What is the Best Cruelty-Free Tooth Paste? Top Vegan Toothpaste for 2019

As many vegans know, finding a toothpaste that’s truly vegan and cruelty-free, yet natural and effective, can be very challenging. You’ll need to both do research on which brands don’t conduct any testing on animals, and avoid investing in products that use harsh chemicals, abrasive agents, or preservatives. Between these two things, it’s difficult to find a toothpaste that supports your lifestyle and beliefs, and indeed cleans your teeth and freshens your breath. 

Luckily, the research has already been done for you. The following are the top ten vegan toothpastes on the market that are all effective yet cruelty free. Some of them have even been certified for this, so you know you’re not being duped as you make an investment. Many of these brands have also been trusted for years by lots of other consumers, so you know you’re getting something that works and which will support your overall oral health. If you need whitening toothpaste, have to combat plaque buildup, or just want something that’s anti-cavity, there’s a vegan, cruelty free toothpaste out there for everyone. 

Top 5 Vegan & Cruelty-Free Toothpaste Brands

Hello Oral Care Whitening Toothpaste **TOP PICK**5 out of 5 stars
Burt’s Bees Toothpaste Pearly White 4.8 out of 5 stars
Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste 4.7 out of 5 stars
JASON Sea Fresh Strengthening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste 4.6 out of 5 stars
UGLY By Nature Fluoride Free Toothpaste 4.5 out of 5 stars

Ideal Ingredients in Vegan Toothpastes 

When it comes to searching for toothpaste that’s specifically vegan and uses all natural ingredients, that are certain things you should keep an eye out for so you can keep your mouth clean and enhance your smile in a way that’s good for both you and the environment. These ingredients can be game-changers:

  • Neem Leaf Extract, which prevents cavities, heals and prevents gum disease, and naturally gets rid of bacteria that causes gum inflammation and cavities 
  • Xylitol, which naturally prevents bacteria from sticking to your teeth, repairs any damage that has already been done to your enamel, and forms a shield around your teeth to protect them from future cavities and decay
  • Baking Soda, which fights bad breath, polishes your teeth and makes them whiter, and helps to remove deposits of plaque from your teeth 
  • Stevia, which by nature contains antihypertensive, anti-glycemic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial properties as it helps to prevent future cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis 

Ingredients That Are Not Ideal for Vegan Toothpastes 

As with any product, there are some ingredients you should avoid when you’re choosing a toothpaste that’s vegan. There are many animal ingredients, as well as toxic and harmful ones, that unfortunately are in many toothpastes, vegan or not. 

Animal ingredients that are commonly included in toothpaste include: 

  • Glycerin, an organic compound that’s also known as glycerol and is sourced from vegetable oil or animal fat. It’s suspected that this ingredient actually demineralizes teeth. This ingredient is important to watch out for, because you don’t know if it’s derived from animal by-products or plants, and it isn’t easy to find out this information
  • Bee Pollen, which is microscopic grains in seed plants that are gathered by bees. Not only is this derived from animals, it’s a common allergen 
  • Propolis, which is tree sap that’s used by bees as a sealant for their beehives. Again, this is animal-derived and a common allergen 
  • Bone meal, which is produced from dried, defatted animal bones that are ground into a powder that’s very fine. It’s known to contain lead and mercury 

Other harmful and/or toxic ingredients that are unfortunately found in toothpaste include:

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that’s often used to give you the impression that the toothpaste is cleaning and working well. However, this has been found to be harmful and corrosive to skin tissue. It’s also been linked to painful sores and skin irritation, and it’s potentially carcinogenic when it’s combined with many other chemicals that are often in toothpaste 
  • Carrageenan, which is a thickener that can wreak havoc on your digestive system and which has been linked to intestinal cancer and inflammation 
  • Triclosan, a pesticide that’s found in lots of toothpastes. It’s been linked to antibiotic resistance and can promote the progression of breast cancer 
  • Diethanolamine (DEA), another foam-inducing compound that is a possible carcinogen 

