Most people brush their teeth at least twice a day — but how often do we think about what's in the toothpaste? Conventional toothpastes can contain artificial sweeteners, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), synthetic flavors, and ingredients like triclosan that EWG Skin Deep has flagged as a concern. This roundup highlights the toothpaste brands that rate best on EWG's Skin Deep® database, with a focus on options for both adults and families.
Want to know more about how EWG rates personal care products? Read our guide: EWG VERIFIED® vs. Conventional: What the Score Means
What EWG Skin Deep Looks for in Toothpaste
Toothpaste is applied to the mouth and gums — areas with some of the highest mucosal absorption rates in the body. Children swallow small amounts of toothpaste regularly, making the ingredient profile especially important for kids' formulas. EWG Skin Deep evaluates toothpaste ingredients and flags:
- Triclosan: An antibacterial agent once common in toothpaste (notably in Colgate Total) that EWG rates as high hazard due to hormone disruption concerns and antimicrobial resistance risk. Triclosan has been phased out of many products, but may still appear in some older formulas.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent EWG rates as a low-to-moderate irritant and possible carcinogen contamination concern; some people with canker sore sensitivity report SLS as a trigger.
- Artificial sweeteners (saccharin, aspartame): EWG rates saccharin as a moderate concern; many top-rated EWG toothpastes use xylitol or stevia instead.
- Artificial colors (FD&C dyes): Present in many conventional toothpastes; EWG rates some as moderate concerns.
- Carrageenan: A gelling agent EWG rates as a low-to-moderate concern.
- Synthetic fragrance or artificial flavors: EWG flags synthetic flavor compounds as potential concerns; top-rated EWG toothpastes typically use essential oils (peppermint, spearmint) for flavor.
EWG's Skin Deep database rates toothpastes on its 1–10 hazard scale. Products scoring 1–2 are in the green (low hazard) range.
Browse all EWG-rated oral care products in our shop: oral care products
Top EWG Skin Deep Toothpaste Picks
1. Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste, Peppermint — EWG VERIFIED®
Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste earns EWG VERIFIED® status and scores a 2 on EWG's Skin Deep® database — placing it in the green, low-hazard range. The formula uses organic ingredients including coconut oil, aloe vera, and peppermint essential oil for flavor. It's fluoride-free and free of SLS, artificial sweeteners, synthetic flavors, and artificial colors. Dr. Bronner's is committed to organic and fair trade sourcing across their product line.
EWG Skin Deep Score: 2 (Low Hazard); EWG VERIFIED®
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, artificial flavor-free, artificial sweetener-free, artificial color-free
Best For: Adults and older children, fluoride-free preference, EWG VERIFIED® priority
Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste Peppermint — Buy on Amazon ↗
2. Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste, Peppermint & Spearmint 2-Pack — EWG VERIFIED®
The Peppermint & Spearmint 2-Pack of Dr. Bronner's toothpaste carries the same EWG VERIFIED® status as the single-count peppermint formula — same organic, SLS-free, fluoride-free ingredient profile at a better per-ounce value. 70% organic ingredients. A straightforward pick for households that go through toothpaste quickly or want to stock up.
EWG Status: EWG VERIFIED®
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, artificial flavor-free, artificial sweetener-free, artificial color-free
Best For: Adults and older children, fluoride-free preference, value-pack buyers
Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste, Peppermint & Spearmint 2-Pack — Buy on Amazon ↗
3. Davids Natural Toothpaste, Sensitive+Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite — EWG VERIFIED®
Davids is a premium natural toothpaste brand that has earned the EWG VERIFIED® mark for its Sensitive+Whitening formula. Their formula uses nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) — a naturally occurring mineral that studies suggest can help remineralize enamel — as a fluoride alternative. Free of SLS, triclosan, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic fragrances. Made in the USA in a recyclable metal tube.
EWG Status: EWG VERIFIED®
Active Ingredient: Nano-Hydroxyapatite
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, triclosan-free, artificial sweetener-free, BPA-free packaging
Best For: Sensitive teeth, whitening without harsh abrasives, premium packaging preference
Davids Natural Toothpaste Sensitive+Whitening — Buy on Amazon ↗
4. Hello Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste (3-Pack)
Hello Oral Care builds its line around clean, EWG-reviewed ingredients. This Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free formula is listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database and uses a stevia-sweetened, SLS-free base with natural peppermint flavor and tea tree oil. The 3-pack (5 oz tubes) makes it easy to stock up for the whole family. Widely available at Target, CVS, and Whole Foods.
