Finding a natural, cruelty-free, and vegan toothpaste can be challenging.
From sidestepping preservatives and harsh chemicals to avoiding brands that test on animals, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a paste that not only fits within your budget but also reflects your beliefs and lifestyle.
That’s where we step in!
We’ve carefully combed through dozens of top of the line toothpastes to uncover the most trusted vegan and cruelty-free brands.
In this guide, you’ll find an extensive list of pros and cons for each product to help you prepare for your next oral hygiene makeover.
You’ll also find a brief, compiled list of top picks that you can refer to if you’re pressed for time.
Whether you’re looking for something to brighten your smile, or want to fight pesky plaque, there’s something on this list for every animal-loving soul out there!
Quick NavigationList of Vegan Toothpaste Brands1. Jason Natural Sea Fresh Toothpaste2. Dr Bronner’s Peppermint All-One Toothpaste3. Nature’s Gate Natural Toothpaste4. Hello Toothpaste5. Himalaya Complete Care Toothpaste6. Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste7. Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care Toothpaste8. Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Natural Toothpaste9. Davids Premium Natural ToothpasteIngredients to Look for When Buying a Vegan ToothpasteIngredients to Avoid When Contemplating Your Vegan Toothpaste PurchaseAnimal-Derived Ingredients Commonly Found In ToothpasteOther Toxic & Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found In ToothpasteConclusion
List of Vegan Toothpaste Brands
1. Jason Natural Sea Fresh Toothpaste
From taste to texture, Jason has their toothpaste down to a science.
Bamboo Powder, Calcium Carbonate, and Silica blend together to brighten your smile and restrict tartar build-up.
This toothpaste features calcium-rich Blue Green Algae to strengthen your pearly whites, while keeping your breath fresh with potent parsley and spearmint extracts.
This product is proof you don’t need harsh abrasives or irritating chemicals to maintain a stunning smile.
The Jason brand is known for its gentle, effective, and therapeutic ingredients.
The company is committed to zero animal testing and constantly solving problems in a natural and environmentally friendly way.
Even the company’s name, meaning healer in Greek, exudes confidence their passion-based products.
What We Like
- Jason talks the talk and walks the walk – the 100% vegetarian ingredients actually rock!
- Great minty taste and smooth texture
- Whitens teeth with consistent use
- Kosher certified, Fluoride Free, Gluten Free, Petrolatum and paraben free
- No preservatives, artificial colors and sweeteners, saccharin, propylene glycol, Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfates
What We Don’t Like
- Contains Carrageenan
Also available at Thrive Market
2. Dr Bronner's Peppermint All-One Toothpaste
This fluoride and cruelty-free toothpaste is made carefully and comprises of clean and uplifting ingredients, 70% of which are, in fact, organic.
Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Organic Stevia, and Organic Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil soothe and stimulate the mouth, teeth, tongue, and gums.
Bronner’s aloe juice is derived from Aloe Barbadensis leaves containing over 200 nutritional substances including 20 minerals, 20 amino acids, 12 vitamins, and active enzymes.
Due to it’s rich anti-inflammatory properties, it has been used medicinally for thousands of years (no wonder it’s the second ingredient listed in on the package!)
It’s simple, yet effective formula is free of artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, or flavors, and contains no synthetic detergent foaming agents.
Everything from the 100% recyclable packing to peppermint taste reflects Bronner’s mission to “treating the earth like home”.
This natural, refreshing, and deep-cleaning toothpaste is a true reflection of the company’s commitment to organic and fair-trade sourcing.
What We Like
- Leaves mouth feeling clean and refreshed
- Natural mint taste that is not overpowering
- Fluoride-free & No Carrageenan or SLS!
- USDA National Organic Program certified
- No GMOs, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, sweeteners or synthetic detergent foaming agents
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report that the toothpaste dissolves too fast to clean their teeth
- A bit on the pricier side
- Contains Carrageenan
Also available at Thrive Market
3. Nature's Gate Natural Toothpaste
This toothpaste is a great option for anyone shopping on a budget.
