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11 Non Toxic Toothpaste Brands for a Fresh and Healthy Smile
Our smiles are our first impressions. They matter. Big time.
Outside of regular dental visits, we want toothpaste that meets our dentists' standards and ours too! We want clean mouths in every sense of the word.
Harmful chemicals? No, thank you! Smiles that are beautiful, clean, and fresh? Absolutely!
Is it possible to have our cake and eat it too? You betcha! Just remember to brush your teeth afterward. ;)
In this article, we'll uncover the ingredients in conventional toothpaste that leave a bad taste in our mouths and all the reasons why natural non toxic toothpaste earns a place in our oral care routine.
Why Switch to Non Toxic Toothpaste?
Brushing your teeth is a twice-daily ritual, making the toothpaste you use a cornerstone of your oral hygiene. By opting for natural options, you reduce your daily exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional formulations.
Non-toxic options leverage the power of natural ingredients, delivering a host of benefits without compromising on effectiveness.
Here are a few compelling reasons to make the switch:
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Safer Ingredients: Non-toxic toothpastes avoid substances like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), triclosan, and artificial sweeteners, which can irritate gums, disrupt hormonal functions, and impact long-term health.
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Holistic Health Benefits: Many natural toothpastes include ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, and herbal extracts that support healthy gums and reduce bacterial growth without harsh chemicals.
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Environmentally Friendly: Choosing non-toxic toothpaste also means supporting eco-friendly practices. These products are often made by brands committed to sustainable sourcing and packaging, reducing the environmental footprint of your oral care routine.
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Effectiveness: Contrary to popular belief, non-toxic toothpastes are just as effective in preventing cavities and maintaining dental health. Ingredients like xylitol and hydroxyapatite are clinically proven to combat decay and strengthen enamel naturally.
How Do We Choose the Best Natural Toothpastes ?
When it comes to a self care product that we use multiple times a day, we took our testing to the next level. Our selection process for the best natural toothpaste brands is thorough and personal.
After rigorously testing and researching over 50 different toothpastes and surveying reviews, we’ve narrowed down our favorites based on their ingredients, effectiveness, and user feedback.
So what are the most effective and safe brands of natural toothpaste on the market? Here are our top picks:
The Best Non Toxic & Natural Toothpaste Brands
Essential Oxygen | Shop here*
Dr. Bronners | Shop here*
Auromere | Shop here*
Davids | Shop here*
Boka | Shop here*
Himalaya Botanique | Shop here*
ATTITUDE | Shop here*
Jason | Shop here*
Wellnesse | Shop here*
Primal Life Organics | Shop here*
Uncle Harry's | Shop here*
What Is the Best Non Toxic Toothpaste?
Essential Oxygen* (Our Top Pick)
Best For: Those looking for a comprehensive non toxic, natural toothpaste.
Pricing: $7.00
Certifications: USDA Organic, Verified Non-GMO
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Food grade hydrogen peroxide, Organic coconut oil, Organic aloe vera gel, Organic frankincense oil
Why We Like It:
This toothpaste checks every single box: Vegan, gluten free, cruelty free, low abrasion (long-term oral health), immediate fresh results, good taste, sustainability, organic, whitening, no added sugars, and, of course, it's non toxic. It's clear this brand really cares and we dig it. An easy favorite!
Image @ Essential Oxygen
Dr. Bronners*
Best For: Those looking for an Organic formula that supports regenerative agriculture.
Pricing: $7.48
Certifications: USDA Organic, Oregon Tilth Certified Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified™, Fair for Life (Fair Trade), EWG Verified, NSF Certified, Leaping Bunny, Vegan Action, B Corp, Non GMO, OK Kosher
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Organic menthol crystals, Organic coconut flour, Organic coconut oil
Why We Like It:
When it comes to certifications, Dr. Bronner's wins the gold medal. Their dedication to regenerative agriculture is especially impressive and unlike any other brand. We love supporting that mission. There's something about their peppermint formula that just really hits the spot - it's peppermint perfection.
Image @ Dr Bronners
Auromere*
Best For: Those looking for a mint-free, homeopathic-compatible natural toothpaste.
