The 2025 Best Non Toxic Toothpaste Guide

Maia James
The 2025 Best Non Toxic Toothpaste Guide
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Best Toothpaste

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1. Essential Oxygen

2. Earthpaste

3. Weleda

4. Wellnesse

5. RiseWell

6. Jack N’ Jill

7. Attitude

8. Tanitabs

9. Radius

10. Canary Clean

11. Poofy

12. Attitude with Flouride

13. Bite

14. Davids

15. Dr. Bronner’s

16. Jason

17. Weleda Children's

It’s one of those everyday essentials–and one that goes in our mouths–so I’m not surprised that so many of you are interested in finding the best non-toxic toothpaste.

Finding a truly safe toothpaste goes far beyond looking for a “fluoride-free” label. (And while this recent ruling has cemented our position on fluoride in drinking water, some of you may want it in toothpaste!).

Many toothpastes—both natural and conventional, for adults and kids–include a lot of ingredients, many of which are sneaky or bad. I guess that’s what happens when we expect a product to do a lot of things, like look appetizing, taste good, feel sudsy in our mouth, whiten our teeth, prevent cavities, and leave us with a “fresh” feeling.

Read on to learn what’s unsavory about most toothpaste, and how to find the best non-toxic, natural toothpaste for adults, kids, and even babies.

Best Stuff

Earthpaste Natural Toothpaste

Earthpaste is a clay-based toothpaste with only four or five ingredients: purified water, food-grade bentonite clay, sea salt, essential oils, and xylitol. For those of you concerned about xylitol, the spearmint flavor is xylitol-free. It’s safe for all ages and the lemon flavor is particularly popular with kids.

Ingredients: cinnamon water, bentonite clay, non-GMO xylitol, nano silver solution, cinnamon leaf, sea salt, cinnamon bark essential oil, tea tree essential oil peppermint water, bentonite clay, non-GMO xylitol, nano silver solution, sea salt, peppermint essential oil, menthol, tea tree essential oil lemon water, bentonite clay, non-GMO xylitol, nano silver solution, lemon essential oil, sea salt, tangerine essential oil, lime essential oil, lemon verbena essential oil wintergreen water, bentonite clay, non-GMO xylitol, nano silver solution, sea salt, wintergreen essential oil, menthol, tea tree essential oil spearmint water, bentonite clay, nano silver solution, sea salt, spearmint essential oil, menthol, tea tree essential oil

Price per ounce: $2.10 (the most affordable Best Stuff!)

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Earthpaste Natural Toothpaste

Essential Oxygen Organic BR Toothpaste

This natural toothpaste gets extra points for being organic, and is free of glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and fluoride. It contains hydrogen peroxide for whitening, and is low-abrasion. It contains aloe vera and a blend of essential oils for a pleasant, minty flavor. My husband prefers this one over Earthpaste.

Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, food grade 1.5% Inactive Ingredients: Aloe vera solution, deionized purified water, guar gum, calcium phosphate, coconut flour, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, stevia, clove oil, lemon oil, rosemary oil, cinnamon oil, witergreen oil, eucalyptus oil, frankincense oil, coconut oil.

Price per ounce: $2.25

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Essential Oxygen Organic BR Toothpaste

Poofy Organics Toothpaste

Poofy Organics toothpastes are unique because they’re entirely organic. Poofy’s adult toothpaste and tooth powder are for ages five and up. (The tooth powder is also clay free in case you’re not as comfortable as I am with responsibly sourced clay. Poofy gets theirs from Living Clay because they test it thoroughly.)

Poofy also makes an organic baby/toddler toothpaste that I like, but I’m listing it under Good Stuff because it contains glycerin.

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Organic Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder, Bentonite Clay, Aluminum-Free Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Organic Erythritol, Organic Menthol Crystals (crystals produced from cornmint (Metha arvensis) essential oil extraction), Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Organic Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Organic Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Essential Oil, Organic Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Essential Oil, Organic Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Essential Oil

Use code: MAIAJAMES for 10% off

Price per ounce: $2.43

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Poofy Organics Toothpaste

RiseWell Natural Toothpaste

RiseWell remineralizing toothpaste contains hydroxapatite in place of fluoride (you can read about this natural toothpaste ingredient above). RiseWell is flavored with only essential oils, and free of surfactants of concern. And those of you who have tried it say it’s incredible! Use code GIMME10 to get 10% off everything on Risewell’s site. 

My thoughts on the Risewell lawsuit: In June 2024, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the parent company of Risewell Kids Mineral toothpaste, claiming that the product contained PFAS. However, the case was dismissed, likely because the allegations were based on a single test sample. Risewell has tested every batch of their toothpaste for PFAS contamination over the past three years, and have not found evidence of PFAS. If you have a tube of Risewell and want to see the lab results for your specific batch, you can email them at hi@risewell.com. For these reasons still consider Risewell toothpaste to be Best Stuff. 

