Social media is full of surprising household “hacks,” and one of the latest claims suggests mixing coffee with toothpaste to replace expensive products from the store. While it may sound intriguing, there’s no scientific evidence that this mixture provides unique beauty or cleaning benefits, and in some cases it may even do more harm than good.
Before trying any viral DIY remedy, it’s worth understanding what these ingredients can—and can’t—do.
Why People Are Mixing Them
Coffee grounds have a coarse texture, so they’re sometimes used in homemade body scrubs to exfoliate rough skin.
Toothpaste, however, is designed specifically for cleaning teeth. It contains ingredients that help remove plaque and protect tooth enamel—not ingredients intended for use on the face or body.
When the two are mixed together, they don’t become a proven skincare or beauty treatment.
Why Experts Don’t Recommend It
Using toothpaste on your skin may:
- Cause dryness or irritation.
- Trigger redness, especially on sensitive skin.
- Damage the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Using coffee grounds as a facial scrub can also be too abrasive, potentially leading to tiny skin injuries, especially if rubbed vigorously.
A Better Homemade Exfoliating Scrub
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to smooth dry skin, try this simple body scrub instead.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Directions
Mix the ingredients into a smooth paste.
Massage gently onto elbows, knees, or other rough areas using light circular motions for about one minute.
Rinse with warm water and pat the skin dry. Follow with a moisturizer if needed.
Avoid using any scrub on broken, irritated, or sunburned skin.
Save Your Toothpaste for Your Teeth
Toothpaste works best when it’s used for its intended purpose—keeping your teeth and gums healthy. For skincare, choose products that are designed to be gentle on the skin or stick with simple, well-tolerated ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Not every viral trick is worth trying. Mixing coffee with toothpaste isn’t a proven substitute for skincare products and may irritate your skin.
Sometimes the smartest way to save money isn’t by following every internet hack—it’s by choosing simple, evidence-based routines that are safe, affordable, and effective.
For more surprising discoveries, check out what happened when I put cloves in white vinegar, or learn how your tongue may reveal more than you think about your health.
