Gorgeous natural toothpaste with activated charcoal – packaged in a glass jar.
What’s the big deal?
Remember all the trouble I had trying to switch to natural deodorant, before I finally found something that worked with my sensitive skin and permanent paranoia about pongy pits?
Well, finding toothpaste that works – and comes in reusable / recyclable packaging – has been almost as difficult.
I’ve used natural toothpaste for well over a decade, but my favourite brand comes in those squeezy plastic tubes that are difficult to recycle (in other words: aren’t recycled).
I’ve tried many low-waste toothpaste brands and products since I first started my journey to reduce plastic use, including all the ones you’ve likely seen in your local zero waste or health food stores… tooth tabs, tooth powders, even tooth soap… you name it, I’ve tried it!
I was so desperate for a decent toothpaste option that I even wrote to my favourite natural toothpaste brand and asked them to offer an alternatively packaged version of their toothpaste.
I told them that I understood that it would cost more, and that I would be willing to pay for the privilege of not using plastic.
I didn’t get a response.
It’s their loss, because this toothpaste is easily as good as my old favourite.
I’m relieved to have finally found something that makes my teeth feel clean, my mouth feel healthy, and even has some bonus whitening action, too!
None of the plastic-free toothpaste options I’ve tried has been even half as a good as Ben & Anna’s Black toothpaste.
Who is it for?
Everyone who wants to cut plastic out of their bathroom, and have clean teeth.
How do you use it?
Just scoop a small amount onto your eco-friendly toothbrush, wet, and brush your teeth as usual!
It’s just wonderful, black, sticky goop that makes my mouth feel great and my teeth appear whiter.
Things I love about it
- Packaging
- Flavour and texture
- Whitening power
- Long-term results
Lots of natural toothpaste tastes and feels a bit funky. Ben & Anna’s Black toothpaste is a lot more like a conventional toothpaste (it’s not like the dry, powder or oil-based toothpastes I’ve tried).
I’m not a dentist so I can’t advise on dental health and care. All I can do is compare how my mouth feels after using Ben & Anna for a few weeks versus using other toothpastes. I do know that my mouth has felt really good, whereas dental tabs, powders and soaps have made my teeth feel achy and my mouth feel less clean than it normally does.
Things I don’t love about it
I don’t use the little stick that comes with the toothpaste – the one that’s intended to act as an applicator. It makes the process messier that just dunking my toothbrush into the jar.
The toothpaste is also quite expensive, especially in comparison with conventional brands that you can buy in the supermarket. I think it’s totally worth it, though, especially when I consider how much money I’ve wasted on natural, low-waste toothpaste brands that have let my mouth down.
A bit like my deodorant of choice, Ben & Anna is made overseas (but then again, so was my old toothpaste). It would be great to source everything in my own back yard (or even better, source things from all over the world without upping my carbon footprint), but for the moment, I’ll take a clean and happy mouth!
All-in-all?
I can’t recommend Ben & Anna’s Black toothpaste highly enough – especially if you like natural toothpaste with activated charcoal, and you want to cut down on unnecessary plastic in your bathroom.
Have you used Ben & Anna toothpaste, or found something else that works for you? Let me know in the comments below!