I didn’t think that I would have to write this post - everyone seems to have known the answer to the question for a long time, but one of my readers the other day asked what the colored stripes on tubes of cosmetics and toothpaste actually mean. She sent me a link to a VKontakte post in which an openly delusional version was voiced. So I decided to explain what the colored stripes on the tubes actually mean.
Myth: The color of the strip is related to the composition of the product.
Seven or eight years ago I heard a version that stripes different colors indicate the degree of naturalness of the product. If the stripes are dark, the product consists only of synthetic components. Red ones are less dangerous - only 70% “chemistry”. Green - can you guess it yourself? That's right, completely natural. Well, how many of you think the same?
In fact, there is no connection between the contents of the tube and the color/shape of the strip. This is a myth that has been supported by many media outlets for several years. For example, Elena Malysheva, who had already spoiled her reputation with dubious statements, in one of the episodes of the “Health” program, with a smart look, talks outright nonsense about stripes on tubes, supporting this myth. Apparently, the person who wrote the script for the episode decided not to bother and included in it the first thing that came across on the Internet. Or - and I believe this more - there are manufacturers who benefit from spreading such rumors in order to increase sales.
Stripes on tubes - a technical element
The strip on the tube is a marking that allows the sensor on the conveyor to determine where the tube should be cut. The color of the strip depends on the color of the tube: if it is dark, the strip will be light, and vice versa. The machine reads the maximum contrast color better. That's all I wanted to say!
I understand that it’s easier for a person to trust a colored stripe than to look for the composition and try to understand it, but we don’t want to be a thoughtless herd, right? So, when you hear such nonsense, use your head and critically evaluate the information.
In order to figure out how high-quality the product is in a tube of toothpaste, many consumers pay attention to the color of the strip painted on the seal of the tube. There is an opinion that the color of this strip indicates the quality of the product’s composition. To figure out whether this is true or not, you need to familiarize yourself with some theories and facts.
The theory of the connection between labeling and chemical composition
The most common theory today is the theory of connection chemical composition toothpaste with a colored stripe tube. This statement tells us what it means various colors markings on a tube of hygiene product.
For example, a black mark, according to this theory, tells us that the mixture consists entirely of harmful chemical elements. Absolutely in the paste no natural ingredients. The blue stripe states that the paste contains approximately 20% natural substances, and all other elements are chemical, that is, harmful.
However, there are other colored stripes on the tubes. What could a red square on a package mean, for example? Adherents of this theory are ready to reveal this secret. Toothpaste that has a red square on its packaging is believed to contain in its composition half chemical and, accordingly, half natural components. Toothpaste with a green stripe will be considered the highest quality product. This theory states that all the elements that make up such a product are natural.
Dependence of labeling on method of application
This hypothesis relates the color of the label to the duration of use of this product. What could a stripe on a tube mean? This theory gives 4 possible answers for markings of different colors.
Theory about paste that causes periodontal disease
Many consumers, marketers and even some dentists put forward their own interesting theories about the relationship between the color markings on a tube of toothpaste and its composition.
This theory puts forward its assumption about the meaning of the stripes on the packaging. What could these marks mean? Proponents of the hypothesis say the following:
Abrasive theory
Based on this assumption, the colored stripes on the seals of the tube indicate the frequency of use of the product. These restrictions are due to the fact that the composition there are abrasive components. These small particles have a whitening effect and polish the teeth, however, over time, they can damage the enamel.
Based on this theory, products containing the most abrasive particles are marked with dark colors (black, brown, blue, etc.). Such hygiene products recommended to use no more than once every 7 days. Toothpaste marked in red contains less abrasive, so it can be used up to 3 times a week. The product with a green stripe on the packaging can be used daily.
Theory of territorial purpose and content of petroleum products
Among the many guesses and assumptions about what the stripes on the tube actually mean, it is worth noting the theory about the dependence of the territorial purpose on the color of the marking. If you believe this hypothesis, then the black stripe indicates that the product is intended for use in Asian and third world countries.
A red and green square indicates that the toothpaste is intended for Europeans. For residents of the United States, manufacturers produce a tube of hygiene products with blue markings.
The oil version is another “geopolitical” theory. The black stripe, according to this theory, talks about content the product contains a large number of petroleum products. There are slightly fewer such components in the package with a blue square. You can hardly find them in pasta with red markings. And the most environmentally friendly product will be the one that has a green stripe on its packaging.
