Vegan toothpastes usually come in the natural variety, often with flavours such as tea tree oil or fennel. As much as I appreciate the cruelty free option, I secretly missed the minty fresh clean that my former Colgate gave me. Lucky for me I discovered Kingfisher toothpaste which comes in a mint and lemon flavour (as well as six others). I also like the fact they offer fluoride and fluoride free options and am reviewing the Mint & Lemon Fluoride toothpaste.
The toothpaste
Kingfisher toothpaste contains no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives and opts for natural ingredients like fennel, lemon and peppermint. The toothpaste is GM-free, gluten-free, vegan and made in the UK. In fact Kingfisher is the UK’s leading natural toothpaste.
Kingfisher offer 7 toothpaste flavours and can be purchased from health food shops, supermarkets and many chemists. I was immediately drawn to the mint and lemon flavour as they are both my favourite flavours. I tend to rotate fluoride free options with fluoride ones, and have found little difference between the two. My dentist has found no problems while I was using fluoride free toothpastes for over six months so I think it is safe to say that it isn’t a necessity to have strong teeth. In fact after a very stubborn tooth extraction last year my dentist told me that I have extremely strong bones. It is wonderful for people to have a choice whether to have fluoride toothpaste with the Kingfisher brand.
Ingredients in the toothpaste include Cellulose gum (from plant fibre), Calcium carbonate (chalk), Vegetable glycerine (from palm oils), Silica (from natural ore) as well as mint, lemon and fennel. The toothpaste is an off-white colour and smells of mint; the actual texture is far nicer than other toothpastes. It doesn’t feel like it will get a film on it if I don’t brush immediately. The flavour is delicious and my taste buds don’t detect the lemon or fennel. It is just perfect as it freshens my mouth without overpowering it to the point that I can’t bear to eat my breakfast. Some toothpaste can make my tongue sting but this one doesn’t do that.
The ethics
I was never comfortable that certain big companies seem to have a monopoly on toothpastes. Most of my vegetarian friends still use big brand toothpastes that contain animal ingredients and are tested on animals. I assume people don’t really think about their cosmetics, or are unsure about risking their dental health whilst being ethical. Thanks to Kingfisher you do not have to choose between good dental health and your principles, Kingfisher is approved by the British Dental Health Foundation.
In the past Kingfisher faced pressure from the EEC to test on animals, and refused to cave in and act against their ethics. Thankfully they are still in business and have carved an excellent reputation in the ethical cosmetics industry. Kingfisher has also been named PETA’s Best Cruelty-free Toiletries and Beauty Product. As well as being dedicated to creating quality vegan toothpaste, Kingfisher is active in campaigning against GM foods/technology, and also tries to minimise their impact on the environment.
Toothpastes can often contain harsh abrasives which can lead to sensitive teeth. Unfortunately teeth are not naturally a brilliant white, and so leave the bleach for the toilet and stop wearing down those pearlies! Some may comment on Kingfisher using Sodium lauryl sulphate (from palm oil), but as Lush claim it has the longest safety record. And as I personally have not reacted to SLS I think I will trust the experts.
Value
I would go far enough to say that this is the best toothpaste I have ever used. Kingfisher is a brand that I would be willing to pay a premium for due to the quality and ethics that it brings. However I am even more pleased to say that the price is actually quite modest; a 100ml tube is currently £2.99 from Holland & Barrett. I am sure that it can be picked up even cheaper online; see Kingfisher Mint And Lemon Toothpaste 100ml Oral Care Personal Care
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I picked up herbal toothpaste from India and it doesn’t contain palm oil. Maybe tale a look in some Indian grocers?
Sadly it contains Palm Oil. Still searching for as good a toothpaste, without the palm oil …