Best Microplastic-Free Toothpaste & Oral Care UK 2026

You brush your teeth twice a day — possibly more. Over a lifetime, that is a lot of toothpaste in direct contact with some of the most absorbent tissue in your body. So it matters what is in it.

While microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics were banned in the UK in 2018, toothpaste was excluded from the ban because it is classified as a “leave-on” cosmetic. Many conventional toothpastes still contain synthetic polymer ingredients that environmental organisations classify as microplastics — and you are swallowing trace amounts every time you brush.

Synthetic Polymers Commonly Found in Toothpaste

According to the Beat the Microbead campaign run by the Plastic Soup Foundation, the following synthetic polymers are commonly found in toothpaste formulations:

• PVM/MA copolymer (polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic acid) — used for adhesion to tooth enamel
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) — used as a humectant and binding agent
• Carbomer (polyacrylic acid) — used as a thickener
• Cellulose gum — while derived from plant cellulose, some formulations use chemically modified versions
• Poloxamer — a synthetic block copolymer used as an emulsifier

These ingredients serve functional purposes in the formulation, but natural alternatives exist for each function.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Georganics Natural Mineral-Rich Toothpaste

Georganics uses calcium carbonate, coconut oil, sodium bicarbonate, and essential oils — no synthetic polymers, SLS, or fluoride. Packaged in a recyclable glass jar with an aluminium lid. Made in the UK. The mineral-rich formula is effective for cleaning without any of the synthetic ingredients found in conventional toothpastes.

Best for Children: Green People Children’s Toothpaste

Green People offer an organic children’s toothpaste with no SLS, no fluoride, and no synthetic polymer ingredients. Certified organic by the Soil Association. Available from Holland & Barrett and online retailers.

Best Tablet Alternative: Denttabs Toothpaste Tablets

Denttabs offer toothpaste in tablet form — you chew the tablet, then brush with a wet toothbrush. The formula uses microcrystalline cellulose (a natural plant-derived material) instead of synthetic polymers for the abrasive action. Available from Amazon UK and zero-waste shops.

Best Budget: Kingfisher Natural Toothpaste

A long-established UK brand that uses natural ingredients and avoids synthetic polymers, SLS, and artificial sweeteners. Available from most health food shops and Holland & Barrett at competitive prices.

Products to Reconsider

Colgate Total

Colgate Total contains PVM/MA copolymer — a synthetic polymer used to help the active ingredient (stannous fluoride) adhere to teeth. While this serves a clinical purpose, the polymer itself is classified as a microplastic by environmental organisations. The Colgate Total formulation also contains synthetic fragrance compounds.

Sensodyne Pronamel

Sensodyne Pronamel contains PEG-8 (polyethylene glycol) — a synthetic polymer humectant. While PEG compounds are water-soluble and their classification as microplastics is debated, they are petroleum-derived synthetic polymers.

The Fluoride Question

Many natural toothpastes do not contain fluoride. This is a separate health consideration from microplastics. The NHS recommends fluoride toothpaste for cavity prevention. If you want both fluoride protection and microplastic-free ingredients, look for natural toothpastes that include sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride without synthetic polymer additives.

The microplastic concern and the fluoride question are independent issues — you do not have to choose between them.

Beyond Toothpaste: Other Oral Care Swaps

• Toothbrush: Bamboo toothbrushes with natural bristles (plant-based or charcoal-infused) replace plastic handles and nylon bristles. Note that most “bamboo” toothbrushes still use nylon bristles — truly plastic-free bristles are available but less common.
• Dental floss: Conventional floss is typically nylon or PTFE (Teflon). Natural alternatives use silk or plant-based waxed thread.
• Mouthwash: Many conventional mouthwashes contain synthetic polymers. Look for simple formulations based on essential oils and water.

Sources

1. UK microbead ban legislation — UK Government, 2017
2. Beat the Microbead: Check your products — Plastic Soup Foundation
3. NHS dental health guidance — NHS