The Top 13 Zero-Waste Toothpastes – With and Without Fluoride

What is Zero Waste Toothpaste?

Zero-waste toothpaste encompasses a range of different oral hygiene products that are designed to minimize waste throughout their entire lifecycle—from production to disposal. They generally aim to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic packaging and incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable materials, as well as including non-toxic ingredients that avoid things like microplastics, PFAS and other harmful chemicals. Combined, these features help consumers keep their mouths healthy without harming the planet, providing an alternative to highly polluting conventional toothpastes and other oral hygiene products.

To achieve this zero-waste toothpastes are based on natural ingredients such as baking soda, coconut oil, essential oils, xylitol, calcium carbonate, and bentonite or kaolin clay, all packaged in reusable glass jars, recyclable metal tubes, and compostable materials like plant-based bioplastics or paper tubes. Recycling is encouraged for metal tubes and glass jars, however, reuse is also a fairly common feature of zero-waste toothpastes, allowing consumers to purchase refills for glass jars and other types of packaging. Finally, sustainable sourcing combined with ethical and transparent manufacturing and distribution are also common features of zero-waste toothpastes.

 

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Zero-Waste Toothpaste Ingredients

One of the biggest question marks surrounding conventional toothpaste is fluoride. Technically, fluoride is a toxin, but when consumed in small amounts it doesn’t pose any real threat to us. You will find that some eco-toothpastes do contain fluoride to help protect teeth from cavities and some don’t, but it is recommended that children under the age of 6 use a fluoride-free toothpaste as they haven’t quite mastered the art of spitting out—something that’s important to learn as we get older. Other ingredients in conventional toothpaste that can be avoided include:

• Saccharin
• Triclosan
• Alcohol
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Propylene Glycol
• Sodium Hydroxide

In many cases, these ingredients are used to improve flavor or consistency, as well as longevity. However, many zero-waste alternatives use natural ingredients to the same effect. Some of the more common natural or organic ingredients include:

• Organic peppermint and spearmint
• Essential oils
• Activated charcoal
• Bentonite clay
• Xylitol
• Calcium carbonate
• Baking soda
• Carrageenan (a type of seaweed)
• Coconut oil

 

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Why Switch to Zero-Waste Toothpaste Brands?

Switching to zero-waste toothpastes can provide numerous benefits for both the environment and your oral health. Typically, eco-friendly packaging like glass jars or compostable materials help you to avoid unnecessary waste, while reusable packaging contributes to a circular economy, an economic model that some estimates suggest is wanted by up to 72% of consumers.

In addition, zero-waste toothpastes typically avoid harsh chemicals such as PFAs, artificial sweeteners, sulfates, and preservatives, and sometimes skip other contentious products such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), glycerin, palm oil, and magnesium stearate, promoting oral health while minimizing environmental harm. They prioritize natural and sustainable ingredients, and do not include microplastics—an ubiquitous issue that is present within 69% of personal care and cosmetic products.

Choosing zero-waste toothpaste brands also allows consumers to support companies that prioritize sustainable practices, with more than 60% saying they would pay more for sustainable products. This contributes to a more resilient and sustainable future, with reduced plastic waste, chemical-free formulations, and sustainable ingredients helping to build a better future for individuals and the planet.

 

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 Zero-Waste Toothpaste Options Without Fluoride

 

Nelson Naturals Toothpaste

Nelson Naturals zero waste toothpaste keeps things simple. Their toothpaste is packed in a glass jar with a metal lid and is available in a variety of natural flavors. The best part of Nelson Naturals is the packaging is refillable at exclusive zero-waste retailers. The formula contains only food-grade ingredients, including calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, xylitol, sea salt, colloidal silver, castile soap, trace mineral concentrate, and essential oils of sweet orange, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and peppermint—so it’s a healthy choice both for you and the planet.

 

Toms of Maine Toothpastes

Naturals you can count on – Tom’s of Maine is one of the best natural zero waste toothpaste on the market. A certified B corporation that boasts the highest verified standards of social performance, transparency, and accountability. Tom’s has just introduced a new recyclable toothpaste tube. Their ingredients are all naturally derived and sourced. Tom’s also offers fluoride and fluoride-free options, while on their website you can click on any one ingredient and it will give you an explanation of what it is, how it’s made, and what it does for your teeth. To find more about Tom’s, visit the website here.

 

Auromère Toothpaste with Neem

Auromère products are inspired by the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, and these sustainable toothpastes are manufactured from premium Ayurveda herbs and botanical extracts. Auromère works closely with suppliers in India to ensure that their products are of the highest quality and do not rely on modern slavery. All of their products are cruelty-free and 10% of profits contribute towards the growth of Auroville in South India. Their products are also fluoride-free, non-GMO, and vegan with no artificial sweeteners. Finally, the toothpaste tube is BPA free and the box is 100% recyclable, however, what makes these toothpaste products really stand out is the super-concentrated formula. Each tube lasts 3x longer than regular toothpaste, meaning significantly less waste. Additionally, their toothpaste is available in a jar, making it another great zero-waste choice for eco-friendly dental care.

