If you carefully consider the ingredients in your diet and personal care products, you’ve likely come across discussions about seed oils. At Truthpaste, we value transparency and want to address these concerns head-on. While we understand why many people are wary of seed oils, it’s important to distinguish between their role in food and their use in products like toothpaste.

Why Do Seed Oils Have a Bad Reputation?

Seed oils, like sunflower oil, have been the subject of debate due to a few key factors:

1. Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Sunflower oil is naturally high in omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6s are essential for health, an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 intake has been linked to inflammation. However, recent research suggests that omega-6s do not inherently cause inflammation and may actually support heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The real concern arises when diets are dominated by ultra-processed foods lacking omega-3 balance.

2. Heat Sensitivity

When heated beyond their smoke points (200°C–230°C), certain oils can degrade, leading to the formation of free radicals and potentially harmful byproducts. This is particularly relevant for cooking oils but does not apply to oils used in personal care products, as they are not exposed to high heat.

3. Processing Methods

Highly refined seed oils undergo processing that may strip them of nutrients. While some commercially available seed oils go through extensive refinement, the sunflower oil used in Truthpaste products is present in its natural form as part of botanical infusions and tocopherol (Vitamin E).

Why Is There Sunflower Seed Oil in Toothpaste?

At Truthpaste, we use tocopherol (Vitamin E oil) as a natural antioxidant to keep our products fresh. Tocopherol is derived from sunflower seed oil due to its naturally high vitamin E content. This powerful antioxidant helps maintain the stability of our oil blends, preventing oxidation and ensuring the effectiveness of our carefully selected botanical ingredients.

Sunflower Seed Oil: A Source of Tocopherol

The trace amount of sunflower seed oil in our products comes from the manufacturing process of tocopherol. This plays a crucial role in product stability and also offers additional benefits for oral care.

Benefits of Tocopherol (Vitamin E) for Oral Health

• Antioxidant Protection: Helps neutralize free radicals in the mouth, reducing oxidative stress and supporting gum health.
• Gum Health Support: Contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe irritated gums.
• Prevents Cell Damage: Protects oral tissues from oxidative damage and supports the healing of the mouth’s delicate mucosa.
• Moisturizing Benefits: Helps maintain a balanced level of moisture, which is beneficial for those with dry mouth or sensitive gums.

Seed Oils in Diet vs. Personal Care Products

The concerns around seed oils primarily relate to their dietary use, particularly when they are consumed in excess, refined, or repeatedly heated. However, these concerns do not apply when sunflower oil is used in non-food applications like skincare or toothpaste. Since you are not ingesting Truthpaste, the small amount of sunflower seed oil present does not affect your omega-6 intake or contribute to dietary concerns.

Do Seed Oils Cause Cancer?

Some concerns about seed oils and cancer stem from their link to highly processed foods, as excessive consumption of processed fats can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. However, there is no direct evidence that seed oils themselves cause cancer. Instead, the way they are processed, stored, and used in cooking can impact their health effects.

At Truthpaste, we use sunflower seed oil in trace amounts within our botanical infusions and antioxidant tocopherol. These oils are never heated, ensuring they retain their beneficial properties without producing harmful byproducts. This makes their use in oral care products completely different from dietary seed oils used in cooking.

Transparency in Our Ingredients

We are committed to using only the best natural ingredients. The small amount of sunflower seed oil in our toothpaste serves a functional purpose, helping to stabilize our formulas while supporting gum and oral health.

Products in our Kids and Charcoal ranges contain slightly more sunflower seed oil because we infuse calendula flowers in this carrier oil. However, this is still a minimal amount and does not carry the same risks associated with consuming highly processed oils in food.

We understand that ingredient choices matter, and we want you to feel confident in your daily routine. If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you!