10 Zero Waste Toothpaste Brands

Tired of using conventional toothpaste brands? Most people don’t think twice when they purchase a tube of toothpaste. As long as it gets the job done, what’s not to like? I was one of those people for a long time. As long as my teeth were clean, that’s all that mattered. But once I learned what kind of harm conventional toothpastes were doing to both my body and the planet, I switched to a zero waste toothpaste and never looked back. We can keep toothpaste tubes out of our oceans and wildlife without thinking we need to spend an arm and a leg for a more sustainable product. If you’re on the look out for a zero waste toothpaste, it’s never too late to make the switch. That’s why I’ve rounded up 10 zero waste toothpaste products that people can’t stop raving about.

FYI, this is a guest post written by Sydney Montagna, a zero waste advocate and aspiring writer. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase one of these items I will make a very small commission at no extra charge to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

10 Zero Waste Toothpaste Brands

Why switch to zero waste toothpaste?

How many tubes of toothpaste do you think you go through a year? An estimated 400 million toothpaste tubes are discarded every year in the U.S., and at least 1.5 billion globally. Every tube takes 500 years to break down in landfills.

Most conventional toothpastes are packed with chemicals and toxins that may be doing more harm than good. Minerals that you thought were healthy for your teeth and body can actually be making things worse. For example – fluoride.

It’s a bit of a controversial question. Should I be brushing my teeth with fluoride? The reason this question is so controversial is because there’s a lot of dentists who recommend brushing with a toothpaste containing at least 1350ppm fluoride twice daily.

However, fluoride has officially been classified as a neurotoxin by The Lancet. This has sparked some controversy and doubt within the public. For example, water fluoridation has been linked to cot death, arthritis, thyroid dysfunction, various cancers, etc. However, since fluoride is known to help with tooth decay, most people make the decision themselves on whether or not they prefer a toothpaste with fluoride added.

Because of this, the only zero waste toothpaste with fluoride in our list is from Unpaste Tooth Tabs (#5) if you’d like to use fluoride toothpaste. That said, please don’t consider this article medical advice – you may need fluoride for example), so please check in with your dentist.

Is zero waste toothpaste good for your teeth?

Yes, zero waste toothpaste is good for your teeth. My mother is a dental assistant and I frequently visit the dentist for cleanings – never once have their been any serious issues.

In fact, my latest dental visit went so well I was baffled. Usually I bleed a lot during cleanings, but this time I barely bled at all and had absolutely no cavities. The hygienist was quite pleased with me. If you’re wondering, I’m currently using Geoorganic’s toothpaste tablets – along with daily flossing and mouthwash!

Most zero waste toothpastes also aren’t full of artificial and questionable ingredients either, which is overall better for your health in the long run.

Keep in mind, everyone’s teeth are different and you may be subject to sensitivities that I may not be. When in doubt, look to a product rather than a DIY (like the ones I have listed in this post).

What is the most eco-friendly toothpaste?

The most eco-friendly toothpaste is one that is packaged thoughtfully and has ethical, sustainable ingredients. Personally I adore the packaging of Unpaste toothtabs because it comes in a completely compostable paper pouch, and you can just refill and reuse a glass jar you have on hand to store them.

I’ve also heard great things about By Humankind which creates 100% natural toothpaste tabs and offers refills for them. I love the idea of a refill system because that helps support a circular economy!

However, all of the zero waste toothpastes I have listed below (both DIY and product) are great eco-friendly toothpaste options.

How do you make toothpaste waste free?

To make homemade toothpaste waste free, you can acquire the ingredients from a bulk food store, and reuse any glass jar you have on hand to store it. Here are a few DIY toothpaste recipes that’ll keep your teeth fresh and clean:

My Toothpaste DIY– A simple DIY using just baking soda, essential oil, and coconut oil. If you use the correct essential oils, you can create great antibacterial toothpaste.

Salt Toothpaste DIY– Just use baking soda, natural salt, essential oil of your choice and water. You can also substitute the water with coconut oil if you’d prefer.

Natural Toothpaste DIY– Using baking soda, stevia powder, peppermint essential oil and coconut oil- you can make a toothpaste with a smooth texture.

Baking Soda Free Toothpowder– A great DIY recipe using bentonite clay, ground sea salt, clove powder, ground cinnamon, ground peppermint leaves (or peppermint oil), and stevia powder. Baking soda is optional!

All of these DIY recipes can be made at home and use very similar ingredients to keep those pearly whites clean.

1. David’s Toothpaste

Do you prefer the classic toothpaste tube, but can do without the plastic? David’s Toothpaste comes in a recyclable all-metal tube, along with a metal key to help you squeeze out every last bit. It’s sulfate-free, cruelty-free, fluoride-free, and made with organic ingredients. To replace sulfate, they use sodium cocoyl glutamate, an ingredient derived from coconuts, as a substitute.

