Why consider switching to a Non-Toxic Vegan Toothpaste?
A healthy oral care routine such as teeth brushing and flossing can prevent many dental problems and guarantee healthy teeth for a lifetime.
To achieve it we use toothpaste about 2-3 times each day. Therefore, it is worth checking what our oral care products are made of.
Most conventional toothpastes contain a variety of harsh chemicals that can be detrimental to your health. For example, Triclosan and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are commonly found in toothpaste and have been shown to be harmful to human health. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final ruling stating that Triclosan is not safe to use.
In addition, many brands use animal-derived ingredients in the composition of their toothpastes and frequently test them on animals.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective toothpastes that are both vegan and formulated with non-toxic clean ingredients. They are free of harmful chemicals and gentle on the teeth and gums.
Preview of the article
- Why Consider Switching to A Non-Toxic Vegan Toothpaste?
- Hazardous Ingredients Found in Toothpaste You Should Avoid
- Fluoride or No Fluoride?
- Is Toothpaste Vegan? Can Vegans Use Toothpaste?
- What Makes a Toothpaste Vegan?
- What to Look For In a Vegan Toothpaste?
- Are Those Popular Toothpaste Brands Vegan?
- 4 Vegan Toothpastes with Clean Formulations Free From Harmful Chemicals
- Hello, Best for: Whitening Vegan Non-Toxic Toothpaste
- Boka, Best for: Fluoride-Free Vegan Non-Toxic Toothpaste
- Human Kind, Best for: Zero Waste Vegan Non-Toxic Toothpaste
- The Humble, Best for: Kids Vegan Non-Toxic Toothpaste
Hazardous Ingredients Found in Toothpaste You Should Avoid
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS
Essentially used as a surfactant (which allows the substances in the formulation to blending correctly), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a well-known irritant.
Scientists have known about it for decades, their publications designated it as “the standard irritant”. The substance is also frequently used to induce “experimental contact dermatitis”.
According to Dr. Talbot, SLS is present in 85% of toothpaste.
Triclosan
This powerful antibacterial agent was still widely used a few years ago. Since then, it has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor in many ways: it would not only act on estrogen hormones but also on thyroid function.
Fluoryl
Recommended for people suffering from chronic gingivitis, it contains chlorhexidine digluconate and sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause irritation and trigger canker sores.
Isobutyl, Isopropyl, Benzyl, Pentyl, Phenylparaben
Parabens are preservatives considered to be endocrine disruptors.
Not all parabens are bad though. Ethylparaben and Methylparaben are considered safe.
Titanium Dioxide
There are concerns about the toxicity of this substance, especially in toothpastes and lipsticks where there is a risk to ingest it.
Fluoride or No Fluoride?
This is a highly controversial issue at the moment.
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring element that is found in water, soil, and rocks. It is also added to toothpaste and other dental products in order to prevent cavities.
While some people worry that fluoride may be harmful, numerous studies have shown that fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. It is also effective at remineralizing tooth enamel, which can help to repair existing damage.
However, this substance raises concerns for human health. High fluoride exposure could lead to health issues such as fluorosis (white stain on your teeth), skeletal fluorosis(bone disease), cardiovascular problems, reproductive issues, and neurological problems.
Is Toothpaste Vegan? Can Vegans Use Toothpaste?
One common question is whether toothpaste is vegan. The answer is not always straightforward, as the ingredients in toothpaste can vary depending on the brand.
However, many popular brands of toothpaste do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. If you are wondering if your toothpaste is vegan, here’s a list of all the non-vegan ingredients you can find in toothpaste.
What Makes a Toothpaste Vegan?
For toothpaste to be vegan, it should not include any of these animal-derived ingredients.
- Glycerin. It’s a byproduct of soap manufacture (it normally uses animal fat) and can be found in mouthwashes, chewing gum, toothpaste, etc.
- Bee products, such as propolis(resin), bee pollen(powder), and beeswax can all be found in personal care products. All of these ingredients come from bees, which means they are not vegan.
- Bone meal, dried crushed animal bones can be used in some toothpaste. It’s used to help clean plaque and spots on your teeth.
- Flavorings and colors. Added colors and flavors can also come from animal products.
For the full list of non-vegan ingredients, you can check the PETA list.
What to Look For In a Vegan Toothpaste?
Just like regular toothpaste, vegan toothpaste can have different purposes. There are many different types to choose from. First, consider your personal needs.
Do you have sensitive teeth? Are you looking for toothpaste without fluoride? There are also toothpastes that are designed to whiten teeth or remove plaque.
Once you know what your personal needs are, you can narrow down your options.
Next, take a look at the ingredients list. You should avoid all animal-derived ingredients mentioned in the list above.
Are Those Popular Toothpaste Brands Vegan?
Is Colgate vegan?
This Colgate toothpaste is vegan: Colgate Smile.
Is Sensodyne vegan?
No, it is not.
Is Listerine vegan?
No, it is not.
Is Crest vegan?
No, it is not.
4 Vegan Toothpastes with Clean Formulations Free From Harmful Chemicals
Hello
Best for: Whitening Vegan Non-Toxic Toothpaste
Non-Toxic and Vegan: Vegan & Cruelty-free Peta certified, free from sulfates-parabens-tricolan-dyes and gluten, BPA-free tubes, award-winning product, made in the USA
Product: Charcoal Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Price: $6.99
Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart, CVS, Whole Food, etc.
Boka
Best for: Fluoride-Free Vegan Non-Toxic Toothpaste
Non-Toxic and Vegan: Vegan & Cruelty-free Peta certified, free from SLS, parabens, and other toxic ingredients, 100% biocompatible and non-toxic, BPA-free packaging.
Product: Ela Mint Toothpaste
Price: $11.99
Available: ship in the US
Human Kind
Best for: Zero Waste Vegan Non-Toxic Toothpaste
Non-Toxic and Vegan: Vegan & Cruelty-free, FDA approved, 100% natural toothpaste, ban harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, triclosan, formaldehyde, and much more, plastic-free sustainable packaging, 100% carbon neutral.
Product: Toothpaste
Price: $15
Available: ship in the US
The Humble
Best for: Kids Vegan Non-Toxic Toothpaste
Non-Toxic and Vegan: Vegan & Cruelty-free Peta certified, SLS-free, natural ingredients.
Product: Natural Toothpaste – Kids Strawberry
Price: $5.99
Available: ship in the US
Image Credit: All photos belong to Pexels, Unsplash and to respective brands.
