap food particles, bacteria, dead skin cells, and even pore-clogging products. If he’s not regularly washing or grooming it, those breakouts around your mouth or jawline could literally be beard-transferred.
Gently encourage your partner to:
Wash their beard daily with a gentle cleanser
Comb out food crumbs and debris (yes, seriously)
Moisturize the skin underneath
Avoid using heavily fragranced or comedogenic beard oils
Your skin will thank you—and he’ll probably feel more confident, too.
Need help tracking down the cause of your breakouts or getting your routine acne-safe? Book a skin consultation and I’ll help you get to the bottom of it 💖
