Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque Whitening Natural Toothpaste (2 Pack)
Lower concern; toothpaste formulations rarely require PFAS, but Tom's does not voluntarily disclose.
The formula uses mineral abrasives and natural binding agents with no coating or nonstick features that typically require PFAS. Tom's makes no explicit PFAS-free claim and provides no third-party verification, creating a transparency gap despite the product category's minimal inherent PFAS risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
toothpaste gel/paste (mineral, humectant, and natural abrasive base)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free (2 Pack) is made of, ingredients and materials
Tom's of Maine fluoride-free whitening paste uses mineral abrasives (likely silica or calcium carbonate), humectants (glycerin), and plant-derived thickeners rather than synthetic polymers or harsh detergents. The formula avoids sodium lauryl sulfate, which is common in mainstream toothpastes. Because it lacks fluoride, efficacy against cavity prevention depends entirely on mechanical cleaning and any secondary agents like zinc citrate for plaque control; whitening is achieved through the abrasive action and mild polishing rather than peroxide bleaching.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Abrasive particle size and enamel wear
Mineral abrasives in whitening toothpastes can cause enamel wear with aggressive brushing, especially in users with naturally thin enamel or gum recession; Tom's formula is not labeled as low-abrasive, so individual sensitivity should guide use frequency and pressure.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Tom's of Maine lists natural flavoring agents (peppermint, spearmint) which can trigger oral allergic contact dermatitis or sensitivity in a small subset of users; full fragrance ingredients are not always disclosed beyond 'natural flavors.'
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Tom's of Maine does not use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (such as imidazolidinyl urea or DMDM hydantoin) in its natural product line; no reports of formaldehyde contamination in this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Natural toothpaste brands typically avoid synthetic azo dyes and heavy-metal-based pigments; no reported contamination with lead, cadmium, or chromium in Tom's of Maine products under standard regulatory monitoring.
Source, FDA ↗Talc contamination
Toothpaste formulas do not typically contain talc; no established use or reported presence in Tom's of Maine toothpastes.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Tom's of Maine has marketed a natural, transparent positioning for decades and holds B Corp certification, signaling third-party oversight of labor and environmental practices. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or presence in any product line, which is typical for smaller personal care makers but reflects industry silence rather than affirmative safety proof. No major product recalls or health controversies are on record for this toothpaste line. The brand is owned by Colgate-Palmolive, a larger corporation, yet maintains independent formulation claims.
How it compares in its category
Fluoride-free toothpastes occupy a small segment focused on consumer preference rather than dental-health superiority; major health bodies (ADA, WHO) recommend fluoride for cavity prevention. Tom's version is priced higher than fluoride toothpastes but comparable to other natural/non-fluoride alternatives. The absence of SLS and inclusion of plant extracts appeals to sensitivity-conscious users, though the whitening claim is modest compared to peroxide-based whitening strips or gels.
If you buy it
Use twice daily with a soft-bristled brush for at least two minutes to maximize mechanical cleaning, since fluoride is absent. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve natural ingredients and prevent mold in the tube. Because fluoride-free formulas carry higher cavity risk, consider supplementary fluoride sources (mouthwash, professional treatments) if you have high cavity risk or poor oral hygiene. Replace the tube every 3 months after opening to avoid bacterial colonization of the paste.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tom's of Maine has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque Whitening Natural Toothpaste (2 Pack)?
Tom's of Maine
Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste, Peppermint, 2 Pack, 4.5 Oz
- toothpaste base, mineral silica, essential oils
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- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- water, saponified oils, essential oils, minerals
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance/essential oil sensitization (peppermint)
- fluoride, glycerin, sorbitol, silica, cellulose gum
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fluoride ingestion toxicity
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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.