The products on the shelves at Trader Joe’s are generally known for being free from harmful ingredients and relatively natural compared to other large grocery chains, but it can still be hard to tell the risks that different items might pose to your health. You might be wondering: is Trader Joe’s toothpaste safe?
Both the Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste and the Antiplaque Toothpaste from Trader Joe’s are considered very low risk and are safe for the vast majority of people to use. They do, however, contain some ingredients that could be potentially allergenic and some that should not be consumed in large quantities.
Read on to find out exactly what goes into the toothpaste at Trader Joe’s so that you can feel confident next time you’re browsing in the store.
What Toothpaste Ingredients Might Be Unsafe?
To understand the potential risks that might come from Trader Joe’s toothpaste, we first need to talk about what goes into any kind of toothpaste and why it’s there.
Although toothpaste is designed to be beneficial for your health and well-being, there are a few common ingredients that can be a concern for some people.
Some toothpaste products, for example, used to contain triclosan – which is an antibacterial that can help to prevent gingivitis.
This ingredient has since been found to disrupt hormones and negatively affect the immune system, so it was banned from all hand soaps and body washes in 2017. Now, almost all toothpaste is triclosan-free.
There are still a number of ingredients that you might not understand on the label, though, so let’s identify what they actually do:
- Fluoride. Protects teeth from decay and reduces cavities. Comes in different forms like Sodium Fluoride or Stannous Fluoride. Highly excessive quantities over a long period of time can result in joint and bone problems but the risks are very low.
- SLS. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate generates foam, which helps the toothpaste to spread around the mouth. It can be an irritant if it enters the eye and should not be consumed in large amounts but it is otherwise safe.
- Xylitol. May improve cavity prevention when used alongside fluoride. Large quantities can cause diarrhea or gas, but there is not enough in toothpaste to have an effect.
- Abrasives. Ingredients like calcium carbonate and modified silica are there to “scrub” away debris and stains.
- Baking soda. AKA Sodium Bicarbonate. This helps to reduce plaque and decrease gum bleeding.
- Desensitizers. Sodium Citrate, Potassium Nitrate, etc. They help to reduce sensitivity.
- Whiteners. Hydrogen peroxide and other whiteners may lighten the appearance of teeth and/or help with stains. Polyphosphates, in particular, can cause some irritation.
The other factor to be aware of with any kind of toothpaste is allergens.
Some people are allergic to ingredients that may appear in toothpaste as flavorings, like cinnamal, spearmint, peppermint, carvone, and anethole, and this can cause irritation, itching, or even swelling around the mouth and throat – which can lead to respiratory problems.
These ingredients are safe for anyone who does not have a specific allergy to them, but it is important that you are aware of any potential allergies that you might have and keep an eye on the ingredients when you are shopping.
What Toothpaste Does Trader Joe’s Sell?
At Trader Joe’s, they have one main toothpaste product and one alternative that is sometimes available as well. Depending on the location and seasonal factors, you might not see both in every store.
Trader Joe’s Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste with Baking Soda ; Fluoride
Ingredients: Sodium Monofluorophosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Carrageenan.
Trader Joe’s Antiplaque Toothpaste, Fennel, Propolis ; Myrrh
Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Water, Glycerin, Xylitol, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Oil, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Resin, Hydrated Silica, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Propolis Wax, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil.
To check the current price and availability of Trader Joe’s Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
How Safe Is Trader Joe’s Toothpaste?
Looking at those ingredients might still leave you a little confused as to what you need to be aware of, so let’s go over the potential risks.
In general, both kinds of toothpaste that Trader Joe’s sells are considered very safe and are highly unlikely to cause any kinds of health complications through normal use.
Their Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste contains fluoride (through Sodium Monofluorophosphate), which some people choose to avoid. Their Antiplaque Toothpaste with Fennel, Propolis, and Myrrh is fluoride-free and all-natural, but it does contain a higher number of potential allergens.
They both contain no artificial sweeteners, no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or Propylene Glycol and are made with no animal testing. The only significant risk from either toothpaste is if you are personally allergic to an ingredient like peppermint. Otherwise, they pose little to no danger at all.
Is Trader Joe’s Toothpaste Good?
When it comes to reviews, people seem to really love the toothpaste at Trader Joe’s. The Peppermint option is so well-loved that it resells on Amazon for significantly more money – and it still has a 4.7-star rating. It’s mild, straightforward, and natural too.
Their Antiplaque toothpaste seems to be more of an acquired taste, as fennel, propolis, and myrrh are less common ingredients with a more unique flavor. It is still a generally well-regarded option, though.
What Are Some Other Safe Toothpaste Options?
There are not many kinds of toothpaste on the market that pose any significant risk to your health, but it is always worth checking the ingredients to be sure – particularly if you have any allergies.
Although Trader Joe’s does not often stock any toothpaste besides their own branded items, you can always look elsewhere for more safe and non-toxic options that avoid most potential allergens. Some of the most popular include:
- Primal Life Organic Tooth Powder
- Tom’s of Maine
- Dr. Brite
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Trader Joe’s Toothpaste Have SLS?
Trader Joe’s toothpaste does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
What Are the Ingredients in Trader Joe’s Toothpaste?
Trader Joe’s Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste with Baking Soda ; Fluoride contains Sodium Monofluorophosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Carrageenan.
Final Thoughts
So, is Trader Joe’s toothpaste safe? Ultimately, yes. It is made without artificial sweeteners, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or Propylene Glycol, and it contains very few allergens.
Fluoride is included in their Anticavity Peppermint toothpaste, but not in their Antiplaque fluoride-free option.
The only real concern to be had is if you are allergic to an ingredient like peppermint, so it is still a good idea to look at the ingredients just in case.
