The Best Natural Toothpaste (15+ Products Ranked!)
Last Updated: August 12, 2023
A natural toothpaste is a great place to start in any clean living journey. If you’re trying to be more conscious of the products you use and consume, making the switch to a natural toothpaste is a great move.
Because toothpaste is one of the few personal care products you use internally, the concern over the ingredients used is growing. Fluoride is the major controversial ingredient found in toothpastes (more on that later), but you might not know that traditional, big brand toothpastes like Crest and Colgate use ingredients you probably don’t want in your mouth.
So, what else should you know about natural toothpastes, and which ones are the best? We took a close look at the world of natural toothpastes, the ingredients you should avoid, and what the deal is with fluoride.
Our Methodology
We researched the internet, online stores, and social media for the most popular clean toothpastes (along with some popular non-clean toothpastes for context).
Each ingredient in every product was researched and analyzed for safety based on available public research. Where possible, sources for information are included.
Products are ranked from best to worst with an internal score based on the ingredient rankings.
Brands are rated as follows:
This ranking is for the best of the best. Only exemplary brands will receive a ranking of best for any category.
This ranking is for brands that are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.
This ranking is for when we find something we find iffy. Not a good sign.
This ranking is reserved for the worst of the worst.
Natural Toothpastes Rated: Best
These are the best natural toothpastes we found. Of all the products we looked at, these are the best of the best.
Davids
Davids toothpaste is our #1 recommendation for a non-fluoride natural toothpaste because of its simple, natural list of ingredients.
The tube is made from aluminum, making it fully recyclable, and the manufacturer that makes the cardboard box is run on 100% wind energy.
Ingredients
Dr. Bronner
For the budget-minded conscious shopper looking for a fluoride-free toothpaste, this is our #1 recommendation.
Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste is fluoride-free and made with 70% organic ingredients. The coconut oil is fair trade, and the box and tube are 100% recyclable. Like all of the other Dr. Bronner’s products we’ve looked at, this one gets a top rating.
Dr Bronner’s claims that the tube is recyclable, but it seems to be a typical plastic tube, which likely will not end up recycled when put into the recycling bin.
Ingredients
Burt's Bees
If you’re looking for a natural toothpaste with fluoride, this is our top recommendation. It has a great list of safe ingredients, and is a top choice for a toothpaste with fluoride.
This product can be recycled by returning it to Burt’s Bees (US / Canada only) with a prepaid shipping label you can get here.
Active Ingredients
Ingredients
Natural Toothpastes Rated: Good
While these natural toothpastes aren’t the best of the best, they’re still a good option and you can feel confident using them.
Burt's Bees
With a simple and clean list of ingredients, this fluoride-free toothpaste from Burt’s Bees gets a good rating.
This product can be recycled by returning it to Burt’s Bees (US / Canada only) with a prepaid shipping label you can get here.
Ingredients
Dr. Sheffield
The brand claims that Dr. Sheffield the man created the original toothpaste in a tube in the 1800s, and their current toothpaste is based on the original recipe. The list of ingredients is clean, with no artificial ingredients in the formula whatsoever.
The packaging of this toothpaste is made from recyclable 100% aluminum.
Ingredients
Himalaya Botanique
About half of the ingredients in this toothpaste are organic, and all of them are natural.
The cardboard packaging of the toothpaste is recyclable, but the tube itself is a standard metal and plastic tube that isn’t recyclable.
Ingredients
JASON
Clean ingredients make up the formula of this toothpaste from JASON. The packaging of this toothpaste is not fully recyclable, however. The standard cardboard box is recyclable, but the tube itself is not.
Ingredients
Auromere
This natural toothpaste without fluoride contains a long list of extracts and naturally-derived ingredients. With a mild taste and clean list of ingredients, this toothpaste gets a good rating.
The tube for this toothpaste is not recyclable.
Ingredients
Desert Essence
This fluoride-free toothpaste has a simple, clean list of ingredients. Desert. The packaging is also 100% recyclable.