David’s Toothpaste promotes natural whitening, antiplaque and fresh breath without the side affects from chemicals found in conventional brands. It’s available in two flavors: peppermint or Charcoal AND peppermint. Also, it’s packaged in cardboard and 100% recyclable paper.

To discard the tube properly, it’s recommended that you cut a slit along the full length of the tube to access the inside, wash off any excess paste under running water, and discard the metals into your recycle bin.

Ingredients: calcium carbonate (naturally sourced from the earth), purified water, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda ), vegetable glycerin (vegan), xylitol (birch derived), sodium cocyl glutamate – alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), carrageenan (Seaweed powder) mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, mentha viridis (spearmint) leaf oil, piminella anisum (anise) seed extract, gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen) leaf oil, stevia (leaf extract) – derived from the stevia plant

2. Georganics Tooth Powder

Have you heard of tooth powder before? Georganics Natural Tooth Powder makes oral care easy. To use, just dip a clean toothbrush into the powder and brush for 2 minutes. It’s packaged in a glass tub with a metal lid, making it easy to recycle or reuse. The powder is made with natural and organic ingredients free of fluoride, SLS, and glycerin.

Available flavors include English peppermint, spearmint, and activated charcoal. These all-natural ingredients promote teeth whitening and stain removal thanks to the magnesium and sodium bicarbonate properties. It comes in a 60ml jar, which is about 4 weeks of use!

Also, it’ll be shipped and delivered in recyclable packaging.

FYI, they also sell toothpaste tablets, which I love to use!

Ingredients (spearmint): Spearmint: Sodium Bicarbonate^, Calcium Carbonate^, Diatomaceous Earth*^, Magnesium Carbonate^, Dicalcium Phosphate^, Tartaric Acid^, Mentha Spicata Herb Oil*^, Tocopheral, Limonene

3. Organic Lucky Teeth Toothpaste

Looking for a natural toothpaste that can help with inflammation, sensitivity, and even gum disease? Lucky Teeth’s toothpaste is made with organic essential oils such as peppermint, sage, tea tree, and oregano that will help detoxify your mouth.

Essential oils are anti-inflammatory that help fight infections, tooth decay, and harmful bacteria on your gums and teeth. They can also help sooth a scratchy, sore throat. Also, it’s free of fluoride, SLS, gluten, glycerin, carrageenan, aspartame, and alcohol.

The activated coconut charcoal in this zero waste toothpaste pulls the toxins out of your system and traps them, can help treat gum disease, whitens teeth, removes stains, and eliminates bad breath.

Lucky Teeth’s toothpaste is packaged in a metal jar with a metal lid and bamboo accessories. This makes it compostable, recyclable, and reusable! It’s delicious flavor includes hints of cinnamon, cloves and mint. It’s not a harsh flavor and the perfect amount to be tolerable for kids, as well.

Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, magnesium, bentonite clay, xylitol, organic EV coconut oil (cocos nucifera), organic sunflower seed oil (helianthus annuus), organic sweet almond oil (prunus dulcis), organic aloe vera leaf extract, sodium bicarbonate, mentha spicata (organic spearmint) oil, mentha piperita (organic peppermint) oil, melaleuca alternifolia (organic tea tree) leaf oil, activated charcoal, himalayan sea salt, organic cinnamon oil, syzygium aromaticum (organic clove) leaf oil, origanium vulgare (oregano) oil.

4. Nelson Naturals Zero Waste Toothpaste

Not a mint lover? Nelson Naturals Toothpaste offers a variety of flavors, most of which aren’t mint flavored. Which we know can be difficult to come by. Aside from peppermint, other flavors include fennel, moringa, activated charcoal, and citrus spice. The unique properties of iodine combined with the detoxifying properties of Bentonite will provide you with healthy teeth and gums aplenty!

This toothpaste is packaged in a glass jar with a metal lid. This alkaline formula helps enamel naturally absorb minerals and contains a base of liquid mineral concentrate; which is an ionic desalinated combination of 72 naturally occurring minerals sourced from the Great Salt Lake in the US.

Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Bentonite Clay, Colloidal Silver, Sea Salt, Xylitol, Castile Soap, Moringa Leaf, Trace Mineral Concentrate, Spirulina, Moringa Seed Oil, Iodine, Essential Oils of Juniper Berry, Rosemary, Peppermint, & Pine Contains Colloidal Silver

5. Unpaste Tooth Tabs

For those who prefer fluoride in their toothpaste, Unpaste Tooth Tablets contain fluoride as an aid on the prevention of tooth decay. All ingredients are natural, eco-friendly and cruelty free. This comes packaged in a plastic-free, fully compostable bag made of non-GMO cornstarch. Each bag comes with 125 tabs, which is a two month supply of toothpaste!