Ingredients: Silica, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Xylitol, Hydroxyapatite, Calcium Carbonate, Propanediol, Potassium Cocoate, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Mentha Arvensis (Wild Mint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Menthol, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Erythritol, Xanthan Gum, Eucalyptus Globulus Extract, Illicium Verum (Anise) Extract.

Price per ounce: $4.13

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RiseWell Natural Toothpaste

Tanitabs Natural Toothpaste Tablets

Tanitabs are toothpaste tablets that employ the cleaning power of charcoal. We love that these eco-friendly toothpaste products don’t require you to toss yet another non-recyclable toothpaste tube into a landfill when you’re done.  

Tanitabs are made with scientifically-backed ingredients like hydroxyapatite and xylitol. One order should last you for about two months, and the jar they come in is fully reusable or recyclable.

Use code GIMME at checkout for 20% off anything at Tanit.

Ingredients: Xylitol (35%), Calcium carbonate, Kaolin (White Clay), Hydroxyapatite (10%), Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice powder, Stevia, Natural flavor, Sodium Bicarbonate, Mentha virdis (Spearmint) extract, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) extract, Senegalia senegal (Acacia) gum, Melaleuca alternafolia (Tea Tree) leaf oil, Citrus grandis (Grapefruit) seed extract

Price per gram: $0.12 per tablet with our discount code

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Tanitabs Natural Toothpaste Tablets

Wellnesse Natural Toothpaste

Wellnesse toothpaste has a clean list of ingredients, and their formula is fluoride and glycerin-free. Wellness uses hydroxyapatite for remineralization.

Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Sorbitol, Purified Water, Sodium Bicarbonate, Xylitol, Silica, Hydroxyapatite, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

Price per ounce $3.75

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Wellnesse Natural Toothpaste

Why Safe, Natural Toothpaste Matters

Choosing a non-toxic, natural toothpaste is important for both adults and kids. Because we use toothpaste multiples times a day, we have frequent exposure to the ingredients.

Also, toothpaste ingredients can be absorbed into the body through the lining of our mouths. And little kids, of course, end up swallowing more toothpaste than they spit out. (Can you blame them? Kids’ toothpastes come in flavors like bubble gum and strawberry!)

Many parents ask me, “Is it safe to swallow toothpaste?” The answer to that question depends entirely on the ingredients list. If you prioritize natural, clean foods, you should also prioritize natural toothpaste and oral hygiene products.

What’s Wrong with Conventional Toothpastes?

Most toothpastes are full of ingredients I wouldn’t want to put on my body, let alone in my mouth. I’m particularly disappointed to see how many kids’ toothpaste options contain bad stuff, given how much kids tend to swallow. Even many “safe to swallow” toddler or baby safe toothpastes have ingredients I wouldn’t consider edible. 

For instance, Colgate’s supposedly kid-friendly toothpastes contain concerning ingredients like propylene glycol (linked to cancer and reproductive damage), artificial colors (linked to ADHD), and PEG-12 (can be contaminated with toxic 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide).  

Toxic Ingredients in Toothpaste

Fluoride is the most controversial toothpaste ingredient, and I will get to that in a minute. Here’s what else you need to look for when reading a toothpaste label:

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used to make products foam. SLS can irritate the skin or lining of the mouth, and its cousin SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) is often contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane. I don’t worry about SLS as much in soaps or shampoos, which we wash off, and I’m fine with it in household cleaners. Because toothpaste goes in our mouths where it can be absorbed and swallowed, SLS should be avoided in toothpaste.
  • Artificial preservatives such as parabens are everywhere, including in toothpastes. Parabens mimic estrogen and are implicated in breast cancer. No causal relationship has been proven, but because we’re exposed to parabens from many cosmetic sources, I recommend avoiding them wherever you can. 
  • Artificial colors, some of which are linked to ADHD, are used in many conventional toothpastes, especially kids’ gel formulas. White toothpastes usually get their squeaky clean look from coloring agents such as titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide can be carcinogenic in nano-particle form, and nano-particles could be absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
  • Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin are often used to sweeten toothpaste. Saccharin has neurotoxic effects in some people who consume it in low-calorie or sugar-free foods. It’s a bad idea for kids’ toothpastes, given the potential for swallowing.
  • Propylene glycol is linked to cancer, reproductive damage, and extreme skin irritation, and is often used in toothpastes to give them a smooth texture.

One formerly common toothpaste ingredient you no longer need to worry about is triclosan. This antibacterial agent forms carcinogenic chloroform when it comes in contact with water that contains trace amounts of chlorine, and has been banned in soaps. At last it’s been phased out of all toothpastes sold in the United States–even Colgate Total!

What About Fluoride in Natural Toothpaste?

Fluoride is supposed to prevent tooth decay and cavities and help us have strong bones. But for decades, there was debate about whether fluoride is healthy and effective as an additive to drinking water and toothpaste.

