Although this is predominantly a blog about skin care and dermatology, I know from comments and e-mails that my readers also tend to be money-savvy and ingredient-aware. With that said, certain toothpastes from discount stores, such as select dollar stores, are actually toxic, according to the April 2008 issue of Self magazine. These toothpastes (which are usually imported from China) may contain diethylene glycol, a chemical that can cause kidney failure. Although diethylene glycol has an LD50 that demonstrates it is much less toxic than ethylene glycol, it is still inappropriate for even minor consumption. With that said, stick to drugstore brand toothpaste, and find another way to save money! 
YUCK! I’ve always steered clear of the dollar store toothpastes just over the sole fact that they look cheap. I didn’t realize that they can be bad for you too!
This was an issue about a year ago with all the China recalls- is this still not addressed? Unbelievable!! What if it is ‘Crest’ or ‘Colgate’? Or is the dollar store formulation different?
Thanks for looking out for us, Nicki. Good question, Sofi. I wonder the same thing. I frequent Big Lots, which is a pricier version of a dolloar store, and when I see skin care products that I see in CVS, I hesitate and wonder why they are there. Are they expired? Defective in some way? Why is it one dollar here and six at CVS?
aiikes…. This is awful! Thanks for raising an important point! We want to be money savvy ( e.g. use drugstore products when they are equal or more effective), not to be poisoned!
That’s scary! I always stick to the known brands.
Yikes!!! If you really want a deal on toothpaste just clip coupons, use them on a double-coupon day at a local grocery store and you can end up getting the best name-brand stuff for almost free!
Yuck! I was checking toothpaste a while back then the “made in China” label meant it was contaminatated. Its so scary what is out there!
Man this is an eye opener. Not that I’d ever go to a dollar store to buy toothpaste, but its entirely possible that you’re there and you happen to see a toothpaste and toss it into your cart! God forbid!
I will surely spread the word!
Thanks for the tip! I only buy toothpaste and skin care products from the drug store.