The majority of toothbrushes on the market are made of plastic, which means that every time we brush our teeth, we’re exposing ourselves to potentially-harmful microplastics.
I’m not going to lie: it’s really difficult to go 100% plastic-free, BUT that’s why we have to start with the low-hanging fruit… and I think that includes your toothbrush!
There are 4 main reasons why I think swapping out your toothbrush for a non-plastic, non-toxic alternative is one of the best swaps to make:
- One thing that increases microplastic leaching is abrasion. So as you scrub your teeth, more teeny tiny microplastics are likely to “flake off” your bristles and into your mouth.
- Since you’re putting this plastic in your mouth, you may be swallowing some of these microplastics. Depending on the molecule size, they could also be leaching plastic chemicals into your body through your “oral mucosa” (gums, cheeks, and tongue), which is more absorbent than your skin.
- You have to replace your toothbrush regularly anyway.
- It’s an affordable swap.
So, to make this swap easier for you, I have researched a bunch of brands to bring you my recommendations for the best non-toxic and plastic-free toothbrushes.
As always, I’ve included a variety of options so that you can see what’s best for you, including manual and electric toothbrushes as well as sizes for adults and kids.
In a nutshell:
- If you want an electric toothbrush, check out SURI, Better & Better, or etee.
- If you already have a Phillips Sonicare electric toothbrush and just need the replacement heads, try Truthbrush or Elims.
- For a standard manual toothbrush, try Huppy or one of the many other brands listed below.
- For a travel toothbrush, check out Me Mother Earth or Bamboo Switch Shop.
- If you have braces, definitely check out Truthbrush’s interdental brushes.
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What this guide includes:
This guide contains product recommendations and we may receive compensation if you purchase through certain links. As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine!
Why ditch your plastic toothbrush?
The environmental impacts of plastic pollution are kind of obvious at this point, but we still don’t know that much about the direct human health impacts of microplastic exposure.
We know a lot about health impacts of certain plastic components, such as BPA for example, which is associated with things like heart disease, hormone disruption, cancer, and more. But that is just one chemical out of thousands that are used in plastics manufacturing.
But, as you might expect, the early data on microplastic exposure and human health is not good. For example, one study that was published in early 2024 found an association between microplastic exposure and heart attack and stroke risk.
I suspect that we’ve only scratched the surface in terms of knowing what all of this plastic pollution is truly doing to humanity’s longterm health.
Which is why so many folks, including you and I, are trying to reduce microplastic exposure when we can… And that includes our toothbrushes!
Of course, there are two main components of a toothbrush (or 3 if we’re talking electric):
- The bristles
- The handle or replacement head
- The bottom handle part if it’s an electric toothbrush
So let’s talk about the materials for each of those.
What non-plastic toothbrushes are made out of
Pretty much all of the plastic-free toothbrushes on the market are made out of the same three materials:
- castor bean oil for the bristles
- or boar hair for the bristles
- and bamboo for the handles
A few brands also use other plant-based bioplastics, such as corn/corn starch PLA, for certain components.
Castor bean oil
For the toothbrush bristles, manufacturers have figured out how to make a plastic-like material out of castor bean oil. It’s a bioplastic instead of a petroleum-based plastic.
I’ve been using toothbrushes with castor oil bristles for a while now, and I can tell you they feel very similar to plastic. Just like with plastic bristles, they can be made with varying levels of softness, but they’re mostly soft to medium. They are durable and work just as well when it comes to getting your teeth clean.
Now, not to make things more complicated, but I do worry a little bit about “bioplastics” made from things like castor bean oil. We just don’t know that much about them yet. What kind of chemicals are used to turn that plant into a finished, plastic-y product? Are any of those chemicals left in the final product? We just don’t really know…
That said, I still 100% recommend brushing your teeth with this plant-based castor oil material instead of plastic because:
A) It’s almost certainly better than petroleum-based plastic (even if it turns out to be imperfect)
B) It’s one of only two main options we have at the moment, and it’s the only vegan option. (The other option is boar hair, which I’ll get to in a minute.)
One other thing to note about castor oil bristles is that it seems like some of them are more “biodegradable” or “compostable” than others. You’ll notice that the ‘end-of-life’ instructions vary by brand. Some say you can basically throw the whole toothbrush in your home compost, while others say the bristles need to be removed first.
So, make sure to read the directions or reach out to the brand if you want to put the toothbrush in your compost.
Boar hair
The other option for bristles is boar hair. Obviously, this is a non-vegan option, but it could be considered “more natural” since there’s less processing that needs to happen compared to the castor oil bristles.