The theory about the conspiracy of marketers and dyes
There is an assumption that the color of the marking indicates the presence of dyes in the product. A paste made from natural ingredients, which does not contain synthetic dyes in its composition, has a green stripe. A large number of harmful chemical elements contained in toothpaste, which is marked in dark colors on the seal of the package. According to this theory, packages with brown, blue or black markings contain a product with a high content of chemical dyes that give color to the hygiene product.
There is an assumption that the tubes are marked with a green stripe for a reason. Most marketers know that green color is associated with the natural benefits of the product and they deliberately mark the product with this color. A tube of toothpaste marked with a green stripe should help increase sales of the product.
Printing process
Amid all these frightening myths and theories, people began to lose sight of the fact about the technology of the production process. The truth is that multi-colored markings are needed to indicate where the tube is cut during the production process. An optical device that performs high-tech tasks reads a colored marker, cuts and seals the tube.
Observant shoppers may have noticed that the color of the label almost always matches the color of the barcode, except in those cases where it is deliberately made in accordance with the design of the tube. In fact the wisest option would be to make a dark-colored stripe, since such markings look most contrasting against the (usually) white background of the packaging. This allows the optical apparatus to cut with millimeter precision during the production cycle.
Dyes and packaging
Familiarization with the principles of packaging design will also help you understand what the multi-colored stripes on a toothpaste package mean. Printing equipment uses 4 primary colors. The problem is that this not always enough to fulfill the design intent. That is why there is a technology called prepress. During this process, excess shades are removed and replaced with mixed shades. Color division occurs depending on how many sections the printing equipment has.
At the preparation stage, the main color is assigned and the features of the elements being read and barcode printing are taken into account. It is impossible to create them by superimposing two colors. This threatens that marks and text may become simply unreadable if the equipment is slightly moved. That is why, to the four primary colors, another one is added, called the main shade. This additional color will be used when printing the barcode, packaging font and marking on the end of the tube.
This manipulation allows you to optimize production costs. In addition, the equipment captures one color among all elements much better. The ratio of the main color of the print to the color of the tag is the main meaning of technology applying information and design elements to packaging. The color should stand out in contrast against the general background, so for this they use a white background - the most the best option for printing information on it.
If you once wondered what the multi-colored marks on a tube of toothpaste mean, then you should not listen to hypotheses and assumptions that are passed from mouth to mouth. These theories are far from technology toothpaste production, therefore have nothing to do with reality. Existing theories are circulating among marketers, consumers and some dentists, but they are all far from the truth.
The facts presented in our article prove that these marks on a product have a completely different, technological meaning. All much easier than most people think. The colored stripes on the tube solder are just a detail of the technological process, and their color depends on the main color of the toothpaste packaging.
To figure out what quality the product is in the tube, some consumers look at the color of the small square on the tube's seal. There is an opinion that the color of this object indicates the composition of the toothpaste. To understand what the stripe on the tube means, you should familiarize yourself with the facts and theories.
Theory about the connection between labeling and the chemical composition of the paste
One of the most famous theories that exist today is the theory about the connection between the strip on a tube of toothpaste and its chemical composition.
This statement reveals the meaning of the color of the marking. The black mark at the bottom of the package means (according to the theory presented) that there is a mixture of chemical, harmful elements inside it. This paste does not contain any natural ingredients. The blue stripe indicates the content in hygiene product 20% natural ingredients. The remaining elements of the composition are classified as chemical and, accordingly, harmful.
There are other colors of stripes on tubes. What do the red squares on the spike mean? Adherents of this theory are ready to reveal the secret. The paste inside such a package, in their opinion, contains half of the natural ingredients.
The most quality product oral hygiene product has a green stripe on the tube. According to the presented theory, the product contains only natural ingredients.
The theory about the dependence of labeling on the method of application
There is a hypothesis that connects labeling with the duration of use of a given product. What does the stripe on the tube mean? This theory presents 4 answer options.
Adherents of this theory believe that a paste with a blue mark on the adhesive is suitable for daily hygienic brushing of teeth. Red marking means that the contents provide a therapeutic effect. But you are allowed to use such a product for no longer than seven days.
According to theory, the paste with a green mark on the packaging has strengthening properties. You can use it to brush your teeth for exactly 30 days.
The black stripe on the tube informs you about the type of whitening paste that has a negative effect on tooth enamel.
Theory about consumer income level
Some theorists insist that the significance of the stripes on the tubes is explained by financial situation consumers purchasing this type products. According to the presented hypothesis, a black stripe is applied to tubes of an economy class product. This is explained by the fact that the contents include the cheapest components.
A stripe on a tube of paste of blue color indicates higher quality ingredients in the product. Elite products are marked with red markings. Also, according to the presented theory, such a product has the most gentle composition for tooth enamel and can be used daily.
