Embracing Oral Sustainability: The 17 Best Zero Waste Toothpaste Brands

Introduction

Oral care is an essential part of our daily hygiene routine, but have you ever stopped to consider the impact it has on the environment? Conventional toothpaste tubes and packaging contribute significantly to the global plastic waste crisis.

Did you know that every year, a staggering 1 billion plastic toothpaste tubes end up in landfills, where they take centuries to biodegrade? This plastic waste is harmful to the environment and contributes to the global plastic pollution crisis. That’s why we believe it’s time to change and switch to zero waste toothpaste alternatives.

In this article, we will delve into the best zero waste toothpaste brands, exploring its definition and shedding light on the importance of reducing waste in oral care products.

A Fresh Approach to Oral Care

As consumers become more conscious of their ecological footprint, a new wave of eco-friendly products has emerged, plastic-free toothpaste, eco flossers and, of course, eco-friendly toothbrushes.

Zero waste toothpaste is one such product that goes beyond basic oral hygiene by embracing sustainable principles throughout its life cycle. Unlike traditional toothpaste options that come in single-use plastic tubes, zero waste toothpaste strives to eliminate unnecessary packaging and reduce overall waste generation.

Additionally, these brands use fewer chemicals in their product and can be vegan and cruelty-free while still giving you a bright smile.

Fluoride or Fluoride free toothpaste

The choice is yours when it comes to toothpaste, and we’ve made it easier for you to find what you’re looking for by categorizing our options. We’ve separated the fluoride-free choices from those that contain fluoride.

Here are 17 brands to make your dental routine as plastic-free as possible.

1. Nelson Naturals Toothpaste

Nelson Naturals offers three types of zero waste toothpaste: Crush Brush tablets, Mineral Toothpaste Powder and traditional Glass-Jarred Pastes. The Crush Brush tablets are gentle on tooth enamel, making them the ideal plastic free toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

It is twice the size of other toothpaste tablets, so you only need one for effective cleaning. They come in many flavors, with some funky ones like rootbeer and grape soda.

The Mineral Toothpaste Powder comes in 5 different flavors. If you’re looking to whiten your teeth and remove stains, the charcoal version is a great option.

Their sustainable toothpaste range includes flavors such as peppermint, fennel, citrus spice, cinnamon, activated charcoal, and moringa forest fresh.

Nelson Naturals, based in Nelson, B.C., is known as Canada’s most sustainable toothpaste brand. They prioritize North American suppliers and offer packaging-free options. They also support animal charities with 5% of their profits.

2. David’s Toothpaste

Davids Premium Peppermint Toothpaste is formulated to provide you with a complete oral care experience. It offers natural whitening toothpaste properties, combating stains and promoting a brighter smile.

Say goodbye to plaque buildup as this toothpaste effectively fights against it, helping to maintain a healthy mouth. The refreshing peppermint flavor ensures long-lasting fresh breath, giving you confidence throughout the day.

You have nine delicious flavors to choose from, and with 1016 5-star ratings, they are definitely worth trying.

3. Auromère Toothpaste with Neem

Auromère Toothpaste with NeemAuromere is proud to introduce its Fresh Mint Ayurvedic Toothpaste in a Jar.

This toothpaste is made from pure mint oils and offers a refreshingly cool and clean taste, ensuring a delightful brushing experience.

It provides optimum oral hygiene with 23 unique herbal extracts, including Neem and Peelu. The power of Neem has been recognized for its benefits in oral care since ancient times in Ayurveda. It is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that promote optimal oral health.

What sets this toothpaste apart is its super-concentrated formula. Each jar lasts three times longer than an ordinary tube, making it a cost-effective and sustainable choice. And to make your oral care routine even more convenient, each jar comes with a complimentary wooden spoon for easy application.

4. Etee Toothpaste Tablets

While Etee isn’t only making dental care but also provides a whole shop around zero waste products, like the eco-friendly electric toothbrush and more. Etee’s Minty Vanilla Chewpaste is formulated with Canadian glacial clay’s detoxifying and antibacterial properties, combined with natural mint and vanilla flavors.

The carefully crafted toothpaste is made in-house to provide a gentle and effective cleaning experience without using sulfates, parabens, or harsh chemicals. Customers can trust the toothpaste to prioritize their oral health as it is free from unnecessary additives that could compromise it.

Etee offers subscription options for convenient restocking with compostable pouches and easy cancellation.

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5. Georganics Mineral-Rich Toothpaste

Georganics has made its name in zero waste dental hygiene. From fluoride free to fluoride tooth powder, eco flosser to tongue scraper, they have it all if you prefer tabs, powder, or paste. And they make high-quality products as well by respecting and learning from mother nature.