Ingredients
Hello
We looked at two toothpastes from the hello brand. This one contains fluoride, and doesn’t contain activated charcoal. Unlike the charcoal-based toothpaste from this brand, this is a great natural toothpaste that we would recommend.
The tube of this toothpaste is not recyclable.
Active Ingredients
Ingredients
Boka
This fluoride-free toothpaste is the only one we looked at that uses nano-hydroxyapatite, a fluoride alternative that has been used in Japan since the 1990s and is growing in popularity in the US.
Studies have shown this ingredient is a safe and effective replacement for fluoride. It remineralizes teeth, strengthening them over time.
Ingredients
DENT tabs
Contains flouride.
These chewable tabs are made with non-toxic and natural ingredients. They’re used by chewing them until they become creamy, then simply brushing your teeth like you would with regular toothpaste.
This product is also 100% zero-waste, as it’s plastic free and made with cornstarch coated paper. The packaging also uses environmentally-friendly organic inks. The packaging can be composted along with your organic waste.
For those looking for a natural, zero-waste toothpaste with fluoride, this is a great option.
Active Ingredients
Ingredients
Hello
This fluoride-free alternative to DENT tabs has many of the same benefits, also with a clean list of ingredients. Like DENT tablets, these are meant to be chewed, used like regular toothpaste, and spit out.
The packaging is plastic-free, however unlike DENT tabs, it’s not compostable.
Ingredients
Natural Toothpastes Rated: Iffy
These toothpastes have issues that make us unable to recommend them.
Tom's of Maine
We looked two natural toothpastes from Tom’s of Maine. They both include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a controversial ingredient. The main issue with it in toothpaste is that it can cause mouth irritation in some users. While not an overtly risky ingredient, Tom’s of Maine is the only brand we looked at that contained this ingredient, so we give it a rating of “iffy”.
Ingredients
Tom's of Maine
We looked two natural toothpastes from Tom’s of Maine. They both include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a controversial ingredient. The main issue with it in toothpaste is that it can cause mouth irritation in some users. While not an overtly risky ingredient, Tom’s of Maine is the only brand we looked at that contained this ingredient, so we give it a rating of “iffy”.
Ingredients
Hello
We don’t recommend toothpaste with activated charcoal. The main reason is that it can cause damage to the enamel of the teeth with regular use. Read our full explanation on why we don’t recommend charcoal toothpaste.
Ingredients
What Ingredients Should You Avoid In Toothpaste?
Traditional toothpastes use a laundry list of chemicals that we recommend avoiding. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, you can find ingredients like:
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
The chemicals typically found in various cleaning solutions and soaps, such as SLS and SLES, often function as foaming agents, responsible for the frothing action we’re accustomed to seeing in our toothpastes.
However, SLS and SLES are not without their drawbacks. While they effectively eliminate oral bacteria and plaque, they may also instigate irritations of the oral mucosa and gums. The prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to a dry mouth and potential irritation over time.
- Some studies have found that SLS can cause irritation or inflammation of the oral mucosa, mucosal desquamation, and ulcerations.
- A study linked SLS to causing mouth ulcers. Another study showed that switching to a non-SLS toothpaste might be beneficial for those with chronic mouth ulcers, but evidence was limited.
- Another study found that SLS-free toothpastes are just as effective at combating dental plaque and gingivitis as those with SLS.
- A considerable German study, which tested SLS as a contact allergen in 1600 patients, found that 668 (41.8%) experienced an irritant reaction to the chemical.
- In another smaller study that spanned three and a half months, seven volunteers developed irritations after regular exposure to SLS at concentrations lower than what is found in toothpaste. These symptoms disappeared once exposure to SLS ceased.
It’s important to note that allergic reactions to sulfates appear to be on the rise. Symptoms like oral inflammation, mouth ulcers, gum swelling, itchiness, and hives can be signs that you might be allergic to sulfates.
Considering all these factors, we recommend avoiding any toothpastes that contain SLS or SLES.
