5 Best Zero-Waste Toothpaste You Can Try

If you’re on the hunt for zero-waste toothpaste, your search is over!

As a dentist and a person who tries to live as sustainably as possible, I’m always trying to find new products for oral care that reduce waste to a minimum.

These five toothpaste brands that I reviewed below proved to be real gems, so I wanted to share them with all of you. 

READ MORE: Zero Waste Beauty Products: 10 Tips to Green Your Routine

Best Zero-Waste Toothpaste Top Picks at a Glance

If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

• Davids– WINNER
• Butter Me Up Organics– Best Glass Jar Packaging
• Well Earth Goods– Best Toothpaste Tablets
• WELdental– Best Range Of Products
• ByRobin Creations– Best Taste

Check this comparison table for a quick guide. Read the review for further details.

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Top 5 Best Zero-Waste Toothpaste Brands

1. Davids– WINNER

Davids is a fantastic brand that is an absolute winner when it comes to sustainability.

Founded in 2011 by Eric David Buss, their main goal was to eliminate the harmful ingredients in conventional toothpaste while also reducing the waste to a minimum.

From all the research that I did, it looks like they’re doing great at following their principles and making the earth a better place.

Features

When I read that the brand sources 98% of its ingredients locally to reduce carbon emissions, I instantly knew that I wanted to support it.

So, if you’re on the search for plastic-free toothpaste that leaves your mouth fresh and doesn’t pollute the environment, you’re at the right spot.

Another reason why this company sources locally is to produce more work spots for Americans.

Next, you won’t find any ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, and gluten-free. The peppermint oil flavoring comes from a premium mint oil that is also made in the US.

The brand offers toothpastes with various flavors. You can find their products in regular-size packaging and a smeller travel-sized packaging.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The brand uses sustainable packaging that is recycled and recyclable to reduce waste	It’s a little thick
Their products are cruelty-free and vegan, which means they don’t test on animals	Just a smidge pricey for toothpaste (worth it, though)
The baking soda in the toothpaste has a whitening effect
Davids Natural Toothpaste is an affordable product that won’t break your budget

Benefits

• The brand uses sustainable packaging that is recycled and recyclable to reduce waste

There is nothing better than creating packaging that won’t take tens and hundreds of years to decompose. No more plastic toothpaste tubes!

This aluminum packaging is lined with a Food Grade Non-BPA liner that keeps the product away from the metal and keeps it fresh.

• Their products are cruelty-free and vegan, which means they don’t test on animals

Davids’ products are based on natural ingredients and don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.

The brand doesn’t approve of animal testing; when I saw that, I instantly knew that I would buy more of their products.

• The baking soda in the toothpaste has a whitening effect

Although using baking soda at home regularly is not smart, having it formulated in a tested and approved product can have benefits.

Baking soda has a whitening effect, and this toothpaste did whiten my coffee-stained teeth a little. The difference is not significant, but it’s good enough for me to notice it.

• Davids Natural Toothpaste is an affordable product that won’t break your budget

This is the cheapest product on the list that lasted me quite a while. 

Drawbacks

• It’s a little thick

The consistency of this eco-friendly toothpaste is a little thicker. I was caught by surprise the first time I used it, but it doesn’t make the experience any different or the paste less effective.

Our Favorite Product

As a Doctor of Dental Medicine and a person who’s been trying to live a cleaner, more sustainable life, I couldn’t wait to try Davids Premium Natural Toothpaste.

My favorite is the peppermint flavor, which uses US-sourced peppermint oil.

Did you know that it took David four years to create the perfect toothpaste?

During those four years, he incorporated ingredients such as calcium carbonate (removes plaque to prevent tooth decay), vegetable glycerin (non-GMO vegetable glycerin to boost the mint flavor), hydrated silica (removes teeth stains), and more.

How it Compares to Others and Why

‘Each year about 1.5 Billion toothpaste tubes end up in US landfills, and we wanted to do better.’

And, they did. The time of plastic tubes is over; it’s time to turn to more sustainable alternatives such as Davids’ metal tube.

This is the only tube product on the list and is perfect for everyone old-fashioned who likes this type of packaging. 

Another fact that I appreciate a lot is that this company has FSC certified paperboard packaging.

If you’re not familiar with the term, it means that their packaging is made from forests that are protected by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Expert Tips

• Switching from conventional to recyclable metal tubes of toothpaste actually improved my user experience. When my friend first told me that this product comes with a metal key that you should use to roll up the tube, I was so excited. And, I have to admit that the key reduces the waste to a minimum because you can squeeze even the last drop of toothpaste with it.
• There are no special rules for using this product; just apply it to your brush, and you’re ready to go.

Also check: Best Zero Waste Shampoo and Conditioners

2. Butter Me Up Organics– Best Glass Jar Packaging

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‘Finally, one day after spending $25 on a body butter, I thought to myself, ‘I can make this’…and Butter Me Up Organics was created.’

Butter Me Up Organics is a slightly younger company than Davids and was founded in 2008.

