Native · Toothpaste
Native Fluoride-Free Toothpaste, Charcoal & Mint, 4.1 oz, Adults & Kids 2+, Size: 4.1 Ounce Pack of 3
Lower-concern toothpaste; PFAS unlikely in formulation but brand offers no transparency.
Native's fluoride-free toothpaste contains no known ingredients that typically require PFAS, charcoal and mint are common mineral/botanical additives. However, the brand does not publicly disclose PFAS policy or testing, leaving formulation transparency unclear.
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Charcoal, mint, fluoride-free toothpaste (typical silica/glycerin 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.
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
Native's charcoal toothpaste is a silica-based abrasive formulation combined with activated charcoal (a porous carbon material) and mint flavoring. Activated charcoal itself poses minimal toxicity risk when used topically in toothpaste; it is poorly absorbed orally and is approved as a food additive in many jurisdictions. The silica abrasive system is standard in toothpaste and within safe limits for mechanical cleaning. Glycerin and typical gelling agents (xanthan gum, sorbitol) are inert food-grade ingredients.
The brand's record and disclosure
Native is a smaller personal care brand without major documented safety recalls or controversies in toothpaste products. The brand does not publicly disclose full ingredient safety testing or third-party certifications (such as EWG verification or ADA seal); ingredient transparency is minimal beyond the label. No established evidence of PFAS use in Native toothpaste formulations, though the brand has not issued explicit PFAS-free statements. Native's broader cosmetics line has no major documented heavy metal or hazardous preservative violations on public record.
How it compares in its category
This fluoride-free charcoal toothpaste sits in the growing consumer-preference segment favoring natural and alternative formulations. Compared to mainstream fluoride toothpastes (Colgate, Crest), it lacks the evidence-backed cavity-prevention benefit of fluoride; dentists typically recommend fluoride for caries control in children ages 2 and up. Against other fluoride-free brands (Tom's, Hello, Uncle Harry's), Native's ingredient list is similarly simple with no distinguishing hazard or safety advantage, though it also carries the same limitation of unproven efficacy for cavity prevention.
If you buy it
Use as standard toothpaste: spit out after brushing and do not swallow. For children ages 2 to 5, supervise brushing and use a pea-sized amount to minimize swallowing risk; charcoal poses no acute toxicity but ingestion is unnecessary. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the charcoal's absorbent properties and prevent hardening. If fluoride-free status is chosen for preference rather than medical need, discuss cavity-prevention strategies (sealants, dietary measures, professional fluoride applications) with a dentist.
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.”
Abrasive wear (silica-charcoal base)
Charcoal-silica toothpastes are notably abrasive (typically 100-150 RDA units, above the 80-unit threshold recommended for daily use). Prolonged use may cause gum recession or enamel wear, especially with aggressive brushing; this is a material property, not a toxicity issue, but relevant to long-term safety.
Fluoride absence and cavity risk
Fluoride-free formulations lack proven efficacy for caries prevention, particularly in young children. This is not a direct toxicological hazard but a functional safety gap; risk is highest in children ages 2-5 and those with dietary sugar exposure.
Heavy metals in charcoal or pigments
No published recalls or test data for Native toothpaste showing lead, cadmium, or arsenic contamination in activated charcoal batches. Charcoal sourcing quality varies by supplier, but food-grade charcoal used in toothpaste is generally subjected to basic contaminant screening.
Formaldehyde releasers or preservative toxins
Native's typical preservative system (commonly sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, or no added preservatives) does not include known formaldehyde donors (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea). No documented preservative-related incidents for this product line.
Mint flavoring allergenicity
Peppermint and spearmint flavoring oils can trigger contact sensitization or oral irritation in a small subset of users, particularly those with existing mint allergies or sensitive oral tissues. This is dose and individual-dependent, not a systemic toxicity risk.
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.