 

David’s Toothpastes

The David’s brand of zero-waste toothpaste is committed to using premium USA Origin ingredients to help support American jobs. Their toothpaste is also free of artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, and sweeteners while also vegan and cruelty-free. However, it’s the recyclable metal tube that makes David’s natural toothpaste really stand out, and each tube is packaged with a recyclable metal tube roller (tube key) that is designed to slide on the end of the tube to squeeze out the last drops. After your tube is empty, carefully cut it open to remove any hidden toothpaste and recycle it in your standard curbside collection.

 

Etee Chewpaste

Etee is a zero-waste toothpaste tab made in Greater Toronto from Canadian glacial clay, natural mint, and vanilla flavors. This toothpaste is free of sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals which are harmful to you and the environment. The magic ingredient, Canadian glacial clay, has a neutral PH and is high in magnesium, calcium, silica, and zinc to help neutralize mouth bacteria and loosen it away from the teeth. This clay is also ideal for those of you who suffer from sensitive teeth. Etee is also a vegan-friendly toothpaste that comes packaged in a recyclable glass jar.

 

Unpaste Toothpaste Tablets

Unpaste tooth tabs are a safe and effective zero-waste option that comes in both fluoride or fluoride-free form. Certified by the Aktion Zahnfreundlich, a German organization that reviews oral hygiene products as safe and effective, they can be bought packaged in certified compostable pouches containing 125 tablets, or in bulk from your local zero-waste store. Unpaste products are vegan and cruelty-free and haven’t been tested on animals. Check out the Unpaste website for more information on where you can purchase these entirely plastic-free toothpaste products.

 

Georganics Toothpowders and Pastes

Georganics offers a broad range of mineral-based oral hygiene products including charcoal toothpaste options that are well-known for their whitening properties. Packaged within familiar glass jars, these eco-friendly toothpastes are available in five other flavors depending on your tastes, and you can pair these with other products like bamboo toothbrushes and plastic-free dental floss. Everything is refillable or recyclable/compostable, so you can be sure your bathroom is zero waste.

 

 

Uncle Harry’s Toothpastes

Uncle Harry’s ditches plastic toothpaste tubes in favor of classically styled jars. In fact, they go one step further than most brands by offering giant 1.5 LB jars alongside the more conventional 3 oz. jars so you can reduce your packaging generation even further. In addition to toothpaste, the brand also offers mouthwash, tooth powders, tooth suds, and other oral hygiene products such as sustainable floss. Available in a range of natural flavors, including, peppermint, anise, and cinnamon, the larger jars are estimated to be a solid 3-month supply!

 

 

Huppy

Utilizing N-HA (nano-hydroxyapatite) instead of fluoride, Huppy foaming tabs naturally whiten, freshens breath, remineralizes enamel, and reduces sensitivity—all from a tiny tab you pop in your mouth. Made using aloe vera, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil, it also boasts a range of other benefits including the ability repel bacteria and fungus in its non-chalky formulation. Vegan and cruelty free, the packaging is fully biodegradable right down to the water-based inks used in printing. Finally, the range includes mint, peppermint, and strawberry flavors, as well as mouthwash and, vegan floss, and a bamboo toothbrush to complete the set.

 

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Zero-Waste Fluoride Toothpaste Options

 

Denttabs

Denttabs offer another zero-waste tab option for those tired of traditional toothpastes, polishing teeth thanks to a high cellulose content that even gets in those hard-to-reach places between gums. Available in 2-month, 6-month, and 1-year packs, they also help you to save on shipping (and the associated carbon footprint), they are based on natural ingredients including citric acid, xanthan gum, and stevia, with both fluoride and non-fluoride formulations options. Finally, Denttabs use PLA within its package, a corn-based plastic that is bio-based and biodegradable when diverted to industrial recycling facilities.

 

Bite

Offering a subscription-based system with an initial four-month supply, Bite zero-waste toothpaste tablets include a 2oz refillable glass jar and a 2oz refill pouch when you purchase them for the first time. To refill, simply wait for more refill pouches every four months, saving on packaging and shipping—but don’t worry, like all of our subscription-based toothpastes, you can cancel at any time. Manufactured with vegan-friendly ingredients and available in a range of flavors, Bite is also big on transparency across its entire range of products, with B Corp certification and sustainable governance. If the fluoride tooth tabs are not enough, you’ll also find bamboo toothbrushes, floss, and whitening gel to complete your oral care cabinet.

 

Mintly

Another subscription-based service, Mintly also offers four-month refills of its recyclable glass jars, with each refill shipped in fully compostable pouches. Vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, sulfate free, paraben free, and non-GMO, Mintly’s toothpaste tabs also feature no preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, and no artificial colors. Again, you’ll find oral hygiene accessories including bamboo toothbrushes and floss, and in case we haven’t mentioned it before, toothpaste tabs also help you reduce your water usage in the bathroom. Finally, Mintly is a a proud member of 1% for the Planet, a global network of business and environmental organizations working to support a healthier planet.

 

Kaylaan

Kaylaan offers both fluoride and non-fluoride options for its easy-to-use tabs, available in a wide range of flavors including mint, neem, cinnamon, watermelon, blueberry, and wild strawberry—making them a hard choice to resist whatever your taste. Cruelty free with no harsh chemicals, Kaylaan tabs also completely eliminate plastic waste, being shipped in a convenient metal container that’s fully recyclable. Another B Corp certified company, Kaylaan is also committed to protecting the planet through its a plant-a-tree program that literally plants a tree with every purchase. Finally, a subscription service is also available to restock your bathroom cabinet every three months.