Oral Care

The FDA banned antibacterial chemicals from soaps and other personal care products last week, but some toothpastes that contain triclosan have been “demonstrated to be effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis,” according to an FDA spokeswoman who spoke to The New York Times. Before approving the toothpaste in 1997, the agency requested that the Colgate-Palmolive company conduct toxicology studies, and the FDA ultimately decided it was safe and effective.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE, U.K. — Swiss oral care brand Curaprox has launched an all-natural whitening toothpaste that removes discoloration by using activated carbon without eroding or bleaching the enamel. Black is White toothpaste contains enzymes that protect against tooth decay and support salivary functions. It also remineralizes tooth enamel and seals exposed dentine channels. The toothpaste comes with a toothbrush and has an SRP of $29.95.

WARREN, N.J. — GSK Consumer Healthcare has expanded its flagship Sensodyne line with a fresh-mint-flavored Sensodyne True White toothpaste that helps relieve tooth sensitivity, while providing a whiter smile. The product offers a combination of sensitivity relief, sensitivity protection, cavity protection, stain prevention and stain removal.

Consumers are becoming more aware that keeping the mouth and teeth clean is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Other factors driving sales of oral care products include the burgeoning older population in the United States needing more oral health care, and the demand for natural and cosmetic solutions to dental health issues.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is targeting 19 ingredients found in soaps and body washes, saying they could do more harm than good.

Companies will no longer be able to market antibacterial washes with these ingredients because manufacturers did not demonstrate that the ingredients are both safe for long-term daily use and more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and the spread of certain infections. Some manufacturers have already started removing these ingredients from their products.

CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble announced Thursday its plans for stockholders to exchange its stock for shares in Coty, which has agreed to buy 41 beauty brands from P&G in a deal valued at $12.5 billion.

GOLDEN, Colo. -- ShaveMOB.com, an online retailer of razor blades for men and women, has acquired 800Razors, a U.S.-based personal care products company.

ShaveMOB.com says the acquisition will drive further e-commerce growth by expanding the company's customer base and brand equity. 800Razors invested millions of dollars in the development of its brand, creating strong relationships with customers and building a media footprint through partnerships with famous athletes, according to ShaveMOB.com.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Cetaphil is marking its fifth consecutive year of its partnership with the Children's Skin Disease Foundation and Camp Wonder, an initiative of the CSDF.