I have long been against fluoride in drinking water. The Harvard School of Public Health reported that fluoride “adversely affect[s] cognitive development in children,” causing as much as a 7-point lower IQ. There is also persistent concern that fluoride can cause reproductive damage in high enough doses. Most recently, a federal court in California passed a ruling against the EPA, highlighting concerns about fluoride levels in drinking water.

If you’re worried that skipping fluoride means inviting a mouth of rotten teeth, there is evidence that vitamin D may help prevent cavities.

For these and other reasons, I recommend filtering fluoride out of drinking water–but if you have a cavity-prone child like I do, you might decide to use a natural toothpaste with fluoride.

Is Hydroxyapatite a Safe Alternative to Fluoride?

Hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral and the main component of tooth enamel, has gained recognition for its role in oral care products, including toothpaste. As an ingredient in toothpaste, hydroxyapatite has shown promise in remineralizing tooth enamel. Its ability to form a protective layer on the tooth surface helps repair microscopic enamel damage, contributing to improved overall oral health.

What (Else) Is Wrong with Natural Toothpaste?

For most people, I recommend choosing fluoride-free toothpaste. And yet toothpaste has to be more than fluoride-free in order to be safe.

Unfortunately, many “natural” toothpaste contain concerning ingredients similar to what’s found in conventional toothpastes, such as:

  • Surfactants, usually coconut-derived substitutes for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are popular ingredients in many “SLS-free” toothpastes. I’m concerned about some of these SLS alternatives in natural toothpaste because of the delicate and absorbent lining of the mouth. Examples of these kinds of surfactants are sodium coco-sulfate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, potassium cocoate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. It’s confusing, though, because when you look at each of these SLS substitutes one by one, some really do appear to be benign. For instance, sodium cocoyl glutamate and potassium cocoate each gets only a 1 from EWG, and they seem like a great substitute for SLS/SLES. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, on the other hand, gets as high as a 5 from EWG, so I recommend avoiding toothpastes that contain it. It may, however, be okay as a foaming agent in products that you do not put in your mouth–such as shampoo.
  • Preservatives will show up in paraben-free toothpastes, and they still worry me. Sodium benzoate is suspected to cause damage to mitochondrial DNA, and is a persistently controversial ingredient. More research (especially long-term studies) is needed, but for now, this ingredient knocks brands out of our Best Stuff category, though they may still be Good Stuff. Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid have raised concerns due to mild allergic reactions in some users, but you will find these in brands we call Best Stuff.
  • Carrageenan, derived from seaweed, is a common thickening agent in toothpaste. Animal studies suggest that it leads to intestinal inflammation and colon tumors. It’s probably fine in toothpaste for adults, but I’d avoid it in products used by swallowing-prone kids.

Natural Toothpaste Ingredients I'm NOT Worried About

There are several controversial ingredients that I’m not so worried about in natural toothpastes. These include:

  • Glycerin. There’s a small but heated debate about whether glycerin, a very common ingredient in both conventional and natural toothpastes, is healthy for teeth. Some people claim that glycerin in toothpaste coats the teeth, blocking their ability to re-mineralize (or repair themselves with minerals from our saliva). It’s true that re-mineralization is crucial to the health of our teeth. It’s not clear, however, that glycerin-based toothpastes seriously interfere with this process. Honestly, I’m on the fence about this, so I’m giving the Okay Stuff label to otherwise safe toothpastes that are glycerin-based. (See Good Stuff for glycerin-free toothpastes).
  • Clays are a potentially problematic ingredient in natural toothpaste because they can contain trace amounts of lead. After lots of research and digging into the independent testing of the bentonite clay used in Earthpaste, I’m convinced that it’s safe. The amount of lead in clay is much less than the naturally occurring amounts found in food like spinach or sweet potatoes. Also, the lead in clay doesn’t seem to be bio-available (meaning your body won’t absorb it even when it is present). Even better, there is compelling evidence that bentonite clay might actually RID the body of lead. You should always do your own research, but this is where ours has lead me, and I feel confident calling Earthpaste Good Stuff.
  • Sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and erythritol are used in toothpastes for sweetness and anti-cavity benefits. When consumed in high enough amounts (usually as sugar replacements in food and beverages), they can cause digestive upset in some people. As a result, many parents ask me for recommendations of xylitol free toothpaste. Ultimately, I think this is more or less unnecessary. I don’t think they’re harmful in the small amounts found in toothpaste, and I like that xylitol and erythritol have anti-cavity benefits. The bottom line here is that there’s no need to go out of your way to choose a non toxic kids toothpaste without xylitol or sorbitol. (If you’re concerned about sugar alcohols, Earthpaste’s peppermint flavor is xylitol free, as are Tooth Soap’s products.)
  • Essential oils are used in some natural toothpastes in place of artificial or natural flavors, and sometimes for added anti-cavity/pro-mouth benefits. Some people don’t like the idea of using essential oils in ingestible products, and some people have sensitivities to specific oils. I think that high-quality essential oils like the ones in the Good Stuff are safe in the amounts found in toothpaste, but if you want to avoid them, check out Poofy Organic’s toddler tooth gel, Jack n’ Jill’s toothpastes, and some of the Tooth Soap products (all Best or Good Stuff). Limonene, in particular, is found in various cosmetics, many of which are natural and organic. EWG considers limonene a definite skin and respiratory irritant, with potential carcinogenic properties. But there are different forms of limonene, and some research suggests that it has antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Confusing? Yes. Deadly in toothpaste? Probably not, especially if you’re not guzzling it by the tube.

