Transforming your household into a Zero Waste, or at least less-waste one is a gradual process, but you can certainly get yourself well on the way by focusing on the small everyday items.
Bathrooms are notorious for harboring plastic waste, and a prime example of this is your toothpaste.
Conventional toothpaste tubes are virtually impossible to recycle as they’re made from blended plastics and often have leftover toothpaste remaining inside them. This means most plastic toothpaste tubes end up sitting in landfills, where they can remain for up to 700 years!
Did you know that 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes end up in landfills around the globe each year? It’s a sobering statistic.
So, if you’ve swapped your plastic toothbrush for a more eco-friendly one, why not take things to the next level and swap your regular toothpaste for a zero waste one?
There are plenty to choose from, so I’ve compiled a list of my favorite zero waste toothpaste brands on the market to help you decide.
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Different Types of Plastic Free Toothpaste
When you first discover the world of earth-friendly toothpaste, you may be a bit confused about the different varieties available. It’s no longer just white paste in plastic tubes, there are tablets, powders and charcoal-infused creations too!
Zero Waste Toothpaste Tablets.
This version of waste-free toothpaste is basically a compressed powder in tablet form. To use it, simply pop a tablet into your mouth and chew a few times until it turns into a paste-like consistency. Then brush as normal.
Eco-friendly toothpaste tablets are a great choice when traveling as there’s no liquid involved, and they’re light too. Just pop however many pills you’re going to need for your trip into a cotton pouch & away you go!
Our top pick of toothpaste tablets – Etee Chewpaste
Zero Waste Tooth Powder.
Like tablets, tooth powder is a dried version of toothpaste, that typically comes in a glass jar.
To use, wet your toothbrush and either dip it in the powder or use a little scoop to sprinkle some powder on your toothbrush. Then brush as normal, and the powder will combine with your saliva to create a ‘paste’. Again, this can be a great liquid-free option for travelling, but it can be a little messier than tablets.
Our top pick of toothpaste powder – The Dirt Mineral Tooth Powder
Eco-Friendly Toothpaste in a Jar.
This is the zero-waste toothpaste option that’s most like what you’re used to with traditional toothpaste brands, except in jar form. To use, wet your toothbrush and dip it into the paste, or use a little scoop to pop some on your toothbrush. Then brush as normal.
Our top pick of toothpaste in a jar – Butter Me Up Organics Charcoal Toothpaste
Toothpaste in an eco-friendly tube.
When tablets, powders and pastes in a jar just seem like a step too far, choosing an environmentally friendly toothpaste in a recyclable tube is your next best bet. Your choices here are more limited, but they do exist.
Recycling can also be a challenge, but the brands we’ve featured here either have recycling programs, or are suitable for recycling at home.
Our top pick of eco toothpaste in a tube – David’s Spearmint Toothpaste
What else makes zero waste toothbrush brands different?
Apart from sustainable toothpaste packaging, there are several other factors that make no waste toothpaste a little different to regular toothpaste. I’ve listed a few common ones below:
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free. No animals were harmed in the making of these products.
- No preservatives, sulfates or parabens. You can feel good about what you’re putting in your mouth.
- Optional fluoride. While most traditional toothpastes contain fluoride, the choice is yours when buying natural toothpaste. We’ve included options for both fluoride and fluoride-free toothpastes below.
14 Best Zero Waste Toothpaste Brands
Now we know a little about the different types of eco-friendly toothpaste on the market, let’s have a look at our top picks when it comes to giving you that winning smile!
Best for Whitening – Organic Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
This plastic-free toothpaste from Butter Me Up Organics comes in a glass jar with a metal lid and is made from only organic, natural ingredients.
The activated charcoal makes the paste black, which may look a little odd, but this wonder ingredient helps to remineralize and whiten your teeth naturally while also detoxifying your mouth and gums.
The added peppermint oil also helps to freshen breath for a dentist-clean feel.
This formula is completely natural and safe, containing no GMO ingredients, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, synthetic dyes or fragrances.
It’s also cruelty-free, and this zero waste company goes the extra mile by printing its labels on recycled paper and using eco-friendly, soy-based inks.
