Ethical And Effective: Our Guide To Vegan Toothpaste
Contents
- Top 10 Best Vegan Toothpastes
- Brands
- Nature’s Gate
- Hello
- Himalaya
- Types Of Product
- Fluoride-free Pastes
- Neem Oil
- Aloe Vera
- Coconut Flour**
- Baking soda toothpaste
- The Five Best Vegan Toothpastes
- Himalaya Whitening Toothpaste
- Uncle Harrys Fluoride Free Toothpaste
- Dr Bronners Magic Toothpaste
- Hello Oral Care Toothpaste
- Natures Gate Natural Toothpaste
- The Next Best Thing
- Toms Maine Fluoride Toothpaste
- Anima Mundi Apothecary Organic
- Vitamyr Herbal Natural Toothpaste
- Himalaya Complete Care
- Desert Essence Natural Tree Toothpaste
- Buying Guide
- Cruelty-free
- Toothpaste-wise
- Conclusion
- Sources
Many people want toothpastes and dental hygiene products with simple, plant-based ingredients, but it can be hard to know which brands and products to trust.
If you've adopted a vegan lifestyle, you'll also be looking for products that haven't been tested on animals. Cosmetic animal testing has been banned in places such as the UK, India and Israel.
The FDA says US law doesn't specifically require animal testing for cosmetics, but at the federal level there is no legislation against animal testing in the US. Some states have passed their own bans.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t think any animals should have to suffer just so I can have clean teeth.
We all want something that will work properly and actually clean our teeth, without damaging them or putting anything nasty inside our bodies, or harming the planet or our fellow animals.
Top 10 Best Vegan Toothpastes
| Image | Model | Flavor | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himalaya Whitening Toothpaste | Himalaya Whitening Toothpaste | Simply Mint | 5.29 Oz |
| Uncle Harrys Fluoride Free Toothpaste | Uncle Harrys Fluoride Free Toothpaste | Peppermint | 3 Oz |
| Dr Bronners Magic Toothpaste | Dr Bronners Magic Toothpaste | Peppermint | 5 Oz |
| Hello Oral Care Toothpaste | Hello Oral Care Toothpaste | Mojito Mint | 5 Oz |
| Natures Gate Natural Toothpaste | Natures Gate Natural Toothpaste | Peppermint | 6 Oz |
| Toms Maine Fluoride Toothpaste | Toms Maine Fluoride Toothpaste | Peppermint | 5.5 Oz |
| Anima Mundi Apothecary Organic | Anima Mundi Apothecary Organic | N/A | 2 Oz |
| Vitamyr Herbal Natural Toothpaste | Vitamyr Herbal Natural Toothpaste | Herbal | 4 Oz |
| Himalaya Complete Care | Himalaya Complete Care | Simply Spearmint | 5.29 Oz |
| Desert Essence Natural Tree Toothpaste | Desert Essence Natural Tree Toothpaste | Tea Tree Oil | 6.25 Oz |
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ll be well aware of the increase in vegans everywhere you look – Instagram is full of vegan recipes, new health food stores are popping up everywhere and there’s a whiff of hemp on every street corner.
You may not feel especially grateful for all the beards and topknots that have suddenly appeared, but you have them to thank for the miracle that is vegan toothpaste.
No, really. And I, by some incredible coincidence, just so happen to have found the best ones out there. Strange.
Brands
I’m not saying you have to give up the hangover-bacon, but vegan brands really are worth considering when it comes to health products.
Not only are they cruelty-free, they often use organic, plant-based ingredients. That doesn't automatically make them better for your teeth, so check for fluoride, as explained below.
It can feel hard venturing from high-street brands to the land of veganism, but it's well worth trying.
Next thing you know, you’ll be living off tofu and soy lattes. It’s a slippery slope.
To give you some names to look out for, I’ve listed a few of my favorite vegan brands below…
Nature’s Gate
Is the perfect name for this particular brand. Their products are built around plant-based ingredients.
Some of their products also contain added vitamins.
Hello
Is a brand I’ve come to love for their great branding just as much as their products. They keep things nice and natural to ensure your teeth are in the best possible condition without harming any animals in the process.
They use natural alternatives to many of the ingredients found in high-street toothpastes, and their dental products still get the job done.
Himalaya
You'll notice Himalaya feature twice in my reviews, because I'm a big fan. Their products tend to be vegan and fluoride-free; read the fluoride section below before you choose one.
They cram loads of natural goodness into their products and leave you with that lovely, clean feeling every time you brush your teeth.
For vegans, this is a great brand to pay attention to and their products are now so much more readily available than before, thanks to the well-deserved success they’ve garnered over the years.
Types Of Product
Vegan toothpaste is pretty niche as it is, but there are a few more things to consider when buying one.
There are obviously lots of different types of toothpastes which contain lots of different types of products, but I’ve narrowed it down to some of the main aspects that I like to take into consideration.
Fluoride-free Pastes
Are popular with people who want the simplest possible ingredient list. But fluoride isn't a preservative. It's the ingredient that protects your teeth from cavities.
The CDC says brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps rebuild the outer layer of tooth enamel, and it recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. It also says fluoride dental products are safe and effective when used as directed.
It's true that too much fluoride can be harmful, which is why young children should use only a little. The CDC advises a grain-of-rice-sized smear before age 3 and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6, and children should spit, not swallow.