What Is the Best Non Toxic Baby Toothpaste?

Many kids’ toothpastes are officially for ages two and up. So what about younger toddlers and babies?

Teaching little ones to brush and getting them used to the tickling sensation of bristles is definitely important, but all you really need to use is water plus a soft-bristled brush or silicone toothbrush beginning with their earliest teeth.

You can hold off on toothpaste until they’re toddlers, or later. (Toothpaste isn’t actually essential to oral health—the brushing action of the toothbrush is. Flossing and a healthy diet are crucial, too, of course.)

If you feel compelled to use more than water (and/or kid’s your doc or dentist says you need to), try some of the Best or Good Stuff from this guide.

Our Top Pick: Best Natural Toothpaste (Adults)

Our Top Pick: Best Natural Toothpaste (Adults)

Essential Oxygen Organic Natural Toothpaste

If you’re looking for a natural toothpaste that tastes and feels like the old ones you used to brush with, you’ll want to try Essential Oxygen. It’s minty, foamy, and non-gritty, all with completely safe ingredients.

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Our Top Pick: Best Natural Toothpaste (Adults)

Our Top Pick: Best Natural Toothpaste (Kids)

Our Top Pick: Best Natural Toothpaste (Kids)

Jack N’ Jill Natural Calendula Toothpaste


This natural toothpaste comes in nine fruity flavors and is safe for babies as young as six months. Xylitol, which has anti-cavity benefits, is the primary ingredient. All flavors are free of fluoride.

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Our Top Pick: Best Natural Toothpaste (Kids)

Best Natural Toothpaste with Fluoride

Best Natural Toothpaste with Fluoride

Attitude Natural Toothpaste

My pick for those of you looking for a natural toothpaste with fluoride is Attitude–they have formulas with fluoride for adults and kids. The only downside (besides the fluoride!) is the inclusion of sodium benzoate in Attitude’s toothpaste. Otherwise, the clean ingredient list is about as good as you can get.

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Best Natural Toothpaste with Fluoride

PS: A little more about my thoughts on fluoride here:

Good Stuff

More Natural Toothpaste options

Attitude Natural Toothpaste

We had to downgrade Attitude to the Good Stuff because this toothpaste does include SLS and sodium benzoate on the ingredients list. We are leaving it as Good rather than Okay because we believe it is the best natural toothpaste with fluoride for those of you in search of that. This product is EWG verified.

Ingredients: Active ingredient: Sodium fluoride (0,243 % p/p) Use: Anti-cavities. Inactive ingredients: sorbitol, aqua, glycerin, hydrated silica, sodium sorbitol, aqua, glycerin, hydrated silica, sodium lauryl sulfate,  mentha piperita (peppermint/menthe poivrée) oil*,  xanthan gum, citric acid, stevia rebaudiana leaf / stem extract, sodium benzoate, carica papaya leaf extract, camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, titanium dioxide, potassium sorbate, hydroxyapatite. Naturally contains: D-limonene.

Price per ounce $2.85

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Attitude Natural Toothpaste

Bite Toothpaste Bits

This is another tube-free toothpaste alternative that comes in reusable or recyclable packaging. We like that these as an eco-friendly option for those who want a fluoride-free toothpaste. Instead, Bite contains hydroxyapatite, the non-toxic fluoride alternative we mentioned above. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors, or sulfates on the Bite ingredients list. Bite also offers a version with fluoride for those with cavity concerns. Note that Bite contains zinc citrate, which EWG considers moderately toxin.

Ingredients: Erythritol, Xylitol, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor (peppermint), Hydroxyapatite (nano), Sodium Bicarbonate, Guar Gum, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Zinc Citrate, Silicon Dioxide, Menthol

Price per tablet: $0.24

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Bite Toothpaste Bits

Canary Clean Toothpaste

Canary toothpaste tablets are environmentally-friendly, and free from harsh surfactants, concerning preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and parabens. Instead, they use gentle, effective ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite for remineralization and sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol, which have cavity-fighting benefits and are safe in the small amounts found in toothpaste. The only reason Canary doesn’t make our Best Stuff list is the inclusion of sodium cocoyl isethionate, but this is a mild surfactant that I feel good about.