Pricing: $13.99 (2 pack)
Certifications: Non-GMO
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Neem, Peelu, Pomegranate Rind
Why We Like It:
This is a non profit owned company, affectionately known as "The Ayurveda People." We love that there are 24 different Ayurvedic herbs in this vegan, cruelty free, gluten free formula. The licorice root gives it a sweet flavor without any sugar or artificial flavors and compliments the rest of herbal symphony quite well.
Image @ Auromere
Davids*
Best For: Those keen on a sustainable natural toothpaste option.
Pricing: $9.95
Certifications: EWG Verified, FSC, Leaping Bunny
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Natural limestone abrasive, Baking soda, Xylitol
Why We Like It:
David's stands out to us as a family owned and operated brand that is US made and even sources 98% of their ingredients from within the US. They really take sustainability seriously. The metal tube key that comes with this toothpaste helps us get every last bit of this toothpaste and as one of our favorites, we don't want to waste a drop!
Image @ Davids
Boka*
Best For: Those looking for extra enamel support without fluoride
Pricing: $11.69
Certifications: None
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Xylitol, Green tea, Nano hydroxyapatite (fluoride substitute)
Why We Like It:
We can rest assured because Boka's formulas are biocompatible, backed by science, and formulated by dentists. The nano hydroxyapatite stands out to us and gives us that next level of oral care that we know we need. Plus, this is our favorite flavor profile. Mint, green tea, and that hint of cardamom are a dream!
Image @ Boka
Himalaya Botanique*
Best For: Bargain hunters and flavor enthusiasts interested in bulk purchases.
Pricing: $22.99 (4 pack variety pack)
Certifications: None
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Neem oil, Papaya enzyme, Pineapple enzyme
Why We Like It:
This gulten free, cuelty free, and vegan formula is comprised of herbal ingredients that are sustainably grown on fair trade farms. Neem cleanse and papaya and pineapple remove stains and whiten teeth! We love and trust the Himalaya brand along with so many others. They've been around since the 1930s.
Image @ Himalaya Botanique
ATTITUDE*
Best For: Those looking for a whitening toothpaste without fluoride.
Pricing: $8.54
Certifications: EWG verified
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Hydroxyapatite (fluoride substitute), Green tea extract, Papaya extract
Why We Like It:
This is the only toothpaste on our list that doesn't come in a cardboard box! We love that this brand stands for sustainability and is spearheading this to be the norm. This whitening formula is vegan, cruelty free, and the packaging is also recyclable.
Image @ ATTITUDE
Jason*
Best For: Coconut Fans and kiddos!
Pricing: $6.20
Certifications: None
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Virgin coconut oil, Strawberry extract, Bamboo powder, Pineapple enzyme
Why We Like It:
We're big fans of the coconut flavor of this toothpaste. It might just become your new favorite kids' toothpaste too! It tastes more like dessert than toothpaste and we don't mind it one bit! The name Jason comes from the Greek word for healer and we love how earth-centric this brand is. They believe (and so do we!) that Mother Nature and her botanicals are medicine.
Image @ Jason
Wellnesse*
Best For: Those looking for a whitening toothpaste.
Pricing: $19.00
Certifications: None
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Neem Oil, Hydroxyapatite (fluoride substitute), Activated charcoal, Green tea leaf extract
Why We Like It:
We noticed after using this toothpaste for only a week, our teeth were a couple of shades whiter! We love that this is a family business spearheaded by a mama of 6 kiddos! The compostable tube and the cruelty free formula win big bonus points.
Image @ Wellness
Primal Life Organics* (Tooth Powder)
Best For: Those with sensitive teeth.
Pricing: $22.97
Certifications: None
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Bentonite, Baking soda, Hydroxyapatite (fluoride substitute), Monk fruit
Why We Like It:
Every time we use this mineral-rich tooth powder, we get that "just left the dentist" feeling. We're talking squeaky-alkaline-clean! This is the tooth powder that converted us. We also love that it's vegan, gluten-free, and paleo.
Shop Primal Life Organics here*
Image @ Primal Life Organics
Uncle Harry's* (Tooth Powder)
Best For: Those seeking an ayurvedic tooth powder.