Unpaste proivdes a gentle polish to your teeth that will help reduce the formation of plaque and tartar. It’s recommended that you use a toothbrush with soft bristles in order to polish your teeth more effectively. This can also help reduce stains due to tea, red wine, coffee and nicotine.

Ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, sodium bicarnonate (baking soda), silica, amisoft, magnesium stearate, natural mint essential oil, menthol, xanthan gum, stevia, fluoride, citric acid

6. Bestowed Essentials Tooth Powder

Do you want pearly whites without having to worry about environmental guilt? Bestowed Essentials Charcoal + Mint Tooth Powder naturally whitens your teeth with activated charcoal and leaves them feeling clean along with a minty fresh breath. Since it’s a powder, you can choose to either dip your wet toothbrush into the jar or mix with coconut oil to create your own consistency.

This tooth powder is packaged in 50% post-consumer recycled glass with a metal lid. It’s available in 1oz or 2.5oz jars. Plus, for every order, Bestowed Essentials collects and recycles 1 pound of beach trash through their partnership with Ocean Blue Project!

Ingredients: Bentonite clay, baking soda, calcium carbonate, activated charcoal, spearmint + peppermint essential oil

7. The Dirt All Natural Tooth Powder

One of the perks of using zero waste toothpaste are all the reusable glass jars. The Dirt Tooth Powder’s glass jar is so cute, you won’t be able to help but reuse it in your zero waste home. Since this powder is allergen friendly, it’s perfect for those allergic to corn, soy or gluten. It’s also available in three refreshing flavors- Sweet Spice, Cinna Mint, and Super Mint. You can choose between purchasing a 3 month or 6 month supply of each flavor.

“Tough on gunk, easy on teeth” is a quote that The Dirt goes by. On The Moh’s Hardness Scale, tooth enamel is a solid 5. Meanwhile, the bentonite clay base found in this tooth powder rates just 1-2 on the Moh’s scale.

Ingredients (sweet spice): Extra Fine Bentonite Clay, Organic Saigon Cinnamon, Natural Baking Soda, Organic Myrrh Gum Powder, Organic Nutmeg Powder, Sweet Orange Essential Oil & Organic Cardamom Essential Oil.

8. Elevated Natural Toothpaste

This zero waste toothpaste by Elevated is 100% safe to people and the planet. It’s stored in an adorable 2oz. jar with the option of a wooden applicator. Available flavors include peppermint, spearmint, orange, and cinnamon. So, whether you like having minty breath or something more savory, there’s options here for everyone.

Also, Elevated customizes ingredients. So if you have any skin allergies, to nuts or a certain oil, just choose “custom order” at checkout and email them for more info.

Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, NON-GMO xylitol, purified water, pure plant oil* (kind depends on flavor), and tocopherol (Vit. E)

9. Bite

Now, Bite Toothpaste Bits are what I decided to switch to when I threw away my conventional brand toothpaste. These bits come in a refillable glass jar. If you sign up for their subscription service, you’ll receive a compostable refill bag every 4 months. The larger jar is 4oz. and filled with 248 bits.

Your flavor options include fresh mint, charcoal mint, or berry twist. If you’re not a mint lover (like me), the berry twist flavor tastes like refreshing fruit punch and it’s the best option for kids, as well!

Bite’s toothpaste bits are also available in a smaller jar. It comes with 62 bits, giving you a one month supply of toothpaste goodness. Instead of fluoride, Bite is the first ever toothpaste to use Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp). It’s a non-toxic fluoride alternative which is proven to remineralize enamel and kick sensitivity to the curb.

Ingredients (mint): Xylitol, erythritol, calcium carbonate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium bicarbonate, guar gum, nano-hydroxyapatite, natural mint flavor.

10. Zero Waste Tooth Nibs

Small business alert! Scent Cerae Tooth Nibs are homemade with completely natural ingredients. For an affordable price, you’ll receive 80 solid nibs, a charcoal bamboo toothbrush and a plastic-free travel wrap. To use the nibs, just bite and (but don’t swallow), brush with a wet toothbrush for 2 minutes, and then spit and rinse as you normally would.

These tooth nibs are packaged in rust free reusable travel tins. If you’re ready for a refill, they come shipped in certified compostable envelopes. The available flavors include cinnamon roll, fresh strawberry, mint chocolate chip. Matcha mint, pina colada and charcoal white.

Ingredients: cocos nucifera, ground cinnamon clove powders, calcium carbonate, soda bicarbonate, organic xylitol, bentonite clay, white kaolin clay, sodium cocoyl isethionate

What’s your favorite zero waste toothpaste brand or DIY?

If you’d like more oral care alternatives, check out 4 Plastic-Free Floss Alternatives.

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