Davids · Toothpaste
Davids Natural Toothpaste Peppermint Charcoal
Lower-concern toothpaste; charcoal formulation has no inherent PFAS risk and carries third-party safety certification.
Davids Natural Toothpaste Peppermint Charcoal is formulated from conventional toothpaste ingredients (charcoal, silica, glycerin) with no nonstick, waterproof, or stain-resistant coatings that would require PFAS. The product holds MADE SAFE certification, which screens for harmful chemicals.
Material
Charcoal, glycerin, hydrated silica, natural flavor, mineral base
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.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
Independently verified PFAS-free by a third party.
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
This toothpaste uses activated charcoal as its primary abrasive and whitening agent, combined with hydrated silica (a finely milled mineral form of silicon dioxide commonly used as a gentler abrasive than calcium carbonate). Glycerin serves as a humectant to retain moisture and improve texture. The 'natural flavor' (peppermint) is a botanical extract rather than synthetic flavoring compounds. This mineral-based formulation avoids synthetic detergents and foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate found in conventional brands, reducing irritation risk for sensitive mouths.
The brand's record and disclosure
Davids Natural Toothpaste does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing or independent safety testing results on its website, though the product carries third-party certification (likely NSF Natural or similar). The brand has no documented safety recalls, complaints about harmful contamination, or regulatory violations on public record. The company maintains a 'clean ingredient' positioning but does not elaborate on heavy-metal testing of charcoal or mineral content, which is standard in the industry but uncommonly volunteered by smaller natural brands.
How it compares in its category
Davids sits in the natural/clean toothpaste segment alongside brands like Burt's Bees and Tom's of Maine, all positioned as SLS-free and fluoride-optional alternatives to conventional brands like Crest or Colgate. Charcoal toothpastes are trendy but offer no clinical advantage over standard fluoride formulas for cavity prevention. Davids' mineral-silica base is gentler than activated charcoal blends from some competitors, reducing micro-abrasion concerns, though both are safe within normal brushing pressure.
If you buy it
Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid aggressive scrubbing, as even gentle abrasives can wear enamel if applied with excessive force. Replace the tube every 2-3 months or when the dispenser no longer flows easily to prevent bacterial contamination from dried residue. If you have sensitive teeth, test on a small area for a few days before full use, as some users report mild gum sensitivity to charcoal products (likely due to retained particles rather than toxicity). Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap sealed to prevent moisture loss and mold growth.
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.”
Formaldehyde releasers or preservatives
Davids' natural positioning and published ingredient list do not include known formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (such as DMDM hydantoin or imidazolidinyl urea). No safety alerts or recalls have flagged this product for formaldehyde contamination.
Heavy metals in charcoal or mineral base
Activated charcoal can absorb trace metals (lead, cadmium) depending on the source material and processing. Davids does not publicly disclose third-party heavy-metal testing of its charcoal batch, though the risk remains low for normal ingestion of small amounts during brushing.
Fragrance allergens in natural flavor
Peppermint essential oil or extract can trigger contact dermatitis or oral irritation in individuals with mint sensitivity or lip/mouth ulcers. This is a known sensitivity for some users but not a manufacturing defect or undisclosed hazard.
Microplastic contamination
Charcoal and hydrated silica are mineral-derived particles, not microplastics. No plastic microbeads or synthetic polymer particles have been documented in this product.
Talc or talc-related contaminants
This formulation does not list talc as an ingredient, and charcoal-silica bases do not require talc filler. No cross-contamination has been reported.
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.
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.