Natural toothpastes come in a variety of flavours and options.
In this post I look at the best natural toothpaste in various categories, and recommend some products you can trust.
If you don’t need a natural toothpaste specifically, you may find our more generalised best toothpaste article more helpful.
And to see our full range of toothpaste content, visit our toothpaste hub page, which lists all of our content in an easy-to-find format.
What does natural mean to you?
Regardless of whether you have a health reason for wanting to avoid certain ingredients, or whether your ethical beliefs mean that you are looking for an alternative toothpaste – there are an increasing number of toothpastes being marketed as natural.
But “natural toothpaste” can have a few different meanings, including:
- Avoiding unnecessary chemicals and artificial ingredients.
- Avoiding fluoride.
- Searching for naturally derived and naturally sourced ingredients.
- Searching for ethically sourced ingredients and processes.
- Searching for toothpastes that take the planet into consideration.
- Wanting a herbal toothpaste.
In fact, the FDA has no official definition for natural, so it is important you do your own research, too.
Generally speaking, though, a natural toothpaste will aim to avoid foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), or artificial colours and sweeteners. They may also be preservative free. Although having one of these types of ingredients may not necessarily prevent a toothpaste from making it to this list of best natural toothpastes, if you are specifically looking for an SLS free toothpaste, see our article on the best SLS-free toothpastes.
For some people, they search out a natural toothpaste because of concerns about fluoride. Some of the natural toothpastes on this page will still contain fluoride as this is the only ingredient proven to help prevent cavities, and is the key ingredient recommended by almost all dentists. But some of the toothpastes may contain an alternative – such as calcium phosphate – which can also protect the teeth against decay but is not yet widely available.
Another reason someone may turn to natural toothpaste is in search of a more responsible toothpaste or brand. Natural toothpastes will often have organic ingredients (which must be USDA approved), and will try to meet high ethical concerns such as avoiding animal ingredients, being vegan and being cruelty free.
Finally, when searching for natural toothpastes, you may also be thinking about sustainability, both when it comes to sourcing ingredients and in the packaging used. This is still an area requiring development as many toothpastes still come in plastic packaging, with few alternatives available for those who are eco-conscious.
The best natural toothpaste: 5 good options
The natural toothpastes included on this page have been selected using the criteria below:
- Contain fluoride or other remineralising ingredients (continue reading to find out why.) If non-fluoride is what you are looking for I have these covered later on in the article).
- Preferably contain herbal ingredients, avoid SLS, parabens and preservatives.
- Have a small ingredients list.
If you are choosing your own toothpaste, I recommend factoring the above points in as well as the general advice on choosing a toothpaste from our toothpaste hub page.
I have not focussed these toothpastes to be vegan, whitening, or for a specific problem such as sensitivity. But if they meet these criteria, it’s a bonus. If you want a toothpaste that specifically meets these criteria you can check the table further down the page.
Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Natural Toothpaste
What makes Tom’s of Maine special is that it uses a Stewardship Model for its ingredients, balancing them between naturally sourced, naturally derived and responsible. They work to be as accountable as possible, giving good explanations of their ingredients in an easy to find place.
On top of that, a proportion of profits are donated to charity, and employees have working hours dedicated for volunteering. What you end up with is an affordable, widely available natural toothpaste that is an alternative to the traditional brands.
There are many different types of Tom’s of Maine toothpastes available, and I would recommend either the Whole Care with fluoride or:
- Cavity Protection toothpaste
- Enamel Strength toothpaste
- Wicked strength toothpaste
Pros
- Flavours available include mint and non-mint
- Contains zinc citrate to prevent tartar build up
- Contains fluoride
- Free from animal ingredients and they do not test on animals.
- Formulas free of artificial flavors, fragrances, colors, sweeteners and preservatives
- Working to minimize the total environmental impact, including moving towards recyclable tubes.
- Easily available in supermarkets and drug stores
Cons
- Contains SLS (some people prefer to avoid it)
- Not certified organic
- Not vegan
- Contains alcohol, which can be drying in the mouth.
Where to buy
Price comparison
- 4.0 ounce/113g tube
- Approx $10 per tube
- $$
Hello toothpastes (with fluoride)
Hello toothpastes are a good alternative to the mainstream toothpaste brands.
In terms of being natural, they avoid any unnecessary ingredients, whilst keeping the important active ingredients. They still contain active ingredients such as fluoride for protection against cavities, and potassium nitrate for protection against sensitivity.
The toothpastes are vegan, not tested on animals, and are also moving towards responsible packaging (although ditching the box altogether would go a long way to reduce waste!)