Artificial Sweeteners
Companies add artificial sweeteners to their toothpastes—as an alternative to sugar—to make them taste better. Some of the most common artificial sweeteners found in toothpaste include aspartame, sodium saccharin, and sucralose.
In July 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released their assessment of aspartame, deeming it possibly carcinogenic to humans but there is limited evidence and low levels are safe (40 mg/kg body weight per day).
While there is concern that other artificial sweeteners like sodium saccharin could be carcinogenic, to date there have been no clinical studies linking it to this but other studies have shown impaired liver and kidney function as well as hyperglycemic side effects. It is important to note that these studies investigate effects caused by ingestion of these artificial sweeteners.
If you prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether, there are alternatives available. Some natural toothpaste brands use stevia—a plant-based sweetener—as a substitute for artificial sweeteners.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
A petroleum-based compound used in toothpastes to keep the ingredients stable and increase the effectiveness of the other ingredients.
While the general consensus is that PEG is safe for use in cosmetics, it’s possible for PEG ingredients to be contaminated with low levels of ethylene glycol and 1,4-dioxane, potential carcinogens.
Artificial Colors
The funky colors in many toothpastes are achieved with the help of artificial colorings. These dyes can be derived from petroleum and coal tar.
It’s unclear whether dyes in wash-off products are as risky as when used in food. When analyzing these conditioners, a standout ingredient was FD&C Yellow #6.
This colorant can be contaminated with benzidine, a cancer-causing agent. A 2018 in-vitro study found that ingestion of Yellow #6 (along with other dyes) had an impact on inflammation.
In general, at Better Goods, we recommend avoiding products with artificial dyes.
Parabens
Parabens serve a critical function in toothpaste formulas by inhibiting microbial growth and ensuring product safety. Being a product of daily use, toothpaste is especially prone to bacterial contamination in the absence of preservatives. However, due to potential health risks, parabens have been the subject of much controversy.
Often labeled as methyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, or propylparaben, these chemicals are prevalent as preservatives not just in cosmetics, but in oral hygiene products as well. They can be partially absorbed through the skin and have been linked to health issues including endocrine disruption which inherently affects carcinogenesis and the reproductive system. Several studies have associated parabens with breast cancer due to its endocrine disrupting properties.
Significantly, the latest review on paraben safety in cosmetics suggests that even though concentrations of parabens are quite low in individual products, using multiple different products that contain parabens could result in adverse health outcomes.
In light of these concerns, the European Union banned the use of five specific parabens in cosmetics in 2014: Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben, and Pentylparaben.
A 2014 study out of South Korea found that low levels of paraben remained in the saliva of volunteers that used toothpaste containing parabens.
For all of these reasons, we don’t recommend using toothpastes with parabens.
Parabens may also appear on toothpaste ingredient lists as:
- Methylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Benzylparaben
- Phenylparaben
- Pentylparaben
Triclosan
Triclosan, a man-made antibacterial component, has been a common ingredient in various personal care items since 1972, including detergents, soaps, and even toothpastes.
However, the widespread utilization of triclosan has given rise to concerns about its potential contribution to antibiotic resistance, thus making certain bacteria more resilient and difficult to eradicate.
- Links have been found between triclosan and potential disruption of thyroid function, as highlighted in a 2009 study conducted on male rats and another study found a positive correlation between triclosan levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Another study from 2015 suggested a possible connection between triclosan and potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
- A 2019 study linked urinary triclosan to reduced bone mass density and osteoporosis in women.
- A 2020 in-vitro study found a potential link between triclosan and an impact on the gut biome (albeit reversible). A 2022 rat study found a similar link.
- In 2017, a study was released stating that toothbrushes can absorb and accumulate high levels of triclosan in both the handle and bristles. This means that even switching to a non-triclosan toothpaste can result in exposure for up to 2 weeks after switching.
In toothpaste, triclosan’s role is to act as an antibacterial agent, designed to exterminate oral bacteria. However, it’s worth noting that in 2017, the United States Food & Drug Administration prohibited the use of this ingredient in handwashes and sanitizers. Despite this, it is still legally permitted in cosmetics, including toothpaste.
