Arm & Hammer · Toothpaste
Arm & Hammer Advance White Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste
Lower PFAS concern, standard toothpaste with no Teflon-family coating or water-resistance coatings.
This is a basic toothpaste formulation with baking soda and peroxide as active ingredients. Neither the active ingredients nor typical toothpaste excipients (silicas, glycerin, detergents) are known PFAS sources. Arm & Hammer makes no PFAS claims, but the product category and material profile suggest minimal PFAS risk.
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Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, standard toothpaste excipients
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Arm & Hammer Advance White combines sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as the primary abrasive and cleaning agent with hydrogen peroxide as a mild whitening oxidant. Both ingredients have long safety records in oral care; baking soda's abrasivity is moderate compared to some whitening pastes, and peroxide at toothpaste concentrations (typically 1-3%) poses minimal systemic risk since swallowed amounts are negligible. The formulation also includes standard excipients such as glycerin, humectants, silica thickeners, and flavoring agents typical across major brands.
The brand's record and disclosure
Arm & Hammer (part of Church & Dwight Co., Inc.) does not prominently disclose full ingredient sourcing or manufacturing certifications on this product line, but the brand has no documented recalls or safety violations specific to this toothpaste formulation. The company is not known for aggressive marketing of premium safety certifications (e.g., no ADA seal noted on standard formulations, though some Arm & Hammer variants carry it). Overall disclosure is routine for mass-market oral care; the brand operates within FDA compliance but does not exceed standard transparency.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the middle tier of whitening toothpastes: safer than high-abrasion or charcoal-based whiteners, comparable to other baking soda and peroxide blends, and less specialized than prescription-strength or ceramic-based formulations. It lacks certifications (e.g., ADA Seal of Acceptance, vegan, cruelty-free labels) that some competitors advertise, which may reflect lower marketing investment rather than inferior safety. For consumers seeking gentle whitening without novel chemical actives, it is a conventional, unremarkable choice.
If you buy it
Use as directed, twice daily; baking soda is safe for frequent brushing but may cause mild abrasion if teeth are already sensitive or enamel is compromised. Do not swallow large amounts, though incidental ingestion during brushing poses no acute risk. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to preserve peroxide activity (it degrades over time in moisture and light). Replace every three months or when the tube is empty, as older toothpaste loses whitening efficacy and peroxide concentration diminishes.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Hydrogen peroxide concentration
Toothpaste formulations typically contain 1-3% hydrogen peroxide. At these levels, swallowed amounts are far below systemic toxicity thresholds; no adverse effects are established for normal brushing use in the general population or children over age 2.
Abrasivity and enamel wear
Baking soda and silica blend creates moderate abrasivity. Repeated use in individuals with compromised enamel, gum recession, or existing sensitivity may accelerate wear, though risk is lower than charcoal or highly silica-loaded whiteners. Users with enamel erosion should consult a dentist before daily use.
Formaldehyde releasers in excipients
Arm & Hammer toothpastes do not list formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., dmdm hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) in publicly available ingredient disclosures. Standard preservatives used are typically sodium benzoate or sodium sorbate, neither of which release formaldehyde.
Heavy metals in colorants or minerals
The product relies on baking soda and standard FDA-approved colorants; no recalls or test data indicate lead, cadmium, or other toxic metals. Baking soda as a naturally occurring mineral is not a bioaccumulator of heavy metals in typical formulations.
Fragrance allergens and essential oil sensitivity
The product contains flavoring and aroma compounds typical of mint-flavored toothpastes. Individuals with oral or dermal sensitivity to peppermint, spearmint, or other fragrance components may experience mild irritation; this is not unique to this brand and is a known category risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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More toothpaste grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.