For a natural toothpaste that protects against decay you could opt for:
- Hello sensitivity relief with fluoride
- Hello toothpaste naturally whitening with fluoride
- Hello kids toothpaste with fluoride
These toothpastes are not included in my recommendation:
- Activated charcoal epic whitening fluoride toothpaste – due to uncertainty about abrasiveness
- Activated charcoal fluoride free toothpaste – due to concerns about abrasiveness and lack of fluoride
Pros
- Contain fluoride
- ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Natural toothpaste
- Vegan
Cons
- Could have a stronger fluoride concentration
- Plastic packaging
Where to buy
Price comparison
- 4.7 ounce/133g tube
- Approx. $5 / tube
- $$
Colgate Zero toothpaste
This seems to be one of the only toothpastes marketed as “natural” from the most common toothpaste manufacturers (Crest, Sensodyne, Colgate).
You may be more tempted to go for this toothpaste because you are familiar with the branding, and there is no problem with that.
One thing worth mentioning is that although it claims to be “responsibly made”, there is no information available about how it is more “responsibly made” than their usual toothpastes, but this is certainly a shift in the right direction.
Pros
- Widely recognized brand
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- No artificial preservatives
- Contains fluoride
- Gluten Free
- Vegan
- Easily available in supermarkets
Cons
- Contains SLS
- No information on whether ingredients are organic or not
Denttabs Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride
This is the go-to option if you want a natural toothpaste that doesn’t cost the earth – in both environmental terms as well as financially. Toothpaste tablets still aren’t the most cost effective option, but as someone looking for a natural toothpaste you will probably be very interested in the compostable packaging.
Make sure you go for the fluoride option to protect your teeth from cavities (although a fluoride free version is available).
Pros
- Free from preservatives and artificial stabilizers.
- Contains fluoride
- 100% plastic free packaging – more environmentally friendly.
- Travel friendly option as no liquid.
- Just the right amount each time (1 tablet = one dose).
- Low abrasivity – RDA 30.
- Vegan and cruelty free.
- Gluten free.
- SLS free.
- Some organic ingredients.
Cons
- More expensive than regular toothpaste.
- Not that easy to source, only available at select retailers.
- Initial taste can take getting used to.
Where to buy
Price comparison
- Packet of 125 (approx 2 month supply)
- Approx. $8 – 10 / packet
- $$
Best natural whitening (stain removal) toothpaste
Below is my recommendation for a natural toothpaste that will also lift stains on your teeth, helping them to appear whiter.
Just be aware that toothpastes will only lift stains off your teeth, they will not bleach them in the same way that professional whitening does.
Twice Earlybird and Twilight toothpastes
This is a company dedicated to ethical living, and who put their money where their mouth is in terms of donations to charity.
Twice toothpaste comes in two flavours and it’s unique selling point is the use of two different flavours: wintergreen and peppermint for the “Early Bird” to wake you up in the mornings, and the “Twilight” peppermint with lavender for a calming flavour before bed. These are available as a pair, or separately depending on your preferences!
Pros
- Included vitamins and aloe vera help soothe gums
- Free from sulfates, SLS, parabens
- Mild taste
- Charitable company – 10% of profits and toothpaste to the GLO Good Foundation
- Vegan, no animal testing or cruelty.
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Contains fluoride for protection against decay
- Stain removing “whitening” whitening toothpaste
Cons
- Plastic packaging
Best natural toothpaste without artificial sweeteners
Almost by definition, natural toothpastes will exclude artificial sweeteners. I have included below toothpastes that contain no artificial sweeteners, or even no sweeteners at all.
Kingfisher Natural Toothpaste with Fluoride
As far as natural toothpastes go, Kingfisher Natural Toothpastes are up there. They are an ethical company, having been awarded Best Buy status by Ethical Consumer Magazine. I would recommend either the Mint with fluoride or Fennel with fluoride options for a natural toothpaste which does not contain sweeteners.
Their naturally sourced ingredients are GM-free, Vegan, Halal and Kosher so really are accessible to everyone.
I think the core beliefs of this company really set them out as a top brand for natural toothpaste. Although you may need to go outside of your regular supermarket to find them, Kingfisher toothpastes are readily available around the world in health food shops and from internet suppliers.
Just to note, Kingfisher also does fluoride free options and I would not recommend these as they do not provide the protection against decay. But if you choose to go fluoride free, they are available.
Pros
- No artificial colourings, flavourings, sweeteners or preservatives
- Contains no sweeteners
- Contains fluoride
- British Dental Health Foundation approved
- Mint and Fennel flavours available
Cons
- Non-fluoride options also available which do not protect against cavities
Where to buy
Price Comparison
- 100ml/3.5 ounces
- Approx. $4 – 5 / tube
- $
Best natural toothpaste without fluoride
Whilst I don’t recommend fluoride free toothpaste, as you miss out on the known anti-cavity properties of fluoride, I respect that some people may still wish to avoid toothpastes containing fluoride.