Why we love it
- Glass jar with recycled paper labels and eco-friendly ink
- Activated charcoal whitens and remineralizes
- Immediate whitening results
- Peppermint oil freshens breath
- All-natural and completely safe formula
Best for Ongoing Oral Care – Minty Vanilla Chewpaste
Plastic-free brand Etee makes its own toothpaste tabs that are packaged in a reusable glass jar.
You can buy one jar, which contains a month’s supply (64 tablets), 3-month supply (192 tablets), or sign up to their subscription service to get new bottles shipped to you as often as you’d like!
Another great thing about Etee’s offering is that they have both zero waste fluoride toothpaste tablets and fluoride-free options available. So you can choose the one that suits you best.
These sustainable toothpaste tablets contain Canadian Glacial Clay which works as an antibacterial agent, can whiten and polish teeth, while also being safe for sensitive teeth.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and loaded with mouth-friendly ingredients, this ‘chewpaste’ also has a great minty vanilla flavoring that keeps breath fresh.
Why we love it
- Neutralizes and remineralizes
- Kaolin clay is gentle on sensitive teeth while still whitening and polishing
- Detoxifying, anti-bacterial ingredients
- Handy tablet form which is convenient and mess-free
- No sulfates, parabens, or harsh chemicals?
- Cruelty-free
Best for Sensitive Teeth – The Dirt Tooth Powder
This mineral toothpowder is safe for those with gluten intolerances, as well as the most sensitive teeth. Choose from three palatable flavors including Super Mint, Sweet Spice and Cinna Mint.
The reusable glass mini mason jar contains enough product for one person to brush their teeth for around 6 months, making this one of the most budget-friendly options. And because it’s safe to swallow, it’s a great option for the whole family to use – kids included!
It’s free from fluoride, parabens, and SLS. But contains a bentonite clay that’s soft for teeth, while being tough on stains! And of course, it’s vegan and cruelty-free too.
Why we love it
- A range of sizes and flavors to choose from (but you might want to avoid the medium-sized tub as it is plastic)
- A little goes a long way.
- Safe for the whole family.
- Teeth brightening.
Best Tube Toothpaste – David’s Spearmint Whitening Toothpaste
With an impressive EWG Verified score of 1 (meaning it’s as safe as possible), David’s spearmint natural toothpaste comes packaged in a recyclable aluminum tube with BPA-free, food-grade lining, and is available with an optional reusable metal tube key to ensure you can get all the toothpaste out with ease.
Unfortunately, the cap on this low waste toothpaste is still made from plastic, but the good news is that it is HDPE #2 plastic, meaning it’s easily recyclable (just check your local rules before putting it in your regular recycling bin).
The fresh and minty toothpaste resembles your usual store-bought variety, but it’s full of natural, 98% USA-origin ingredients. And it’s fluoride-free, sulfate-free, and SLS-free too.
The formula works to whiten teeth, fight plaque, and leave you with minty-fresh breath after every use. It’s also vegan and comes in a recyclable paperboard box.
Why we love it
- Highest possible EWG score of 1
- Spearmint flavored for fresh breath
- Recyclable aluminum tube and cardboard box
- 98% USA-origin ingredients and US-made
- Fights plaque and whitens teeth
- Vegan
Best Plastic-Free Fluoride Toothpaste – Minty Toothpaste Tablets With Fluoride
This eco-friendly toothpaste with fluoride is great value for money, and I love that they come in a handy storage tin that’s fully reusable and refillable.
The mint-flavored tablets are easy to use, mess-free, and clean your teeth effectively with sustainably sourced ingredients.
They’re vegan and coeliac friendly and are made from 100% natural ingredients. They’re free from binders, preservatives, and nanoparticles.
Orders are sent in a reusable, 60% recycled air-padded bubble envelope and all the packaging is biodegradable too. Plus, you can buy refills in biodegradable paper packaging.
These zero waste tooth tablets do contain fluoride, so that’s something to watch out for if you’re trying to avoid it. But a bonus if you’re looking for eco-friendly fluoride toothpaste!
Why we love it
- Convenient and easy-to-use tablet form
- They come in a handy, reusable tin
- 100% natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced
- Free from preservatives, germ-inhibiting substances, binders, aluminum, and nanoparticles
- Biodegradable packaging
- Affordable price point
Best Budget-Friendly Option – Battle Green Box Tooth Powder
This mineral-rich tooth powder from Battle Green Box is excellent value for money. The 50g jar should last 6 months (for a single person brushing twice a day).