Boar hair also provides a gentle feel that’s comparable to both plastic and castor bean oil: it’s soft enough for your gums, but abrasive enough to get your teeth clean.
There are fewer options for boar hair bristles on the market compared to the castor oil, but there are still quite a few brands, which I’ve listed below.
I honestly don’t know much at all about how boar’s hair is sourced, so you may want to reach out to the brand of your choice and get some more info on that.
If you don’t have an immediate preference for castor oil versus boar’s hair (like if you’re not vegan), then you might just have to try them both out and see what you think!
Bamboo
Almost every plastic-free toothbrush handle is made from bamboo.
Bamboo is fast-growing and doesn’t require a bunch of water or pesticides to grow, which makes it a more sustainable and affordable material. And of course, unlike plastic, it’s naturally biodegradable.
Important tip: One thing to note about bamboo is that it can be prone to mold if it sits in a moist environment for too long.
For this reason, you’ll want to try and let your toothbrush dry out completely before you, say, pack it into a travel case. (This is good practice to do anyway.)
This is also why some brands have painted the bottom of their toothbrushes. This paint provides a barrier between any water that might be at the bottom of your toothbrush holder in order to prevent mold growth and extend the life of your toothbrush.
If your toothbrush does not have that paint at the bottom, then you might just want to be mindful of how you store it. For example, I actually put my Lumineux toothbrush horizontally on the top of the mug on my bathroom counter so that it’s not sitting in any water.
Eek! Lots of greenwashing in toothbrush world
As I did research for this article, I came across quite a bit of greenwashing that you should be aware of as you shop. Here are some things to watch out for:
I found a lot of brands that advertised their toothbrushes as “plastic-free,” “compostable,” “sustainable,” or “eco-friendly” because the handles are made from bamboo… But the bristles were actually made of nylon. In other words: NOT plastic-free.
So, if you’re looking at a brand that’s not on the list below, make sure you check the materials for both the handle and the bristles. If there’s not enough info, don’t hesitate to reach out to the brand to ask. (I had to email a lot of brands for this guide.)
Similarly, you’ll want to watch out for claims like “BPA-free” and “phthalate-free” like this:
Remember: BPA and phthalates are just two types of chemicals that are used in plastics. There are thousands of other ones. So if you want something that’s truly plastic-free, you’ll want to be careful of these claims and dig deeper.
One more thing to note is that many bamboo electric toothbrush replacement heads have a plastic inner core. This isn’t as big of a deal (in my opinion) because this part isn’t coming into contact with your mouth. But it’s just something to be aware of, especially if you want an option that you can throw in your home compost or something like that.
Are nylon bristles safer?
One more thing before we get into the brands.
You’ll notice that a lot of brands that are on the more sustainable/low-tox side of things but that still use plastic for their bristles use nylon. (Pretty much all of them do, actually.)
There’s a reason for this, which is that nylon is generally considered one of the “least bad” types of plastic. It’s supposedly more inert compared to certain other types of plastic and its components aren’t as toxic as, say, PVC.
That said: it’s still a petroleum-based plastic. There is very little research on what the direct impacts could be of consuming nylon microplastic. And for those reasons, I will still choose castor oil or boar’s hair over nylon.
My picks for plastic-free & non-toxic toothbrushes
SURI
Bristles: Castor oil
Handle: Corn starch
Type: Electric
SURI might be one of the best options in terms of being low-plastic but also very similar to a traditional electric toothbrush in terms of look, feel, and functionality.
The bristles themselves are made of 100% castor oil. The replacement heads are derived from corn starch and are not biodegradable. However, SURI offers a pre-paid mailer (for US and UK), so you can send back the heads and they will recycle them for you into new raw materials.
The body of the brush is made out of aluminum.
It’s also got some other nice features, like a 2-minute timer, a UV case to prevent mold and bacteria from growing, and it’s waterproof enough to take in the shower.
Truthbrush
Bristles: Castor oil
Handle: Bamboo
Type: Manual and electric head that fits with your existing Philips Sonicare electric brush
I really like the options that Truthbrush offers. They have regular manual toothbrushes for adults and kids/toddlers that come in soft or medium bristles and a variety of colors (green, yellow, purple, pink, blue, etc.)
They also carry a 100% plastic-free electric toothbrush head that will fit with your existing Philips Sonicare brush. (Just be sure to check the chart on the shop page to make sure it fits with the model you have.)
And there’s no plastic inner core.
They are also the only brand I’ve been able to find so far that offers plastic-free interdental brushes for people with braces and dental appliances! They come in both .4mm and .5 mm.
They also carry toothbrush travel cases and toothpaste tablets.