Their entire product range is packaged with zero waste in mind. Additionally, they offer a remarkable zero-to-landfill scheme, enabling you to return non-recyclable items like toothbrush bristles at no cost effortlessly.

Have you ever heard of tooth soap before? Yep, they sell an all-natural tooth soap that, just like the name says, it’s a soap for your teeth.

6. Boca

Introducing BOCA, the brand revolutionizing oral care with its refill and reuse system. BOCA offers exceptional day and night toothpaste crafted from organic and vegan ingredients. With the world’s first refill and reuse tube system, BOCA is leading the way toward a more sustainable future.

BOCA’s refill and reuse system eliminates single-use plastic toothpaste tubes, reducing environmental waste. Their patent-pending innovation is available for trial in the UK.

BOCA’s commitment to oral health and the environment is evident in every product. Their toothpaste provides effective care while using organic and vegan ingredients.

Enjoy convenience with BOCA’s subscription boxes. The UK-only trial subscription box includes a free toothbrush and free UK postage for £9.99. Alternatively, choose the complete box for a one-time purchase at £12.50 or the bamboo toothbrush for £3.50.

7. Uncle Harry’s Toothpaste

Uncle Harry’s Toothpaste is a fluoride-free toothpaste recommended for a truly refreshing and practical daily brushing experience with five flavors to choose from.

This remarkable toothpaste encourages remineralization, strengthens teeth, and maintains an alkaline pH balance, but it also features carefully selected, minimally processed ingredients that prioritize oral health.

Their entire product range is packaged with zero waste in mind.

8. Huppy Toothpaste

Why not try out Huppy Toothpaste Tablets, the perfect plastic-free option for achieving brighter, healthier smiles?

With their innovative nano-hydroxyapatite-based tablets, you’ll enjoy double the mintiness and cleanliness, feeling refreshed and confident.

The Double Clean Kit has everything you need, including 248 toothpaste tablets, 124 mouthwash tablets, and a convenient travel-friendly tin.

It’s a four-month supply of lasting freshness! Don’t just take my word for it; Huppy Toothpaste Tablets have earned a remarkable 4.9-star rating from 660 reviews.

9. Mintly Toothpaste

Discover Mintly Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Tablets – a natural and effective way to maintain oral health. Made with a delightful mint flavor and free from fluoride, these tablets provide a refreshing alternative to traditional toothpaste.

Mintly Toothpaste Tablets prevent plaque, fight tooth decay, and remove stains, giving you a confident smile. Chew a tablet, brush for two minutes, and spit. They are recommended for twice-daily use.

These tablets are not only practical but also sustainable. Packaged in reusable glass jars with metal caps, they minimize waste. Subscribers receive compostable kraft pouch refills every four months.

Mintly Toothpaste Tablets are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, allergen-free, and contain no artificial additives. Experience a pure and wholesome dental care experience.

10. Bite Toothpaste Bits

Discover the magic of Bite’s Fresh Mint Toothpaste Tablets – an all-natural, zero waste, and effective natural whitening toothpaste. With 20,000+ five-star reviews, it’s refreshingly minty and foams up like magic. Easy. Sustainable. Plastic-free.

Check out their dental floss, whitening gel, and other oral hygiene products.

11. Change Toothpaste Tablets

Say goodbye to traditional toothpaste tubes and switch to the revolutionary 1 Month Spearmint Toothpaste Tablets. These innovative tablets offer a sustainable solution with their waste-free design. With 65 tablets per pack, individuals can enjoy the perfect balance of freshness and cleanliness.

Change Toothpaste understands the importance of eco-friendly alternatives. Their toothpaste tablets are packaged in compostable pouches, eliminating plastic waste and reducing environmental impact. Whether at home, traveling, or camping, these tablets provide a convenient and sustainable option for everyday oral care. Customers will also benefit from free shipping on orders over $75.

Crafted in collaboration with dental professionals, Change Toothpaste’s tablets deliver the same texture, flavor, and effectiveness as traditional toothpaste while significantly reducing the harmful impact on the planet. By choosing these tablets, individuals can actively contribute to reducing over 900 million toothpaste tubes that end up in landfills and oceans each year.

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12. Good Organics Toothpaste

Discover the eco-friendly way to maintain a fresh and healthy smile with Good Organics Toothpaste Tablets. These fluoride-free tablets provide effective oral care without compromising on natural ingredients.

Customers love the natural mint flavor and the fresh, smooth sensation provided by Good Organics Toothpaste Tablets. They appreciate the shift towards safer ingredients and sustainable practices.

13. Battlegreen Toothpaste

This powerful tooth powder features Bentonite clay for toxin binding and teeth strengthening. Calcium supports enamel health while baking soda gently polishes for a brighter smile.

