Recent independent laboratory screenings have reported that a large percentage of commercially available toothpastes contain detectable levels of lead, along with other trace heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
While many measured amounts fall below current regulatory limits, the findings have raised questions about cumulative exposure—especially in children who may swallow toothpaste regularly.
Which Toothpaste Brands Tested Positive?
According to independent reports and laboratory screenings, the following brands were identified as having detectable levels of lead and/or other heavy metals in certain tested batches:
- Crest (multiple formulas)
- Sensodyne (including Extra Whitening varieties)
- Tom’s of Maine (including some children’s formulas)
- Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste
- Davids Premium Natural Toothpaste
- Dr. Jen Toothpaste
- Colgate (various product lines)
- Hello brand toothpaste (selected flavors)
- NOW Solutions Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel
- Jason Kids Only Toothpaste
- Spry Kids Gel Toothpaste
- Just Ingredients Tooth Powder
- Redmond Earthpaste Natural Toothpaste
- Primal Life Dirty Mouth Kids Tooth Powder
It is important to note that “tested positive” means laboratory instruments detected measurable amounts above analytical detection limits. Not all detected levels exceeded federal regulatory thresholds.
How Does Lead Get Into Toothpaste?
Lead is not intentionally added. Contamination may occur from:
- Mineral-based abrasives such as calcium carbonate or bentonite clay
- Natural environmental contamination of raw materials
- Manufacturing equipment or supply chain impurities
Because heavy metals are naturally present in soil and water, rigorous purification and batch testing are required to minimize contamination.
The Dangers of Lead Exposure
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no established safe exposure level for children. Even small, repeated exposures can accumulate in the body.
Health risks linked to chronic lead exposure include:
- Reduced IQ and impaired cognitive development
- Behavioral and attention disorders
- Kidney dysfunction
- Cardiovascular strain
- Reproductive toxicity
- Oxidative stress and cellular damage
Because toothpaste is used daily—and sometimes swallowed—trace contamination may contribute to overall lifetime heavy metal burden.
Other Heavy Metals Found
- Arsenic – associated with cancer risk and cardiovascular effects
- Cadmium – linked to kidney damage and bone weakening
- Mercury – a neurotoxin affecting brain and nervous system health
Regulatory limits exist, but critics argue that these limits do not always account for cumulative exposure from food, water, air, and personal care products combined.
Fluoride in Toothpaste: Benefits and Concerns
Fluoride is widely added to toothpaste because it strengthens enamel and reduces cavities. Dental organizations support its use in controlled amounts.
However, excessive exposure—particularly in children—can pose risks.
Potential risks of excess fluoride exposure:
- Dental fluorosis (tooth discoloration)
- Skeletal fluorosis with extreme long-term overexposure
- Possible thyroid disruption in susceptible individuals
- Debate surrounding neurodevelopmental effects at high levels
Most safety discussions emphasize that toxicity depends on dose and frequency. Supervision of children’s brushing is strongly recommended.
Other Chemicals of Concern
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – may irritate sensitive mouths
- Titanium Dioxide – used for whitening; under safety review in some regions
- Artificial flavors and sweeteners – potential irritants for some users
How to Reduce Risk
- Use a pea-sized amount for children
- Supervise brushing to minimize swallowing
- Look for brands that publish third-party heavy metal testing
- Consider fluoride-free or hydroxyapatite-based formulas if advised by a dental professional
- Prioritize ingredient transparency
Organic and Natural Toothpaste Brands with Third-Party Testing
Finding a toothpaste that is both organic/natural and tested for heavy metals or ingredient safety is crucial for avoiding toxic exposure from lead, mercury, arsenic, or synthetic chemicals. Here is a curated list of brands and products that meet these criteria.
✅ Brands with Third-Party Testing or Independent Safety Verification
- Smart Charlie’s Toothpaste
– Uses nano-hydroxyapatite instead of fluoride.
– Independently lab tested for safety and purity, including heavy metals.
– Free from synthetic dyes, sulfates, and parabens. - Davids Premium Natural Toothpaste
– EWG Verified for ingredient safety.
– Natural ingredients with independent safety assessment. - Miessence Certified Organic Toothpaste
– Certified organic, plant-derived ingredients.
– Avoids synthetic chemicals and pesticides.
Find it here
- Essential Oxygen Organic Toothpaste (Peppermint Flavor)
– Organic ingredients.
– Community-funded testing showed non-detect for heavy metals in some batches.
Find it here
- ZEBRA Organic Toothpaste
– Certified organic.
– Claims third-party testing for ingredient purity and overall safety.
🌿 Extra Natural Toothpaste Brands with Organic Credentials
These brands are all-natural and certified organic, though full third-party heavy-metal lab reports may not be publicly available:
- Georganics – COSMOS certified organic, minimal ingredients, glass jars.
- RADIUS – Organic formulas with xylitol and natural flavors.
- Wildist – Ethically sourced, vegan, and all-natural ingredients.
🪥 Tips for Choosing Safe Organic Toothpaste
- Look for published Certificates of Analysis (COA) showing heavy-metal results when available.
- Prefer brands with independent lab testing or respected safety verifications like EWG or NSF.
- Choose certified organic products to minimize exposure to synthetic chemicals and pesticides.
- Avoid abrasive formulas with untested mineral ingredients unless confirmed safe.
Final Thoughts
Toothpaste is used multiple times daily over a lifetime. Even trace contaminants warrant scrutiny when exposure is chronic.
While regulatory agencies maintain that approved products fall within allowable safety limits, growing consumer awareness is pushing for cleaner sourcing, stricter testing, and greater transparency.
Your oral care routine should protect your health—not compromise it.
Informed decisions, ingredient awareness, and moderation remain key.
Leave a Reply