Mouthwash is an essential part of any oral hygiene routine. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help prevent cavities, gingivitis and bad breath. Two of the most popular mouthwash brands on the market are Listerine and Act. But which one is better?
Listerine vs Act: Overview
Listerine and Act are both effective antimicrobial mouthwashes that can kill germs in the mouth and prevent plaque buildup. Here is a quick overview comparing the two brands:
Listerine
- Kills 99% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gingivitis
- Contains essential oils like thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate and eucalyptol
- Available in original, cool mint, freshburst, soft mint, ultraclean, zero and whitening flavors
- Alcohol-based formula
- ADA Seal of Acceptance
Act
- Kills up to 96% of bad breath germs
- Contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as the main active ingredient
- Available in classic mint, cinnamon rush, bold rush and vanilla mint flavors
- Alcohol-free formula
- ADA Seal of Acceptance
As you can see, both mouthwashes contain active ingredients to kill germs and prevent plaque buildup. The main differences are the types of active ingredients and flavor options.
Active Ingredients
One of the biggest differences between Listerine and Act is the active ingredients they use:
Listerine Active Ingredients
- Thymol – Derived from thyme oil, thymol has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties
- Eucalyptol – Also known as cineole, eucalyptol has antiseptic qualities
- Menthol – Provides the cooling and refreshing sensation and aroma
- Methyl salicylate – Provides the medicinal taste
Act Active Ingredient
- Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) – The main germ-killing ingredient in Act mouthwashes. CPC is a quaternary ammonium compound with potent antimicrobial activity.
Both Listerine and Act’s active ingredients are effective at killing bacteria in the mouth. However, some studies have shown Listerine’s essential oil formula may be slightly more effective than CPC at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Flavors
When it comes to flavors, Listerine offers more variety than Act:
Listerine Flavors
- Cool Mint
- Freshburst
- Soft Mint
- Ultraclean
- Zero (flavor-free)
- Whitening
Act Flavors
- Classic Mint
- Cinnamon Rush
- Bold Rush
- Vanilla Mint
Act mouthwashes tend to be more strongly flavored than Listerine. Listerine has expanded its offerings over the years to include flavors like Freshburst and Soft Mint for those who find the original very strong and medicinal tasting.
So Listerine provides more variety, but Act may appeal to those who enjoy stronger cooling and mint flavors. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Alcohol Content
One of the biggest differences between Listerine and Act is alcohol content:
- Listerine is alcohol-based – It contains approximately 27% alcohol
- Act is alcohol-free – It uses a non-alcohol formula
Why does this matter? Here are some pros and cons of alcohol in mouthwash:
Pros of Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes
- More effective at killing a wide range of bacteria
- Provides a deeper clean feeling
- Helps dry out the mouth to reduce acidity and bacteria growth
Cons of Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes
- Can cause oral cancer according to some studies (still inconclusive)
- Drying effect can lead to bad breath as saliva flow decreases
- May burn or sting mouth sores, cuts and sensitive teeth
Alcohol-free mouthwashes like Act avoid the potential risks and discomfort associated with alcohol. But alcohol does help improve the germ-killing effectiveness.
ADA Approval
An important sign of a quality mouthwash is the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance.
Both Listerine and Act mouthwashes carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means the ADA has reviewed scientific data and determined these products are safe and effective at preventing plaque buildup that leads to gingivitis.
So both Listerine and Act are dentist-approved options you can feel good about using.
Studies Comparing Listerine and Act
There have been a few studies comparing the efficacy of Listerine and Act mouthwashes:
Plaque and Gingivitis Reduction
- A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found Listerine was 29% more effective than Act at reducing plaque and gingivitis after 30 days of use.
- A 2020 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association compared extended use of Listerine Original and Act Restoring mouthwashes. After 6 months, Listerine showed significantly greater antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy than Act.
Bad Breath Reduction
- A 2014 study in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found the germ kill effectiveness of Listerine and Act were comparable. Both reduced bad breath for 24 hours when used in combination with brushing.
- Another 2014 study compared Listerine Cool Mint and Act Restoring Plus. Both mouthwashes performed similarly, reducing bad breath for up to 7 hours.
Based on these studies, Listerine generally provides better plaque and gingivitis reduction over time. For bad breath, the two mouthwashes are more comparable in performance.
Cost Comparison
Listerine tends to be more expensive than Act mouthwash. Here’s a cost comparison based on common bottle sizes:
| Product | Size | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Listerine Original | 1 liter | $6 |
| Act Restoring Classic Mint | 1 liter | $4 |
| Listerine Cool Mint | 500 mL | $4 |
| Act Vanilla Mint | 500 mL | $3 |
| Listerine Zero | 500 mL | $5 |
| Act Cinnamon Rush | 500 mL | $3 |
As you can see, Act tends to retail for 20-50% less than comparable Listerine products. If you are looking for the most affordable option, Act provides the better value.
However, some people feel the extra few dollars is worth it for Listerine’s proven plaque, gingivitis and germ kill superiority. It comes down to your budget and needs.
Safety and Side Effects
Both Listerine and Act are generally safe to use for adults and children over 6 years old. However, some potential side effects include:
Common side effects
- Burning sensation in mouth
- Bad taste
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Irritation of sores and cuts
These effects are usually temporary and often decrease with continued use as your mouth adjusts. Using a reduced amount can also help minimize irritation.
Act mouthwash tends to cause less burning or irritation as it does not contain alcohol. Listerine has more potent antimicrobial essential oils that can provoke a stronger response.
Rinsing with water immediately after can help soothe any mild stinging or burning caused by mouthwash ingredients.
Serious allergies
- Allergic reactions to mouthwash ingredients are very rare but possible. Discontinue use if you experience serious symptoms like swelling, hives or trouble breathing.
Overall, Listerine and Act are well-tolerated oral care products for the majority of users. Proper use as directed reduces the risk of adverse effects or complications.
Conclusion
After comparing the ingredients, effectiveness, taste, cost and safety of these two popular mouthwashes, here are some key takeaways:
- Listerine contains essential oils while Act uses CPC as the main active ingredient. Both formulas kill germs and prevent plaque, but some studies show Listerine may be slightly more effective.
- Listerine offers more flavor varieties while Act provides stronger classic mint and cinnamon flavors.
- Listerine Original contains alcohol while Act is alcohol-free.
- Both Listerine and Act carry the ADA Seal for fighting plaque and gingivitis.
- Research indicates Listerine provides better plaque and gingivitis reduction, but both brands are comparable for controlling bad breath.
- Act mouthwash tends to cost less than comparable Listerine products.
- Side effects like burning or irritation are possible with both but are transient. Act may cause less initial stinging thanks to its alcohol-free formula.
Overall, Listerine takes a slight edge over Act in germ kill potency and plaque reduction. But Act offers an effective alcohol-free formula for those who are sensitive to burning or drying effects.
Your budget, flavor and formula preferences should drive which brand is right for your needs. Both Listerine and Act can kill bacteria, help fight plaque buildup and freshen breath when used properly. Consistent oral hygiene with quality mouthwash like these brands can help promote good dental and oral health.