The owner, Jillian, spent over three years exploring ingredients, trying to create the best natural products. Besides oral care, her brand also produces body, bath, baby, face, hair, home products.  

Although people tried to convince her to stick to plastic packaging, Jillian managed to believe in her zero-waste goal and pack her goodies in glass, paper, or tin.

For example, her brand’s toothpaste come in cute jars with metal lids I now use to store my hair ties.

The level of her commitment to sustainability shows through the fact that she even uses sustainable printers, ink, packaging, paper, and more.

Features

The brand has two toothpaste options you can choose from.

There is a whitening toothpaste and an activated charcoal one that is by far my favorite. The third oral care product is their remineralizing powder.

All of their ingredients are organic, natural, non-GMO.

Jillian’s motto is not to put anything on your body that you wouldn’t put inside your body. So, she carefully selected everything that goes into each product.

Although the oral care products of the brand are vegan and cruelty-free, their entire range is not vegan.

My main priority is to get products that were not tested on animals, so I don’t really mind that they’re not 100% vegan.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The toothpastes come in recyclable glass packaging	The one drawback you need to keep in mind is to properly store the Organic Activated Charcoal Whitening paste in a cool spot because the coconut oil can melt
The ingredient list includes coconut oil that has anti-bacterial properties	Not many reviews on Amazon, which turns some people off.
The oral care products by Butter Me Up are vegan, cruelty-free non-GMO and fluoride-free

Our Favorite Product

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The Organic Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste by Butter Me Up Organics is one of the best zero-waste toothpaste options if you love glass jar packaging.

The product is black because of the activated charcoal and comes with a wooden applicator.

Now let me get into detail about why this product is so good. First of all, it’s handmade and can last up to three months.

I like to switch up products often, so three months is just enough for me to use it without the toothpaste going bad.

Secondly, it’s based on a blend of natural ingredients. Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties and can reduce the growth of bacteria that cause decay.

The sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) helps remineralize the teeth, remove the plaque and whiten the teeth. Don’t be surprised when the toothpaste tastes salty; it’s because of the baking soda.

How it Compares to Others and Why

This is a unique toothpaste with activated charcoal that doesn’t compare to the other products on the list.

It has a whitening effect, just like the WELdental tablets that we’ll discuss below, but they have a different ingredient list.

Expert Tips

• To use the paste, get a damp brush or a wooden applicator and add the paste to it. Start brushing your teeth like you would any other day. The first thing you’ll see in the mirror will be scary, especially if you’ve never used a black paste. But, after washing your mouth, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

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Also check: Best Zero Waste Makeup Brands

3. Well Earth Goods– Best Toothpaste Tablets

Every brand has a story, but this one is probably the cutest for today. Jocelynn and Lee are parents of three little cuties.

On their search for a more sustainable lifestyle, the two dedicated parents decided to start a company that today produces my favorite zero-waste toothpaste tablets.

Today, the brand offers a wide variety of products, including personal care, laundry, feminine care, and more. Aside from the tablets I mentioned, they also have bamboo toothbrushes and silk floss.

Features

Each year, around 400 million toothpaste tubes are thrown each year in the US. Globally, this number adds up to about 1.5 billion.

This was one reason why Well Earth Goods decided to opt for compostable packaging for their products.

The Unipaste tablets come in a compostable bag that is made of non-GMO corn starch. If you’re planning on getting rid of plastic from your home, this is a great way to start.

Well Earth Goods is a BDIH Certified company, which means that it belongs to an Association of Kind German Industries and Trading Firms.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The packaging of the toothpaste tablets is small and convenient for traveling	The packaging is sustainable but not practical
Well Earth Goods offers the entire sustainable and zero-waste package thanks to their compostable packaging	Currently only selling through their own website. They used to sell on Etsy, too.
The natural ingredients will leave your mouth feeling fresh, get rid of the plaque, and do a great job keeping your teeth healthy
This is a German company that follows European production laws, and in general, European rules are much stricter than American laws.

Our Favorite Product

The Unpaste Zero Waste Toothpaste Tablets are my favorite Well Earth Goods product. I was gifted these tooth tabs, and the second I tried them, I knew I was going to purchase more.

My tablets are fluoride-free, but the brand also produces the same tabs but with fluoride.

This clean product doesn’t contain preservatives, synthetic fragrances, dyes, silicones, paraffin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; it’s gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.

The packaging contains 125 tablets, which are enough for two months for a single person.

When it comes to the ingredients, the tablets are made with baking soda (removes plaque, whitens teeth), microfine cellulose (polishes the teeth, especially in the interdental spaces), silica (removes soft plaque), mint aroma (against bad breath), and more.

How it Compares to Others and Why

These tablets are quite affordable considering that the packaging includes 120 pieces and is enough for two months. It has a unique packaging none of the other products on the list have. 

Expert Tips

• These tabs are so easy to use! If you’re tired of conventional tube packaging and want to try something new, this is your chance. All you need to do is bite on the tablet, add a little water and start brushing.
• You can also use a wet brush that will turn the tablet into fine powder.

