13 Cruelty Free & Vegan Toothpaste Brands To Keep You Smiling
Toothpaste is one of the most regularly used body care products—so it’s super important to ensure yours is ethical.
For pearly whites with a positive impact on our planet, we picked away the plaque and came up with some of the best cruelty free toothpaste alternatives.
etee continuously makes us smile, and their vegan fluoride toothpaste and non fluoride toothpaste are no exception.
Unpaste offers tablets of cruelty free toothpaste with fluoride that keep animals and your enamel protected.
For something more like traditional toothpaste tubes (only recyclable), check out the vegan and cruelty free toothpaste by David’s Toothpaste.
We open wide and say “AHHHH” so you can take a peek inside the process of finding the best vegan toothpaste at the bottom of the article.
*This post contains affiliate links
QUICK LINKS FOR CRUELTY FREE TOOTHPASTE BRANDS
Vegan Toothpaste with Fluoride:
Vegan Toothpaste without Fluoride:
CRUELTY FREE TOOTHPASTE BRANDS WITH FLUORIDE
1. ETEE
*Note: etee’s dental products are vegan but they are not a 100% vegan company. They use palm oil in some products but are looking for more sustainable options.
etee’s Plastic Free Chewpaste
How about starting your day with a minty vanilla flavor and zero plastic?
That’s what you’ll get in the little glass jar from etee.
Chewpaste vegetarian toothpaste tablets are made from kaolin and Canadian glacial clay, baking soda, a sulfate-free foaming agent, and fluoride for extra support and keeping cavities at bay (though they also have a non-fluoridated version).
When you run out, just order a refill in a compostable pouch.
About etee
While not all etee products are vegan—they got their start with beeswax wraps, after all—everything is cruelty free.
Their dental products (including their eco friendly electric toothbrush) are vegan friendly.
They do use palm oil derivatives in their products but are actively looking for alternatives.
etee’s factory runs on renewable energy and they use plastic-free packaging. Since the brand launched, they’ve prevented over 100 million single-use plastics from being thrown away.
They’re also currently working on a program that will help them support marginalized communities.
Available: etee
2. TOM’S OF MAINE
*Note: Some Tom’s of Maine Products contain bee products however there are vegan options available. We have attempted to confirm policies directly with this brand but have not received a response
Tom’s of Maine Cruelty Free Toothpaste
Tom’s Of Maine offers a huge range of oral care products and cruelty free toothpaste for every need, think: anti-cavity, enamel strength, sensitive teeth, and whitening.
So if you have sensitive teeth and need a cruelty free alternative to Sensodyne, try Tom’s.
Their toothpaste contains ingredients commonly sourced from palm oil, but these are RSPO certified (or the “equivalent standard”).
Some options contain bee products so check the labels if you are after 100% vegan toothpaste.
Most ingredients are natural but if you’d prefer to avoid fluoride and SLS, they have vegan toothpaste without fluoride too.
Tom’s of Maine uses fully recyclable toothpaste tubes that can be recycled with other #2 plastics.
About Tom’s of Maine
A USA vegan toothpaste brand, Tom’s of Maine was founded by Tom and Kate Chappell in (you guessed it) Kennebunk, Maine.
This certified B Corp gives 10% of its profits to nonprofit organizations and encourages employees to use 5% of their paid time to volunteer.
They were acquired by Colgate-Palmolive in 2006, a decision that upset many customers given Colgate-Palmolive does not live up to the same ethical standards as Tom’s of Maine.
While Tom’s is certified Cruelty free by PETA and Colgate-Palmolive does not directly test on animals, it still sells in China.
Available: Amazon | iHerb
3. MINTLY
*Note: Mintly uses some sustainable palm oil derivatives.
About Mintly’s Cruelty Free Whitening Toothpaste Tablets
Mintly offers some of the best vegan toothpaste with and without fluoride.