Sage freshens breath and soothes gums, and xylitol prevents bacterial growth. Cinnamon has antibacterial properties, and pink Himalayan salt promotes oral health. Peppermint essential oil adds a delightful minty taste and soothes the gums.

Choose from a 50g refillable glass jar or a compostable paper pouch aligned with Battle Green’s commitment to sustainability.

14. Superbee Dentos

Formulated with a spearmint flavor, Dentos Eco Toothpaste Tabs offer a refreshing and invigorating experience. These tabs are crafted with natural ingredients, completely free from sugar, fluoride, talc, and palm oil. Bid farewell to harmful chemicals found in regular toothpaste and enjoy a deep, minty clean that ensures oral health without compromising your well-being or the planet’s.

15. The Dirt

Experience a natural and organic way to achieve sparkling white teeth with The Dirt’s tooth powder. Crafted with all-natural ingredients like bentonite clay, baking soda, and essential oils, this tooth powder offers a refreshing and effective alternative to traditional toothpaste.

The long-lasting nature of this tooth powder allows it to last up to six months per jar, making it a cost-effective option and an ideal travel companion. Its gentle formulation, rated 1-2 on the Mohs scale, ensures a gentle cleaning and brightening experience.

Suitable for individuals with sensitive teeth, children, and dental needs like crowns and bridges, The Dirt’s toothpowder caters to many users.

Make sure also to get your zero-waste tongues scraper and floss.

And if you are looking for the best sustainable electric toothbrush, dive into this article.

Toothpaste with fluoride

1. Unpaste Toothtabs

Formulated with care, UNPASTE Tooth Tabs are designed to clean while minimizing harm to the planet. These tabs contain everything your teeth need and none of the harmful additives in conventional toothpaste. Gentle yet effective, they polish your teeth, curb bacteria growth, and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

What sets UNPASTE Tooth Tabs apart is their commitment to zero waste. After brushing, there’s no spare tube or plastic cap to discard—just you and your clean, pearly whites.

Magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulfate, which may sometimes partially originate from palm oil, are indeed present in their composition. However, all their suppliers ensure the exclusive use of palm oil from sustainable sources.

2. Poppits

Poppits has revolutionized oral hygiene with PopGel Sensitive Kind, the world’s first 100% plastic-free toothpaste gel. With recyclable aluminum packaging, this toothpaste contributes no waste, combating the usual 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes that end up in landfills and oceans annually.

Beyond packaging, PopGel has a vegan, fluoride-enhanced formula free from SLS, parabens, and artificial preservatives. Its natural mint flavor and essential coconut oil provide invigorating freshness. Choosing PopGel means not just a product but joining the movement toward a sustainable future.

Defining Zero Waste Toothpaste

Zero waste toothpaste can be defined as a more eco-friendly toothpaste or cleaning product that maintains good oral health and minimizes environmental impact by prioritizing sustainable practices from production to disposal. The primary objective is to eliminate or significantly reduce non-biodegradable materials such as plastic from the entire product lifecycle.

This means finding alternatives for both packaging and ingredients:

1. Packaging: Zero waste toothpaste often comes in refillable glass jars or metal tins instead of disposable plastic tubes. These containers can be reused indefinitely, thereby reducing plastic consumption.
   

2. Ingredients: In addition to eco-friendly packaging, zero-waste toothpaste typically contains natural and organic ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals commonly found in conventional alternatives.

The Urgency of Waste Reduction in Oral Care Products

The growing problem of plastic waste polluting our environment is alarming, with the US alone discarding an estimated billion toothpaste tubes annually.

These tubes take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful toxins into the environment. By switching to zero waste toothpaste, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by oral care products.

This small yet impactful change can contribute to a more sustainable future by lessening our dependence on non-biodegradable materials and promoting responsible consumption habits. In the following sections, we will explore what sets the zero waste toothpaste brand apart from conventional alternatives and delve into the ingredients and packaging options that make it an eco-friendly choice for conscious consumers.

Overview of Zero Waste Toothpaste

What makes toothpaste zero waste?

Zero waste toothpaste is a sustainable alternative to traditional toothpaste that aims to minimize environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle. Unlike conventional toothpaste, which often comes in non-recyclable plastic tubes and contains harmful chemicals, zero waste toothpaste is designed with eco-friendly principles in mind. It typically comes in refillable glass jars or metal tins, or it may be packaged in compostable or recyclable paper tubes.

These packaging options ensure that no plastic waste is generated and that the containers can be reused or easily disposed of without harming the environment. Furthermore, zero waste toothpaste avoids the use of synthetic ingredients, artificial flavors, and harmful chemicals found in many commercial oral care products.

Instead, it focuses on utilizing natural and organic ingredients that are gentle on your teeth and the planet. By choosing zero waste toothpaste, you not only contribute to reducing plastic pollution but also prioritize your oral health by using cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.

