We're all for a minimal morning routine, but if there's one thing that we all need to continue using, it's toothpaste! Not only for fresh breath and white teeth but to prevent oral problems that could arise with poor dental hygiene. When it comes to conventional toothpaste, it's always been a no brainer to just grab one at the store, without much hesitation.
Well, as it turns out, toothpaste is one of the easiest products that you can make at home. And the best part is, we're pretty confident that you have all of the ingredients in your pantry already! The rumor that natural toothpaste isn't effective or doesn't taste as good has some truth to it, but only if it's not made correctly. Here are two toothpaste recipes that you can make in the comfort of your own home to save the planet and your money at the same time.
Don't have time to mix it yourself?
Our fluoride-free Unpaste Tooth Tabs (now with nano-hydroxyapatite for natural enamel support) deliver the same plastic-free, eco-friendly philosophy without the kitchen-counter mess. Prefer fluoride for cavity protection? We carry that version too.
Natural Substitutes For Conventional Toothpaste
Coconut Oil: In case we needed one more reason to fall in love with coconut oil, it turns out that it can be an incredible ingredient to add to your homemade toothpaste. Since it has natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties, coconut oil can help prevent oral infections.
Baking Soda: If you're a baker, you'll have another reason to stock up on baking soda. Baking soda can neutralize ph levels and is mildly abrasive to remove stains on the teeth. In other words, it acts as a natural teeth whitening agent!
Sea Salt: If you really want to whiten your teeth, use sea salt in your homemade recipe. It's also a mildly abrasive ingredient, perfect for removing stains, and can help create a paste-like consistency.
Essential Oils: One of the best ways to elevate your natural toothpaste is to add a few drops of essential oil. Instead of adding flavoring, peppermint essential oil can give you a similar minty smell, and most importantly, the same minty taste!
Recipe #1: Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Toothpaste
- 2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda
- 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil
- 10 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
Recipe #2: Baking Soda, Salt, and Water Toothpaste: If coconut oil isn't your favorite ingredient, or if you have an allergy, you can swap it out with water and salt!
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
- 1 Tablespoon of Salt
- 3 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- Couple Drops of Water
Steps To Make Homemade Toothpaste
If you're making toothpaste with coconut oil, make sure to melt the oil before combining any ingredients. Once you have your ingredients measured, add all the ingredients into an air-tight container, and mix well. After a minute of mixing, you should see a paste-like consistency starting to form. Just like that, you've created the most affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly way to brush your teeth!
Tried DIY and ready for something easier? Try Unpaste Tooth Tabs.
If DIY'ing isn't your thing — or you tried it and the coconut-oil separation in cold weather finally got to you — Unpaste Tooth Tabs are our most-loved zero-waste alternative. One small tab, a sip of water, brush as normal. No mixing, no separating, no oily aftertaste, and the formula includes dentist-approved fluoride for cavity protection.
DIY vs. Unpaste at a glance:
| Factor | DIY Recipe | Unpaste Tooth Tabs |
|---|---|---|
| Time | ~10 min per batch, every 2 weeks | Unwrap, brush, done |
| Mess | Melted coconut oil, separates in cold | Zero — dry tablets |
| Fluoride option | None | 1,450 ppm sodium fluoride, or fluoride-free with nano-hydroxyapatite |
| Travel | Glass jar that can spill or break | TSA-friendly tabs in a small jar |
| Packaging | Fully plastic-free | Fully plastic-free (glass + paper) |
Looking for a fluoride-free option? Try our fluoride-free Unpaste tabs with nano-hydroxyapatite →