In which case, there are two main options available to you:
- A natural fluoride free toothpaste that contains no fluoride and no major source of remineralizing agent. Whilst ingredients like xylitol have a small anti-cavity effect, it would not be enough to be remineralizing in the same way as fluoride.
- A natural fluoride free toothpaste that contains no fluoride and which does contain an alternative remineralizing agent. Calcium phosphates (such as hydroxyapatite) help reharden the tooth surface in a similar way to fluoride. These ingredients are newer than fluoride and are still undergoing long term studies, but have been FDA approved. They are normally more expensive than fluoride, but there is lots of evidence supporting their effectiveness.
DoTERRA On Guard® Natural Whitening Toothpaste
Whilst this toothpaste does not contain fluoride (which I really would recommend), it does contain hydroxyapatite as an alternative for remineralisation.
It also contains essential oils and a stain removal agent.
Boka toothpaste
This toothpaste is fluoride free, but it does come with a remineralising agent – nano-hydroxyapatite – a form of calcium phosphate. This means that it can still provide protection from cavities despite the lack of fluoride
Pros
- Hydroxyapatite provides remineralisation effect and some protection against cavities
- Good for sensitive teeth
- No parabens, no artificial flavors
- SLS free
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- Subscription available to reduce costs
Cons
- No ADA recommended fluoride
Best organic toothpastes
There is actually no evidence to support whether an organic toothpaste is better for your oral health than a regular toothpaste. A natural toothpaste is not automatically organic and vice versa.
One advantage of organic is the stricter environmental controls when growing ingredients. As such any toothpastes that say organic on them must be USDA approved. There are a few different ways of labelling “organic”, as Tom’s of Maine explains:
- “100 percent organic.” A product with this label must contain only organically produced ingredients, with the exception of water and salt.
- “Organic.” At least 95 percent of the product’s ingredients must be organically produced to earn this label, excluding water and salt.
- “Made with organic ingredients.” This label applies to products containing between 70 to 95 percent organically produced ingredients.
- “Organic [ingredient].” Products made with less than 70 percent organically produced ingredients may only identify the specific ingredients that are USDA-certified as being organically produced.
Toothpaste brands available which contain organic ingredients include:
- Hello toothpastes
- Denttabs
- DoTerra
- Saint Oral care
Best herbal toothpaste
Whilst a natural toothpaste would look to avoid artificial ingredients, and will likely go for naturally sourced or naturally derived ingredients, they may still have a relatively long list of ingredients.
If you are wanting a super simple toothpaste, with ingredients that are as close to their natural form as possible, you may choose a herbal toothpaste. My main recommendation in that case is Redmond Earthpaste.
Redmond Earthpaste
Whilst I really would recommend an option with fluoride, if it is simplicity you are after then this is your toothpaste. It has an incredibly small list of ingredients, none of which should cause any damage.
Without any remineralising ingredients like fluoride or calcium phosphate, this toothpaste provides no protection against tooth decay. You should keep to a low sugar diet if using this paste.
Pros
- No glycerin
- No artificial coloring
- Only 5 ingredients
- SLS free
- Mint or non-mint flavours available
- Vegan
Cons
- No fluoride or other remineralisation ingredient to protect against cavities
- Plastic packaging
Other Natural toothpastes
In case none of the products from our list above appeal to you, here are some additional natural toothpastes to consider.
When picking a toothpaste, I recommend considering the general advice on choosing a toothpaste from our toothpaste hub page.
