Baking soda

Carrageenan

Chamomile (German)

Fluoride

Ginger

Glycerin

Glycyrrhizin

Glyceryl laurate

Hectorite clay

Hops

Lemongrass

Lichen

Natural flavors

Poloxamer 335 and 407

Potassium nitrate

Propolis

Propylene glycol

Sage

Silica, hydrated

Silica shells

Sodium lauryl sulfate

Sorbitol

Sucrose cocoate 

Xanthan gum

Xylitol

Zinc citrate

Zinc ricinoleate

Further ingredient research:

Search the databases of the American Botanical Council for the latest research on herbal ingredients.

Ingredient Fact Sheet: Propolis

What is it?

Bees produce propolis by collecting a resinous sap from tree bark, leaf buds and twigs, and then mixing it with wax in the hive. They use propolis to help to keep the hive healthy, and as a multipurpose cement, using it to seal their homes in much as the same fashion as humans use sealing caulk. At Tom’s of Maine, the propolis we use is harvested carefully, insuring that no bees are harmed in the process.

Tom’s of Maine’s position on propolis as an animal by-product.

Since our founding in 1970, Tom’s of Maine has been a leading animal-friendly manufacturer. We test all of our products for safety without the use of animals, relying instead on in vitro, in situ, and human patch testing, as well as historical safety data. Tom’s of Maine does not use any animal ingredient in any product formulation, nor are animal ingredients present in any fragrance or flavor blend we purchase. While our propolis is animal-derived, as it is manufactured by bees, there are no bees harmed in the process of harvesting. Because there is no harm done to any animal, we feel that our usage of propolis is consistent with our corporate belief in kindness to animals.

At Tom’s of Maine we are proud to play an important role in demonstrating to other consumer product manufacturers that it is possible to succeed in the marketplace without using animal testing. That is why we are pleased to be a founding member of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, a group of animal interest groups and companies who are promoting a uniform standard for corporate policies respecting animals.

What does it do?

Propolis has a long tradition of use in oral care. In fact, since the 4th century BC, people have turned to propolis for their self-care needs. In our toothpaste, propolis helps promote a healthy-feeling mouth.

Few formal clinical studies have been performed with propolis in humans, so efficacy of this ingredient is far from proven. However, laboratory studies reported in recent scientific literature have shown that extracts of propolis display weak activity against oxidation¹, inflammation² and pathogenic oral bacteria³, and these activities are consistent with its traditional uses. Active components of propolis include flavonoids and caffeic acid phenylester (CAPE).

What are the risks?

There are no known risks associated with the use of propolis, but because of its resinous nature, those with known sensitivities to poplar or conifer sap, Peru balsam or salicylates are advised to avoid it.

Tom’s of Maine recognizes that no two people are alike, and even with pure and natural ingredients, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction that is unique to them. As with any product, be sure to discontinue use if you experience discomfort or other indications that the product may not be appropriate for your individual body chemistry.

References

1. Propolis monograph (1999), The Review of Natural Products, Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis.
2. 2. Mirzoeva, O.K., Calder, P.C. (1996) The effect of propolis and its components on eicosanoid production during the inflammatory response. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 55(6): 441-49.
3. 3. Park, Y.K., Koo, M.H., Abreu, J.A. Ikegaki, M., Cury, J.A., Rosalen, P.L. (1998) Antimicrobial activity of propolis on oral microorganisms. Current Microbiology 36(1): 24-8.