Cost per tablet: $0.12

Purchase in our store or from Canary Clean -Use code: GIMMETHEGOODSTUF25

Ingredients: Xylitol, Erythritol, Sorbitol, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Natural Bubblegum Flavor, Magnesium Stearate, Nano-Hydroxyapatite, Calcium Bentonite, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

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Canary Clean Toothpaste

David’s Premium Natural Toothpaste

I am not worried about the carrageenan in there if this is used by adults, but I know it’s something a lot of people want to avoid. If you can overlook it, you might love the fresh, all-natural citrus flavor, which is surprisingly refreshing and leaves your mouth feeling clean.

Ingredients: calcium carbonate (limestone abrasive), vegetable glycerin, purified water, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), xylitol (birch derived), hydrated silica, sodium cocoyl glutamate, carrageenan (seaweed derived), mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, menthol, elettaria cardamomum seed oil, illicium verum (anise) fruit oil, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, citrus aurantium amara (orange) peel oil, eugenia caryophyllus (clove) flower oil, citrus limon (lemon) fruit oil, cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil, capsicum frutescens (cayenne), stevia (leaf extract).

Price per ounce: $1.89

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David’s Premium Natural Toothpaste

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste

We love Bronner’s, and my parents have been using their products since the 1970s. I consider this natural toothpaste a safe option, but we put it in Good Stuff because of the glycerin that some of you may be seeking to avoid.

Ingredients: Organic Glycerin, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrated Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Potassium Cocoate (made with Organic Coconut Oil), Organic Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Organic Mentha Arvensis (Menthol) Crystals, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Flour, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Organic Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf / Stem Extract

Price per ounce: $1.02

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Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste

Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste

Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste is a xylitol- and glycerin-based toothpaste for babies and toddlers (six months and up). Even picky kids are likely to find a favorite among one of their nine different fruit flavors. Xylitol, which has anti-cavity benefits, is the primary ingredient.

This is a good option if you’re concerned about using essential oils in an ingestible product. This is what my kids use and love! (And like I say above, I’m not worried about the glycerin.)

Ingredients: Flavor Free: Xylitol, Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin (Coconut derived), Silica, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate (Naturally derived), Citric Acid.

Price per ounce: $0.25

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Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste

Jason Sea Fresh Adult Toothpaste

Jason Sea Fresh Toothpaste avoids many of the worst offenders—like harsh surfactants, parabens, artificial colors, and preservatives. It does contain carrageenan, which is fine for adult toothpaste that isn’t swallowed. Overall, it’s a decent option for adults, but not quite good enough for our Best Stuff list.

Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Carrageenan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic Ingredient), Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Silica, Sodium Bicarbonate (Certified Organic Ingredient).

Price per ounce: $3.00

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Jason Sea Fresh Adult Toothpaste

Poofy Organics Cheery Cherry Toddler Toothpaste

Poofy Organics Cheery Cherry Toddler Toothpaste is unique because it’s organic. It can be used as soon as baby’s first teeth emerge. I like that it only has a handful of organic ingredients: arrowroot powder, glycerin, erythritol (a sugar alcohol with properties similar to xylitol), bentonite clay, and cherry flavor (organic vegetable oil plus natural flavors). If you’re concerned about using essential oils in an ingestible product, this is a good option.

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Glycerin (soybean, maize or mustard), Organic Erythritol, Bentonite Clay, Organic Cherry Flavor Oil (organic sunflower oil, natural flavors)

Use code: MAIAJAMES for 10% off

Price per ounce: $0.41

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Poofy Organics Cheery Cherry Toddler Toothpaste

Radius Natural Toothpaste

Radius Toothpastes contain glycerin, which I feel fine about but which some of you might avoid. None of the other ingredients is concerning.

My kids love the dragon fruit gel, and I like their whitening formula. Perhaps my favorite product from the Radius line is their dental floss –which contains no gross PFOAs or nylon. I’m also a fan of their eco-friendly toothbrushes.

Ingredients Dragon Fruit: Water, Glycerin*, Erythritol*, Chamomile Flower Extract*, Organic Flavors*, Guar Gum *, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice*, Neem Leaf Extract*, Coconut Water Concentrate*, Tapioca Maltodextrin*, Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract*, Citric Acid, Hibiscus Flower Extract*, Holy Basil Leaf Extract*, Rose Flower Extract*, Radish Root Extract, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum *certified organic

Price per ounce: $3.30

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Radius Natural Toothpaste

Weleda Natural Toothpaste

Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel is a glycerin-based formula. It gets an EWG score of 2, but their calculation doesn’t include limonene.

The ingredients I’m not crazy about include the limonene and the “flavor.” The flavor is derived from essential oils, so skip this product if you’re worried about oral ingestion of essential oils.