EWG Status: Listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, artificial sweetener-free (stevia), artificial dye-free, vegan
Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers, family use, fluoride-free preference
Hello Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste (3-Pack) — Buy on Amazon ↗
5. Hello Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste, Fresh Watermelon
Hello's kids' fluoride-free line is specifically designed for young children who are still learning to spit — and who swallow more toothpaste than adults. The Fresh Watermelon flavor is sweetened with stevia, free of SLS and artificial dyes, and listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database.
EWG Status: Listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, artificial sweetener-free, artificial dye-free, vegan
Best For: Young children, swallowable-safe formula, watermelon flavor
Hello Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste Fresh Watermelon — Buy on Amazon ↗
6. Tom's of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste, Spearmint
Tom's of Maine is one of the most widely available natural toothpaste brands and has a large number of products listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database. The Whole Care Spearmint formula uses fluoride for cavity protection, calcium carbonate for gentle cleaning, and natural spearmint flavor. Tom's discloses its full ingredient list voluntarily, which EWG credits in its ratings.
EWG Status: Listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database
Fluoride: Yes (1000 ppm)
Key Free-Froms: Artificial preservative-free, artificial sweetener-free, artificial color-free
Best For: Families wanting fluoride + natural ingredients, drugstore availability
Tom's of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste Spearmint — Buy on Amazon ↗
7. Burt's Bees Purely White Fluoride-Free Toothpaste, Zen Peppermint (3-Pack)
Burt's Bees expanded into oral care with a fluoride-free toothpaste that uses calcium carbonate as a gentle abrasive, stevia as a sweetener, and peppermint essential oil for flavor. Free of SLS, artificial flavors, and synthetic sweeteners. The 2020 Purely White Zen Peppermint formulation is listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database and rated low hazard. This 3-pack of 4.7 oz tubes offers good value per ounce.
EWG Status: Rated low hazard by EWG's Skin Deep® database
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, artificial flavor-free, artificial sweetener-free
Best For: Natural brand loyalty, low-hazard EWG rating, value multi-pack
Burt's Bees Purely White Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Zen Peppermint (3-Pack) — Buy on Amazon ↗
8. Bite Toothpaste Bits, Original Mint
Bite Toothpaste Bits are a powder-to-paste tablet format — you bite the tab, it activates with saliva into a paste. The current formula includes nano-hydroxyapatite and xylitol for whitening and enamel support. Each purchase covers roughly 2 months of brushing (2 bottles, 124 tabs). Plastic-free glass jar packaging. Free of SLS, artificial sweeteners, glycerin, and synthetic fragrances. Listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database.
EWG Status: Listed in EWG's Skin Deep® database
Fluoride: No (nano-hydroxyapatite formula)
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, glycerin-free, plastic-free packaging
Best For: Zero-waste households, travel-friendly format, minimalist ingredient lists
Bite Toothpaste Bits Original Mint — Buy on Amazon ↗
Fluoride vs. Fluoride-Free: What EWG Says
This is one of the most common questions in the EWG toothpaste space, and it's worth addressing directly.
EWG's position on fluoride: EWG rates fluoride as a moderate concern in toothpaste at typical concentrations — primarily due to concerns about fluoride exposure in communities with already-fluoridated water supplies, and about young children ingesting fluoridated toothpaste. EWG does not characterize fluoride toothpaste as highly hazardous and acknowledges the established dental health benefits of fluoride for cavity prevention.
The dental establishment's position: The American Dental Association recommends fluoride toothpaste for all ages, beginning with the child's first tooth. Dentists generally support fluoride as the most evidence-backed cavity prevention ingredient.
Our framing: We list both fluoride and fluoride-free options in this roundup. Families should make this decision in consultation with their dentist. We do not make dental health claims or recommend avoiding fluoride without professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are fluoride-free toothpastes actually effective at preventing cavities?
This is an active area of debate. Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) — found in Davids and some other brands — has a growing body of research suggesting it can help remineralize enamel. However, fluoride remains the most extensively studied and validated cavity-prevention ingredient. Consult your dentist for personalized guidance.
Q: Is SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) dangerous?
EWG rates SLS as low-to-moderate concern — it is a surfactant that can cause irritation at higher concentrations and is linked to canker sore recurrence in some people. EWG does not characterize it as highly hazardous, but many people prefer SLS-free toothpaste for comfort reasons.
Q: Are EWG-rated toothpastes safe to swallow for young children?
EWG rates toothpastes based on ingredient hazard profiles, but this does not constitute a recommendation for intentional swallowing. For young children, use a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing to minimize swallowing. Fluoride-free formulas are typically chosen for very young children specifically because of the swallowing concern — but consult your pediatric dentist.
Upgrading your full bathroom routine? See our non-toxic deodorant guide for EWG’s top-rated aluminum-free picks. For your daily face care routine, our non-toxic face wash guide features EWG Skin Deep’s top-rated cleansers.
