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Stannous fluoride

Stannous fluoride suppliers and sourcing guide

Stannous fluoride is tin(II) fluoride, a white crystalline powder made by reacting tin or stannous oxide with hydrofluoric acid and crystallizing the product. It dissolves in water but slowly hydrolyzes and oxidizes to tin(IV), so it needs stabilized, often low-water formulas. Toothpaste, gel and rinse makers buy pharmacopeial-grade powder as the declared OTC drug active.

Also known as
Tin(II) fluoride · Tin difluoride · SnF2 · CAS 7783-47-3
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of stannous fluoride

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Pharmacopeial powder

    USP-grade stannous fluoride with a set stannous (tin II) content, the grade used in drug products.

  • Anhydrous glycerin gel concentrates

    Pre-made stannous fluoride in anhydrous glycerin, used for gels and rinse concentrates that must stay dry.

  • Stabilized systems

    Supplier blends with chelants or zinc salts designed to keep tin in the stannous form; check each component's INCI listing.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Stannous fluoride content by titration against the compendial range.
Stannous ion (tin II)
Tin(II) content by iodometric titration, which falls as material oxidizes and is the key stability measure.
Fluoride content
Fluoride by ion-selective electrode.
Water and insoluble matter
Water content and insoluble residue, which rise with hydrolysis.
Heavy metals
Lead, antimony and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Stannous fluoride must be kept dry and away from air: store it in tightly sealed containers, ideally under nitrogen, in a cool place, and reseal immediately after use. Moisture and oxygen convert tin(II) to tin(IV). Shelf life is set by the supplier, and stannous content should be retested before using older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record total assay and stannous content for each lot, and recheck stannous content on opened containers. Use opened stock quickly and rotate first in, first out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 355.10 lists stannous fluoride at 0.351 to 0.474 percent as an OTC anticaries dentifrice active, with an available fluoride ion concentration of at least 700 ppm (at least 290 ppm with a calcium pyrophosphate abrasive), and at 0.4 percent in an anhydrous glycerin gel.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
  • Health Canada's Oral Health Products Monograph lists stannous fluoride at 0.351 to 0.474% w/w in dentifrices.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
  • Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist does not permit stannous fluoride and other fluoride-containing substances in oral cosmetic products.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Stannous fluoride suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking stannous fluoride suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of stannous fluoride can brands buy?

Common forms include pharmacopeial powder, anhydrous glycerin gel concentrates and stabilized systems. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for stannous fluoride include?

Expect assay, stannous ion (tin II), fluoride content, water and insoluble matter and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should stannous fluoride be stored?

Stannous fluoride must be kept dry and away from air: store it in tightly sealed containers, ideally under nitrogen, in a cool place, and reseal immediately after use. Moisture and oxygen convert tin(II) to tin(IV). Shelf life is set by the supplier, and stannous content should be retested before using older stock.

What is the regulatory status of stannous fluoride?

21 CFR 355.10 lists stannous fluoride at 0.351 to 0.474 percent as an OTC anticaries dentifrice active, with an available fluoride ion concentration of at least 700 ppm (at least 290 ppm with a calcium pyrophosphate abrasive), and at 0.4 percent in an anhydrous glycerin gel. Health Canada's Oral Health Products Monograph lists stannous fluoride at 0.351 to 0.474% w/w in dentifrices. Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist does not permit stannous fluoride and other fluoride-containing substances in oral cosmetic products.

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