Benefits of using zero waste toothpaste

Using zero waste toothpaste offers a multitude of benefits both for the environment and personal well-being. Environmental impact reduction: One of the primary advantages of using zero waste toothpaste lies in its significant contribution to reducing environmental pollution.

By opting for refillable glass jars or compostable/recyclable paper tubes instead of single-use plastic packaging, you actively minimize plastic waste generation. Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, pollutes our oceans and harms marine life.

Therefore, making the switch to zero waste toothpaste helps protect our planet’s delicate ecosystems by reducing landfill volume and minimizing our carbon footprint.

For instance, baking soda, a common ingredient in zero waste toothpaste, aids in teeth whitening and plaque removal. It gently polishes the enamel without causing damage or sensitivity.

Coconut oil, another popular ingredient, possesses antibacterial properties that can combat harmful bacteria in the mouth while providing a natural source of fresh breath.

Ingredients in Zero Waste Toothpaste

Natural and Organic Ingredients Commonly Used

When it comes to zero waste toothpaste, natural and organic ingredients are one of the key aspects that set it apart from conventional toothpaste. These ingredients are carefully selected to provide effective oral care while minimizing environmental harm.

Natural abrasives like baking soda and calcium carbonate are used as gentle alternatives to harmful microbeads in traditional toothpaste. Additionally, plant-based humectants such as vegetable glycerin or xylitol help retain moisture and maintain a smooth texture without compromising on oral health.

Baking Soda for Teeth Whitening and Plaque Removal

Baking soda, an essential ingredient in many zero waste toothpastes, serves multiple purposes for maintaining oral hygiene. Its mild abrasive properties effectively remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco without causing enamel damage.

The alkaline nature of baking soda also helps neutralize acids produced by harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing plaque formation and reducing the risk of cavities. Furthermore, its natural whitening abilities contribute to a brighter smile without relying on harsh bleaching agents commonly found in commercial whitening products.

Coconut Oil for Antibacterial Properties and Fresh Breath

Coconut oil has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, including its role in oral care. Many zero waste toothpastes include coconut oil because of its natural antibacterial properties that help combat harmful bacteria responsible for gum disease and bad breath.

The lauric acid present in coconut oil can penetrate through bacterial cell walls, disrupting their integrity and inhibiting their growth. Moreover, coconut oil’s pleasant taste provides a refreshing flavor while leaving your mouth feeling clean and fresh.

Essential Oils for Flavor and Added Benefits (e.g., Tea Tree Oil for Gum Health)

Essential oils are not only utilized in zero waste toothpaste to add delightful flavors but also for their potential oral health benefits. For instance, tea tree oil, derived from the Australian native Melaleuca alternifolia plant, is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It has been extensively studied and shows promising results in reducing gum inflammation and combating bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Other essential oils like peppermint or spearmint provide a refreshing taste while stimulating saliva production, the riding in natural remineralization of teeth.

Absence of Harmful Chemicals Found in ConvToothpasteothpastes

Conventional toothpaste often contains various chemicals harmful to human health and the environment. Ingredients such as triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), artificial sweeteners (e.g., saccharin), and synthetic dyes have raised concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on our bodies and contribute to water pollution when washed down the drain.

Zero waste toothpastes consciously avoid these harmful chemicals, ensuring a more sustainable approach to oral care without compromising on effectiveness.

Essential oils not only add flavor but also contribute additional benefits such as gum health improvement through tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties.

Packaging Options for Zero Waste Toothpaste

Refillable glass jars or metal tins

Refillable glass jars or metal tins are becoming increasingly popular as packaging options for zero waste toothpaste. These containers offer numerous advantages that make them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals.

Related: 21 essential swaps for a sustainable bathroom

One of the primary benefits is their ability to reduce plastic waste. Unlike traditional toothpaste tubes, which are typically made of non-recyclable plastic, glass jars and metal tins can be reused indefinitely.

Although the initial investment may be slightly higher compared to conventional toothpaste tubes, the ability to purchase refills at a lower cost ultimately saves money over time.

By refilling your jar or tin instead of buying a whole new plastic tube, every time you run out of toothpaste, you contribute to reducing unnecessary expenditures while actively participating in waste reduction efforts.

Compostable or Refill Packs

In addition to refillable containers, compostable or recyclable refill packs have emerged as another sustainable packaging option for zero waste toothpaste enthusiasts.

Using compostable refill packs offers significant environmental benefits due to their biodegradability. When disposed of in a composting environment, refill packs can decompose into organic matter, contributing to the nutrient-rich soil that aids plant growth.

This helps close the waste loop and reduces the overall environmental impact associated with toothpaste packaging.