I do like that this formula is relatively easy to find at brick-and-mortar stores and is pretty simple, with only 9 ingredients (including the limonene, which is part of the oils used in the flavoring).

Ingredients: Glycerin, water, silica , sodium alginate, calendula flower extract, sweet almond oil, esculin, aroma, limonene

Price per ounce $3.95

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Weleda Natural Toothpaste

Okay Stuff

Not Our Favorite Toothpaste Brands

Boka Ela Mint

The combo of glycerin, sodium benzoate, and sodium lauryl sarcosinate lands Boka Ela in Okay rather than Good Stuff, but overall this is a decent choice for a hydroxyapatite-based natural toothpaste. 

Ingredients: Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Sorbitol Powder, Silica, Nano-hydroxyapatite, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Mentha Piperita Essential (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Oil, Illicium Verum (Star Anise) Oil, Gaultheria Procumberis (Wintergreen) Oil, Xylitol, Xanthan Gum, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract Powder, Methylsulfonylmethane, Aloe Barbadensis (aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Bicarbonate, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Menthol, Elettaria Cardamomum Miniscula Seed (Cardamom), Potassium Chloride.

Price per ounce: $1.89

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Boka Ela Mint

Theodent Natural Toothpaste

Theodent stands out because of one unique ingredient, rennou. This is an all-natural compound that remineralizes the teeth. In other words, it naturally strengthens your tooth enamel to eliminate sensitivity over time.  

We looked into rennou, and it’s a safe-to-swallow ingredient. Interestingly, its most active compound, theobromine, is derived from the cacao plant. If you want a flouride-free product, this one is worth a a shot. We are calling this one Okay Stuff because it contains sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, which we prefer you avoid in general.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Hydrated Silica, Sorbitol, Xylitol, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Xanthan Gum, Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, Spearmint Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Stevia Extract, Sodium Bicarbonate, And Sugar-Free Vanilla Extract., Rennou(Tm) Theobromine, Calcium Acetate, And Sodium Hydrogen Phosphate

Price per ounce $4.70

Buy from Amazon
Theodent Natural Toothpaste

Trader Joe’s Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste

Not a bad option for a fluoride toothpaste, but it does contain carrageenan. All said, it is probably the most natural toothpaste you can pick up during an everyday grocery run. The convenience might be worth it!

Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, water, glycerin, xylitol, sodium cocoyl glutamate, foeniculum vulgar (fennel) oil, commiphora myrrh (myrrh) resin, hydrated silica.

Price per ounce: $1.19

Buy from Amazon
Trader Joe’s Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste

Bad Stuff

Big Name Toothpastes to Avoid

The worst of the bad—thanks to the fact that they’re kids’ toothpastes that are supposedly “safe to swallow”—are Orajel’s toddler toothpastes. Even the ingredients in their fluoride-free toothpastes are awful, including propylene glycol, methylparaben and propylparaben, saccharin, potassium sorbate, and unspecified “flavor.” Orajel’s claim that they’re the “#1 pediatrician recommended brand for infants and toddlers” is baffling!

Otherwise, pick any mainstream toothpaste brand, and you’ll find at least a handful of concerning ingredients on the label. For example, Crest uses parabens and other concerning preservatives, cocamidopropyl betaine, artificial colors, PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-12, and a bunch of other stuff you don’t want in your mouth. 

Bottom line: When it comes to toothpaste, conventional brands you remember from the 1990s are Bad Stuff.

Sneaky Stuff

Greenwashed Natural Toothpastes

Most of Tom’s of Maine toothpastes have sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)—even the children’s formula. Tom’s admirably defends their use of SLS, but because there are SLS-free toothpastes available, I say skip it—especially for kids.

Tate’s The Natural Miracle Toothpaste (which I used to use and love!), for adults, has several concerning ingredients, including PEG-6 (can be contaminated with yucky stuff like1,4-dioxane), saccharin (can have neurotoxic effects in some people), and clove stem (natural, but a possible immune system toxicant).

Spry’s kid formula uses grapefruit seed extract, which sounds nice, but can be contaminated with scary stuff like triclosan. Even The Honest Company’s toothpastes—both the adult and kid formulas—have sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is also used in Nature’s Gate Natural Toothpaste for Kids.

Carrageenan is a potentially problematic ingredient in kids’ toothpastes, thanks to the potential for swallowing. You’ll find carrageenan in The Honest Company’s Strawberry Blast, Kiss My Face Berry Smart Obsessively Kids Toothpaste, Xyliwhite Orange Splash Toothpaste Gel for Kids, and Tom’s of Maine fluoride-free toothpastes for kids and toddlers.

You’ll find sodium benzoate in the tooth wipes Spiffies, and I say skip this one for the tiniest teeth.

I hope this updated toothpaste shopping guide makes finding the best natural toothpaste a little bit easier. Please comment with brands you’d like us to include in the next update!

Stay sane,

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff! 