It’s filled with teeth and gum healthy ingredients while being completely vegan, cruelty-free, and free of palm oil, parabens and SLS.
This tooth powder uses bentonite clay to gently clean teeth and promotes alkaline balance – which is particularly beneficial if you eat a lot of acidic foods.
The added sage and cinnamon are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, while the peppermint essential oil adds a lovely hint of freshness.
Purchase the glass jar for yourself, or as a great stocking filler for a friend or relative that’s new to zero waste. Once used up, you can purchase a refill biodegradable envelope.
Why we love it
- Refillable glass jar.
- Very cost-effective
- All natural ingredients.
- PETA certified to be cruelty-free and vegan
Best Flavor Options – Scent Cerae Tooth Nibs
A toothpaste that tastes so good you’ll be looking forward to your next brush? Yes, please!
These eco toothpaste nibs from Scent Cerae come in a variety of mouthwatering flavors such as pina colada, cinnamon roll, strawberry, and mint chip.
Packed full of natural ingredients, the coconut oil, mineral clays and calcium carbonate work together to clean your teeth and promote gum health.
There’s no fluoride, sulfates, artificial colors or flavors in this toothpaste, so you can feel good about what you’re putting in your mouth.
The nibs come in a convenient travel tin and you can purchase refills in compostable envelopes.
Why we love it
- Great tasting
- Zero waste and refillable packaging
- No nasty chemicals, artificial flavors or preservatives
- Vegan & Cruelty-free
Best for Beginners – Nelson Naturals Spearmint Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Nelson Naturals’ toothpaste comes in 100% plastic-free glass jar packaging, and the formula is completely natural: you won’t find SLS, glycerin, fluoride, artificial flavors, or colorants in this product. And of course, it’s vegan and cruelty-free too.
This toothpaste has an alkaline formula that helps enamel naturally absorb minerals, allowing teeth to become stronger and healthier. It also has a hint of spearmint for that fresh feeling you crave after brushing your teeth!
The creamy formula works just like traditional toothpaste, so it’s better for those who prefer that feeling over powders or tablets.
Why we love it
- Completely natural formula
- Alkaline helps enamel naturally absorb minerals
- Spearmint flavor for a minty-fresh taste
- Free of fluoride, SLS, Glycerin, artificial flavors, and colorants
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Best for Low Key Packaging – Denttabs Tablets
These teeth-cleaning tablets from Denttabs come in minimalistic packaging made from biodegradable corn starch. And with 125 tablets per package, they should last one person for around 2 months.
Those searching for a zero-waste toothpaste with fluoride will find it with these tablets, which are also free from preservatives, Xylitol, and parabens.
They’re also BDIH Certified, and each package prevents two plastic toothpaste tubes from ending up in landfills.
The tablets are small in size, perfect for travelling with, although you’ll need to find your own container to keep them in.
Why we love it
- Minimal packaging.
- Low price.
Runner up for Whitening – Lucky Teeth Charcoal Toothpaste
If you’re looking for toothpaste with a unique and delicious flavor, you’ll love this one from Lucky Teeth. It features hints of cinnamon, cloves, and mint, without being too overpowering. Even kids love it!
Using all-natural ingredients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, baking soda, and organic essential oils it gives your teeth a great clean, while not being abrasive. It also helps with gum health and teeth sensitivity.
The bentonite clay helps to scrub and polish the teeth, while the addition of coconut-activated charcoal provides helps you get that white & bright smile you’re after!
With a fluoride-free, glycerin-free, and gluten-free formula that’s also cruelty-free, you can rest assured that your toothpaste is kind to both your mouth and the planet.
Why we love it
- All natural ingredients
- Leaves mouth feeling fresher and cleaner for longer
- Charcoal whitening properties
- Fluoride-free, glycerin-free, and gluten-free
- Vegan & Cruelty-free
Best for a Foamy Paste – Crush & Brush Toothpaste Tablets
These tooth tabs from Crush & Brush are a little bigger than most on this list, and they foam well, making them an excellent choice if you’re a fan of using a big glob of toothpaste normally!
Flavored with organic spearmint and peppermint, these tablets work just as effectively (if not more so) as regular toothpaste, and they’re an excellent format for traveling with.