4. WELdental– Best Range Of Products

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The WELdental brand is a recognizable brand when it comes to oral hygiene products.

Their range is quite extensive, plus the company has a separate line of zero-waste tablets including whitening, tablets for sensitive teeth, flosser tablets, breath mints, enamel repair, and more.

This zero-waste line is cruelty-free and based on natural ingredients.

Features

Different tablets from the brand have a different purpose. Some will whiten your teeth, others will strengthen the enamel, or some will promote a nice-smelling breath.

Since this is a zero-waste line, their packaging is recyclable. You can use the jar over and over again, and if you don’t refill it with the tablets, you can store things in it.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The packaging is a recyclable glass jar with a metal lid	This is an expensive product for the number of tablets that you get
The brand’s tablets have a refreshing smell that is not harsh	Some complaints about “crumbly” texture.
The brand offers refills for all their tablets that come in BPI-Certified compostable bags

Our Favorite Product

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The Chewtab Gentle Whitening Toothpaste Tablets come in a glass bottle with 60 tablets in it.

That should be enough for one month. I love when brands offer refills, so whenever I like a product, I tend to stick to it and order a refill.

These tablets are formulated without fluoride, SLS, and are non-GMO.

Some of the most notable ingredients are baking soda (removing plaque and whitening), xylitol (protects teeth from damage), natural peppermint flavor, stevia.

How it Compares to Others and Why

The Chewtab Gentle Whitening Toothpaste Tablets are similar to the Well Earth Good ones; the major difference is that this product comes in glass packaging and is meant for teeth whitening.

Another huge difference is that these tablets will last you one month, while Well Earth Good tablets last two months.

Expert Tips

• Get these tablets, drink a sip of water and start brushing. The smell is pleasant; it’s not intense or irritating at all.

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5. ByRobin Creations– Best Taste

Robin Goddard is the founder of ByRobin Creations, a best-selling Etsy store for homemade products.

It all started with a vegan lip balm that she made for herself, and her friends got obsessed with it. Since then, Robin has focused on creating more and more products to expand her cruelty-free range.

ByRobin has two sustainable products for oral care. The first one is the Vegan Remineralizing Toothpaste, while the second one is the Vegan Kid’s Remineralizing Toothpaste.

Features

If you ever purchase the ByRobin Creations pastes, you’ll love their taste! I usually hate how any toothpaste tastes, whether conventional, vegan, or cruelty-free, but that wasn’t the case with this one.

The glass jar packaging with a metal lid is so easy to repurpose. Since I really liked the paste, I purchased a refill and used the jar all over again.

Benefits	Drawbacks
The brand’s pastes taste good and are great for both kids and adults	ByRobin Creations have the most expensive zero-waste oral care products
There is an option to refill your packaging	Some may find the color a little off-putting.
The oral hygiene pastes by the brand come in a recyclable glass jar
All the ingredients are natural and safe for you
The products are handmade and homemade

Our Favorite Product

The Vegan Remineralizing Toothpaste comes in three flavors: Fresh Peppermint, Cool Wintergreen, or Spicy Cinnamon.

The original packaging is 4 oz, but you can get refills for 4 oz and 8 oz. If you are really committed to zero-waste, you will be more than happy with the glass jar and the refillable option.

The calcium carbonate in the paste will remove the plaque from your teeth and keep them strong. This product also contains coconut oil, which has anti-bacterial properties.

The essential oils that are a part of the product, such as tea tree (anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial), clove (reduces pain, keeps the breath fresh), peppermint (fresh breath and healthy gums), provide the gorgeous smell.

How it Compares to Others and Why

The texture and smell of this paste are unique and don’t compare to the Butter Me Up Organics paste.

That one is based on active charcoal, while this one includes calcium carbonate, xylitol powder, coconut oil, a blend of other essential oils (tea tree, clove, wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon).

Expert Tips

• To use the Vegan Remineralizing Toothpaste, you need a wet toothbrush. Just get a pea-sized amount of paste on your brush and start brushing.
• The great thing is that you don’t have to rinse your mouth if you don’t want to because the ingredient list is made of natural ingredients that can’t cause you harm.

Zero-Waste Toothpaste FAQs

Our Final Recommendation

References:

• “Colgate Debuts World’s First Recyclable Toothpaste Tube Thanks to as You Sow Engagement.†n.d. As You Sow. Accessed June 8, 2021. https://www.asyousow.org/blog/2019/12/9/colgate-recyclable-plastic-toothpaste-tube#:~:text=An%20estimated%20400%20million%20toothpaste.
• “Fluoride: Topical and Systemic Supplements.†2019. Ada.org. 2019. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements.
• “Toothpaste Tablets: A New Way to Brush Your Teeth.†2019. HowStuffWorks. March 29, 2019. https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/toothpaste-tablets-new-way-to-brush-teeth.htm.

Which one is your favorite zero waste toothpaste? Share with us!