Toothpaste?

Yes, toothpaste!

On my quest for finding non toxic products for our family, I found it very hard to find toothpaste! Was there a toothpaste without a warning label? Without fluoride? With natural ingredients I could read? That didn't taste like baking soda (bleck!), and actually had a refreshing quality about it? Not too pasty, not a bad aftertaste, not fruity!

All of these things were issues I had encountered with all the toothpastes I had tried. I even tried to make my own for awhile! Some are so keen on making their own and love it! I have no desire (anymore) to  make or use homemade toothpaste. It really wasn't to my liking and no one else wanted to use it!

Anyhow - in the past few months, I have come across two toothpastes that live up to their promises (so it seemed) and here are my thoughts!

The first is from The Honest Company

It is fluoride free (which is another topic all on its own), and states there are no artificial sweeteners (yes those are usually in your paste), no artificial flavors, gluten, or dyes. 

It does include aloe, green tea, ginger, baking soda, and many other natural ingredients. 

THERE IS NO WARNING LABEL.

All good so far! The one drawback is the flavor. It is not bad, but there is not much of it! It's minty, but very subtly. We are so used to overwhelming minty power when it comes to toothpaste! This one  is not overwhelming, and not too baking soda-y either. I really like how it made my mouth feel as opposed to some other natural toothpastes. I feel perfectly safe letting my 4-year old use it.

Here is what it looks like! It sells for $5.95.

The second brand I got for Christmas from my mother! Which is quite a surprise and WAS my favorite toothpaste thus far until I did a little research.
This is what it says on the label, which made me like it right away! But...buyer beware...

"...contains no flouride and is "kid safe". It is not harmful if swallowed."

What it does contain is Sodium Benzoate. This ingredient has been banned in other countries, but not ours. It is an additive that seems to promote cancer and kill healthy cells. Awesome. It is so disappointing when you think you find something great and there is an ingredient in it that is NO GOOD! The less of this in our diet, the better. It's all a compound effect. One product wouldn't be bad, but if you are getting it in your food, in your toothpaste, and who knows what else, NO GOOD!

Information on this additive:
Sodium Benzoate

Anyhow. Very disappointing. I will probably finish the tube so there will not be waste, but I won't buy it again. The BIGGEST bummer is that it had such fantastic flavor!! So minty. Just like toothpaste should.

Well. Until I find another on my search, I think I am going to stick with The Honest Company! Even though the flavor is subtle, it works and I seem to be able to trust all of the ingredients. Which is important! Toothpaste is a toughy in the non-toxic search!

If you have found a toothpaste that you enjoy, is flouride free, is kid friendly and still tastes great, let me know!!!

Until then, thanks for reading my review!

Be Well,

Mandy