Aside from the fluoride itself, both formulas are identical, making use of natural mineral ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose, sodium bicarbonate, silica, magnesium stearate, and mint leaf oil.
Each cruelty free toothpaste for sensitive teeth is safe for kids and formulated without gluten, sulfates, SLS, parabens, GMOs, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and colors, peroxide, aspartame, glycerin, and more.
They do contain some ingredients that are “partially derived from palm oil” but their suppliers ensure they’re from sustainable sources.
You’ll receive a four-month supply in recyclable, refillable, reusable glass jars with metal caps.
If you opt to join their subscription service, you’ll get refills in a compostable kraft paper pouch.
About Mintly
Female-founded by Katie, a “ full-fledged oral health nerd”, Mintly says “Eco or hell no”.
This cruelty free toothpaste brand also offers toothbrushes, probiotic mint lozenges, floss, and sets of all of the above.
Their manufacturer holds a COSMOS Natural certification, meaning they are made of verified natural and sustainably sourced ingredients.
All products are designed for responsible end-of-life, including low-ink, easily-removable labels on their glass jars and toothbrushes with compostable handles, replaceable heads, and biodegradable bristles.
They’re a member of 1% for the Planet, and (still young on the eco tooth care scene) have plans to obtain additional environmental certifications in the future.
Available: Mintly
4. NAKED COMPANY
Naked Company’s Zero Waste Toothpaste Tablets
Naked Company makes use of ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauroyl glutamate (a gentle, plant-based surfactant), and cellulose.
All while staying far away from “nasties” like SLS, carrageenan, propylene glycol, triclosan, and DEA.
Choose between tablets of cruelty free toothpaste with fluoride or without.
Nothing (down to the ingredients) has been tested on animals.
They’re also plastic-free and come in a kraft paper pouch with a removable and recyclable aluminum lining.
Some ingredients (microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauroyl glutamate, and magnesium stearate) are derived from palm oil supposedly from sustainable sources.
About Naked Company
Naked Company wants to see more body care products in their birthday suits.
In other words, they want to get rid of unnecessary chemicals, minimize packaging, and bare all about ingredients.
For every product sold, a tree is planted by One Tree Planted to help support reforestation in the Amazon.
Available: Etsy
5. UNPASTE
*Note: The vegan and cruelty free toothpaste tablets contain ingredients that may have been derived from sustainable palm oil sources.
Unpaste’s Vegan and Cruelty Free Toothpaste Tablets
Unpaste’s easy-to-use vegan toothpaste tabs use micro cellulose to polish your teeth gently.
The BDIH-approved tablets are free from artificial colors, petroleum-based ingredients, SLS, and preservatives.
They do contain magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulfate which sometimes are derived in part from palm oil. Their suppliers certify only sustainable sources of palm oil.
Certifying body Aktion-zahnfreundlich e.V. can also attest to the cruelty free toothpaste’s safety.
They offer both fluoride and non-fluoride vegan toothpaste.
These tablets come in a certified compostable packet printed with organic ink.
About Unpaste
Unpaste sticks to what they know which is simply vegan and cruelty free toothpaste.
Their product is less abrasive yet still gives you that super-fresh-after-the-dentist feel, but it’s far better for our planet, too.
Unpaste’s cruelty free toothpaste tablets are available at many zero waste online stores, as well as some brick-and-mortar bulk shops.
They also periodically gift tablets to charities looking for zero waste oral care for their communities.
Available: EarthHero
6. DENTTABS
*Note: Denttabs does not directly use palm oil, however, they cannot guarantee their magnesium stearate and sodium lauroyl glutamate is not palm derived.
Denttabs’ Cruelty Free Toothpaste Tablets
Denttabs is a German company committed to a vegan toothpaste alternative that is 100% free from plastic, preservatives, artificial stabilizers, and any other unnecessary ingredients.
Menthol provides a minty flavor and microcellulose polishes your teeth to make them smooth and shiny (and thus less likely to provide a place for plaque to form).
