Fake Colgate: The Hidden Danger Behind a Familiar Smile

In many parts of the world, encountering fake products is nothing new. From counterfeit gadgets to imitation clothing, fake accessories, and even fake professionals — prophets, teachers, doctors, and mechanics — the list goes on. But nothing could have prepared me for what I discovered next: Fake Colgate toothpaste. Who would have thought?

Let’s walk through this hidden danger together.

A Little Background

Colgate Toothpaste, manufactured by Colgate-Palmolive, is one of the world’s most trusted oral hygiene brands. The company began selling oral care products in 1873, sixteen years after the death of its founder, William Colgate, who originally sold soap.

By the 1950s, Colgate had become a household name with the slogan: “It cleans your breath while it cleans your teeth,” written by copywriter Alicia Tobin. Over time, Colgate became synonymous with dental hygiene — which is why the rise of counterfeit versions is especially alarming.

The Fake Colgate Problem

Counterfeit Colgate toothpaste has surfaced in various parts of the world, packaged to look identical to the real product but laced with harmful ingredients. Unsuspecting customers often buy these fakes from street markets or unauthorized online sellers, unknowingly risking their health.

In 2013, a U.S. woman sued Colgate-Palmolive after counterfeit toothpaste allegedly damaged her health. Although the court ruled that the company couldn’t be held liable for the counterfeiter’s actions, she later received $95,000 in a settlement involving the importer and retailer.

The Toxic Ingredient Behind the Danger

The most notorious substance found in fake toothpaste is Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a poisonous chemical sometimes used as a cheap substitute for glycerin.

• What is DEG?
  A clear, sweet-tasting liquid that’s rapidly absorbed by the body. Once metabolized in the liver into 2-hydroxyethoxyacetic acid (HEAA), it can cause severe kidney and nerve damage.
• Possible Symptoms of DEG Exposure:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Weakness and dizziness
• Low urine output
• Severe abdominal pain

In extreme cases, DEG poisoning may cause liver failure, seizures, coma, or even death — particularly in children and people with existing liver or kidney disease.

How to Spot a Fake Colgate Toothpaste

To protect yourself and your family, buy only from trusted supermarkets, pharmacies, or authorized retailers. Avoid purchasing toothpaste from street vendors or unverified online sources.

Common Signs of Fake Colgate:

• Packaging that looks off or inconsistent with genuine Colgate
• Spelling or printing errors on the box
• Unfamiliar flavors, colors, or textures
• Missing Colgate logos or trademarks
• Expiry date longer than two years (genuine Colgate expires within 24 months)
• A strange taste or weak minty flavor
• Rigid tubes or dull red boxes that are harder to open

👉 If you suspect your toothpaste is fake, stop using it immediately and report the product to Colgate-Palmolive or your local food and drug regulatory agency.

👉 If you experience any symptoms after use, seek medical attention immediately.

Health Risks of Using Fake Colgate Toothpaste

1. Tooth Decay & Gum Disease – Counterfeit toothpaste lacks fluoride and protective agents, leading to cavities and gum infections.
2. Chemical Poisoning – Some fake products contain DEG, which damages the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
3. Allergic Reactions – Fake formulations may trigger allergies ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis.
4. Bacterial Infections – Poorly manufactured toothpaste can harbor bacteria, leading to mouth and throat infections.