For all of these reasons, we recommend avoiding toothpaste with triclosan.
Should You Use Toothpaste Without Fluoride?
Fluoride is a controversial ingredient that everyone has heard of. Approximately 95% of conventional toothpastes sold contain fluoride, and you’ll find it in community drinking water in virtually every part of North America.
Fluoride is a proven way of preventing tooth decay. However, in recent years, it’s come under fire for the potential negative health effects it may have. While the subject of water fluoridation and its possible health effects are outside of the scope of this guide, we must still cover it.
More than 50 years of research have been done on fluoride, and it appears to be safe when used topically.
However, it’s important to not swallow toothpaste with fluoride and to rinse your mouth well after using it. In children, ingesting a pea-sized amount of toothpaste can lead to mild fluorosis which can lead to the discoloration and weakening of teeth.
Most natural toothpastes on the market forgo the inclusion of fluoride in their formulas. However, we were able to find a few choices that have a clean list of ingredients with the inclusion of fluoride, for those that wish to use one.
A New Challenger Emerges: Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride
Hydroxyapatite is the main component of enamel and bone. Although hydroxyapatite toothpaste has been around since the 1970s—originally used for NASA scientists suffering from loss of bone density in a gravity-free environment—only recently has it made a resurgence thanks to modern toothpaste brands.
Many contemporary brands offering flouride-free toothpastes use hydroxyapatite as a fluoride alternative. But is it actually safe and effective?
Let’s take a look at studies on hydroxyapatite:
- A randomized clinical trial compared the occurrence of early childhood tooth decay in children using a fluoride-free hydroxyapatite toothpaste and a fluoride toothpaste. The study found no significant difference in cavity progression between the two groups, and is safe alternative to fluoride containing toothpastes.
- Another study compared the remineralization and desensitization effects of a hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste and a fluoride toothpaste on white spot lesions. The hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste resulted in a greater reduction of hypersensitivity and pain values than the conventional fluoride toothpaste.
It’s true that hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral in the human body. It’s present in bones and teeth—60-70% in weight of bone and 90% in tooth enamel. However, it appears that there have been no long-term studies on the safety of hydroxyapatite in toothpaste.
Why We Don’t Recommend Toothpaste With Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal toothpaste is a big trend on the internet, promoted by influencers like the Kardashians and promoted as a natural way to whiten and protect teeth.
Charcoal toothpaste is controversial. A 2017 review showed that there was insufficient evidence behind the effectiveness and safety of charcoal and charcoal-based toothpastes.
These are the facts about charcoal toothpaste:
- Charcoal is very abrasive, and not suitable for daily use. Because it’s so abrasive, it can wear down the enamel of the teeth, permanently damaging them, and possibly even making them more yellow because of exposure of the dentin in the teeth.
- Most charcoal toothpastes don’t contain fluoride – It’s a personal choice whether or not to use toothpaste with fluoride, but very few charcoal toothpastes contain it.
- It can cause staining on some teeth because small particles can accumulate in small cracks in the teeth.
- Everyday use can cause tooth sensitivity.
- Its long-term effects are unknown. Because the use of charcoal toothpaste is a modern trend, the long-term effects of regular use is unknown. Dentists worry that it may cause damage to dental work, like veneers and crowns.
For these reasons—especially the fact that it can damage teeth—Better Goods takes the stance that activated charcoal toothpaste is unsafe and therefore, we don’t recommend it.
Quick Recommendations: Our Best Natural Toothpaste Recommendations
For a fluoride-free toothpaste, Davids Premium Natural Toothpaste ($1.9 per oz) is a great choice. It has a clean list of ingredients and a fully-recyclable aluminum tube. Dr Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste ($1.3 per oz) is also a great choice for the budget-minded conscious shopper.
For a toothpaste with fluoride, Burt’s Bees Enamel Care Toothpaste ($1.16 per oz) is our #1 pick.
