In most cases, the answer is no. The vast majority of toothpastes and mouthcare products that you see on the shelves in supermarkets are not vegan or cruelty free. Almost all of them contain animal derived ingredients, and they are almost all tested on animals.
Big brands like Colgate, Oral B, Sensodyne and Aquafresh are not vegan and they are not cruelty free. Trying to find an animal-friendly alternative is difficult, especially in the supermarkets. The labels are not clear and the information on their websites is misleading. But there are alternatives available and they are affordable and effective too!
Why is toothpaste not vegan?
Many toothpastes contain the following animal derived ingredients making them neither vegan or vegetarian:
- Lactoferrin – a protein from cows milk or whey
- Animal glycerin – derived from animal fats
- Beeswax and Propolis – derived from bees and used for antimicrobial effect (to prevent disease)
- Animal bone meal – derived from ground animal bones and used as an abrasive
Yes, you read that right, ground animal bones!
These ingredients are found in the majority of toothpastes. As a results, almost all toothpastes in the supermarket are not vegan or cruelty free. Even if you’re not a vegan or a vegetarian, do you really want to rub animal fats and ground bones on your teeth!
Why is toothpaste tested on animals?
In the EU, animal testing is prohibited during the manufacturing process for cosmetic products. In theory, this means the toothpastes in the UK shouldn’t be tested on animals BUT the law is complicated, and companies can and do find ways around it. You can find out more by reading our animal testing blog. As a heads up, it’s informative but the facts are quite alarming to read.
How do companies mislead us?
Big brands will use clever language and will claim not to test on animals at any point unless they are required to by law. That’s the bit that’s easy to miss – unless required by law. As we’ve said, in the UK and Europe, animal testing for cosmetic products in banned, but in mainland China, animal testing is required by law. Let’s say that again. To sell toothpaste in mainland China, it MUST be tested on animals before it can be sold. So, if these companies sell their products in China, they will be funding animal testing on their products. You can read more about China’s animal testing policy.
Bold claims made by companies like Colgate that they are “committed to work towards the elimination of laboratory safety testing using animals” or that it is “necessary to maintain the option of using animal tests … when we cannot find other appropriate means to ensure the safety of our consumers and our people” are in fact a smoke screen designed to shift the blame away from themselves and to make us believe that they are not responsible when their products are tested on animals. But the bottom line is, they feel that the Chinese market is too big to miss out on and consider this a situation where there is no other ‘appropriate means’ to ensure the safety of customers.
Unless certified as cruelty free, brands may test on animals, either themselves, through their supplier or through a third party.
Which toothpastes are vegan and cruelty free?
There are a growing number of vegan toothpastes available that haven’t been tested on animals and they work amazingly!
Waken
Waken are one of the fastest growing vegan, cruelty free and sustainable mouthcare brands in the UK.
Established in 2019, their mission is to create effective, sustainable oral hygiene products that not only work brilliantly, but also look great in your bathroom.
Their products are:
- Highly effective – clinically tested results and proven to be effectiveness
- Vegan friendly – never containing animal derived ingredients
- Sustainably packaged – using recycled plastic and aluminium
- Naturally flavoured – containing real, natural mint and other natural extracts
- SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) free – a harsh detergent that removes the protective mucin layer from oral cavities and can cause ulcers
Waken work with dentists and chemists to maintain performance without compromising on sustainability. Their toothpaste tubes are made from recycled aluminium that can continue to be recycled after use and their cartons are made from responsibly sourced, forest friendly FSC certified cardboard. Their mouthwash bottles are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.
We’ve got a full range of Waken mouthcare products including toothpastes, mouthwash and dental floss.
The Humble Co.
The mouthcare brand that makes a difference.
The Humble Co. is a Swedish company focused on creating high quality, sustainable, environmentally friendly products that are good for you and the planet. Founder and dentist, Noel Abdayem, is committed to not only generating a positive impact on the environment by reducing plastic waste, but to improving access to oral health care around the world.
For example, each purchase of a Humble product contributes to the Humble Smile Foundation, a non-profit organisation helping to fund oral health projects that benefit children in 106 vulnerable communities in 50 countries across the world.
In addition, Humble carefully select their materials to ensure they are as natural and sustainable as possible. They have high standards of their suppliers and distributors, their production, their transportation and the well-being of their staff and customers.
- BPA, PFAS and phthalates free
- Natural, sustainably sourced materials
Humble toothpaste is vegan and cruelty free, using only natural, plant-based ingredients.
Take a look at our wide range of The Humble Co toothpastes and toothbrushes.
Aloe Dent
Aloe Dent have created a range of revolutionary oral hygiene products that harness the natural power of aloe vera to fight tooth decay and gum disease.
Whilst the majority of toothpastes use water as their primary ingredient, Aloe Dent have replaced this with aloe vera juice. Aloe vera is the wonder plant that helps fight against tooth decay and gum disease in a natural way. Able to balance the oral cavities pH for at least five hours, Aloe Dent protects your teeth between applications and is made without the use of SLS and fluoride. Aloe Dent is vegan and cruelty free.
Our Aloe Dent toothpaste is perfect for those with sensitive teeth or who prefer a fluoride free toothpaste.
How do you know if a toothpaste is cruelty free?
Read our blog to find out how to recognise what logos to look for to be sure that your toothpaste is not tested on animals. Be aware that vegan doesn’t necessarily mean cruelty free and visa versa.
