Johnson & Johnson Listerine Ultraclean Mint Floss
Lower concern, though J&J remains silent on composition.
Nylon monofilament with flavoring doesn't need PFAS coatings for its function. No lab data or recalls flag this product as risky.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Nylon monofilament floss, mint flavoring
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Mint flavoring allergen potential
Mint oil and menthol can trigger oral irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with known mint sensitivity. Risk is low for the general population but those with peppermint allergy should avoid or test on a small gum area first.
Gum tissue abrasion from rough edges
Worn or frayed floss edges can cause micro-abrasions to gum tissue, particularly in users with aggressive flossing technique. This is a mechanical wear issue, not chemical toxicity, and is resolved by replacing floss and using gentle back-and-forth motion.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Nylon microfiber shedding
Intact nylon monofilament does not shed microplastics during normal flossing. Frayed or torn floss may shed small fibers, but ingestion risk is negligible given floss use duration (seconds per day) and fiber size.
Swallowing floss strands
Accidental swallowing of short floss pieces is not associated with choking or GI harm in adults; nylon passes through the digestive tract intact. Risk to young children or pets is higher; floss should be disposed of safely and kept out of reach.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon monofilament does not require formaldehyde-releasing resins for manufacturing or finishing. This hazard applies to textiles and some coatings but not to dental floss polymer chemistry.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Listerine Ultraclean is a nylon monofilament floss with mint flavoring applied to the surface. Nylon is a synthetic polymer that resists saliva and oral bacteria, making it chemically stable during brief daily use in the mouth. The mint flavoring is typically a food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade volatile oil blend; small amounts dissolve on the tongue but do not systemically absorb through gum tissue. The monofilament construction (single strand) reduces fraying and bacterial trapping compared to multifilament alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Johnson & Johnson has faced historical scrutiny over talc and asbestos in powder products, but floss is not part of those controversies. The company does not publicly disclose PFAS composition for dental floss, though this product category is not flagged by EPA or consumer groups as a significant PFAS exposure route. Listerine floss carries no known recalls related to chemical contamination. Standard oral care products from major manufacturers undergo FDA review as medical devices, providing baseline safety oversight.
How it compares in its category
Nylon monofilament is the industry standard for dental floss and carries no established safety disadvantage versus alternatives like Teflon-type coating (Teflon) floss or silk. Teflon-type coating floss has raised PFAS concerns due to its Teflon-family coating chemistry, making nylon a comparatively lower-risk choice. Silk floss biodegrades faster but is not chemically safer. Waxed versus unwaxed nylon floss differs only in surface texture; wax coatings (usually carnauba or synthetic) are inert and safe.
If you buy it
Replace floss when fraying occurs or every 3-6 months with routine daily use; worn fibers lose cleaning efficiency and can splinter. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent any degradation of the nylon or flavoring oils. Mint flavoring is safe to swallow in the small amounts present on floss but is not meant for ingestion. If gums bleed during flossing, this is normal gum adaptation and not a sign of chemical irritation; bleeding typically resolves within 1-2 weeks of consistent use.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Listerine has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Dental Floss
Floss & Ploss
Love of Earth Co. Floss + Glass Case
Dental floss (plant-based or silk) and glass case
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed additives
Limited concern
Microbial growth if floss is stored damp
Limited concern
Lower concern. Floss and glass are inherently PFAS-free materials.
⚠Risky category by default
Waterpik
Cordless 1000 Water Flosser
Plastic housing, ABS/nylon components, stainless steel tip, silicone seals
Silicone seal breakdown and leaching
Limited concern
Bacterial biofilm in water reservoir
Limited concern
Electronic component exposure if housing cracks
Limited concern
Lower-concern water flosser; no known PFAS-prone materials.
⚠Risky category by default
More dental floss 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.