Tags:Bath & Body Guides

170 comments

Denise

Any suggestions for a kids and adult mouthwash?

Margaret Kania

Hi, Have you looked over the Green Beaver toothpaste ingredients?

Flora

is honest kids ok ?

Roni Baker

Hello, is Jason Naturals Healthy Mouth mouthwash any good?

Ali

How do you feel about Dr Brite (adult and children). We just switched to using their products. I also use their mouth spray for my kids. I have been very happy with their customer service as I’ve asked them a lot about their ingredients (eg is their aloe pre-preserved, etc), and generally seem like a pretty great company all around!

Bry

What do you think of the toothy tabs by Lush: http://www.lush.ca/en/face/teeth/

MCM

I like Himalaya. I work in the industry (not for them) and as far as ingredients and taste, it’s my favorite. Second would be Weleda.

Maja

Never mind I just found it in the sneaky stuff =) thanks again

Maja

How do you feel about Dr. Bronner’s toothpastes?
Thanks for all your research and hard work! Makes it so much easier to go natural =)
Organic Glycerin, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrated Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Potassium Cocoate (made with Organic Coconut Oil*), Organic Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Organic Mentha Arvensis (Menthol) Crystals, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Flour*, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Organic Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf / Stem Extract
*Certified Fair Trade Ingredient

Jiwoon

What do you think about David’s premium natural toothpaste?

Melissa

Hi. What are your thoughts on Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste?
Here are the ingredients for the Green Beaver Frosty Mint Natural Toothpaste

Calcium Carbonate, Aqua/Water/Eau, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) leaf Oil, Menthol, Xylitol, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Calcium Ascorbate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil.

Reina

Hi there – what about Earth’s Best? Here are the ingredients: Glycerin Aqua (water), Xylitol, Panthenol, Cellulose Gum, Calcium Lactate, Beta-Glucan Beta-glucan, Natural Strawberry, Avena Saliva (oat) bran, Flavor. Certified Organic ingredients.

Caroline Taylor

Thanks for the great guides. Have you looked into safe toothbrushes? I am currently using a silicone finger brush for my son and this brush for myself which has “vegetable oil based” bristles https://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Toothbrush-Adult-Size-Pack/dp/B009O3BCT2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1486050885&sr=8-1&keywords=brush with bamboo toothbrush. There seem to be many “BPA free Nylon” toothbrushes out there, but seems suspect. The only non-plastic option I have found seems to be very expensive and hard to find pig hair bristle brushes. Would love to know your recommendations.

Jenny

How do you feel like toms childrens anticavity fluoride toothpaste?

Lauren

Hello,

There is clay in earthpaste, and poofy organics toothpaste. I’ve been doing some of my own research and see that poofy organics uses a different brand of clay,living clay, and earthpaste uses Redmond clay. I noticed you said you’re comfortable with the clay used in earthpaste,redmond clay. Are you comfortable with the brand of clay used in poofy organics toothpaste, living clay? I know it’s okay stuff based on the glycerin, but I just wanted to know if Living Clay met your standards for clay! Thank you for your time!

Maia James


Hi! Dr. Brite is Good Stuff (although insanely expensive on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jPivGM).

Maia James

Hi there-I don’t know where else to purchase Toothsoap. If you want a toothpaste without any sugar, you can try the spearmint flavor of EarthPaste.

Natalie

Could you give some suggestions for mouth wash to use?

Jean

i just found your article and i can’t thank you enough. I have oral thrush for over 2 years which is a fungus in the mouth that feeds on sugar. i have been using regular toothpaste at bedtime and i wake up after 3 hours and have to clean my tongue. Want to try Redmond Spearmint and Toothsoap in whip form. Unfortunately many of the reviews on Amazon spoke of stale or close to expiration date products in regards to Toothsoap nd Vitacost does not carry the Toothsoap in the whip form, which i read most people prefer. Iherb website said Toothsoap is discontinued. I’m not sure but no one else carries the whip outside of Amazon-
I went to the company website and they are moving to West coast and website won’t be running until Feb. 1, 2017.
Do you know of any other places that I could try to get the Toothsoap whip or have you heard it was discontinued? I wonder if that’s why there were so many complaints on Amazon about expiration dates.
Please let me know of any new products that are sugar derivative free. Thank you so much for your expertise and help.

Maia James

I know the name but haven’t researched deeply enough to give you my opinion. Will add to our list for a future investigation!

Maia James

Meh, not so great. Cocamidopropyl betaine and a bunch of other synthetics.

Myra

Have you heard of a brand called Dental Herb company? I’ve used their products for many years but was curious to see if you had any experience with their products.

