It is an opaque white paste, not a gel.It has an averagely strong mint flavour, more like spearmint than peppermint.Compared to the other Colgate Toothpastes I have mentioned it does not leave my teeth as smooth and shiny clean (to the touch of my tongue) as they do after brushing.My teeth still feel clean but not as clean.Clinically it is hard for me to compare this toothpaste with others.