Short, clean list, but neem is second to last despite being in the name. Pick Cinnamint for more neem.
Grade
AFull check
AEvidence only
−3 from preference · +2 bonus
Trace neem. Neem is named on the pack but sits at 10th of 11 (just before sea salt).
Ingredients, in label order
Explain every ingredient
- Calcium carbonate — Good. Gentle mineral cleaner.
- glycerin (plant) — Neutral. Base: keeps the paste moist.
- water — Neutral. Base: keeps the paste moist.
- melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf water — Neutral. Base: keeps the paste moist.
- sodium lauroyl sarcosinate — Neutral. Mild foaming agent (not SLS).
- carrageenan (plant) — Watch. Seaweed thickener. Gut-inflammation concerns come from food and animal studies, not toothpaste; weak evidence.
- gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen) leaf oil — Neutral. Named plant oil or flavor compound. Fully disclosed.
- sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) — Good. Gentle mineral cleaner.
- melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil — Neutral. Named plant oil or flavor compound. Fully disclosed.
- melia azadirachta extract (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.
- sea salt (maris sal) — Neutral. Common toothpaste ingredient.
Watch-outs
- Neem in the name, not much in the tubeNeem is 10th of 11 ingredients, just before sea salt.
- Sold outSold out on desertessence.com on Sep 28.
- Reformulated for the betterOlder labels used sodium coco sulfate; the current one uses milder sodium lauroyl sarcosinate.
- Possible shrinkflationA 2021 listing shows a 7 oz tube; today's is 6.25 oz. One source only.
Score breakdown
| Starting score | 100 |
| Carrageenan | −3 |
| Verified seal: Non-GMO Project, Leaping Bunny, B Corp | +2 |
| Score | 99 → A |
|---|
Where to buy
| Store | Size | Price | Per oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sproutsnot confirmed | 6.25 oz | $7.49 | $1.20/oz |
| Brand sitenot confirmed | 6.25 oz | $8.99 | $1.44/oz |
| Ralphsnot confirmed | 6.25 oz | $9.99 | $1.60/oz |
Shopper notes
- Wintergreen oil is methyl salicylate: keep away from young children and people who avoid aspirin.