| Name of Product | Anti-cavity protection | Also good for | Price Range |
| hello toothpaste sensitivity relief | fluoride | Sensitivity SLS-free Vegan | $$ |
| Hello activated charcoal epic whitening fluoride toothpaste | fluoride | SLS-free Whitening Vegan | $$ |
| hello activated charcoal fluoride free toothpaste | no | SLS free Whitening Vegan | $$ |
| hello toothpaste naturally whitening without fluoride | no | SLS free Whitening Vegan | $$ |
| Hello kids toothpaste with fluoride | fluoride | Kids Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening fluoride free toothpaste | no | Whitening | $ |
| Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste | no | Sensitivity | $$ |
| Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Natural Toothpaste | fluoride | Non-mint available | $ |
| Kingfisher Natural toothpaste with Fluoride | fluoride | Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $ |
| Kingfisher Natural toothpaste | no | Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $ |
| Kingfisher Natural toothpaste without Fluoride – Baking soda | no | Baking soda SLS free Vegan | $ |
| Kingfisher Natural toothpaste without Fluoride – Naturally whitening charcoal | no | SLS free Vegan Whitening | $ |
| Denttabs Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride | fluoride | Eco-friendly SLS free | $$ |
| Denttabs Toothpaste Tablets Fluoride Free | no | Eco-friendly SLS free | $$ |
| The Dirt Tooth Powder | no | Eco-friendly Non-mint available SLS free | $$ |
| The Dirt Toothpaste | no | Eco-friendly Non-mint available SLS free | $$ |
| DoTERRA On Guard® Natural Whitening Toothpaste | hydroxyapatite | SLS free Vegan Whitening | $$ |
| Radius USDA Organic Toothpaste | No | Organic toothpaste SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Auromere Ayurvedic Toothpaste | no | Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $ |
| Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste | No | Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Dr Bronners All-in-One Toothpaste | No | Eco-friendly Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Jason Healthy Mouth® Tartar Control Anti-Cavity Toothpaste | fluoride | Gum disease Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Jason Simply Coconut | no | Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Uncle Harry’s Toothpaste | no | Eco-friendly Non-mint available SLS free | $$ |
| Uncle Harry’s Tooth Powder | no | Eco-friendly Non-mint available SLS free | $$ |
| Cleure Toothpaste | Calcium phosphate | Baking Soda Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Redmond Earthpaste | No | Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Redmond Earthpowder | no | Eco-friendly Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Colgate Zero | fluoride | SLS free Vegan | $ |
| Bite Toothpaste Bits | no | Eco-friendly Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$$ |
| Bite Toothpaste Bits with Activated Charcoal | no | Eco-friendly SLS free Vegan | $$$ |
| Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste | nano-hydroxyapatite | SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Burt’s Bees Clean and Fresh Fluoride Toothpaste | fluoride | SLS free | $$ |
| Burt’s Bees Purely White Fluoride Free | no | SLS free | $$ |
| Davids Toothpaste | no | Eco-friendly SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Lush Toothy Tabs | no | Eco-friendly Non-mint available SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Twice Toothpaste | fluoride | SLS free Vegan Whitening | $$ |
| Kiss My Face Fluoride Free Toothpaste | no | SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Kiss My Face Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste | no | SLS free Vegan Whitening | $$ |
| Kiss My Face Enamel Xtra Cool Mint Gel With Fluoride | fluoride | SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Kiss My Face Whitening Cool Mint Gel With Fluoride | fluoride | SLS free Vegan Whitening | $$ |
| Native Toothpaste Whitening with fluoride | fluoride | SLS free Whitening | $$ |
| Native Toothpaste Whitening without fluoride | no | SLS free Whitening | $$ |
| Native Toothpaste Detoxifying with charcoal | fluoride | SLS free Whitening | $$ |
| AloeSense | fluoride | Sensitivity SLS free | $$ |
| The Natural Dentist Healthy Teeth & Gums Whitening Plus Toothpaste | Fluoride (fluoride free available) | Gum disease SLS free Whitening | $$ |
| Saint Oral Care Natural Mineral Toothpaste | no | Organic SLS free Vegan | $$ |
| Hylodent Toothpaste | none | Gum disease Organic SLS free Vegan | $$$ |
| Hylodent Gum Disease | none | Gum disease Organic SLS free Vegan | $$$ |
| Simply Silver Toothpaste | none | Non-mint available Sensitivity SLS free | $$ |
| Dr Sheffield’s Natural Toothpaste | none | Non-mint available SLS free | $$ |
| Dr Sheffield’s Natural Sensitive Care Toothpaste | none | Sensitivity SLS free | $$ |
| Blisque Organic Toothpaste | none | Organic Toothpaste SLS free Vegan |
FAQ
What is meant by naturally sourced?
Ingredients that are minimally processed or altered after being sourced from nature. They may have some processing, but the final product is still very similar to the original ingredient. This might include essential oils for example.
What is meant by naturally derived?
Naturally derived ingredients are not made artificially, but they have undergone quite extensive changes from the original ingredient. This may be to make the ingredient safer or more useful. An example of this could be xylitol derived from birch trees.
What is a vegan toothpaste?
The Vegan Society explains “vegans avoid exploiting animals for any purpose”. Vegan products will avoid animal product, by-product or derivative. They also avoid products tested on animals. Vegan toothpastes can be recognised by the presence of the Vegan Society trademark (although not all vegan products will have this).
What is the difference between a vegan toothpaste and a cruelty free toothpaste?
A cruelty free toothpaste should not have been tested on animals. And if they are “Leaping Bunny” certified there will have been no animal testing at any point during process. This does not necessarily mean that the product does not contain animal derived products.
Should I be avoiding SLS?
Not necessarily. There are some people who may find some relief of ulcers when switching to an SLS free toothpaste, but most people would not know the difference whether their paste contains SLS or not (apart from the amount of foaming).
Why do your Best 5 all contain fluoride?
Fluoride is a well-known and well-tested ingredient, proven to help protect teeth against cavities. As such, most recommended toothpastes will contain fluoride.
