The pick for people who avoid mint; neem leads the herb blend.
Grade
AFull check
AEvidence only
−8 from evidence · −3 from preference · +2 bonus
Real neem. Neem on the label: 4th (neem leads the 23-herb blend).
Ingredients, in label order
Explain every ingredient
- Fine Chalk (a gentle cleanser) — Good. Gentle mineral cleaner.
- Glycerine (from vegetable oil) — Neutral. Base: keeps the paste moist.
- Water — Neutral. Base: keeps the paste moist.
- Herbal extract blend (23 herbs, incl. neem) — Good. Neem (Azadirachta indica): the reason for the category. Lab studies show it inhibits cavity bacteria; clinical plaque/gum evidence is small and short-term.
- Silica — Neutral. Silica: standard polishing agent.
- Sodium Coco Sulfate (from Indian coconut oil) — Watch. Sodium coco sulfate: an SLS-family foaming agent made from coconut oil. Usually milder, same mechanism.
- Chondrus crispus (seaweed extract) — Watch. Seaweed thickener. Gut-inflammation concerns come from food and animal studies, not toothpaste; weak evidence.
- Clove oil — Neutral. Named plant oil or flavor compound. Fully disclosed.
- Anethol — Neutral. Named plant oil or flavor compound. Fully disclosed.
- Geranium extract — Neutral. Plant ingredient.
- Potassium Sorbate (Potassium salt) — Neutral. Common toothpaste ingredient.
- p Thymol (from Thyme oil) — Neutral. Named plant oil or flavor compound. Fully disclosed.
Watch-outs
- Stale labelsVitacost still shows the old SLS version of this label.
Score breakdown
| Starting score | 100 |
| Sodium coco sulfate (SLS family) | −8 |
| Carrageenan | −3 |
| Verified seal: Non-GMO Project, Leaping Bunny | +2 |
| Score | 91 → A |
|---|
Shopper notes
- The first three base ingredients are assumed from the Fresh Mint label.
- Vitacost sells it as "Neem, fluoride-free"; it's the same product.