Although the price is low, the quality is not.
Nature’s Gate prides themselves in honesty and integrity, and this product is no exception.
While aloe and ginger soothe irritation, antioxidant-rich pomegranate, grapeseed, white tea, and cranberry promote overall oral health.
This toothpaste is a safe, effective, and natural solution for those seeking a new vegan product to add to their holistic beauty regimen.
It’s made in the USA and is never tested on animals!
Nature’s Gate also goes the extra mile to ensure they are maintaining a “greenfluential” effect.
By using packing made from post-consumer recyclable material, energy efficient lighting facilities, and partnering with charitable organizations like Water Aid, they continuously give back to the community.
What We Like
- Cleans well
- Tastes great – very kid-friendly
- Good texture and foams nicely
- Support Clean Water For All
- Non GMO & Fluoride Free
- No parabens or sulfates, artificial colors, artificial flavors or sweeteners, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate
- Package printed with soy ink
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains Carrageenan
- Contains Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
- Some users have indicated the product doesn’t leave their mouth
Also available at Thrive Market
4. Hello Toothpaste
This product is all about simple, natural, and quality ingredients.
While the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Stevia aid in preventing cavities and tooth decay, Xylitol works to repair any damage to enamel on the teeth.
Free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and dyes, Hello’s toothpaste gently whitens teeth and freshens breath.
Hello’s high standards and friendly presentation of their products is almost irresistible.
The company’s honest and straightforward mission to make the world a friendlier place is explicated in their attention to detail in how and why they make their products.
Part of their mission statement reads, “You shouldn’t have to choose between what is good for you and what you love.”
It only makes sense that Hello is a member of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program, Leaping Bunny certified, and is committed to producing vegan oral hygiene products.
What We Like
- Noticeably less plaque build-up and whiter teeth after short-term use
- The company’s friendly, cheeky tone and kick-ass mission
- Simple, natural, vegan, and affordable
- Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free
- American Dental Association Approved
- No preservatives, parabens, dyes, or artificial sweeteners
- Hello’s toothpaste boxes are made from 100% recyclable paper, printed with soy based ink, sourced from sustainable resources, and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
What We Didn’t Like
- If you’re not a fluoride fan, this toothpaste in not for you
- Leave mouth with natural feeling, but not minty-fresh
- Does not produce foamy texture
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5. Himalaya Complete Care Toothpaste
This toothpaste is carefully crafted using high quality, Ayurvedic ingredients that will help fight plaque, freshen your breath, and make your smile sparkle.
This toothpaste fuses neem leaf extract, which is known to prevent and heal gum disease, with triphala’s antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, to promote a clean and healthy mouth.
The addition of the astringent pomegranate fruit extract helps support healthy-looking gums by tightening and cleansing tissues.
Family owned since 1930, Himalaya has made big community outreach efforts, such as their support of Vitamin Angels, a worldwide non-profit organization, which helps to save the lives and eyesight of nutrient deficient children.
The company’s beliefs revolve around community health, sustainable farming, and environmental responsibility.
Himalaya not only “talks the talk”, but “walks the walk” by working with tree-planting organizations like Trees for the Future, Arbor Day Foundation, and American Forests.
Over the past few years, the company has donated to the planting of over 200,000 trees!
What We Like
- High-quality Ayurvedic properties and ingredients
- Company’s commitment to environmental outreach
- Flavor combination is a refreshing change from the classic mint toothpaste
- Fluoride and Gluten-Free
- SLS and Carrageenan-Free
What We Didn’t Like
- The presence of natural cinnamon could cause the paste to darken over time.
- Not PETA or Leaping Bunny certified
6. Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste
Winner of 2012’s Better Nutrition Best of Beauty Awards, Desert Essence combines neem, Eco-Harvest® Tea tree oil, and baking soda to create a dental hygiene masterpiece.