Truthbrush is based in the UK, so shoppers in other countries may have to pay a bit extra for shipping. But they do make it really easy to buy a year supply of toothbrushes at a time, so at least you only have to pay for shipping once a year.
Truthbrush is also B Corp certified and gives back 1% to non-profit organizations.
Better & Better
Bristles: Castor bean oil
Handle: Bamboo & plastic (electric), bamboo & paint (manual)
Type: Electric and manual (kids & adults)
Better & Better is a great place to get a wide variety of oral care products. Our Contributor, Ana, reviewed their toothpaste and loved it!
They told me that their electric toothbrush replacement heads do not have a plastic inner core (although there is a tiny rubber ring inside that has to be removed before disposal).
The electric toothbrush has 5 cleaning modes and a 2-minute timer, and it’s waterproof so you can take it in the shower. And they have a travel case for the electric toothbrush as well.
The manual toothbrushes have replaceable heads as well. They come in a variety of colors so you can keep track of whose is who’s and prevent water damage at the bottom of the brush. Better & Better told me that the paint is lead- and cadmium-free.
Huppy
Bristles: Castor bean oil
Handle: Moso bamboo
Type: Manual
Huppy is a great plastic-free/zero-waste oral care brand all-around. Although their plastic-free toothbrush isn’t anything super special, this is one of the only brands where you can get almost everything you need in one place when it comes to oral care. Some of the other non-toxic oral care brands (such as Boka, for example, which is listed below) do make high-quality toothpaste, but they’re still using plastic for their toothbrushes.
Anyway, Huppy carries one compostable toothbrush which has soft bristles. (Unfortunately, they don’t have any kid sizes at the moment.)
Ana, has also reviewed their zero-waste toothpaste and mouthwash. In fact, it was one of her absolute favorites when she tried a bunch of different non-toxic toothpaste brands.
They have toothpaste tablets for both adults and kids, remineralizing options, mouthwash, tongue scrapers, mints, PFAS-free floss, and more.
The only thing you may want to be aware of is that the watermelon toothpaste contains “natural flavors,” if you prefer to stay away from those.
But overall, I definitely recommend this brand as a great brand that carries almost everything you need to take care of your teeth without plastic!
etee
Bristles: Castor bean oil
Handle: FSC certified bamboo (manual), bamboo/plastic/metal (electric)
Type: Manual and electric (both options have replaceable heads)
etee has a great selection of plastic-free toothbrushes.
They have manual ones with replaceable heads, which come in 3 different colors. The paint at the bottom is water-based and helps prevent the bottom of your toothbrush from getting water-damaged.
Their electric toothbrush also uses castor bean oil for the bristles and bamboo for the replacement head, and then the big part of the handle is made of plastic and metal. It has a 2-minute timer to make sure you’re getting a thorough clean and 5 different settings: Clean, White, Polish, Gum Care, and Sensitive. It also comes with a 90-day guarantee and a 1-year limited warranty.
I emailed them to ask if any of their replacement heads come with a plastic inner core and I am still waiting to hear back about that.
Use code THEFILTERY for 10% off your order.
Shop etee:
Elims
Bristles: Castor bean oil
Rest of the head: Bamboo & castor oil
Type: Replacement heads that fit with Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush
Elims does not sell their own full toothbrushes, but they do have replacement heads that are compatible with the Philips Sonicare 3, 6 & 9 Series.
While they are free from petroleum-based plastics, they do have an inner core that’s made from castor oil (just like the bristles), so it may not be totally biodegradable.
They offer two different kinds: one with purple and white bristles, and another with charcoal-infused bristles which helps to prevent bacteria growth.
Me Mother Earth
Bristles: Castor bean oil (except the colorful kids ones, which are made of nylon!)
Handle: Bamboo (plus PLA inner core for the replacement heads)
Type: Manual, travel, and replacement heads that fit with Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush
This brand has several different options, including both standard manual toothbrushes, replacement heads that are compatible with Philips Sonicare, and an all-in-one travel toothbrush. I do not recommend their kids’ toothbrushes at this time because the bristles are made with nylon.
There is a plastic inner core in the replacement heads, but it’s made with a corn-based PLA, which is better than petroleum-based plastic.
You can either get a 4-pack or a 1-pack Tester to make sure it will fit on your existing electric toothbrush.
Lumineux
Bristles: Castor oil
Handle: Plastic/bamboo (electric) and bamboo (manual)
Type: Electric and manual (but the manual toothbrush is only available in a Kit)
This definitely isn’t the lowest-plastic toothbrush on the market, but it’s still a pretty good option.
The bristles of both the electric and manual toothbrushes are made of castor oil.
