Best Vegan and Cruelty Free Toothpastes for a More Ethical Oral Routine
Toothpaste is one of those sneaky everyday items that we don’t usually question. You grab a tube at the store, use it twice a day, toss it when it’s empty, and repeat—year after year. But once I started digging, I realized a lot of mainstream toothpaste isn’t aligned with a conscious lifestyle: animal testing, unnecessary chemicals, and endless plastic waste that never really goes away.
That’s when I began looking for alternatives that were just as effective but kinder to both animals and the planet. And let me tell you—there are so many great options now. From tablets in glass jars to traditional pastes in recyclable tubes, vegan and cruelty-free brands are proving that oral care can be sustainable without feeling like a compromise.
So, if you’re ready to swap the basics in your bathroom for something more intentional, here are 12 vegan & cruelty-free toothpastes that make brushing your teeth a little act of kindness—for you, for animals, and for the planet.
WHY CONVENTIONAL TOOTHPASTE ISN’T VEGAN
Most of us grew up thinking toothpaste was just toothpaste—minty, foamy, and something you can grab off the shelf without a second thought. But if you look closer, a lot of conventional toothpastes aren’t vegan or cruelty-free. Many brands still test on animals, often because of outdated regulations in certain markets. Beyond that, the formulas themselves may contain animal-derived ingredients like glycerin (which can be sourced from animal fat), bone char in whitening agents, or even bee products like propolis.
Conventional toothpaste can sneak in animal-derived inputs or ingredients with fuzzy sourcing. The big “watch me” items: glycerin (can be from animal fat unless labeled plant-based), stearic acid / stearates (foamers/emulsifiers that may come from tallow), calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite (some formulas use bovine-derived; many are synthetic—ask!), chitosan (plaque-control polymer from shellfish), and bee products like propolis, honey, or royal jelly in “natural” lines. A few niche pastes add milk-derived enzymes or proteins (e.g., lactoferrin, casein) for sensitivity or remineralization—also not vegan.
Even the colors and flavors in toothpaste can hide animal products. For example, some red or pink toothpastes may use carmine/cochineal, which actually comes from crushed insects (yikes!). Most of the other dyes are technically vegan because they’re petroleum-based, but they’re not always cruelty-free since many have been tested on animals. Flavorings can also be vague—“natural flavor” sounds harmless, but it doesn’t always mean plant-based. And while charcoal in toothpaste usually comes from coconut or bamboo, some cheaper versions could use bone-derived carbon instead. The safest bet? Stick with brands that clearly label their products as vegan and cruelty-free, so you’re not left guessing.
Choosing vegan and cruelty-free toothpaste isn’t just about avoiding animal ingredients—it’s about supporting brands that don’t contribute to unnecessary animal testing. The good news is there are plenty of options out there now that keep your smile fresh without compromising your values. Once you make the switch, you’ll wonder how something as everyday as brushing your teeth ever came at the expense of animals in the first place.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. These brands have been carefully chosen because they are committed to sustainability!
THE BEST PLANT-BASED AND CRUELTY FREE TOOTHPASTES FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFE
Photo Credit: Hello
ANTIPLAQUE TOOTHPASTE
by Hello
The natural peppermint Hello is one of my go-to vegan toothpastes, for a fresh and cruelty-free breath!
Made with farm-grown peppermint, tea tree oil, and coconut oil, it leaves your breath minty fresh while being gentle on your mouth. This formula is vegan, cruelty-free, peroxide-free, SLS-free, and contains no artificial flavors, dyes, or sweeteners.
It’s a no-brainer for anyone wanting a cleaner, kinder brushing routine—proof that you don’t have to compromise on freshness or whitening to stay conscious about your choices.
Photo Credit: ZeroWasteStore
ALL NATURAL TOOTHPASTE
by David’s
If you want a plastic-free alternative for your toothpaste, David’s got your back. Their toothpaste is vegan and cruelty-free, but it also comes in a recyclable metal tube. Aesthetic and sustainable go hand in hand!
