The best clean budget pick: 25% xylitol and real neem, with a trace of SLS-family foaming agent at the very end.
Grade
AFull check
AEvidence only
−8 from evidence · −2 from preference
Real neem. Neem on the label: 9th of 15.
Easier to buy
Ingredients, in label order
Explain every ingredient
- Water — Neutral. Base: keeps the paste moist.
- xylitol (25%) — Good. Xylitol: sugar alcohol that cavity bacteria can't use. Supportive evidence.
- hydrated silica — Neutral. Silica: standard polishing agent.
- glycerin — Neutral. Base: keeps the paste moist.
- sorbitol — Neutral. Base: keeps the paste moist.
- sodium bicarbonate — Good. Gentle mineral cleaner.
- calcium carbonate — Good. Gentle mineral cleaner.
- sodium carbonate — Neutral. Common toothpaste ingredient.
- 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.
- melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil — Neutral. Named plant oil or flavor compound. Fully disclosed.
- gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen) leaf oil — Neutral. Named plant oil or flavor compound. Fully disclosed.
- natural mint flavor — Watch. Flavor or fragrance not broken down on the label. A transparency issue, not a toxicity finding.
- papain — Neutral. Common toothpaste ingredient.
- xanthan gum — Neutral. Plant thickener.
- sodium coco-sulfate — Watch. Sodium coco sulfate: an SLS-family foaming agent made from coconut oil. Usually milder, same mechanism.
Score breakdown
| Starting score | 100 |
| Sodium coco sulfate (SLS family) | −8 |
| Unnamed "flavor" | −2 |
| Score | 90 → A |
|---|
Where to buy
| Store | Size | Price | Per oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand site | 6.4 oz | $6.99 sale $5.24 | $1.09/oz |
| Walmartnot confirmed | 6.4 oz | $9.08 | $1.42/oz |
Shopper notes
- Kroger lists it but showed it unavailable.