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, Anise — EWG VERIFIED®

The anise variant of Dr. Bronner's toothpaste carries the same EWG VERIFIED® status as the peppermint formula, with an anise (licorice-like) flavor that many users who dislike strong mint prefer. Same ingredient profile — organic, SLS-free, fluoride-free.

EWG Status: EWG VERIFIED®
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, artificial flavor-free, artificial sweetener-free
Best For: Adults who prefer anise or non-mint flavors, fluoride-free preference

Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste Anise — Buy on Amazon ↗

3. Davids Natural Toothpaste, Sensitive+Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite

Davids is a premium natural toothpaste brand with multiple products listed in EWG's Skin Deep database. Their Sensitive+Whitening formula uses nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) — a naturally occurring mineral that studies suggest can 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: Check EWG Skin Deep for current rating.
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 Naturally Friendly Toothpaste, Fluoride Free, Antiplaque + Whitening

Hello Oral Care has built a product line around clean, EWG-reviewed ingredients. Their Fluoride Free Antiplaque + Whitening formula is listed in EWG's Skin Deep database and uses a stevia-sweetened, SLS-free formula with natural flavors and activated charcoal or coconut oil for whitening. Widely available in Target, CVS, and Whole Foods.

EWG Status: Check EWG Skin Deep for current rating.
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, artificial sweetener-free (stevia), artificial dye-free, vegan
Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers, widely available, family use

Hello Naturally Friendly Toothpaste Fluoride Free — Buy on Amazon ↗

5. Hello Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste, Natural 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 Natural Watermelon flavor is sweetened with stevia, free of SLS and artificial dyes, and listed in EWG's Skin Deep database.

EWG Status: Check EWG Skin Deep for current rating.
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 Natural 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: Check EWG Skin Deep for current rating.
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 Fluoride-Free Toothpaste, Zen Peppermint

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. Listed in EWG's Skin Deep database.

EWG Status: Check EWG Skin Deep for current rating.
Fluoride: No
Key Free-Froms: SLS-free, artificial flavor-free, artificial sweetener-free
Best For: Natural brand loyalty, drugstore availability, minty flavor preference

Burt's Bees Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Zen Peppermint — 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. Completely plastic-free packaging (glass jar), fluoride and fluoride-free versions available. Free of SLS, artificial sweeteners, glycerin, and synthetic fragrances.

EWG Status: Check EWG Skin Deep for current rating.
Fluoride: Options available (with or without)
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.