Pricing: $21.50
Certifications: Leaping Bunny
Flouride-Free: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate (Natural chalk), Sea salt, Mustard seed powder
Why We Like It:
We appreciate the simplicity of this vegan and gluten free formula and that the company relies on ayurvedic herbs to support oral health. We love supporting family run businesses that produce such high quality and minimally processed products.
Image @ Uncle Harrys
Comparing Efficacy: Traditional vs. Natural Toothpastes
When it comes to effectiveness, both traditional and natural toothpastes aim to clean teeth, freshen breath, and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. However, the key differences lie in their formulations and the impact of their ingredients on oral and overall health.
Traditional toothpastes often contain fluoride, recognized for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Many also include synthetic agents for whitening, reducing sensitivity, and enhancing flavor.
While effective, these chemicals can cause irritation and other health concerns.
What toothpaste is nontoxic?
Non-toxic natural toothpastes, on the other hand, use ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, and herbal extracts to achieve similar benefits without the potential side effects of harsh chemicals. These ingredients can still help prevent cavities by neutralizing acids and reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Natural abrasives are used to safely remove surface stains and plaque without damaging the tooth enamel.
The efficacy of natural toothpaste can vary based on the formula, but many offer comparable results to their traditional counterparts, especially the ones we've tested and selected for our list.
The choice often comes down to personal preference, health considerations, and environmental impact. For those with sensitive teeth and allergies or who prefer clean, eco-friendly products, natural toothpastes can be an excellent choice, effectively maintaining dental hygiene while aligning with a holistic health approach.
Key Ingredients in Natural Toothpaste
Natural toothpastes often incorporate ingredients that are effective yet gentle on your mouth. Here are a few key components:
Baking Soda: Naturally whitens and cleans teeth by gently scrubbing away surface stains.
Coconut Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, it helps in reducing plaque buildup and gum disease.
Essential Oils: Peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil provide natural flavoring and antibacterial benefits to promote oral health.
Plant Extracts: Aloe barbadensis leaf extract soothes gums and reduces inflammation, stevia rebaudiana extract powder enhances flavor without contributing to tooth decay, and green tea leaf extract offers powerful antioxidant properties that promote overall oral health.
Hydroxyapatite: A naturally occurring mineral that's a fluoride alternative, hydroxyapatite helps remineralize and strengthen teeth.
Neem Oil: Valued for its antibacterial properties, neem oil helps prevent plaque formation and freshens breath.
Activated Charcoal: Known for its powerful whitening effect, activated charcoal safely removes surface stains and detoxifies the mouth.
Calcium Carbonate: A mild abrasive that effectively cleans teeth and helps remove plaque without damaging tooth enamel.
Xylitol: A natural sweetener that inhibits the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, xylitol also enhances the taste of toothpaste.
What ingredient in toothpaste should be avoided?
While natural toothpastes focus on beneficial ingredients, there are several toxic chemicals you should avoid. These are the big ones:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent that can cause mouth ulcers and irritation in some individuals.
Parabens: Used as preservatives, associated with endocrine disruption and potentially increased cancer risk.
Triclosan: An antibacterial agent linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.
Artificial flavors: Often derived from questionable chemical sources, these can be irritants and allergens. Look for toothpastes that use natural flavors derived from sources like mint leaves or cinnamon.
Shopping Guide for Non Toxic Toothpaste
When selecting a non-toxic toothpaste, follow these steps to ensure you choose a product that is safe and effective:
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Check the Ingredient List: Begin by examining the list of ingredients. Avoid toothpastes containing harmful chemicals. Instead, opt for those with natural antibacterial agents and gentle abrasives.
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Look for Certifications: Seek out products with certifications that guarantee safety and quality and indicate strict standards for health and transparency.
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Consider the Brand’s Ethos: Brands that are committed to holistic health and environmental stewardship are more likely to produce high-quality, non-toxic products.
By following these steps, you can find a natural toothpaste that not only meets your dental care needs but also aligns with your values for health and sustainability.
Beware of Greenwashing
Greenwashing can be tricky to spot, especially when products are adorned with natural imagery or vague environmental claims. Here are some insights on how to recognize greenwashing in toothpaste brands:
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Vague Claims: Watch out for terms like "natural" or "green" without specific details or certifications to back them up. These words can be used loosely and do not guarantee a product's safety or eco-friendliness.