The cellulose is FSC certified and sustainably sourced from the EU, too.
They offer tablets with fluoride although a non-fluoridated option is also available.
Both the mint and strawberry tooth tablets come in fully compostable, cornstarch-based bags.
About Denttabs
The vegan and cruelty free toothpaste alternative is produced in a resource-saving and animal-aware manner. Adhering to EU law, no animal testing is permitted.
While they don’t use palm oil directly, they do use two ingredients (magnesium stearate and sodium lauroyl glutamate) that may have been derived from palm oil.
In which case, they only use that which has been sourced sustainably from certified upstream suppliers but are looking for alternatives.
As winners of the German Sustainability Award Design last year for their light and transportable product, they also use 100% green electricity for their Berlin warehouse and laboratory. Where they also use eco-friendly cleaning products.
Finally, Denttabs regularly contributes to charities, like their recent donation of 100 packages to a refugee camp in Greece.
Available: Dentabs
CRUELTY FREE TOOTHPASTE BRANDS WITHOUT FLUORIDE
7. GEORGANICS
Georganics’ Mineral Zero Waste Vegan Toothpastes
Georganics zero waste cruelty free toothpaste products are fluoride, SLS, animal-byproduct, palm oil, and glycerin free.
They contain organic plant oils, antibacterial activated charcoal, or a sensitivity-reducing, enamel-strengthening blend of calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate—depending on which product you choose.
They offer three different forms of cruelty free toothpaste: tablets, creamy paste, or tooth soap.
In everything except the tooth soap, there’s a variety of flavors to suit your tastes buds, including English peppermint, spearmint, ginger, red mandarin, tea tree, and pure (unflavored).
Most products come packaged in reusable glass jars (with a bamboo application spatula for the paste). Only the tooth soap differs, as it comes in a compostable cardboard tube.
About Georganics
Georganics is a UK cruelty free toothpaste brand that’s now a global name.
They make not just toothpaste, but sustainable mouthwash (both in liquid and tablet form), zero waste floss, and zero waste supplements for your pearly whites, too.
Everything is made in England using mostly locally sourced ingredients.
Aside from the ethically sourced peace silk floss, everything is vegan.
And they stick to refillable or recyclable containers, compostable kraft paper shipping boxes, and vegetable ink labels.
If that’s not enough to put a smile on your face, Georganics regularly donates to The Ocean Cleanup.
Available: Georganics | Ethical Superstore (UK)
8. DR. BRONNER’S
*Note: Dr. Bronner’s has gone the extra mile to ensure their palm oil is truly ethically and sustainably harvested.
Dr. Bronner’s All-One Cruelty Free Toothpastes:
Dr. Bronner’s vegan whitening toothpaste isn’t just absent animal byproducts, but also detergent foaming agents, fluoride, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners.
They’re available in cinnamon, peppermint, spearmint, and anise flavors.
70% of each is certified organic and the packaging, while plastic, is 100% recycled and is also recyclable making these one of the best cruelty free toothpaste options on the market.
While more ethical options are not always widely available, Dr. Bronner’s USA cruelty free toothpaste is widely available at Walmart and Target.
About Dr. Bronner’s:
Dr. Bronner’s is undoubtedly one of the most sustainable brands around.
Their large range of skincare, haircare, and dental products are organic, cruelty free, vegan, and contain palm oil that is genuinely sustainable and ethically sourced.
They are certified cruelty free by Leaping Bunny and certified vegan by Vegan.org.
Dr. Bronner’s is a B Corp company with an innovative approach to fair trade and a lot of charitable partners.
Though their palm oil is not RSPO-certified (which is no guarantee that “sustainable” palm oil is truly sustainable), it is sustainably harvested from farmlands in Ghana.
There they work with small growers to help them convert to organic practices and palm oil processing plants based on the traditional system commonly used by women entrepreneurs.