For the electric option, the outer part of the replacement heads are made of bamboo, but there is a plastic inner core. And then the bottom part of the handle is made with plastic as well.
The electric option comes in several different colors, including pink, green, and blue. It has 5 cleaning modes.
Unfortunately, they don’t sell the manual toothbrush on its own; it only comes in a kit! Also, the manual toothbrush does come packaged in plastic, which is unfortunate.
Even more options for non-plastic toothbrushes!
Here are even more brands that carry a limited selection of plastic-free toothbrushes. These are all manual ones.
- Zero Waste Store: Option for adults and kids & toddlers. Bamboo handle with castor oil bristles.
- Brush with Bamboo: They carry several variations for their manual toothbrushes— Standard Soft or Extra Soft for adults, and Standard Soft or Extra Soft for kids. The bristles are made in the European Union out of 100% castor bean oil and are certified by the USDA to be 100% biobased. (The toothbrush assembly itself is done in China.) Not only do they sell sets, but they make it really easy for you to sign up for a toothbrush subscription based on exactly what your family needs.
- Bamboo Switch Shop: They have 2 adult options: a regular toothbrush and a travel toothbrush that comes with a built-in case. Bamboo handle with castor oil bristles.
- Answers By Nature: Answers By Nature was featured in our non-toxic mouthguard article, and they also carry non-plastic toothbrushes. They’re also very affordable, coming in at just $2.99 per toothbrush. They carry one option, which is adult-size with ‘ultra-soft’ bristles. Bamboo handle with castor oil bristles.
- Package Free Shop: They also have an manual adult and kid option. Bamboo handle with castor oil bristles.
- Bite: One adult option that has a detachable head. Bamboo handle with castor oil bristles.
- Davids: Adult toothbrushes with soft bristles. Bamboo handle with castor oil bristles.
- SeaTurtle: Options for adults and kids. Bamboo handle with castor oil bristles.
- Gaia Guy: Manual brushes for kids, adults, and pets. Bamboo handle with boar hair bristles.
- Primals: One size adult manual brush. Bamboo handle with boar hair bristles.
- Meeds: One size adult manual brush. Bamboo handle with boar hair bristles.
- Ecovibes: Based in Australia. One size adult manual brush. Bamboo handle with boar hair bristles.
- Life Without Plastic: One size adult manual brush. Bamboo handle with boar hair bristles.
These brands didn’t make the cut
I looked into a LOT of brands for this guide, and many of them did not make the cut. Here are some more brands that I looked into and why they didn’t make my list of recommendations.
(Note, however, that just because a specific brand doesn’t make a plastic-free toothbrush doesn’t mean they don’t carry other options for low-tox dental care products. I’ve made notes for whether or not I recommend some of the other products for each brand!)
- Attitude: Handle is bamboo but bristles are nylon. I do recommend a lot of their other products, though, including their toothpaste.
- Bambo Earth: Handle is bamboo but bristles are nylon. (This one is definitely greenwashed, as the packaging says “100% biodegradable” and “100% natural,” when that is not true.)
- Boka: The bristles on the Boka Brush and Classic Brush are made of charcoal-infused polybutylene terephthalate, or PBT (which, even though ‘phthalate’ is in the name, it actually doesn’t have phthalates in it). They told me the heads for their electric brushes are made of bioplastic that is not fully biodegradable, but they weren’t able to specific what kind of bioplastic. I do like their toothpaste though.
- Booheads: They use mixtures that include recycled ABS and nylon plastics.
- Bruit Essentials: I emailed them to ask about what the bristles are made out of and if there is a plastic inner core and I haven’t heard back.
- Cocofloss: They use recycled plastic. Their floss also uses plastic, but it’s PFAS-free.
- EcoRoots: Handle is bamboo but bristles are nylon. Their floss is a pretty good option.
- Georganics: Handle is bamboo but bristles are nylon. Their floss is okay though.
- The Humble Co: Handle is bamboo, but bristles are nylon.
- Lucky Teeth: Various handles (aluminum, copper, bamboo), but nylon bristles.
- Mable: Bamboo handle but nylon bristles.
- Public Goods: Handle is bamboo, but bristles are nylon. Their floss is a good option though.
- Risewell: Bamboo handle but nylon bristles. I do recommend their toothpaste, though.
- Wellnesse: Handle is bamboo but bristles are nylon.
I really hope this guide has helped you find some non-toxic toothbrushes for you and your family. Switching out your toothbrush is a pretty easy, affordable way to cut down on your microplastic exposure—especially when you have to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis anyway!
If you have any favorite other plastic-free toothbrush brands you’ve tried, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check them out!
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