Toothpaste is not an effective treatment for pimples and can actually do more harm than good to the skin. While some toothpaste ingredients, such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda, can help dry out pimples, they can also be too harsh for the skin and cause redness, stinging, burning, irritation, and inflammation. Toothpaste is formulated for the mouth and should not be used on the skin. Instead, it is recommended to use tried-and-true spot treatments that are specially formulated to target occasional acne, such as products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and topical retinoids. Other alternatives include natural products like willow bark, charcoal, sulfur, or clay. It is also important to avoid touching the face, wash the face twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser, and let the skin do the work by not popping, pinching, or squeezing pimples.