Read more here or watch this short animation about this truly Fair-Trade palm oil.
Available: Amazon | Nourished Life (AU)
9 GREEN BEAVER
*Note: While Green Beaver’s toothpaste is vegan, a few other products contain honey or beeswax.
Green Beaver Ethical Cruelty Free Toothpaste
Green Beaver’s cruelty free and vegan toothpaste (PETA certified) was one of the first products they developed.
They have a range of flavors like cilantro mint, cinnamon, frosty mint, green apple, spearmint, star anise, and zesty orange.
They’re made from natural ingredients such as lemon/mint/tea tree extracts, silica, calcium carbonate (natural mineral whiteners), and glycerin (note this is derived from coconut oil).
As for the environment, their toothpaste is entirely organic and palm oil-free and their packaging includes post-consumer recycled plastics.
About Green Beaver
Green Beaver is a family-owned business that manufactures hand-made certified organic personal care products (like eco friendly deodorant).
In fact, they were the first vegan toothpaste brand in Canada to be microbead-free from day one.
All products are EcoCert certified and 100% cruelty free, palm oil-free, and natural.
Most are vegan friendly, the exceptions being their lip balm and sunscreen, which contain organic beeswax and honey from the Hockley Farm.
They try to source as many local organic ingredients as they can to reduce their carbon footprint.
They’re also involved in a number of initiatives and charitable partnerships, like The Fur-Bearer Defenders.
Available: Amazon | Amazon (UK)
10. SCENTCERAE
ScentCerae’s Tooth Nibs
Pina colada, matcha mint, mint chip, fresh strawberry, cinnamon roll…surely we’re not talking about cruelty free toothpaste, right?
Wrong.
With ScentCerae, the oftentimes annoying obligation of brushing your teeth comes with a twist, making them some of the best cruelty free toothpastes.
With biodegradable natural ingredients like coconut oil, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, white kaolin clay, and freeze-dried fruit powder, you won’t have to Google any unfamiliar or confusing ingredients.
Not only a toothpaste without animal products, ScentCerae’s is also absent non-abrasives and fluoride.
Your first order will be sent in a waterproof tin perfect for travel, and refills are available in compostable kraft paper envelopes.
About ScentCerae
ScentCerae is a Phoenix, Arizona-based shop that was founded by an eco-travel ex-pat.
Sherae started the brand after she spent time living in Asia. She had trouble finding her favorite products there, so she started making her own organic zero waste skin care, vegan hair products, and oral care essentials.
Everything she makes is ethical and sustainable, down to the locally sourced ingredients (for most products).
Ingredients like petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, and palm oil are avoided and everything is cruelty free and vegan.
All SentCerae products come in plastic free packaging with labels certified biodegradable and compostable.
Sherae and her brand regularly support organizations like Hope Products and participate in clean-ups with Audubon.
Available: Etsy
ScentCerae has featured in an article on palm oil free toothpaste.
11. MY MAGIC MUD
My Magic Mud Vegan Activated Charcoal Toothpastes
My Magic Mud specializes in vegan charcoal toothpaste, tooth powder, and floss
These USA vegan toothpastes are free of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and fluoride.
Many of their ingredients are organic and all are Leaping Bunny cruelty free.
Their cruelty free whitening toothpaste includes a range of flavors like Mint Hemp Oil, Peppermint/Spearment Silver Charcoal Whitening, and Cinnamon/Peppermint/Spearmint/Wintergreen Charcoal Whitening.
About My Magic Mud
My Magic Mud is a family-owned business hailing from Texas.
They’re certified cruelty free by Leaping Bunny and certified by the Natural Cosmetics Standard because their products do not contain any palm oil, SLS, fluoride, or glycerin.
The essential oils used in their products are sourced from organic growers and they’re non-GMO certified.
