Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste, Peppermint, 2 Pack, 4.5 Oz
Low PFAS concern. Fluoride-free toothpaste with MADE SAFE certification.
Tom's of Maine is known for naturally derived formulas and holds MADE SAFE certification, which excludes PFAS. Toothpastes are lower concern products for PFAS exposure compared to coated cookware or treated textiles.
Brand says: “Tom's of Maine products are fluoride-free and made with naturally derived ingredients; no PFAS added.”
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
toothpaste base, mineral silica, essential oils
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque Pack, is made of, ingredients and materials
This toothpaste uses mineral silica as the primary abrasive rather than synthetic compounds, combined with essential peppermint oil for flavor and a proprietary base of glycerin and other humectants typical of natural toothpaste lines. Tom's of Maine explicitly formulates without fluoride, which eliminates concerns about fluoride ingestion in sensitive populations, though this means efficacy relies on mechanical abrasion and mineral action alone. The silica abrasive is inert and well-tolerated in oral products; mineral-based systems have a lower hazard profile than some synthetic abrasive alternatives.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Heavy metals
Mineral silica abrasives can occasionally contain trace arsenic, lead, or cadmium depending on source and processing. MADE SAFE certification includes screening for heavy metals, suggesting this product has been tested and passed those thresholds, though testing limits vary by standard.
Source, FDA ↗Fragrance allergens from essential oils
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol and other volatile compounds that can trigger oral or dermal sensitivity in some users. This is inherent to the formulation choice, not a manufacturing defect; discontinue use if irritation occurs.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
A third party reports verifying this product as PFAS-free.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Tom's of Maine has not disclosed formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in this product line. Standard personal care formulations in this brand do not include preservative systems known to release formaldehyde.
Source, ATSDR ↗1,4-dioxane contamination
1,4-dioxane is a manufacturing contaminant in ethoxylated surfactants; this product does not list such surfactants and is marketed as surfactant-free or minimal-surfactant, reducing this risk.
Talc contamination
Toothpaste does not typically contain talc; this hazard is relevant to powdered cosmetics and some mineral-based products, but no evidence of talc in this specific toothpaste formulation exists.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Tom's of Maine has held MADE SAFE certification for this product line, an independent third-party standard that screens for heavy metals, phthalates, and other regulated hazards in personal care. The brand has a documented history of transparency around ingredient disclosure and avoids known problem additives like artificial dyes and sodium lauryl sulfate in most lines. No product recalls or safety warnings specific to this formulation have been issued by the FDA or Consumer Product Safety Commission. The brand's fluoride-free positioning aligns with its clean-label marketing, though this is a formulation choice, not a safety advantage.
How it compares in its category
Fluoride-free toothpastes are a niche segment; most conventional toothpastes contain fluoride for cavity prevention. This product sits in the natural and certified-clean category alongside brands like Dr. Bronner's and Weleda, all of which emphasize minimal synthetic additives. Compared to conventional toothpastes, fluoride-free options rely more heavily on abrasive action, so cleaning efficacy may differ; this is a performance choice, not a safety distinction. The MADE SAFE certification provides independent verification that typical cosmetic hazards (heavy metals in natural colorants, for example) have been screened.
If you buy it
Toothpaste is a rinse-off product with minimal dermal or systemic absorption; standard use poses no special care requirements. Check the tube seal before purchase to confirm integrity; toothpaste does not require refrigeration or special storage beyond room temperature. Replace when the tube is empty or after the printed expiration date, typically 2-3 years from manufacture. If you have concerns about fluoride intake or sensitivities to synthetic additives, this formulation is designed to address those; if cavity prevention is your priority, fluoride-containing toothpastes have stronger clinical evidence for that specific benefit.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 82% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tom's of Maine has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More toothpaste 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.