In addition to being vegan and CF, this natural toothpaste is also fluoride free, sulfate free, and has all-natural ingredients, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Photo Credit: Tom’s of Maine
ANTIPLAQUE AND WHITENING NATURAL TOOTHPASTE
by Tom’s of Maine
Most Tom’s of Maine’s products are vegan, including this cruelty-free toothpaste that’s made with naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients, and is fluoride free.
It helps remove surface stains with regular brushing to help gently whiten teeth, is free from artificial flavors, sweeteners and dyes, and has not been tested on animals.
Another plant-based toothpaste, checked.
Photo Credit: Me Mother Earth
UNPASTE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
by Me Mother Earth
If you want to take that extra step in your eco-friendly journey, this is a more environmentally-friendly toothpaste alternative, in the form of tablets–TADA!
Swap your plastic toothpaste tube for tabs, and reduce not only your environmental impact, but improve your oral health, as tooth tabs are usually less abrasive than most toothpastes.
These tablets are also vegan, cruelty-free, and come in a compostable sealed paper pouch. They have no preservatives, SLS, Sodium Saccharin, or Aluminum Nanoparticles.
Photo Credit: Boka
NANO-HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE
by Boka
Another vegan and cruelty-free toothpaste you can try is Boka’s. Made with aloe vera, green tea, and mint, you’ll get closer to nature while brushing your teeth.
This product also has nano-hydroxyapatite, a biomimetic mineral form of the same ingredient that naturally makes enamel.
Besides being suitable for vegans and not being tested on animals, it’s free of fluoride, sulfates, parabens, artificial flavors, and colors.
Photo Credit: ZeroWasteStore
ECO FRIENDLY TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
by Huppy
Another sustainable alternative for your oral: these eco-friendly toothpaste tablets that contain no-hydroxyapatite, a non-toxic fluoride alternative, and come in a recyclable aluminum case.
They’re made with clean ingredients like peppermint oil, coconut oil, aloe vera extract, and xylitol, are vegan and cruelty-free, and come in compostable packaging.
Photo Credit: The Humble Co.
SENSITIVITY TOOTHPASTE
by The Humble Co.
Another plant-based toothpaste alternative, especially for anyone with sensitivity. This one is fluoride-free, contains nano hydroxyapatite, SLS and parabens-free.
Of course, The Humble Co.’s products are vegan-certified, as they contain no animal products, and cruelty-free.
Photo Credit: Auromere
AYURVEDIC HERBAL TOOTHPASTE
by Auromere
If you’re still looking for cruelty-free toothpaste brands, Auromere has your back. With over 20 Ayurvedic herbal ingredients that support your oral health, including Neem (used in Ayurveda for centuries), and Peelu, this product is a great sustainable alternative to conventional toothpaste.
Auromere’s natural toothpaste is vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, fluoride-free, alcohol-free, and has no artificial sweeteners.
Photo Credit: ZeroWasteStore
TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
by Georganics
For a plastic-free toothpaste alternative, Georganics offers vegan and cruelty-free toothpaste tablets, with English peppermint, that will make your oral hygiene routine a sustainable affair.
These naturally foaming toothpaste tablets come in a glass jar and compostable packaging, and are free from synthetic ingredients like Sodium Fluoride, SLS and Glycerin.
Photo credit: Dr Bronner’s
ALL-ONE TOOTHPASTE
by Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste is made with organic spearmint oil for a minty-fresh-clean feeling. It’s fluoride and SLS free, and made with 70% organic ingredients, including organic coconut flour, organic aloe, and organic coconut oil. Vegan & cruelty-free, with no artificial colors or flavors, carrageenan, synthetic sweeteners or detergent foaming agents, and non GMO.
A great eco-friendlier and organic toothpaste, that is also free from detergent foaming agents, making it safe for your oral care routine.