Available: iHerb | Biome Stores (AU)
12. DAVID’S TOOTHPASTE
*Note: We have attempted to confirm policies directly with this brand but have not received a response
David’s Natural and Cruelty Free Toothpaste
David’s Toothpaste offers natural and cruelty free toothpaste in four flavors.
All Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free and vegan toothpastes, they contain ingredients derived from nature and predominantly sourced in the USA.
The formulas are free of artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, artificial colors, and artificial sweeteners.
They also appear to be palm oil free however we have not received confirmation.
The real differentiator of this vegan toothpaste brand is the aluminum tubes it uses with a Food Grade Non-BPA liner.
Aluminum is easier to recycle than plastic however, as a conscious consumer, there are a few things that you’d need to do to recycle properly:
1. Cut off both ends of the tube.
2. Cut a slit the full length of the tube to fold open the tube to access the inside of the tube for cleaning….the edges of metal are sharp, so please be careful.
3. Wash off the excess paste.
4. Discard metal in recycle bin (provided your local waste management provider can properly sort/recycle).
About David’s Natural Toothpaste
David’s Natural Toothpaste was founded by Eric David Buss after four years of research and development to create a better alternative to what was available.
David’s is a great cruelty free toothpaste option for those based in the USA who want to support small and local business.
98% of their ingredients are of USA origin, “supporting the sustainability of the USA economy and American jobs”. We assume this means ethical ingredient sourcing however we have not received confirmation from David’s.
Their paperboard packaging only comes from forests protected and managed by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Available: EcoRoots | Amazon
13. GREEN PEOPLE
*Note: These toothpastes are 100% Vegan however not all Green People products are vegan. We have attempted to confirm policies with this brand and have never received a response.
Green People Natural Cruelty Free Toothpaste
Green People’s cruelty free toothpastes are vegan and non-toxic.
They do not contain SLS, parabens, colorants, foaming agents, synthetic fragrances, or emulsifiers.
As for the taste, they come in a number of flavors including citrus & aloe vera, peppermint, and spearmint. There are also a couple of cruelty free kids toothpaste options in the same flavors.
Their packaging is made of PP or HDPE plastics which contain no phthalates and are 100% recyclable, but are not made from recycled materials.
About Green People
Green People is based in the UK so this is a smile-worthy option if you’re looking for cruelty free toothpaste in the UK.
Beyond toothpaste, they offer an impressive range of organic, chemical-free beauty products that includes hair care, skincare, and natural organic makeup.
They are PETA, EcoCert, and Soil Association (organic) certified and they source fair trade ingredients wherever possible.
Their products do contain palm oil, however, they source palm oil from countries where there are no native orangutans and where no new deforestation is occurring.
We reached out to them about this to get more information but have not received a response.
Green People’s packaging is recyclable and they support a variety of charities from children’s hospice to marine conservation.
Available: Green People | Amazon
VEGAN AND CRUELTY FREE TOOTHPASTE
Vegan and cruelty free are often used interchangeably.
At its heart, each term refers to the protection of our furry and not-so-furry animal friends and their rights.
However, there is a critical difference that’s important to recognize when looking for the best vegan and cruelty free toothpaste.
- Cruelty free toothpastes are those which aren’t tested on animals, but in some cases, they may still contain animal ingredients or animal by-products—which doesn’t make them so cruelty free, now does it?
- Vegan toothpastes are those made without any animal ingredients or byproducts. However, vegan products may still end up being tested on animals—which makes them not cruelty free.
While you may find a cruelty free sunscreen that hasn’t been tested on animals, it may still be made with glycerin that’s been derived from animal parts, making it not vegan friendly.
Quite the ethical gap between cruelty free and vegan, isn’t there?
All of this is to say that when looking for body care products or makeup (like cruelty free concealer), look for both qualifiers because learning which toothpastes are cruelty free doesn’t automatically mean they’re also vegan.
ARE COLGATE, AQUAFRESH, ORAL B AND SENSODYNE CRUELTY FREE AND VEGAN?
