Non-Toxic Toothpaste

While I have used and loved Tom’s of Maine for years now, it was recently pointed out to me that Tom’s uses sodium lauryl sulfate in their toothpaste. It was also recently pointed out that sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are either palm oil or coconut derivatives. If you missed my article on palm oil and the truly awful ramifications of this industry – on the shrinking rain forests and on the helpless orangutans and other animals that call those forests home (orangutans are actually killed by hand if they don’t die in the clear cutting and burning of rainforest to plant palm trees) – check it out. All this pointing got me thinking I should find out which toothpastes I can feel good about buying.

Other than the potential destruction to orangutans, SLS is considered to be toxic, and according to the NaturalHealthCentre.com, “Although SLES is somewhat less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, it cannot be metabolised by the liver and its effects are therefore much longer-lasting.

“A report published in the Journal of The American College of Toxicology in 1983 showed that concentrations as low as 0.5% could cause irritation and concentrations of 10-30% caused skin corrosion and severe irritation. National Institutes of Health “Household Products Directory” of chemical ingredients lists over 80 products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Some soaps have concentrations of up to 30%, which the ACT report called “highly irritating and dangerous”. [1]

As I already knew, Tom’s of Maine is a great company that has set the bar in many respects of sustainability, naturally sourced ingredients, recycled packaging and social and environmental stewardship, and they do offer a toothpaste without SLS, so they made my list of non-toxic toothpaste options:

1. Herbal Choice Natural Tooth Gels – this brand is my favorite for its short and simple list of ingredients in its Cinnamon and Baking Soda flavor (though all flavors have similarly short ingredient lists): Purified Water (pure water), Calcium Carbonate (a natural mineral tooth polish), Cinnamon (organic), Tea Tree (organic), Lavender (organic), Guar Gum (natural plant gum) & Baking Soda (natural mineral).

2. Tom’s of Maine “Clean and Gentle” thoothpaste

3. Jason natural toothpastes

4. Weleda salt toothpaste

5. Organique by Himalay Neem-Pomegranet toothpaste

I also want to try making my own, of course, and figured it would include baking soda, peppermint or other minty-type oil, and something else – turns out the something else is coconut oil or glycerin. Here is a great recipe for all natural, SLS-free toothpaste, via TammysRecipes.com.

Another option all together is the new “THIS toothbrush” product inspired by a design student’s master’s project. It’s a natural twig that has bristles encased in an outer bark.

I’m going to make my own, try Herbal Choice and even pick up a THIS, just to see which I like best.

Happy Brushing!

- Jocelyn Broyles

[1] “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS ) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). The Killers in your bathroom?” on NaturalHealthCentre.com

Headline image © Jonathan LaRocca

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Tanja Z.

12:33AM PDT on May 14, 2012

thanks, good to know

send a green star

Ann Marie G.

2:19AM PST on Jan 24, 2012

No doubt there is more alarm than may be necessary but I wouldn't put too much trust in the FDA either. Do you remember Vioxx, Phen Phen, and other medications that were passed through the FDA and later to be found as dangerous? Like most other government agencies, they are in the pockets of the big pharmaceutical companies, which are making us sick so they can promote more medications and devices to then treat us for the ailments that they caused. Do you think there will ever be a cure for cancer? No way - its a billion dollar industry - chemo meds, medical personnel and equipment, insurance... Trust your own instincts. If it is not coming direct from Mother Nature, it is probably not good for you.

Annamarie M.

5:56PM PST on Jan 23, 2012

Guys, check your sources before you get all hot and bothered:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/shampoo.asp
Try trader Joes for fluoride-free toothpaste

Sheri L.

3:28AM PST on Jan 6, 2012

it's also hard to find toothpaste without flouride

Joe R.

1:24PM PST on Dec 24, 2011

Thanks.

Joyce S.

1:21PM PST on Nov 20, 2011

It's terrible to think something as simple as toothpaste could potentially be devastatingly harmful to the environment. =/

Charlene R.

12:18PM PST on Nov 19, 2011

I hear more and more about the dangers of chemicals in toothpaste.
I've already given up store-bought mouth wash. My dentist recommended I use peroxide, mixed with a little water as a replacement. There is no taste and the price is right.

Marie V.

7:06PM PST on Nov 17, 2011

Sheeri O - Tom's of Maine isn't owned by Tom, either. It's owned by Colgate-Pomolive (though Tom & Kate, the founders, retain 16%). Acquired 2006.

Burt's Bees is owned by the Clorox company. Acquired 2007.

Mandi A.

1:23PM PST on Nov 17, 2011

Thanks

Nikhil V.

9:23PM PST on Nov 15, 2011

Hmmm...good to know