1Resident Dental Intern, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai-600077, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: 152001028.sdc@saveetha.com
2Assistant Professor, Department of Pedodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, 160, Poonamallee High Road, Vellappanchavadi, Chennai 77, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: rameshr.sdc@saveetha.com
Corresponding Author: Dr. Ramesh R, Assistant Professor, Department of Pedodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, 160, Poonamallee High Road, Vellappanchavadi, Chennai 77, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: rameshr.sdc@saveetha.com
Background: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used surfactant in toothpaste, known for its foaming and cleaning properties. However, concerns about its cytotoxic effects on sensitive oral tissues, especially in children, have raised questions about its safety. Several children's toothpaste brands, including Kidodent, Mamaearth, and Enafix, contain SLS.
Aim: To evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of SLS in three commercial children's toothpaste brands to provide insights into their safety profiles.
Materials & Methods: The cytotoxicity of Kidodent, Mamaearth, Enafix, and SLS was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay. Toothpaste solutions were prepared at various concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) and brine shrimp nauplii were exposed to these solutions. The LD₅₀ values, representing the concentration required to kill 50% of the nauplii population, were determined for each product.
Results: SLS exhibited the highest toxicity with an LD₅₀ of 5 µg/mL, causing 50% mortality at low concentrations. Kidodent showed moderate toxicity with an LD₅₀ of 30 µg/mL, while Mamaearth and Enafix demonstrated the lowest toxicity, with LD₅₀ values of 80 µg/mL. A dose-dependent decrease in nauplii survival was observed for all products.
Conclusion: SLS poses a significant cytotoxic risk compared to children's toothpaste formulations. Kidodent showed moderate toxicity, while Mamaearth and Enafix were relatively safer. These findings highlight the importance of considering safer alternatives to SLS in children's oral care products.
Keywords: Cytotoxicity Tests, Brine Shrimp, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Toothpastes, Pediatric Dentistry, Surfactants
How to cite this article: Raj P, Ramesh R. Comparative Cytotoxicity evaluation of toothpastes Containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - An In-Vitro Artemia salina Bioassay Supported by In-Silico Molecular Docking Analysis. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(11s): 622-631. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.11s.62
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None