Most well-known conventional toothpastes (like Colgate, Oral-B, Sensodyne, Crest, and Aquafresh, to name a few) are nearly all owned by the same few holding companies – Colgate Palmolive, Church & Dwight, GlaxoSmithKline, and Procter and Gamble.
While they’re vegan friendly (because, to answer the question “Is toothpaste vegan?” yes—most don’t contain any animal ingredients or animal byproducts) these big cosmetics companies pretty much all test on animals, whether directly or indirectly.
To us, the combination of vegan and cruelty free in toothpastes is the way to go, which is why we recommend a cruelty free alternative to Oral B and all these big-name brands.
Is Colgate Cruelty Free and Vegan?
While rumors are going around that Colgate is not cruelty free, there is no evidence that Colgate is among toothpaste brands that don’t test on animals.
Their parent company, Colgate Palmolive, has a confusing animal testing policy. While it states they do not test on animals, it also states they’ll make exceptions if a country requires it.
And since Colgate sells into China, which mandates animal testing on all cosmetics and personal care products, that latter condition is almost certainly satisfied.
Is Oral B Cruelty Free and Vegan?
Oral B is a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, which claims to be a “proud supporter” of #BeCrueltyFree and has invested hundreds of millions toward non-animal testing method development.
However, while claiming to be among toothpaste companies that don’t test on animals, their policy contains the clever caveat “unless required by law”, again meaning their sales into China indirectly support animal testing.
Is Aquafresh Cruelty Free and Vegan?
Owned by GlaxoSmithKline, a parent company with no records of cruelty free efforts, Aquafresh cannot be considered cruelty free.
Is Sensodyne Cruelty Free and Vegan?
Neither Sensodyne nor their parent company (also GlaxoSmithKline) are cruelty free.
FINDING THE BEST CRUELTY FREE VEGAN TOOTHPASTES
Aside from asking the obvious question “which toothpastes are vegan friendly?”, we used our sustainable beauty criteria to look at some other factors, too:
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
- Non-toxic
- Palm oil-free
- Ethical ingredient sourcing
- Thoughtful packaging: We look for zero waste packaging but for brands that still package their toothpaste in plastic tubes, check out Terracycle’s Oral Care recycling program to recycle these tubes properly (or buy your own box).
What about fluoride?
Fluoride is a cavity prevention ingredient abundantly found in water supplies around the world and toothpaste.
This additive has been coming under fire as unnecessary and unhealthy, though the jury is still out on whether or not it is actually detrimental to our health.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VEGAN TOOTHPASTE BRANDS
We hope this list of vegan toothpaste brands has made you smile… in more ways than one!
If there’s anything that makes us grin from ear to ear, it’s sharing the eco-efforts of ethical companies who are doing their bit to make a difference.
Be sure to check out our articles on zero waste toothpaste and zero waste toothbrushes for the lowest impact teeth cleaning solutions.
And if you have any animal-loving friends and family, please spread the word by sharing these vegan and cruelty free toothpaste brands so we can all have a plaque and cruelty free smile.
What are your thoughts on the Bite brand?
Hi Lynn, We’ll have to take another look at them, watch this space 🙂
SprinJene is a natural toothpaste, with a patented formulation of black seed oil + zinc. It is highly effective and gentle and cleans teeth and freshens breath! We also have a sensitivity formula. Our certifications include gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan, USDA BioPreferred, Kosher and Halal. We would love to be included in your list! Also, we are an MBE, black-owned company, and make our toothpastes in the USA in NJ! http://www.sprinjene.com
Toms of Maine is not cruelty free not sure why it is listed as cruelty free
Hi Martha, Toms of Maine is cruelty free and certified by Peta (see more in the link below). I assume you’re referrring to their owner colgate palmolive which is not cruelty free? If so, we agree that it is worth pointing out which is what we’ve done in the article for readers to decide on whether they want to support Toms of Maine.
https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/toms-of-maine-colgate-palmolive/