The Best Vegan Toothpaste That’s Cruelty Free List


Hello Oral Care Extra Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste 

This toothpaste from Hello is extra whitening, peroxide free, and doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners. It safely whitens teeth, freshens your breath, strengthens your enamel, and prevents cavities in a gentle and cruelty-free way. Its mint flavor is delicious and pure, and there’s no preservatives, microbeads, artificial flavors, triclosan, gluten, dyes, or peroxide used, so you can feel rest assured when you invest in this toothpaste. As a vegan company that makes its products here in the USA, Hello is never tested on animals and has been certified for this by Leaping Bunny. It’s also been certified Vegan and Cruelty-Free through Peta since 2016, and certified to be BPA free by CCL since 2010. With Hello, you can whiten your teeth naturally and freshen your breath using their delicious toothpaste that features mint grown by farmers located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

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Pros

  • Certified vegan and cruelty free by Peta since 2016 and certified to not be tested on animals by Leaping Bunny 
  • Natural taste from mint grown in Oregon 
  • No artificial flavors, preservatives, peroxide, or dyes used 

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Cons

  • Uses stevia as an ingredient, which gives the toothpaste a sickly sweet flavor 
  • Can cause sore gums and increase sensitivity 


Burt’s Bees Toothpaste Pearly White 

You can make your teeth as white as naturally can be with Burt’s Bees’ toothpaste, which comes in a natural flavor of zen peppermint and is fluoride free. You’ll get three tubes and can experience the refreshing feel and clean of this toothpaste, which is flavored using essential oils. It was designed to help remove any surface stains along your teeth and work gently yet efficiently. It’s made without any plastic microbeads, yellow, blue, or red dyes, artificial preservatives, flavors, or sweeteners, triclosan, parabens, or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Burt’s Bees will leave you feeling fresh and clean, and you can rest assured investing in this toothpaste, as it’s not tested on animals. It’s consciously made using ingredients you can trust, and has been rewarded with the ADA Seal of Acceptance by the Council of Scientific Affairs. On top of all of this, the tube and box this toothpaste comes in are both 100% recyclable.

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Pros

  • Given the ADA Seal of Acceptance 
  • No parabens, artificial ingredients, or SLS 
  • Works gently yet efficiently for a fresh clean 

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Cons

  • Gooey, not thick, texture; falls off brush easily and is difficult to handle 
  • Some users disliked that it is flavored with essential oils


Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste 

Tom’s of Maine is a well known brand that uses natural, authentic ingredients and tries to provide you with products that aren’t just good for you, but good for the environment and for the world as well. You’ll get a pack of two of their toothpaste, which is fluoride free and features whitening and antiplaque power. Like other Tom’s of Main products, this toothpaste uses only authentic and natural ingredients; it’s able to whiten with silicas that are naturally sourced, and uses zinc citrate that’s sourced from the naturally occurring mineral of zinc, as well as xylitol, a natural ingredient derived from corn and birch trees. There’s no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or dyes, and the toothpaste is also phthalate-free, cruelty free, gluten free, and is certified to be both Kosher and Halal. Tom’s of Main uses a natural flavoring and wants you to look forward to brushing your teeth, as it respects the diverse interests and needs of its customers. Since 1970, Tom’s of Main has cared and holds a passion for the planet as it uses natural ingredients that are safe and hardworking.

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Pros

  • Uses ingredients that naturally occur, such as xylitol and zinc citrate 
  • Whitens naturally 
  • Cruelty free 

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Cons

  • Contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 
  • Can cause canker sores to develop within the mouth


JASON Sea Fresh Strengthening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste 

JASON is another company that’s well known for using natural and organic ingredients in its beauty and body products. This toothpaste from them is free of flouride, strengthens teeth, and features a “Deep Sea Spearmint” taste. It helps to both freshen your breath and whiten your smile, without the use of any chemicals or harsh abrasives like many other companies. It’s also not tested on animals and is completely free of SLS, propylene glycol, parabens, artificial sweeteners, saccharin, gluten, or fluoride. Instead, you’ll get natural botanicals, such as parsley, spearmint, and blue green algae, which clean your teeth and provide a tasty minty flavor. In fact, the toothpaste is uniquely infused with protein and calcium, and its gentle blend of botanicals and polishers will fight stains, brighten your teeth, and help to strengthen gum. Parsley in particular can help to freshen your breath. If you’re looking for a toothpaste that has gentle and safe ingredients, yet is effective, this is the one for you. It was certified to be cruelty free by the CCIC in 2008, and has been Kosher and non-GMO certified since March 2019.