Neem, an ayurvedic extract, has been used to prevent and treat gum disease and cavities for decades.
It’s antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties keep both teeth and gums looking and feeling healthy.
Flavored with wintergreen pure essential oil for maximum freshness, this vegan toothpaste is fluoride and gluten free!
Apart from Desert Essence’s loyalty to using quality and cruelty-free ingredients, the company pays special attention to the sustainability of each product.
DE’s vision revolves around quality, health, and thoughtfulness.
They practice what they preach by using biodegradable formulas, recyclable packing, and partnering with organizations like Renewable Choice.
What We Like
- Actually gets rid of bad breath
- Leaves you with super clean feeling, teeth feel like I just left the dentist office!
- Noticeably healthier gums after consistent use
- Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free
- SLS, Fluoride and Gluten-Free
- No Parabens, Sweeteners, Artificial Fragrances or Dyes
- Free of PEGS, PPG, MEA, DEA or TEA
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains Sodium Coco-Sulfate which has been linked to cancer
- Contains Carrageenan (also linked to cancer)
- Taste might not be appealing to those used to “normal” mint toothpastes
Also available at Thrive Market
7. Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care Toothpaste
This paste is a powerhouse for preventing cavities and tooth decay, promoting healthy teeth and gums, and freshening breath.
Sharp’s green tea and fresh mint formula not only smells and tastes great, but is loaded with oral health benefits.
The antioxidant-rich Green Tea Leaf extract has been proven to eliminate microbes that cause bad breath and slow the progression of oral cancer.
Xylitol shields teeth from tooth decay and cavities by preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth.
Although this paste comes in a smaller tube than most, it has lasting and significant effects. A pea-sized drop is all that’s needed per brush!
What We Like
- Super concentrated formula so not much paste is needed per use
- Great taste!
- PETA certified cruelty-free
- No colors added
- Fluoride Free & Gluten Free
- No alcohol, parabens, or SLS
- Non-GMO
- Manufactured in the USA
- BPA-Free and recyclable packaging
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users have reported weak and messy packaging
- Contains Carrageenan
8. Tom's of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Natural Toothpaste
Say goodbye to coffee stains and plaque build-up!
Natural ingredients like xylitol fight tartar and prevent cavities while the fresh taste and fluoride-free formula make brushing fun again. Tom’s is dedicated to high standards.
They do not test on animals and use ingredients that are sourced and derived from nature.
The company’s partnership with Terracycle, a recycling, and upcycling pioneer, strives to put less waste in landfills.
Tom’s thoughtfulness toward the well-being of animals, the community, and the planet is inspiring, to say the least.
However, since being bought out by the maker’s of Colgate toothpaste, their devout attention to high-quality ingredients has slightly decreased.
What We Like
- Great smell, taste, and consistency
- Long-lasting clean feeling
- Tom’s sustainability practices
- PETA Cruelty-Free
- Fluoride Free
- No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Fragrances,
What We Didn’t Like
- Newer versions of this product now contain sorbitol, hydrated silica, sodium lauryl sulfate, and carrageenan
- Some users report weak whitening effects (if any at all)
Also available at Thrive Market
9. Davids Premium Natural Toothpaste
Davids was founded with a vision for creating high quality, natural toothpaste with a commitment to sustainability.
This product explicates the company’s commitment to the sustainability of your health by eliminating harmful toxins like sulfates, artificial flavors and fragrances from their formula.
This premium, natural toothpaste safely and effectively whitens teeth, fights plaque, and freshens breath.
Davids commits to sustainability of nature by being Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free and packaging their products with recyclable and environmentally conscious materials.
The company prides themselves on supporting American jobs by producing their products and sourcing 98% of their ingredients in the USA.
What We Like
- High quality ingredients sourced from the USA
- Commitment to environmentally conscious and recyclable packaging
- Leaves mouth feeling fresh and clean without dryness
- Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free
- 98% USA Origin Ingredients (2% Japan) to Support American Jobs!
