We Tested The 12 Best Natural Toothpastes For Complete Oral Wellness

Here, the best options according to the mbg editorial team.

I recently tried out this new toothpaste prior to its launch, I can confidently say that the formula has made my teeth appear way less dull. My smile looks shinier, my gums look healthier, and most importantly, my teeth feel stronger. No more wincing every time I take a sip of an ice-cold drink or avoiding certain areas while I brush. And my gums feel more comfortable with each passing day.

A family owned and operated toothpaste company with high-quality, locally sourced, natural ingredients. It has an unbeatable minty-fresh feel—made with just peppermint, spearmint, orange peel oil, anise and stevia—for a top-notch sensorial brushing experience.

This multi-tasking formula targets tartar and plaque for a seriously clean smile. It also gently brightens (sans peroxide) with minerals and hydrates and soothes the gums with coconut oil. It’s particularly good at targeting funky breath, as it contains antibacterial tea tree oil. mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler notes that she’s tried several options from hello and uses their toothpaste regularly “This formula leaves the mouth feeling so fresh—and that freshness basically lasts all day or night!”

Since toothpaste tubes are notoriously difficult to recycle, tablets have become a popular eco-friendly option. They're pre-portioned, easy to use, (just pop one in, chew, and brush), and these tabs come in a cute, customizable glass container.

So many folks are used to the classic foaming gel paste—but this jarred option is creamy and rich. Just because it doesn't froth doesn't mean it's not working (think of it like a sulfate-free shampoo—it’s still cleaning the scalp even if it’s not sudsing up). This paste won't foam but comes loaded with coconut oil, kaolin clay, vitamin E, and tea tree oil—which has been shown to be helpful against gingivitis2.

To an extent, your mouth is self-cleaning. Your saliva has antimicrobial properties3 and enzymes that help combat unwanted bacteria. That's exactly why this toothpaste contains sea salt, as it stimulates your saliva glands and kick-starts the self-cleaning process. The salivation increases the cleansing power of the other ingredients, too. This is important as some folks don’t produce as much saliva, especially with age. There's also peppermint oil, so you don't feel like you're swishing saltwater.

Our assistant beauty and health editor Hannah Frye swears by this organic formula: “I don’t often order my toothpaste days before I’ll need a new one (oops), so I need a product I can easily find at the market—enter, the Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste. This one gets the job done without artificial flavors and colors. The formula works to slough plaque and buildup off your teeth without leaving a burning feeling like many mainstream products do, thanks to the natural soothers aloe vera and coconut oil. Plus, it’s budget-friendly.”

When it comes to natural teeth whitening, charcoal receives a ton of hype. The famed ingredient is beloved for drawing out impurities, including stains on the enamel—many anecdotally swear by it for keeping their smile bright white. This powder is highly effective at targeting stains—only using natural ingredients. Again, charcoal won't foam as you brush, so don't try to work it into a lather; gentle pressure is key with this dry powder.

This fluoride- and SLS-free paste is thick and goopy (like your conventional gel toothpaste), and it features a dual-grit abrasive to buff away plaque and stubborn stains. With peppermint oil for taste, it's just like your conventional tube—just a bit cleaner.

This fluoride-free formula features hydrated silica (which is derived from sand) to gently buff away surface stains. The result? A dazzling, minty white.

This uses the amino acid arginine and purified calcium to ease sensitivity in the tooth and gum area. It does so immediately: The patented, clinically proven formula provides relief in 60 seconds (for fast action relief, apply it directly to the affected area and gently massage). But it also supports the teeth long-term, so overtime they naturally become less sensitive.

The other options on this list are safe for children, but they may not be the most appealing for kids. This option is topped with a natural strawberry flavoring to help sweeten the deal. Our beauty director Engler uses Wellnesse toothpaste (the mint flavor) and can vouch for their efficacy: “These leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean. It honestly doesn’t feel much different than a conventional toothpaste, which I love. Even house guests have used it and noted how much they liked it.”

We also got this article and selections reviewed by functional dentist Meghna Dassani, DMD. Dassani is a specialist in sleep apnea, and her practice focuses on helping adult and pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing get the treatment they need to live healthier, happier lives. Before attending Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University, Dassani operated a successful dental practice in Mumbai. For the past 18 years, she has been practicing in Houston, Texas.

Natural ingredients are those that are extracted from the earth, such as minerals and botanicals. Many plant- and mineral-derived ingredients can be hugely beneficial for the body—sometimes more so than lab-derived ingredients. However, we do not think every formula needs to be 100% natural. In fact, there are many synthetic ingredients that are safe, effective, and useful. 

Here are the most common natural and clean ingredients to keep an eye out for in formulas:

The ingredients to avoid aren’t as cut and dry—in fact, a few of the buzzy ones require a big heap of nuance when discussing them.

There are much gentler cleaners on the market (such as plant-derived surfactants), so we encourage folks to try switching to sulfate-free options.

Finally, some folks avoid it as it can trigger irritation for those who are sensitive. For example, some dermatologists note it can make perioral dermatitis worse. 

Ready to learn about how to brighten that smile? Read all about how to whiten your teeth at home.