They come packaged in a recyclable glass jar with a metal lid, meaning they’re fully plastic-free. They’re also fluoride-free, gluten-free, and vegan for your peace of mind.
Why we love it
- Tablet form is convenient, mess-free, and great for traveling
- Leaves breath fresh and teeth feeling thoroughly cleaned
- Plastic-free, fluoride-free, gluten-free, and vegan
- Glass jar with a metal lid for easy recycling
Best for Remineralization – Georganics Mineral-Rich Toothpaste
This eco-friendly natural toothpaste has a mineral-rich formula that promotes teeth remineralization, kills bacteria, and keeps breath smelling and feeling fresh.
This UK-made toothpaste uses high-quality natural and organic ingredients to kill bacteria and keep teeth and gums healthy the natural way. It’s free of fluoride, SLS, and glycerin.
Georganics packages and ships all of its oral hygiene products in waste-free packaging and the glass container can be recycled or upcycled once you’ve finished your tablets. This toothpaste is also PETA-certified cruelty-free & vegan.
Why we love it
- Mineral-rich formula remineralizes teeth
- High-quality natural and organic ingredients
- Bacteria-killing formula means no more bad breath
- Free of fluoride, SLS, glycerin
- Waste-free packaging
- Cruelty-free
Toothpaste Brands with Recycling Programs
While the following toothpaste options may not be plastic-free, they do offer a recycling program so you can send back your empty tubes to be recycled responsibly.
This may be a good option if you have hard-to-convert family members, or you’re not quite ready to take the leap to fully waste-free toothpaste just yet.
Best for Toothpaste Gel Lovers – Radius Organic Toothpaste Gel
If you’re not keen on the idea of toothpaste tabs or a powder-to-paste formula, look no further than this Matcha Mint toothpaste gel.
This tooth gel is certified USDA organic and contains lots of healthy, enamel-enhancing ingredients, without the need for added chemicals, pesticides, or fluoride.
The gel provides a light foam that feels pleasant in the mouth and gives that tell-tale fresh feeling after use.
This cruelty-free and vegan formula pretty much ticks all the boxes for one of the best eco-friendly toothpaste brands.
While the gel comes in a plastic tube, if you send it back to EarthHero they’ll recycle it through their partnership with TerraCycle. The toothpaste is also sent to you in recycled and recyclable cardboard packaging.
Why we love it
- Gel formula lightly foams for a deep clean
- Plaque-fighting erythritol and nutrient-rich coconut water leave teeth shiny and clean
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan
- Free of chemicals, pesticides, fluorides, and parabens
- Recyclable and recycled outer packaging
Best for Kids – Radius Coconut Banana Toothpaste
Looking for the perfect eco dental toothpaste for kids? This coconut banana option from Radius not only tastes great, but it’ll also give them the gift of healthy teeth and gums.
This more traditional format toothpaste is ideal for little ones who can’t quite get on board with the toothpaste-in-a-jar concept. And as a parent, you can rest assured you’re doing your best for your kids and the planet they’ll inherit.
Free from BPAs, GMOs, Sulfates, Glutens, Fluorides, Preservatives, Colors, and Flavors, there’s no nasty stuff to worry about if your child accidentally forgets to spit it out!
The tube comes in a recyclable cardboard box and is shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging.
The only downside to this organic toothpaste is the plastic tube. But if you collect your empties and send them back to Earth Hero, they’ll take care of the recycling for you through their partnership with TerraCycle.
Why we love it
- Organic ingredients
- Kid-friendly flavor
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Free of BPAs, GMOs, Sulfates, Glutens, Fluorides, Preservatives, Colors & Flavors
Complete your Zero Waste Oral Care Routine
Choosing the best plastic free toothpaste is a great option to reduce the amount of waste produced in the bathroom. But it’s only part of the story. Remember to choose an eco-friendly toothbrush and floss to complete your zero waste brushing routine.
I’m yet to find a fully-compostable (at home) toothbrush that’s also vegan-friendly. So in the meantime, I’ve been buying bamboo brushes, and pulling out the bristles before throwing them in my compost bin.
If you prefer electric – opt for a sustainable electric toothbrush, or look into buying biodegradable heads for your existing brush.
And finally, that smile won’t sparkle without using some great zero waste floss!