The Short Answer
Burt's Bees wins by a narrow margin because it is entirely SLS-free, but neither brand is perfectly clean. If you are switching from standard drugstore brands, both offer a decent step up, but they still contain questionable additives.
Tom's of Maine uses Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a harsh detergent that causes canker sores in sensitive mouths. Burt's Bees ditches the SLS, making it significantly gentler, but both brands still rely on carrageenan as a thickening agent.
Why This Matters
When you buy "natural" toothpaste at the grocery store, you're actually buying from massive multinational conglomerates. Tom's of Maine was acquired by Colgate-Palmolive in 2006, and Burt's Bees has been owned by Procter & Gamble since 2007.
These corporate buyouts often mean formulations prioritize shelf life and mass production over ingredient purity. That's why both brands still rely on controversial thickeners and synthetic processing techniques. Is Toms Of Maine Clean
The biggest functional difference between the two comes down to foam and flavor. Tom's of Maine foams like traditional toothpaste because of SLS, while Burt's Bees has a slightly runnier texture. If you want a truly clean oral care routine, you'll eventually need to look past both of these grocery store staples. Safest Toothpaste
What's Actually In These Brands
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) — Tom's uses this heavy-duty detergent to create foam, but it is a leading cause of mouth irritation and canker sores. Is Sls In Toothpaste Bad
- Carrageenan — Both brands use this seaweed-derived thickener, which is linked to digestive inflammation in animal studies. Is Carrageenan In Toothpaste Safe
- Titanium Dioxide — Burt's Bees adds this whitening pigment to some of their formulas, despite it being banned as a food additive in the European Union. Is Titanium Dioxide In Toothpaste Safe
- Xylitol — Tom's uses this natural sweetener which actively prevents cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to teeth.
- Stevia — Burt's Bees sweetens with stevia instead of xylitol, making it a safer choice if you have dogs that might chew the tube.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- SLS-free formulas — Burt's Bees shines here by completely skipping the harsh sulfates. What Toothpaste Has No Sls
- Xylitol content — Tom's gets points for using this clinically proven anti-cavity sweetener.
- Transparent sourcing — Both brands openly disclose their ingredient origins on their packaging.
Red Flags:
- Harsh surfactants — Watch out for the SLS in almost all Tom's of Maine pastes.
- Inflammatory thickeners — Carrageenan is entirely unnecessary for effectively cleaning teeth. What Toothpaste Ingredients Are Harmful
- Artificial whitening agents — Skip the titanium dioxide found in "Purely White" varieties of Burt's Bees.
The Best Options
If you want a truly non-toxic brushing routine, you have to look beyond the drugstore. Here is how Tom's and Burt's Bees stack up against a truly clean alternative. Safest Toothpaste
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boka | Ela Mint n-Ha | ✅ | Swaps fluoride for nano-hydroxyapatite and drops all harsh chemicals. |
| Burt's Bees | Purely White | ⚠️ | SLS-free but still contains carrageenan and titanium dioxide. |
| Tom's of Maine | Antiplaque & Whitening | ⚠️ | Uses xylitol but relies on SLS for foaming. |
The Bottom Line
1. Choose Burt's Bees if you get canker sores. The lack of SLS makes it significantly gentler on sensitive gums and oral tissues.
2. Choose Tom's if you want the cavity-fighting power of xylitol. Just ensure you keep it far away from household pets, as xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.
3. Upgrade to a premium brand for a truly clean paste. Brands using nano-hydroxyapatite offer better ingredients without the corporate shortcuts. Fluoride Vs Hydroxyapatite
FAQ
Which brand is better for kids?
Burt's Bees is the safer option for young kids and toddlers. It removes the harsh SLS and skips xylitol, making accidental swallowing much less of a concern. Safest Kids Toothpaste
Do both brands contain fluoride?
Both brands offer fluoride and fluoride-free versions. If you choose a fluoride-free option, make sure your brushing routine is dialed in, or look for a paste with an effective alternative like nano-hydroxyapatite. What Fluoride Free Toothpaste Works
Are these brands actually natural?
Neither brand is perfectly clean by modern standards. While they avoid artificial dyes and sweeteners, their reliance on mass-market thickeners makes them "natural-washing" compromises rather than pure health products. Is Toms Kids Toothpaste Clean