Closeup · Toothpaste
Closeup Toothpaste
Lower concern; standard toothpaste formulation with no known PFAS-prone ingredients or treatments.
Closeup toothpaste is a conventional oral hygiene product with no reported Teflon-family coating coatings, water-repellent treatments, or grease-resistant packaging typical of PFAS use. The brand does not disclose PFAS information publicly.
Shop Closeup on Amazon →Material
Aqueous gel base with fluoride, sorbitol, silica
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Closeup contains an aqueous gel base (water-soluble), fluoride for cavity prevention, sorbitol as a sweetening agent, and silica as a mild abrasive for plaque removal. This formulation is typical of mainstream toothpastes and avoids known problem ingredients like triclosan (antimicrobial banned in many markets). The silica abrasive is at standard concentration and does not pose inhalation or ingestion risk in normal brushing use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Closeup (owned by Unilever) does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing or third-party safety testing on its website. The brand has no major recorded recalls or safety controversies specific to Closeup toothpaste. Unilever follows regulatory compliance in fluoride levels (typically 1000-1500 ppm) across markets, though ingredient transparency remains limited compared to brands that publish full safety dossiers.
How it compares in its category
Closeup is a mass-market fluoride gel toothpaste positioned in the middle of the safety spectrum. It avoids whitening peroxide (which requires higher pH and can irritate gums) and charcoal (abrasive risk), but offers less transparency than premium or natural brands that emphasize certification (SLS-free, vegan, organic). For functional efficacy and safety in routine use, it is comparable to Colgate and Crest in the same segment.
If you buy it
Use a pea-sized amount for children under 6 to minimize swallowing; spit after brushing and rinse mouth. Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to preserve gel texture and fluoride stability. Replace the tube every 3 months or when empty to avoid contamination. If you have sensitive teeth or gum irritation, patch-test on a small area first or consult a dentist, as sorbitol and silica can occasionally trigger sensitivity in reactive individuals.
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.”
Fluoride toxicity (systemic overdose)
Closeup fluoride concentration is within regulatory limits (1000-1500 ppm in most markets). Risk is only significant if large amounts are swallowed chronically by young children; normal use poses no hazard.
Sorbitol digestive effects
Sorbitol is a safe sweetener in toothpaste formulations and is not absorbed orally in small amounts during brushing. Risk only emerges if toothpaste is intentionally ingested in quantity, which is not normal use.
Silica abrasive wear (enamel erosion)
Closeup's silica content is standard and non-aggressive by formulation design. Enamel erosion risk is low with normal brushing (twice daily, 2 minutes). Excessive brushing pressure or use on already-eroded enamel is a user behavior risk, not a product defect.
Allergens in flavoring/aroma compounds
Closeup contains mint and other flavor additives; fragrance allergens (especially in sensitive individuals or those with oral ulcers) are possible but not formally documented in product literature. Individuals with known fragrance sensitivities should patch-test or choose unflavored alternatives.
Heavy metals in colorants or additives
No recalls or regulatory findings of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Closeup toothpaste. Unilever follows standard cosmetic safety regulations in the markets where Closeup is sold.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
Safer alternatives in Toothpaste
Davids
Toothpaste
natural mineral-based formula (calcium carbonate, hydroxyapatite)
Lower PFAS concern; natural formula toothpaste with clean ingredient transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Davids
Natural Toothpaste Peppermint Charcoal
Charcoal, glycerin, hydrated silica, natural flavor, mineral base
Lower-concern toothpaste; charcoal formulation has no inherent PFAS risk and carries third-party safety certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Native
Fluoride Free Toothpaste
toothpaste base: glycerin, xylitol, silica; fluoride-free formula
Lower PFAS concern; fluoride-free formulation and standard toothpaste ingredients present negligible PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
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.