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Pros

  • Contains natural spearmint and parsley to freshen breath and have a mint taste 
  • Certified cruelty free for more than 10 years 
  • Infused with protein, antioxidants, and calcium 

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Cons

  • Contains carrageenan, an ingredient which has been shown to cause stomach problems
  • Does contain MSG 


UGLY By Nature Fluoride Free Toothpaste 

UGLY By Nature has developed this natural and vegan toothpaste using ingredients that are only organic to help you achieve fresher breath and whiter teeth. With a unique XTREME Mint flavor, it doesn’t contain any GMOs, gluten, glycerin, artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives, thickening agents, foaming agents, parabens, sodium sulfates, or fluoride. UGLY By Nature uses only high quality, food grade ingredients that are natural and organic; if you accidentally swallow some of this toothpaste, it’s perfectly fine. On top of all of this, the toothpaste is cruelty free, vegan, and PETA approved, and is safe for the whole family, so you can feel good about teaching your kids how to brush their teeth with this. UGLY By Nature knows that people need a healthier alternative for many body products in their life, including toothpaste, which is why they developed this product. Since there are no foam agents, you should expect the consistency of the toothpaste to be a little more goopy and cream-like. It’ll whiten your teeth naturally and remove stains gradually, with coconut charcoal that’s of the highest quality. Use this toothpaste to detoxify and purify your mouth, safely and effectively.

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Pros

  • Uses only high quality, food grade ingredients 
  • PETA approved to be cruelty free and vegan 
  • Safe for the entire family to use 

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Cons

  • Thin and doesn’t seem to coat teeth well enough to fully clean 
  • Expensive investment


Himalaya Complete Care Toothpaste 

Himalaya Herbal Healthcare’s vegan toothpaste provides complete care for your entire mouth. A purchase will get you a variety pack of all of Himalaya’s flavors, which are Spearmint, Peppermint, Cinnamon, and Mint, and they’re all free of flouride, SLS, carrageenan, and gluten. Himalaya Botanique takes a unique, different approach to the ingredients they include in their products and regards oral care differently. It takes hand-harvested Neem leaf and includes it in an Ayurveda formula which is very popular: three fruits of Triphala, combined with pomegranate fruit to offer you something that’s meaningfully different. Neem naturally helps to clean your teeth, and gives this toothpaste its sparkle as it works hard to keep your whole mouth clean. The pomegranate fruit extract helps to support the healthy look and feel of your gums, as it naturally tightens the tissues of them. This toothpaste was designed with you in mind and supports a healthier lifestyle, helping you take better care of yourself. It also supports environmental responsibility and sustainable farming. With regular brushing, this Complete Care toothpaste removes plaque, maintains white teeth, supports healthy gums, and freshens breath.

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Pros

  • Uses pomegranate to support healthy gums and Neem leaf to clean teeth 
  • Free of SLS and carrageenan 
  • Supports sustainable farming and the environment 

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Cons

  • Has an unpleasant aftertaste 
  • Doesn’t aid in reducing tartar buildup 


RealRael Himalayan Pink Salt Toothpaste 

RealRael’s toothpaste utilizes himalayan pink salt to support your oral care and freshen breath. The anti-cavity toothpaste is free of parabens, vegan, and natural, and features a fresh, soothing mint taste. Its active ingredients, sodium monofluorophosphate and sodium fluoride, effectively prevent cavities and bad breath, and offer health benefits as they maintain healthy teeth. An optimal level of fluoride included, 980 PPM, keeps your enamel strong. Himalayan pink salt also naturally kills bacteria inside your mouth, and prevents bad breath. The salt that RealRael uses is all natural and contains more than 80 minerals that are naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. All extracts included, such as green tea extract and chamomile extract, are natural, organic, and USDA approved. The sweet, herbal minty flavor will leave you feeling refreshed as you brush your teeth with this toothpaste that is non-toxic, cruelty free, vegan, and free of plastic, tar coloring, triclosan, or parabens. The toothpaste itself is USDA approved, FDA approved, and naturally balances your pH levels.

