Tom's of Maine · Toothpaste
Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque Whitening Natural Toothpaste (2 Pack)
Lower concern; toothpaste formulations rarely require PFAS, but Tom's does not voluntarily disclose.
Tom's of Maine's fluoride-free toothpaste contains no coating, treatment, or nonstick features that typically require PFAS. The formula uses mineral abrasives and natural binding agents with no known PFAS application.
Shop Tom's of Maine on Amazon →Material
toothpaste gel/paste (mineral, humectant, and natural abrasive 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
Tom's of Maine fluoride-free whitening paste uses mineral abrasives (likely silica or calcium carbonate), humectants (glycerin), and plant-derived thickeners rather than synthetic polymers or harsh detergents. The formula avoids sodium lauryl sulfate, which is common in mainstream toothpastes. Because it lacks fluoride, efficacy against cavity prevention depends entirely on mechanical cleaning and any secondary agents like zinc citrate for plaque control; whitening is achieved through the abrasive action and mild polishing rather than peroxide bleaching.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tom's of Maine has marketed a natural, transparent positioning for decades and holds B Corp certification, signaling third-party oversight of labor and environmental practices. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or presence in any product line, which is typical for smaller personal care makers but reflects industry silence rather than affirmative safety proof. No major product recalls or health controversies are on record for this toothpaste line. The brand is owned by Colgate-Palmolive, a larger corporation, yet maintains independent formulation claims.
How it compares in its category
Fluoride-free toothpastes occupy a small segment focused on consumer preference rather than dental-health superiority; major health bodies (ADA, WHO) recommend fluoride for cavity prevention. Tom's version is priced higher than fluoride toothpastes but comparable to other natural/non-fluoride alternatives. The absence of SLS and inclusion of plant extracts appeals to sensitivity-conscious users, though the whitening claim is modest compared to peroxide-based whitening strips or gels.
If you buy it
Use twice daily with a soft-bristled brush for at least two minutes to maximize mechanical cleaning, since fluoride is absent. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve natural ingredients and prevent mold in the tube. Because fluoride-free formulas carry higher cavity risk, consider supplementary fluoride sources (mouthwash, professional treatments) if you have high cavity risk or poor oral hygiene. Replace the tube every 3 months after opening to avoid bacterial colonization of the paste.
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 or formaldehyde releasers
Tom's of Maine does not use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (such as imidazolidinyl urea or DMDM hydantoin) in its natural product line; no reports of formaldehyde contamination in this product.
Heavy metals in pigments or colorants
Natural toothpaste brands typically avoid synthetic azo dyes and heavy-metal-based pigments; no reported contamination with lead, cadmium, or chromium in Tom's of Maine products under standard regulatory monitoring.
Abrasive particle size and enamel wear
Mineral abrasives in whitening toothpastes can cause enamel wear with aggressive brushing, especially in users with naturally thin enamel or gum recession; Tom's formula is not labeled as low-abrasive, so individual sensitivity should guide use frequency and pressure.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Tom's of Maine lists natural flavoring agents (peppermint, spearmint) which can trigger oral allergic contact dermatitis or sensitivity in a small subset of users; full fragrance ingredients are not always disclosed beyond 'natural flavors.'
Talc contamination
Toothpaste formulas do not typically contain talc; no established use or reported presence in Tom's of Maine toothpastes.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.