This hypothesis is silent about the meaning of the stripes on green tubes.
Theory about toothpaste causing periodontal disease
The multi-colored stripes on the tubes are explained by many assumptions by marketers, consumers and even some dentists.
This assumption from its position explains the stripes on the tubes. What do these marks mean? Proponents of the theory explain the following. The black stripe exposes the product that causes periodontal disease. These pastes are the majority on the oral care market. Which can't help but frighten.
A red mark indicates the presence of synthetic substances permitted by GOST.
But the green square on the edge of the tube indicates that such a product is the most environmentally friendly. According to theorists who consider this theory correct, this type of paste is most beneficial for human health.
Theory about the presence of abrasive
The colored stripes on the tubes, according to this assumption, indicate the frequency of use of the product due to the presence of abrasive components in their composition. Small particles that whiten and polish teeth damage the enamel over time. According to the hypothesis put forward, products with the highest content of abrasive particles are marked with dark colors (blue, black, brown, etc.). Such products can be used no more often than once every 7 days.
Paste with a red stripe can be used up to 3 times a week, since they contain less abrasive. You can use a paste with a green stripe on the packaging to brush your teeth every day.
Theories about the territorial purpose and the content of petroleum products in the paste
Among the many assumptions and conjectures about what the stripe on the tube means, we should also note the hypothesis about the dependence of the color of the mark on the territorial purpose of the product. According to the statement presented, the black stripe indicates the production of pasta for Asian countries, as well as the Third World.
For Europeans, they produce pasta with green or red squares on the packaging. But for the USA, manufacturers mark the packaging of hygiene products in blue.
Another “geopolitical” theory is the oil version. According to it, a black stripe on the tube indicates the presence of large quantities petroleum products. Packaging with a blue stripe contains fewer of these components. They are practically not found in pastes labeled red. Green indicates an environmentally friendly product.
Theory about dyes and marketing conspiracy
There is an assumption that labeling depends on the presence of dyes in the product. The green stripe on the tube is assigned to a paste made from natural ingredients that does not contain synthetic dyes. But in packaging labeled in dark shades there are many harmful chemical substances, giving color to the paste. According to the presented hypothesis, such markings can be black, brown or blue.
There are also suggestions that the green stripe was marked on the packages for a reason. Marketers, knowing that this color correlates with nature and benefits for humans, began to celebrate with it toothpaste. A tube with a green mark should make the product more marketable.
Printing process
Whatever theories are put forward, the fact about the technology of the production process cannot be overlooked. According to it, a color mark is needed during the production process to indicate where the packaging should be cut. An optical device that performs high-tech actions reads the optical marker and seals the tube.
The tag is produced in the same color as the barcode. Sometimes it is done in accordance with the packaging design. The darker the color of the marking, the more contrast it appears against a white background. This allows the machine not to miss during the technological cycle.
Packaging and dyes
To understand what the stripes on the tubes mean, you should also familiarize yourself with the principles of packaging design. There are 4 primary colors used when printing on equipment. They are not always able to fulfill design intentions. That's why there is prepress technology. Excess shades are removed and replaced with mixed shades. Color division occurs in accordance with the number of sections of printing equipment.
By assigning the main color at the preparation stage, the peculiarities of printing the barcode and readable elements are taken into account. They cannot be created by superimposing two colors. Otherwise, with a slight offset, the text and marks will become unreadable. Therefore, to the main four, one more is added - the main shade. This is exactly what the mark on the end of the tube, the barcode, and the font on the packaging will look like.
This helps optimize the manufacturer's costs. And it’s much easier for equipment to capture the same color of all elements. The very essence of the technology of printing design elements and information on packaging is to correlate the color of the tag with the main color of the print. Its highlighting should be contrasting. And the best contrast is a white background with black or blue elements.
When wondering what a stripe on a tube means, you should not listen to assumptions and hypotheses passed from mouth to mouth by people who are far from the technology for producing such a product as toothpaste. The theories among consumers, marketers and even dentists are actually far from the truth. The facts provided by the technology of production and printing on product packaging indicate a completely different meaning of the label in question. Everything is very simple. The marking on the tube solder is just a detail of the technological process, which depends on the main color of the packaging design.
When choosing a toothpaste, we pay attention to the manufacturer, large inscriptions on the tube, less often we look at the composition, and we attach even less importance to the stripes that are on the tube. back side. If everything is clear with the first criteria, then what do the black, blue, red, green stripes on the tube mean? Among people not related to production, there are two theories. One suggests that this marking indicates the composition of the toothpastes, that is, a black mark is a toothpaste consisting entirely of chemicals, a blue mark indicates that the toothpaste contains natural and chemical components, and a green mark is an all-natural paste.