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Pros

  • Uses himalayan pink salt, which is naturally antibacterial and freshens breath 
  • USDA and FDA approved 
  • Contains optimal level of fluoride 

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Cons

  • Has a mildly salty taste 
  • Expensive investment 


Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste 

Desert Essence is an all-natural, organic company which features Neem and tea tree oil in their toothpaste. The tea tree oil naturally helps to fight plaque, as it has antiseptic properties. Neem helps to clean teeth and is naturally derived. Natural ingredients in Desert Essence’s toothpaste include sea salt, wintergreen leaf oil, eco-harvest tea tree oil, leaf distillate, and neem extract. The pure essential oil of wintergreen leaf makes your teeth and breath feel fresh, as the other ingredients get to work cleaning your teeth and mouth. With a combination of neem extract, baking soda, and sea salt, you’ll get a deep clean for both your gums and teeth. It’s safe for regular use by the whole family, as the toothpaste doesn’t contain any dyes, artificial fragrances, petroleum compounds, phthalates, fluoride, glycols, harsh abrasives, parabens, or any sweeteners. You can give your teeth the deep cleaning they deserve, with gentle yet powerful ingredients from nature. You’ll get a brilliant, bright smile, as well as fresh breath that lasts for a long time. It’s a clean you’ll feel good about, as Desert Essence is cruelty free and has been certified to not do any testing on animals.

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Pros

  • Provides a deep clean with pure, natural ingredients 
  • Gentle yet powerful 
  • Features tea tree oil and neem, to fight plaque and clean teeth 

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Cons

  • Contains glycerin and carrageenan 
  • Many users disliked the taste 


Cali White Vegan Whitening Toothpaste 

This vegan whitening toothpaste from Cali White comes fortified with vitamin B12, an essential vitamin that your body needs; it’s a great method of sublingual absorption of methylcobalamin B12 and is safe enough for children. Made here in the USA, the toothpaste has an organic mint taste and uses natural whitening ingredients. It’s free from gluten, fluoride, SLS, peroxide, triclosan, and parabens, and is completely vegan and safe enough even for pregnant mothers to use. Cali White aims to provide you with nature’s answer to teeth whitening, as this toothpaste cures bad breath with a Malibu Mint flavor, removes stains from wine, tea, and coffee, and detoxifies your entire mouth with stevia and xylitol. It also aims to provide you with all the daily B12 you need so you get an energy boost; by using this toothpaste twice a day, you’ll sublingually absorb B12 serum, and the product has been proven by clinical studies to increase B12 levels by 

50%. The B12 used is high quality, absorbent, and vegan so it supports your body and whole health. Use this toothpaste if you’d like an energy boost and effective detoxifying, whitening ingredients.

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Pros

  • Boosts your B12 intake by 50% as you absorb the vitamin sublingually 
  • Vegan and free of SLS 
  • Safe for kids and pregnant mothers to use 

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Cons

  • Small, thin tube for an expensive price 
  • Have to use a lot of the toothpaste at once for it to be effective 


Dr. Bronner Peppermint Toothpaste 

This peppermint toothpaste by Dr. Bronner is all natural and features organic ingredients. Its formula is low-foaming, so you clean your teeth without any harmful or harsh ingredients that might harm the health of your mouth. There’s also no preservatives, carrageenan, artificial colors or flavors, fluoride, or synthetic foaming agents. You’ll get a fresh and clean feel with simple yet effective organic ingredients that stimulate your tongue, gums, and teeth. You can whiten your teeth, freshen your breath, and nourish your gums with clean ingredients that are 100% organic. None of these ingredients are genetically modified, and the toothpaste is certified organic by the USDA National Organic Program and certified vegan by Vegan Action. The company is also a proud supporter of organizations that practice animal advocacy, and they’re certified to be cruelty free by Leaping Bunny. To reduce plaque and whiten teeth, use once a day with floss. On top of all this, Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste comes in a tube and box that are both 100% recyclable.

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Pros

  • No carrageenan 
  • Clean, organic ingredients that stimulate all parts of your mouth 
  • Certified USDA organic and vegan by Vegan Action 

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Cons

  • Some users felt that it did not clean their teeth effectively 
  • Product is very thick and difficult to get out of the tube 


Conclusion & What is the Best Vegan Toothpaste

There are many things to consider when you’re trying to choose the correct toothpaste. If you’re looking for a product that’s vegan and cruelty free, you need to make sure its ingredients are also clean, safe, and effective. Luckily, you can take a look at the top ten vegan toothpastes above to get a head start on your decision, and you now know which ingredients you should look for, and which you should avoid. It’s easier than ever to invest in a vegan toothpaste, and you can rest assured that your product will be safe, yet beneficial. Be sure to check out our favorite brand, Hello Oral Care (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE).