Lead in Toothpaste? What You Need to Know in 2025
You probably never thought your morning routine could involve brushing your teeth with heavy metals—but in 2025, that’s exactly what some lab tests are showing.
According to The Guardian, a sweeping independent study tested 51 common toothpaste brands and found that 90% contained detectable levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, or cadmium.
While none exceeded FDA limits, the fact that we’re brushing our teeth with anything that contains lead—especially in kids’ products—has parents and dentists on high alert.
So, how do the big brands measure up? Let’s break it down.
🧼 Hello Toothpaste
Hello is marketed as fun, natural, and safe—especially for kids. But in 2025, it was revealed that their fluoride-free children’s formulas (like the watermelon flavor) contained trace levels of lead—still under FDA limits, but concerning for a product made for toddlers.
- Type of lead exposure: Trace (via natural ingredients or contamination)
- Who should worry: Parents of young kids
- Our take: It’s probably okay—but not our top pick for children with developing brains
🌿 Uncle Harry’s Toothpaste
Uncle Harry’s is a clay-based toothpaste with a cult following in the natural product world. But bentonite clay naturally contains trace minerals—including lead.
They’re transparent about it: there’s a Proposition 65 warning right on the label. So while you’re not getting “toxic sludge,” you are getting small amounts of heavy metals.
- Type of lead exposure: Known and labeled (via bentonite clay)
- Who should worry: Pregnant people, young kids, or heavy users
- Our take: A “use with caution” product—not daily for everyone
🦷 Colgate
Colgate is one of the biggest toothpaste manufacturers in the world, and as of 2025, it’s also one of the most tested. Colgate’s standard line does not contain lead, and it remains one of the few brands to consistently pass heavy metal screening.
- Type of lead exposure: None detected in standard formulas
- Who should use it: General use, safe for families
- Our take: A safe, widely available option—especially their ADA-approved products
🧪 Crest Toothpaste
Crest also scored well in the recent independent testing. Like Colgate, it uses synthetic ingredients, but it does not contain clay-based fillers, which reduces the chance of heavy metal contamination.
- Type of lead exposure: None found in current testing
- Bonus: ADA approval for many lines
- Our take: Safe and affordable—but not everyone loves the strong taste or foaming agents
Related FAQs: Why shouldn’t you use Crest toothpaste?
A: Mostly due to taste, foaming, or sensitivity—not safety.
🧴 Did Toothpaste Tubes Used to Contain Lead?
Yes—until the 1950s, toothpaste tubes were commonly made from lead-tin alloy. It wasn’t until World War II’s material shortages and growing health awareness that packaging switched to aluminum and plastic.
✅ Safer Toothpaste Tips for 2025
- Stick with ADA-accepted brands like Crest, Oral-B, and Colgate
- Be cautious with clay-based “natural” pastes, especially for kids
- Check for heavy metal test results if brands claim to be clean
- Avoid swallowing fluoride toothpastes, especially for children under 6
- When in doubt, ask your dentist (like us at Tribute Family Dentistry)
❓ FAQ: Toothpaste & Lead
Does Hello toothpaste have lead?
Yes—trace amounts were found in fluoride-free kids’ versions in 2025.
Does Uncle Harry’s toothpaste contain lead?
Yes. It contains bentonite clay and includes a Proposition 65 warning.
What toothpaste is lead-free?
Colgate, Crest, Oral-B, and other ADA-approved brands are considered lead-free.
Are old toothpaste tubes made of lead?
Yes—pre-1950s tubes were made from lead alloys.
What toothpaste should I avoid?
Avoid anything without clear labeling or heavy metal test results—especially clay-based pastes marketed to children.
Is baking soda toothpaste safe?
Generally yes—but look for SLS-free versions if you have sensitive gums.
Is Arm & Hammer toothpaste safe?
Yes, but not all formulas are ADA approved. Check labels for specifics.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 toothpaste landscape proves one thing: safe isn’t always obvious. Natural doesn’t guarantee clean. Big brands aren’t always bad.
So if you’re unsure which toothpaste is right for your family, remember: labels matter, transparency matters, and your dentist is your best guide.
At Tribute Family Dentistry, we only recommend products we’d use for our own families—and we’re happy to help you sort through the clutter.