Is this opinion correct if another theory refutes any significance of stripes on a toothpaste tube, and stands on the fact that this is a necessity of the production process?
Let's consider both theories and come to the correct conclusion.
Labels on tubes of pastes and composition
In the media you can see information that each color mark carries important information for the buyer. That is, the black stripe is a chemical product, the blue one is half natural, the green mark is placed on a completely natural paste.
Such markings are on all tubes of toothpastes and creams, but are there marks, for example, on a jar of cream or tooth powder? No, color markings in the form of stripes, for some reason, are found only on tubes. This means that the strips are necessary for the conveyor to work, so that it is easy for him to navigate where the tube ends and when to cut. Why are they different colors then? There is also logic in this, since tubes of pastes have different colors, and in order to highlight Right place, it is necessary to create contrast. Therefore, on a white tube you can see a black stripe, while the red ones will already have a blue mark.
Its composition will help you choose the right medicinal or hygienic paste, which will indicate what it was made from. To verify for yourself that the relationship between the stripes on packages of pastes is incorrect, you can review the composition of some and see the discrepancy. It's possible that it's a coincidence, but it's just an accident. The mark on a tube of toothpastes should contrast - this is its main and only task.
You can check the reality of the refutation without leaving your home. Just look at the color labels of various tubes, which definitely do not consist of natural ingredients. An example would be shoe polish with a white or green stripe and baby cream with a black stripe.
Myth or truth?
What they say about the color marks on different tubes:
- The black stripe is the most harmful product, which has nothing to do with naturalness, such hygiene products can be harmful to children and adults, and are recommended only for teeth whitening for a short period of use;
- Blue strip - this product consists of 70% chemicals, and long-term use can provoke periodontal diseases, including such dangerous ones as periodontal disease. May only be used as prescribed by a doctor;
- Red stripe is a 50% natural product, but is contraindicated for people with mucous membrane problems;
- Green stripe is an ideal product, it can be used by everyone and in any quantity.
It's amazing how much interesting information a strip needed for a technological process can tell. In this case, you can attach importance to the design, size, and font on the tube. Fortunately, this misconception does not cause harm, since it has no meaning.
The composition is important, not the color marks
If earlier this myth helped in choosing a natural toothpaste, now you can forget about it and look at the really important information - the composition. Before purchasing, you should definitely read what is included in the product, and if you wish, you can visit the official websites of the manufacturers and find out everything first-hand.
It is necessary to know what is in the tube for several reasons:
- natural toothpaste with herbal extracts should be purchased for diseases of the oral cavity - gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease;
- abrasive is suitable for active accumulation of coffee and cigarette deposits;
- Children's toothpastes contain exclusively natural ingredients, so they should be used by children, and, if desired, by adults.
There is no need to be afraid of a black cavity and choose hygiene products based solely on the color of the photo marks (and it can be anything). It is quite strange to buy paste with a mark that was applied to ensure the correct orientation of the tube in the conveyor even before it was filled.
Tubes of toothpaste have squares and rectangles of different colors along the seam. The packaging does not contain any explanations about this, so consumers began to figure out on their own what the presence of geometric shapes.
Expert opinion
Biryukov Andrey Anatolievich
doctor implantologist orthopedic surgeon Graduated from Crimean Medical University. Institute in 1991. Specialization: therapeutic, surgical and orthopedic dentistry including implantology and implant prosthetics.
Ask a question to an expertI believe that you can still save a lot on visits to the dentist. Of course I'm talking about dental care. After all, if you carefully look after them, then treatment may indeed not come to the point - it won’t be necessary. Microcracks and small caries on teeth can be removed with regular toothpaste. How? The so-called filling paste. For myself, I highlight Denta Seal. Try it too.
In order not to make a mistake when choosing a dental care product, you need to look at the composition, and you can find out what the strips mean from the article.
Stripe colors
Experts explain that geometric marks of different colors along the edge of toothpaste tubes do not carry a semantic meaning for consumers, but represent light marks read by an industrial conveyor. According to the markings, the workpiece is cut, then gluing and filling of the container occurs. The multi-colored stripes are explained by the choice of packaging design.
For the sensor to read a color mark, it must be contrasting with the overall background of the package. On a dark background the markings are light, on a light background they are dark. As a standard, 4 primary colors are used, others are added as needed. When there is no mark on the package, it means that there are other identifying elements for the sensors.
