What you should know when choosing non-toxic mouthwash on Welpr:

  • Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
  • We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
  • The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Mouthwash

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Natural Alkalizing Miracle Mouthwash - Uncle Harry's

Natural Alkalizing Miracle Mouthwash - Uncle Harry's
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.95
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The USDA Organic certification confirms that agricultural products meet strict organic standards, ensuring sustainable practices from farm to consumer.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/uncle-harrys-natural-products" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$15.50

Product Details

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  • Freshens breath by naturally balancing pH levels and neutralizing microbes that contribute to bad breath and dry mouth.
  • Helps reduce swelling and flushes out irritants with regular gargling, while maintaining mouth’s natural alkaline pH.
  • Strengthens teeth and gums by encouraging remineralization of tooth enamel and supplying essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
  • Made with natural ingredients including purified water, silver mineral, calcium carbonate, sea salt, mustard seed powder, and essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, wintergreen, and oregano.
  • Alcohol-free, fluoride-free, gluten-free, glycerin-free, and vegan; does not contain synthetic preservatives, carrageenan, triclosan, or artificial sweeteners.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Refreshing
  • Long-lasting
  • Effective

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Propanediol, Sodium Stearate, Tapioca Starch, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Silica, Kaolin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cellulose Gum, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Mentha Piperita Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Panax Quinquefolium Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

All Natural Mouthwash Concentrate - jonahfresh

All Natural Mouthwash Concentrate - jonahfresh
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The Made Safe certification ensures that products are free from harmful chemicals and prioritize human health and ecosystem safety. <a href="https://madesafe.org/products/jonahfresh-mouthwash-concentrate-natural-original-fresh?_pos=3&_sid=628736c3b&_ss=r" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$7.99

Product Details

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  • Contains powerful essential oils to combat odor-producing bacteria and support a healthy oral environment.
  • Features a natural ingredient list that includes premium grade herbal ingredients and is free from harmful synthetics.
  • Product is 100% vegan and free from sulfates, PEG, fluoride, alcohol, and dyes.
  • Not tested on animals.
  • TSA compliant for easy travel and suitable for various uses such as carry-on baggage, handbags, and outdoor activities.
  • Provides up to 675 rinses per pack.
  • Offers a full product refund if not satisfied, under the JonahFresh guarantee.
  • Made in the USA and certified by MADE SAFE.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Concentrated
  • Fresh
  • Portable

Cons Mentioned

  • Bitter

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Water, Peppermint Oil, Wintergreen Oil, Spearmint Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Cajeput Oil, Chamomile Oil, Bergamot Oil, Oregano Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Stevia Leaf Extract

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Ayurvedic Mouthwash - Auromere

Ayurvedic Mouthwash - Auromere
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
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on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$14.15

Product Details

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  • Vegan and fluoride-free formulation.
  • Alcohol-free and Non-GMO.
  • Contains a blend of 23 botanical extracts and 9 essential oils for dental health.
  • Includes potent Ayurvedic ingredients like Neem and Peelu for long-lasting freshness.
  • Designed to promote optimal oral hygiene and fresh breath.
  • Recommended by Ayurvedic specialists for its astringent and cleansing properties.
  • To use: rinse mouth with water, then swish approximately 1/2 cup of mouthwash for at least 1 minute, gargle and spit out.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Refreshing
  • Effective
  • Natural

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerine (From Vegetable Oil), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xylitol (From Birch Bark), Essential Oil Blend: [Anethol, Menthol, Eucalyptus, Mentha Arvensis, Mentha Piperita, Mentha Viridis, Geranium, Cardamom, Clove], Indian Licorice Root, Herbal Extract Blend: [Peelu (Salvadora Persica), Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Pomegranate Rind, Common Jujube, Rose Apple, Clove, Persian Walnut, Barleria Prinoitis Bark (Vajradanti), Indian Almond, Bedda Nut, Asian Holly Oak, Prickly Ash, Zanthoxylum Alatum, Sappan Wood, Catechu, Bengal Madder, Acacia Arabica Bark (Babul), Sarsaparilla, Cinnamon, Medlar Bark, Mayweed, Bishop’s Weed], Benzoic Acid (Nature Identical)

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

All Natural Colloidal Silver Mouthwash - Simply Silver

All Natural Colloidal Silver Mouthwash - Simply Silver
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-2 feature a low potential hazard rating and good or robust ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/985787-Simply_Silver_Mouthwash_Mint/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$16.49