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Lack of Transparency: If a company is not open about where and how their ingredients are sourced or the specifics of their manufacturing processes, it could be a red flag.
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Misleading Certifications: Some products may display certifications that look official but are actually self-awarded or irrelevant to their environmental claims. Always check the legitimacy of eco-labels and what they stand for.
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Contradictory Ingredients: A product claiming to be "eco-friendly" or "organic" while containing harmful chemicals or non-sustainable materials is greenwashing.
This knowledge will empower you to choose products that are genuinely committed to health and sustainability, avoiding those that merely use green marketing as a facade.
A few "natural" toothpaste brands that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS):
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Tom's of Maine (Most Tom's toothpastes contain SLS unless specified as SLS-free)
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Avon Perioe Himalaya Pinksalt Toothpaste
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Brush Buddies Herbal Toothpaste
Certifications for Trustworthy Natural Toothpaste
When selecting a natural toothpaste, certifications can provide assurance regarding the product's safety, quality, and ethical standards. Here are some key certifications to look for:
USDA Organic: Guarantees at least 95% organic ingredients, without synthetic additives.
EWG Verified: Ensures avoidance of hazardous chemicals, meeting strict health transparency standards.
Leaping Bunny: Confirms 100% freedom from animal testing at all development stages.
Non-GMO: Verifies that the ingredients are not genetically modified.
NSF Certified: Ensures the product meets strict public health standards.
B Corp: Indicates that the company meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
These certifications will help you navigate the complex landscape of natural products, ensuring that the natural toothpaste you choose is truly beneficial for your oral health and aligns with your values.
The Case for Choosing Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
While fluoride is recognized for its benefits in preventing tooth decay, it's not essential for effective toothpaste.
Fluoride naturally occurs in small amounts in many common foods, such as coffee, black tea, and potatoes, contributing to daily exposure.
Given that fluoride can be harmful if swallowed—particularly concerning for children who may ingest toothpaste while brushing—we opt for fluoride-free alternatives.
Natural toothpaste ingredients that don't contain fluoride still support dental health and help prevent cavities without the risks associated with fluoride ingestion.
DIY Toothpaste Recipe
For those interested in making their own toothpaste, here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
1 tablespoon of baking soda
10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil
Optional: 1 teaspoon of xylitol for sweetness & cavity prevention
Instructions:
Soften the coconut oil until it’s malleable but not liquid.
Thoroughly mix in the baking soda to form a paste.
Add peppermint oil (and xylitol if using) and mix until smooth.
Store in a small container and use as you would any other toothpaste.
This DIY recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different flavors, providing an effective natural toothpaste alternative to commercial toothpastes.
FAQs
How often should I brush my teeth with natural toothpaste?
You should brush at least twice a day with natural toothpaste, just as you would with traditional toothpaste, to maintain good oral hygiene.
Does natural toothpaste contain fluoride?
Some natural toothpastes contain fluoride, but many do not, catering to those who prefer fluoride-free options. Always check the label to confirm.
Are natural toothpastes as effective as traditional toothpastes?
Yes, natural toothpastes can be just as effective as traditional toothpastes. They use ingredients like baking soda, xylitol, and essential oils to clean teeth and improve oral health without harsh chemicals.
What is the best non-minty toothpaste?
The ayurvedic toothpaste from Auromere* is our top choice for non-minty toothpaste.
What is the best non-toxic toothpaste for toddlers?
We chose the Jason coconut toothpaste for our kids because it has a pleasant flavor and contains no fluoride, which can be dangerous if swallowed.
What is the best homemade toothpaste?
A simple and effective homemade toothpaste can be made by mixing 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil for flavor.
Key Takeaways:
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Natural toothpaste provides a safe, effective alternative to traditional toothpaste, especially for those with tooth sensitivity or who prioritize a clean lifestyle.
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Greenwashing is a common practice in the "green" space and it's a good idea to education oneself on harmful ingredients to make the best choice for a truly natural toothpaste.
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Opting for products with recognized certifications ensures that you are using a product that is not only safe but also produced with ethical practices.
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Making your own toothpaste can be an easy and effective way to control exactly what goes into your oral care routine.
If you enjoyed this article on Non-Toxic Toothpaste, check out these other articles below!
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