- No Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners, Colors, or Preservatives
- 100% USA Farmed Natural Mint Oil Flavoring
- Fluoride and Sulfate Free – (No SLS)
- Recyclable Metal Tube
- FSC Certified Paperboard Packaging
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains Carrageenan and Hydrated Silica
- Between the cost of the product and the cost of shipping, it’s on the pricier side of pastes
Ingredients to Look for When Buying a Vegan Toothpaste
The following ingredients are all-stars when it comes to enhancing your smile and keeping your mouth squeaky clean. When searching for a vegan toothpaste, these ingredients are game- changers…
Neem Leaf Extract
- Prevents and heals gum disease
- Prevents cavities,
- Eliminates bacteria that cause cavities and inflammation of the gums
Xylitol
- Stops bacteria from sticking to the teeth
- Repairs damage to enamel on the teeth
- Shields teeth from tooth decay and cavities
- More info on Xylitol
Baking Soda
- Removes plaque deposits from teeth
- Polishes teeth and gives them a whiter appearance
- Fights bad breath
- More info on Baking Soda
Stevia
- Possesses anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-glycemic, and antihypertensive properties
- Prevents gingivitis, tooth decay, and cavities
- more info on Stevia
Ingredients to Avoid When Contemplating Your Vegan Toothpaste Purchase
There are a few ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of when closely debating your vegan toothpaste purchase.
Below we’ve listed the most common animal ingredients, as well as harmful and toxic ingredients that are found in the majority of non-vegan toothpaste.
Animal-Derived Ingredients Commonly Found In Toothpaste
Glycerin
An organic compound known more formally as glycerol; commonly sourced from animal fat and vegetable oil
- Suspected to demineralize teeth
*This is a tricky one because it can be derived from plant or animal by-products, but there’s no easy way of knowing unless you write to the company.
Bee Pollen
Microsporic grains in seed plants gathered by bees then collected from the legs of bees
- Widely known as a common allergen
Propolis
Tree sap gathered by bees and used as a sealant in beehives (more info on Propolis)
- Also known as a common allergen
Bone Meal
Produced from defatted, dried animal bones that are ground to a fine powder
- Contains high amounts of lead and potentially elevated levels of mercury
Other Toxic & Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found In Toothpaste
Here are some of the most dangerous ingredients you’ll come across and should try to avoid…
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Foaming agent used to give the impression that the toothpaste is “working.”
- Has been found to be corrosive and harmful to skin tissue
- Potentially carcinogenic when combined with other common chemicals
- Linked to skin irritation and painful canker sores
Carrageenan
A thickener commonly found in foods, non-dairy milk alternatives, and toothpaste (more info on Carrageenan)
- Linked to intestinal inflammation and cancer
- Destructive to digestive system
Triclosan
A pesticide found in many types of toothpaste
- Linked to concerns over antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption
- May promote breast cancer progression
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Another foam-producing compound found in toothpaste
- Disrupts hormones
- Possible human carcinogen
*The Environmental Working Group (EWG) ranks DEA as a number 10 in its cosmetics database (the most toxic score) due to high concerns of organ system toxicity, contamination concerns, and irritation, along with moderate cancer risk.
Conclusion
There are so many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right toothpaste.
Although it can seem overwhelming, it’s important to come back to your core beliefs and values.
Instead of letting analysis paralysis take over your oral hygiene shopping spree, decide what is really important to you and look for brands and products that reflect your mission.
And now that you have your vegan toothpaste in hand, you should pair that with a vegan-friendly floss. Be sure to check out that article and happy shopping!
I’ll have to give some of these a go!
I believe Hello now has a flouride free toothpaste, would love to know how that fits in your list, with that information 🙂
Hello Estefany – We like the Hello brand as a vegan toothpaste option. If they now have a fluoride-free option, we would support that!
Why isn’t Himalaya certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny?
fluoride has to be tested by law. hello says it contains fluoride?