Product Details

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  • Made with 100% natural, raw, and clean ingredients, free from fluoride, alcohol, and cetylpyridinium chloride.
  • Contains advanced colloidal silver solution (15 PPM) for effective cleansing.
  • Formulated to alleviate dry mouth with long-lasting fresh breath effects.
  • PH balanced to promote gum health and maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
  • Unique formula incorporates botanicals sourced from the Amazon Rain Forest.
  • Product packaging is BPA-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
  • Manufactured in the USA ensuring adherence to local guidelines and standards.
  • Lacks harmful chemicals found in conventional mouthwash, preserving beneficial oral bacteria.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Natural
  • Refreshing
  • Powerful

Cons Mentioned

  • Burning

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Advanced Silver Solution (15 Ppm) Proprietary Formula, 100% Raw Croton Lechleri Sap, Black Walnut Hull Tincture, CoQ10, Essential Oils Proprietary Blend Of Peppermint, Clove, Tea Tree, Myrrh And Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana, Vegetable Glycerin, And Deionized Water), Menthol (Mentha Arvensis)

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

AO ProRinse Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash - PerioSciences

AO ProRinse Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash - PerioSciences
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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on Amazon
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$18.50

Product Details

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  • Formulated to counteract bad breath and soothe oral tissue using herbal compounds and essential oils.
  • Features antioxidants such as phloretin and ferulic acid, along with menthol peppermint oil and plasdone.
  • Incorporates witch hazel extract for additional support of gum health.
  • Recommended by dentists for its scientifically proven ingredients that enhance the mouth's natural defense system and alleviate discomfort for sensitive mouths.
  • Guidelines for use recommend swishing approximately one teaspoon of the mouthwash vigorously for up to a minute, spit out, and avoid swallowing.
  • Advised to be used twice daily and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after use to maximize benefits.
  • PerioSciences utilizes a dual approach, combining the power of natural antioxidants and scientific research to maintain optimal oral health and appearance.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Soothing
  • Hydrating
  • Healing

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Phloretin, Ferulic Acid, Allantoin, Witch Hazel Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Lactate, Prickly Ash Bark Extract, Plasdone, Menthol, Thymol, Essential Oils (Peppermint, Sage, Clove), Xylitol

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Mouth Rinse with Soothing Aloe Vera - Body Food

Mouth Rinse with Soothing Aloe Vera - Body Food
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
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on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$27.99

Product Details

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  • Made with pure aloe vera leaf juice for a gentle and nourishing effect.
  • Features restorative properties of polysaccharides in aloe vera, aiding in soft tissue health.
  • Contains spearmint extract for a fresh, minty finish.
  • Formulated with organic stevia and does not include fillers, fragrance oils, additives, preservatives, or toxic synthetics.
  • Non-toxic body care product packaged in recyclable/reusable glass containers.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Comes in recyclable packaging with an attractive recyclable gift box.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Gentle
  • Effective
  • Natural

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Spearmint Extract, Organic Stevia

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Essential Oxygen Plus Peppermint Brushing Rinse - Essential Oxygen

Essential Oxygen Plus Peppermint Brushing Rinse - Essential Oxygen
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.55
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/884178-Essential_Oxygen_BR_Organic_Brushing_Rinse_Peppermint_2018_formulation/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/essential-oxygen/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$29.74

Product Details

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  • Free of alcohol, glycerin, fluoride, pesticides, and chlorine bleach

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Healing
  • Refreshing

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide 1.0%, Inactive Ingredients: Deionized Purified Water, Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Organic Essential Oils: Peppermint, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Clove, Cinnamon

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Teeth Whitening Mouthwash - Lumineux

Teeth Whitening Mouthwash - Lumineux
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.35
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/977373-Lumineux_Whitening_Mouthwash/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$15.96

Product Details

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  • Whitens teeth in 7 days or less without causing sensitivity by lifting stains without damaging enamel.
  • Clinically proven effectiveness, supported by over 50 double-blind university studies, to clean, freshen, and whiten teeth comparably to conventional products but without harmful effects.
  • Certified non-toxic and microbiome safe, protecting good bacteria and detoxifying harmful ones.
  • Free from alcohol, fluoride, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
  • Formulated with essential oils instead of peroxide, providing enamel-safe teeth whitening.
  • Contains no preservatives, additives, artificial dyes, or flavorings.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Refreshing
  • Whitening
  • Natural

Cons Mentioned

  • Dryness

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Xylitol, Purified Water (Aqua), Dead Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Organic Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil

Our Product Rating System

Our Product Rating System

First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.

Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.

Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.

Welpr Rating:

5.0/5

The Welpr Rating takes into account 3 things:

  1. Product Safety
  2. Consumer Satisfaction
  3. Ethics & Environment
Product safety

Part 1: Product safety

We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.

Consumer satisfaction

Part 2: Consumer satisfaction

We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).

Ethics & Environment

Part 3: Ethics & Environment

When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.