Paul

What are your thoughts about Active Charcoal Toothpaste? Looking at win Lotus Active Charcoal Toothpaste Herbaliste. Ingredients are: Sorbitol, Silica, water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Guava, Clove, Flavor TransatakTM (Herbal combination), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Charcoal Powder, Clove Oil, Menthol, cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Saccharin, Disodium EDTA, Titanium Dioxide

Maia James

Sadly, I don’t know of a brand that has no other Bad Stuff but contains fluoride. Tom’s has SLS and carrageenan, but otherwise not horrible so I would go with one of those (we’ve used this: http://amzn.to/2bWzW3V).

Betty Jane Mackay

I am curious about this as well. I am looking for the safest toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Maia James

I would recommend any of the fluoride-fee options in this guide. My top pick and what we use is: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/redmond-earthpaste-natural-toothpaste/

Maia James

I don’t love this one(mostly because of Cocamidopropyl betaine)

Maia James

We actually haven’t looked into that yet, but I will do some investigating!

Maia James

I haven’t seen and can’t find a list of ingredients for this, so I am sorry that I can’t weigh in.

Sandra

Any suggestions on good toothpaste safe for pregnancy?

Lauren

I was doing some research, and came across The Natural Dentist. They have a Fluoride Free toothpaste with the ingredients listed here: http://www.bleedinggums.com/toothpastes/fluoride-free-toothpaste/fluoride-free-ingredients/. Are you familiar with this brand? Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks!

Jill

I have sensitive tears is there a brand you recommend for help with sensitive teeth?

Tabatha Tremble

What about tooth polish from melaleuca.com?

Maia James

Oh my goodness, so sorry to hear this! Because your symptoms are so severe, I would have a physician look over any toothpaste before using. I would also probably try going toothpaste-free for a while and see if your suspicions are correct and that clears up the problem.

Maia James

I don’t know that brand, but will add to our list to investigate!

linda nash

which toothpaste would you use if you are allergic to quaternium 15 and Isothiazolinone. My tongue swells and has sores around the edges. I have had every test and even a biopsy. This has been going on now for almost 2 years. I’m thinking it may be the toothpaste.

Shelley

Any thoughts on Himilaya Botanique Neem and Pomegranate fluoride free toothpaste?

Thanks so much!

Sunshine1029

Ok great! Thank you! :)

Maia James

Looks fine to me, although EWG expresses concern over clove bud oil (you can look it up).

Maia James

I think so, yes. It does contain glycerin, which some people don’t like. But I still use it if I run out of Earth Paste:).

Sunshine1029

Hello and thank you for all of the wonderful and helpful research that you do, to help us all keep ourselves and our families as healthy and toxic free as possible!!! How do you feel about these ingredients in a kids toothpaste?

Water, Calcium carbonate, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil, Sodium bicarbonate, Glycerin*, Xylitol, Xanthum gum, Citrus paradise (Grapefruit) peel oil, Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract, Citrus reticulate (Tangerine) oil, Mentha spicata (Spearmint) leaf oil, Citrus limon (Lemon) peel oil, Lecithin*, Ocotea quixos (Ocotea) leaf oil, Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove) bud oil, Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) bark oil, Eucalyptus radiate leaf oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf oil.

Flor

In your awesome detox ebook you wrote Jason’ Naturals sea fresh toothpaste was good stuff, but I don’t see it on here.. is it still good stuff??

Maia James

Any of the brands listed above are safe for adults.

Janis

Wonderful website. Thank you. What would you recommend as a safe affordable adult toothpaste. I ask because not everyone is able to order toothpaste from Amazon on an ongoing basis.

Maia James

It’s okay but it does contain glycerin.

Michelle

What about weleda?

Maia James

You should ask your dentist or pediatrician about how much coconut oil is safe, but I will tell you to definitely opt for unrefined coconut oil, as the refined variety is deodorized and bleached. And while there is a distinction between virgin and extra virgin olive oil, when it comes to coconut oil, these terms mean the same thing. Of course, I would recommend option for an organic coconut oil.

Danni

Hello,
Thank you for this incredible site. I’m in the process of replacing all the bad stuff. So scary.
Question regarding coconut oil. I was using babyganics to brush my one year old teeth. How much coconut oil is ok to use on him?
Do you recommend a certain brand of coconut oil?
Thank you!

Maia James

We did address the lead issue. (Bottom of the page here: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/redmond-earthpaste-natural-toothpaste/
). This is what we said: *A note about lead: When we first were looking into clay toothpastes, we were really worried about the possibility of trace amounts of lead, especially since our kids are brushing with this. After lots of research and digging into the independent testing of the clay used in Earthpaste, we are convinced that it’s safe, mostly because the amount of lead in clay is much less than the naturally occurring amounts found in food like spinach or sweet potatoes, but also because the lead in clay doesn’t seem to bio-available (meaning your body won’t absorb it even when present). Even better, there is compelling evidence that bentonite clay might actually RID the body of lead. You should always do your own research, but this is where ours has led us, and we feel fine with our kids using–and likely swallowing!–Earthpaste twice a day.

concerneddad

Apologies, for above. The product in question is Earthpaste. Thanks.

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