Most of my list is made up of fluoride-free toothpastes, but vegan pastes that do contain fluoride exist, including the Tom's of Maine fluoride toothpaste below.
If cavity protection matters to you, and it should, choose a fluoride paste or ask your dentist whether a fluoride-free one is right for you.
Vegan brands tend to opt for plant-based, often organic ingredients.
Neem Oil
Is a traditional ingredient in herbal toothpastes. It's often promoted for gum health, but it hasn't been shown to prevent cavities the way fluoride does.
Aloe Vera
Is a common soothing ingredient, though it isn't a substitute for fluoride.
Coconut Flour**
Is a mild abrasive in toothpaste that helps remove plaque and surface stains.
Baking soda toothpaste
Is a mild abrasive that helps lift surface stains, even if it has a slightly odd flavor. It takes a bit of getting used to.
Personally, I love herbal toothpastes as they really remind me of all the plant goodness that has gone into them.
Flavor-wise, there are so many options out there these days! Mint is obviously a classic, but you can get delicious, cinnamon-flavored toothpastes, as well as aniseed if you’re feeling fancy.
The Five Best Vegan Toothpastes
I told you they would be featuring, and here they are. The top spot in my vegan toothpaste reviews goes to Himalaya. It's vegan and whitening, though it's also fluoride-free, so it won't give you fluoride's cavity protection.
Himalaya Whitening Toothpaste
It contains neem leaf, a traditional herbal ingredient.
It also contains papaya and pineapple extracts, which the maker says help lift surface stains from coffee and red wine.
That's why it's my number one vegan pick.
Uncle Harrys Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Next up is a classic from good ol’ Uncle Harry.
Fluoride-free and crammed with plant goodness, this is one of my favorite dental products of all time.
The maker says it supports enamel, but without fluoride it can't offer proven cavity protection.
This paste comes in a jar, which has a cool retro feel to it.
One thing I’d suggest? Use less than you use with your current toothpaste!
A little really goes a long way with this one, and a peppermint taste rounds it off nicely.
Dr Bronners Magic Toothpaste
Another peppermint miracle, this time from Dr Bronner. My favorite thing about this product is that it contains coconut flour and coconut oil.
I'm a huge coconut fan, so I love that this vegan toothpaste contains it.
The coconut flour might sound like it’s better suited to baking, but it actually cleans your teeth really well and acts in a mildly abrasive manner to get rid of stains and plaque build-up.
You're getting a fluoride-free toothpaste that will help freshen your breath while leaving you feeling clean.
Hello Oral Care Toothpaste
Say ‘Hello’ to your new favorite toothpaste. See what I did there?
Totally vegan and cruelty-free, this toothpaste is a great little all-rounder.
This toothpaste contains all-natural ingredients and works to whiten your teeth while cleaning them.
Not only is the packaging great, what’s inside is wonderful, too!
They refuse to add coloring or preservatives to their products, so you know that you’re only using nature’s goodness.
If you're buying for kids, ask your dentist about fluoride first.
Natures Gate Natural Toothpaste
Last but not least in my top five vegan toothpastes is this gem from Nature’s Gate. As I mentioned before, I love this brand as they really are all-natural and produce quality, feel-good products at reasonable prices.
This toothpaste keeps your teeth nice and clean.
This peppermint taste will leave your breath feeling fresh and your teeth feeling squeaky clean.
This toothpaste is fluoride-free, so it won't give you fluoride's cavity protection. If you have a sweet tooth or a history of cavities, consider a fluoride paste.
They’ve also left out any parabens, GMOs and gluten, as well as soy, so it’s great for those with various other conditions to take into account.
The Next Best Thing
Toms Maine Fluoride Toothpaste
If you want fluoride's cavity protection from a natural-leaning brand, this fluoride toothpaste from Tom's is a good alternative. Check the label to confirm it fits your vegan standards.
Anima Mundi Apothecary Organic
Organic and vegan, this tooth 'polish' is a fancier option. It's fluoride-free.
Vitamyr Herbal Natural Toothpaste
Need something gluten-free?
Look no further!
Himalaya Complete Care
Another product from Himalaya, just to emphasize how much I adore them.
Desert Essence Natural Tree Toothpaste
Tea tree oil is one of my favorite products, so this paste had to be featured .
Buying Guide
So, what should you be looking for in general when buying a vegan toothpaste?
Well, hopefully you’ve already found the perfect product in my reviews, but here’s some general guidance if you’re looking to branch out on your own.
Cruelty-free
Is an obvious label to look out for! I love that there are products on the market which are cruelty-free and don’t test on animals.
After all, why would you even need to test toothpaste designed for humans on animals?
I’ve never understood it and will always try and find makeup, hair products and toiletries that are cruelty-free and vegan.
Toothpaste-wise
Fluoride isn't a preservative. It's the best-proven ingredient for preventing cavities, and the CDC says fluoride dental products are safe and effective when used as directed.
Neem, aloe vera and coconut are fine extras, but they don't replace fluoride's cavity protection.
Most of the pastes I've listed are fluoride-free. If you choose one, keep up regular dental checkups, or go with the Tom's fluoride option.
Conclusion
That just about sums up my reviews of the best vegan toothpastes out there. I've included ten products in total, all vegan toothpastes that will leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Sources
- About Fluoride, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Animal Testing & Cosmetics, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