Photo credit: Attitude
VEGAN WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
by Attitude
Attitude’s vegan and cruelty free whitening toothpaste with fluoride, is another alternative you can try to make your oral routine more sustainable.
This plant-based toothpaste helps restore and mineralize enamel for stronger, healthier teeth. Made with ingredients derived from plants and minerals such as green tea leaf, which has antioxidant properties, and papaya leaves, which contributes to reduce dental plaque.
Certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA.
Photo credit: ZeroWasteStore
ZERO WASTE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
by Huppy
Naturally whiten your teeth and freshen your breath with this sustainable alternative to toothpaste. This refill supply gives you 62 eco-friendly toothpaste tablets that are vegan and cruelty free.
The ingredients have been scientifically proven to fight cavities, boost oral health, and whiten teeth, all without chemicals!
Refill pouches are made from 100% paper and are backyard-compostable. Made with clean, sustainable ingredients like peppermint oil, coconut oil, aloe vera extract, and xylitol. Go eco!
Photo credit: Twice
VEGAN ANTICAVITY TOOTHPASTE
by Twice
This vegan and cruelty free toothpaste will help you fight cavities, prevent sensitivity, and whiten your smile.
It uses coconut-derived foaming agents for a fresh and clean feeling. It’s a vegan, fluoride-based formula free from artificial dyes, parabens, SLS and BPA.
Photo credit: Hello
ACTIVATED CHRACOAL VEGAN TOOTHPASTE
by Hello
Another vegan toothpaste alternative by Hello, this activated charcoal one has fresh mint and coconut oil, is fluoride free, and helps whiten those beautiful teeth of yours.
Hello toothpaste is not only vegan and not tested on animals (leaping bunny certified), it’s also made with no peroxide, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, dyes, preservatives, SLS, parabens, or titanium dioxide
Photo Credit: Me Mother Earth
FOAMING MINTH TOOTHPOWDER
by Me Mother Earth
The quintessence of a sustainable toothpaste alternative is this foaming mint toothpowder. Yes, it’s a powder that comes in a kraft paper cardboard tube, which makes it a plastic-free option.
It sheeps plastic-free, is palm oil free, as well as vegan and cruelty-free. This product is handmade by Bare Elements- a female-owned company in the USA.
Photo credit: Bite
PLASTIC-FREE TOOTHPASTE BITS
by Bite
Another product you can choose if you’re looking for a cleaner, plastic-free alternative to the toothpaste tube. These toothpaste bits are zero-waste, don’t have harsh chemicals, and come in a refillable jar.
Some of its benefits: helps strengthen and brighten teeth, fights cavities, removes plaque, and freshens your breath.
Bite toothpaste tablets are vegan, cruelty-free, certified B-corporation, carbon neutral, and is a woman-owned company.
Photo credit: The Humble Co.
ECO TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
by The Humble Co.
Yet another environmentally-friendly toothpaste by The Humble Co.? Yes, and in the form of tablets that taste of fresh mint!
These vegan and cruelty-free toothpaste tablets come in a plastic-free and recyclable cardboard tube, and are free from parabens, SLS, and dyes.
Remember this is a great travel-friendly toothpaste alternative, as it isn’t liquid!
Photo credit: David’s
VEGAN SENSITIVE + WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
by David’s
Another plastic-free toothpaste alternative by David’s, this one is antiplaque and focused on sensitivity and whitening.
It has naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients, has no artificial flavors or colors, is family-owned and operated, and comes in the recyclable metal tube (and a squeezer to get all the product out!).
David’s vegan toothpastes also come in travel size, which is a great news for the sustainable traveler!
What will be your sustainable and vegan toothpaste of choice?
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Hi, I’m Melina,
I’m the creator of Sustainable Rookie, and my goal is to share what I learn throughout my sustainability journey, so that I can help other people live a more conscious life.
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