Strips do not mean anything to the consumer; it is more important to choose products from well-known manufacturers, taking into account the condition of the teeth, enamel, and the needs of the body. Such nuances are known to the dentist; he gives recommendations on the choice of products.
Debunking myths
Given the significance of labels, it is interesting to know what characteristics consumers have assigned to them. There are several myths:
- Popular story - the color of the square on the tube depends on the chemical composition. Black - chemical elements, blue – 20% natural ingredients, red – 50% useful substances, and green is a completely natural (safe) composition.
- Myth about the method of use: blue - for daily use, red - for a course of up to 7 days, green - no more than 1 month, black - whitening, damaging to enamel.
- Myth about dyes: green – only natural dyes, black (blue, brown) – a lot of harmful chemicals.
- Suspicion of an advertising trick by marketers. It is believed that green color is perceived as healthy and natural. Therefore, the marking is done in green.
- The theory about the content of abrasive substances - black (blue, brown) - a lot of abrasive particles that harm enamel. You can use this product for a maximum of a week. Red – small amount of abrasive substances, allowed to be used 3 times a week. Green – suitable for everyday use.
There are other myths that talk about the geographical indicator (for Europeans, Asians, Americans, etc.), about the oil content, and about the ability to cause periodontitis. No matter how many myths there are, they have nothing to do with the real purpose of the stripes on a tube of toothpaste.
Choosing a toothpaste
Having mentioned how not to choose a toothpaste, it is important to remember what to pay attention to so as not to make a mistake and ensure your dental health. Standard pastes contain active ingredients, refreshing and essential oils, vitamins, fluorine, minerals, medicinal extracts. All teeth cleaning products contain natural and synthetic ingredients. Selection should be based on condition oral cavity, teeth and gums.
It is necessary that the selected paste does not contain the following substances:
- fluorine. Despite the fact that it serves to prevent caries, it is toxic to the body if a lot of the product is swallowed;
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate is a foaming component. Cheap, therefore often used in inexpensive means. Adversely affects the oral cavity, accumulates in the body;
- triclosan. It is needed to eliminate bacteria, but at the same time destroys useful ones;
- The abrasiveness index should be up to 100.
Paste composition
The ingredients of the toothpaste are indicated on the packaging. It is they, and not the colored stripes, that need to be given attention. They emit a number of hazardous substances, and there are less harmful ones, but they provide little benefit. For example, calcium carbonate. He's chalk. Used in cheap products, it greatly damages the enamel.
Another harmful component is aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide as an abrasive. The least harmful alternative to enamel is sodium bicarbonate.
You need to be more careful with products containing metronidazole and chlorhexine. Using antibiotics to brush your teeth several times a day means destroying the normal microflora and causing complications associated with this.
When the manufacturer promises to compensate for the lack of calcium using calcium carbonate in the paste, this is a lie. The substance does not dissolve when brushing teeth, and enamel mineralization does not occur. Some benefit may be obtained from calcium glycerophosphate.
When choosing toothpaste, you need to listen to the advice of your dentist. He will give recommendations taking into account the condition of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity. Below are the brands recommended by doctors.
President. Natural ingredients are used and chemicals are kept to a minimum. The amount of abrasive and fluorine is controlled. Removes plaque, stops caries, strengthens tooth enamel.
R.O.C.S.
Domestic products from natural ingredients. Does not harm enamel, serves as a prevention of inflammation and caries due to plant extracts and vitamins. The line contains products for various purposes.
Crest
Brand popular in the USA. Eliminates plaque, brightens enamel, prevents stone formation, and freshens breath. For sensitive teeth, use with caution after the test.
An effective remedy for bleeding, inflammation, periodontal disease. Strengthens enamel, suitable for all family members, including children and pregnant women. The presence of mineral salts gives off a taste, but you can get used to it.
Occupies one of the leading positions. Suitable for everyday use, the line also includes preventive pastes.
Do you feel nervous before visiting the dentist?
YesNo
Mexidol
Does not contain antibiotics, fluoride. Reduces the risk of plaque formation and yellowness. It is based on a medicine of the same name for edema, to improve microcirculation and immunity.
Elmex
Included in the TOP 10 toothpastes on the market. Helps restore enamel and strengthen it. Approved for use by all family members, including children and pregnant women. Sometimes using the paste causes bleeding gums. With this side effect you will have to change the remedy.
The means listed above are not full list quality products released to the market by toothpaste manufacturers. Examples are provided for reference, but it is better to make a choice in favor of a specific product after consulting with your dentist.
Not every paste is suitable for those with diseases or problems with the mucous membrane; the doctor will give separate recommendations for each patient. By following your doctor's dental care instructions, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for a long time.