Common Harmful Chemicals in Mouthwash

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.

Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine, in its various forms, is primarily used in disinfectants, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products in the U.S. Chlorhexidine acetate is acutely toxic when applied to the eye and can cause skin reactions, with some instances resulting in severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock. It can also cause discoloration of teeth and damage to the knees. Occupational exposure can lead to asthma in health care workers. Animal studies have shown ocular irritation in rabbits, and while there are mixed results in bacterial mutagenic studies, no carcinogenic effects were noted in long-term studies.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant commonly found in personal care products like shampoos and body washes. However, it has been linked to skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and potential reactions caused by impurities like 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. This ingredient may also contribute to skin sensitivity and has raised concerns about its environmental impact.

Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine dioxide is a yellow-brown gas with a pungent odor. It has versatile uses encompassing bleaching of different materials, purification of water, and manufacturing of chloride salts, among others. It's effective in controlling microorganisms at low concentrations. Human exposure can cause symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, and in severe cases, bronchitis and pulmonary edema. Prolonged exposure has even been linked with occupational asthma and other respiratory disorders. Effects of exposure may extend to unborn children, with associations found between a pregnant woman's exposure to chlorine dioxide-treated water and prematurity or smaller cranial circumferences in newborns. Animal studies indicate that chlorine dioxide is very toxic, especially through inhalation causing respiratory distress,and oral consumption leading to death at certain doses. It was found to increase water genotoxicity and result in abnormalities in eco-toxicity studies.

Butylparaben

Butylparaben, a chemical used in various products, has been shown to cause skin irritation in humans and potential sensitization in dermatitis patients. Animal studies indicate that it has low to moderate oral toxicity and can cause damage to the liver, spleen, and thymus. It can also lead to cell proliferation in rats' stomachs, though it was not found to be carcinogenic or mutagenic. However, it may negatively impact sperm viability and activity, as demonstrated in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Lastly, it proposed weaker aquatic toxicity compared to parabens with longer alkyl chains, but still showed estrogenic effects in certain fish species.

Ethylparaben

Ethylparaben is a chemical used as a preservative in various products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and adhesives. It exhibits low toxicity in humans and animals, but can cause skin irritation, particularly when applied to damaged skin, and may worsen pre-existing skin conditions. Despite causing cell proliferation in rats' forestomachs and chromosomal aberrations in a hamster ovary cell test, it has shown no evidence of causing cancer. However, it was found to be toxic to fetuses at doses toxic to the mother, though it did not cause malformations (nonteratogenic). Interestingly, while it impacted sperm viability in lab conditions, it showed no negative effects on mouse sperm in actuality.

Methylparaben

Methylparaben is an antimicrobial preservative used in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Some individuals can develop contact dermatitis on skin exposure, and allergic reactions have been reported on ingestion, though the evidence is not conclusive. Data from animal studies suggest that methylparaben is practically non-toxic and non-irritating in normal skin conditions, with high thresholds for observed adverse effects. However, it showed chromosome aberrations in a cell assay and variable results in different uterotrophic assays. An ecotoxicity study found changes in the expression of certain genes at specific concentrations in male medaka, a type of fish.

Propylparaben

Propylparaben is a stable, non-volatile compound utilized as an antimicrobial preservative in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Human exposure can cause sensitization especially if applied to damaged skin and may cause contact sensitivity with high concentrations. Extensive animal studies reveal that propylparaben is relatively non-toxic, yet it can mildly irritate skin, affect sperm counts in substantial levels, and trigger cell proliferation in the forestomach of rats. However, it is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or clastogenic, and a significant no-observed-adverse-effect level was reported in rats. Ecotoxicity studies show that it can lead to an increase in plasma vitellogenin levels in rainbow trout and a significant decline of vitellogenin production in zebrafish at varying concentrations.

Isobutylparaben

Isobutylparaben belongs to the paraben family of preservatives used in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and have been found in breast cancer tumors in some studies. Parabens are commonly found in various personal care products and foods and have been associated with endocrine disruption, skin cancer risk, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential behavioral changes in offspring when exposed during gestation.

Isopropylparaben

Isopropylparaben belongs to the parabens family of preservatives utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. Parabens have estrogen-mimicking properties and pose a potential risk as endocrine disruptors. Research has detected parabens in the breast cancer tumors of a significant number of studied women, raising concerns about their safety and hormonal effects.

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About The Author

Camille May

Hey, I’m Camille, co-creator of Welpr and your clean living guide. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We created Welpr to make that journey feel a little bit easier. When I’m not working on Welpr, you can find me at the farmers market or unwinding in the sauna, always in bed at 9pm with a good book. I live in my hometown of Austin, TX with my pit bull, Romeo.