Demands: Gentle & Effective, Safe

With consumers looking to make a shift towards more natural formulations that are effective and safe, we see a prioritization of claims around sensitivity and naturality, driven by increased awareness of health and environmental issues.

Although before the pandemic we saw a trend toward free-from claims, the expectation has shifted to have a product encompassing all aspects of safety as a baseline, choosing to look for less harsh solutions in the quest for healthy teeth and gums.  With this you can see a rise in "chemical-free" and Ayurvedic or holistic methods such as coconut-based oil pulling, herbal oil water flossing, and manual tongue and gum scrapers/brushes. To win more of the share for safe and natural-conscious consumers, highlighting the effective yet gentle nature of naturally derived ingredients will get you far.

Over the last decade, oral care has evolved far beyond just brushing to prevent cavities. Consumers today are thinking holistically, prioritizing natural solutions that reflect their personal health goals and values while demanding the same (or better) effectiveness as traditional products. This shift is more than a trend—it's a movement toward gentle, sustainable care for our teeth and gums, driven by growing awareness of the chemicals we put into our bodies and their environmental impact.

The Natural Revolution in Oral Care

The demand for naturally derived oral care products is growing rapidly as consumers become more mindful of the ingredients they use daily. Label-conscious buyers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional formulations, prioritizing products that align with their health and wellness goals without sacrificing effectiveness. Oral hygiene has evolved into an essential part of self-care routines, blending functionality with a sensory experience.

Claims for Sensitive Gums And Teeth rose +121% across oral care launches in the 5 years to 2024. Source:GNPD

28% of Oral Care products launched over the past 5 years in NA contain a natural claim highlighting a desire for more natural product offerings – Source: GNPD, 2024

Why Natural Oral Care Matters

Oral hygiene has become an extension of self-care, blending health, wellness, and daily rituals. People aren't just looking for toothpaste anymore—they're seeking a sensory experience and functional benefits in a single product. The modern oral care checklist often includes:

  • Effective cleaning power.
  • Natural or naturally derived ingredients.
  • A gentle, pleasant taste and feel.
  • Multi-benefit functionality (e.g., sensitivity relief, whitening).

This rise in natural preferences goes hand-in-hand with a heightened focus on sensitivity and safety. With nearly 50% of the population dealing with tooth sensitivity, consumers are gravitating toward milder solutions, such as less abrasive toothpaste and alcohol-free rinses.

Safety is Friendly and Necessary

Never before as safety for ones self and the environment been so entwined as we see today. Consumers today expect the formula, as well as the packaging to be safe to consume and dispose of, while utilizing less resources and engaging in more socioeconomic practices for a better future.

Take a look at the top claims in regards to natural and environmentally friendly for both aspects of product development here:

Challenges for Natural Formulations

Creating oral care products that are natural and effective isn't without its challenges. Manufacturers face a delicate balancing act when formulating these solutions:

  1. Maintaining Performance: Natural alternatives must deliver the same cleaning power and protection as traditional formulas.
  2. Enhancing Taste: Achieving a comfortable, pleasant taste with natural flavors is crucial for consistent use.
  3. Reducing Harshness: Solutions need to protect enamel and gums while addressing concerns like dry mouth and sensitivity.

This calls for innovation at every step, from sourcing sustainable ingredients to designing eco-conscious packaging.

The Shift to Water-Less and Sustainable Oral Care

Natural care doesn't stop at what's in the product—it's also about how it's made and delivered. Water conservation is becoming a focal point in the industry, as global water shortages push for creative solutions like toothpaste tablets, anhydrous toothpaste, and even dental gummies.

Products like these aren't just about saving water. They also offer:

  • Reduced shipping weight and carbon footprints.
  • Minimal packaging waste, often with refillable or biodegradable options.
  • Convenient, travel-friendly formats that fit modern lifestyles.

It's a win for both the planet and the consumer.

Now Something to Smile About: Meeting Consumer Demands

To stand out in the growing natural oral care market, brands must combine functionality with transparency and a touch of innovation. Here's what consumers are looking for:

  • Clear, honest ingredient sourcing.
  • Mild, naturally derived flavors and textures.
  • Products designed for specific concerns like gum health, whitening, or dry mouth.
  • Visible commitments to sustainability in both formulas and packaging.

Oral Compatibility

Plantacare® 1200 UP is classified as being non- or minimally irritating. It is significantly milder compared to SLS. Combinations of conventional SLS with Plantacare® 1200 UP lead to milder formulations than SLS alone and can help to reduce the irritation potential of a toothpaste.

Foamability in Oral Care Toothpaste

Plantaren® 1200 N UP performs well in toothpaste formulation compared to SLS. It is gentle to the mouth, provides creamy, dense
foam and has a slight sweet taste which ultimately delivers a more pleasant toothbrushing experience.

Starting Point Formulations for Inspiration

Products to Make you Smile

Rheocare XGN

GMO-free Xanthan Gum provides thickening, suspension and crystal-clear formulations. It is easy to incorporate and has a high electrolyte and ethanol tolerance.

Zeodent 116

Ideal for milder whitening toothpastes and children's formulas as it is a high cleaning silica that removes stains but reduces the impact on enamel and dentin. Low levels of abrasion. PCR level of 66 and RDA level of 65.

Zeodent 165

A thickening silica ideal for toothpastes that offer high cleaning and anticavity protection excellent for clear gel toothpaste formulas.

Propolis Tincture

A Tincture made from a resin produced by bees that is used in oral care for is plaque preventing and healing properties.

Powdered Extracts for tooth powders

Kelp, Fenugreek

Soothing Extracts

Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Lavender

Other Extracts in Multiple Formats for Formulation Flexibility

Rosemary, Ginger Root, Peppermint Leaves, Lemon Balm, Cinnamon, Green Tea, Marshmallow Root, Cascara Sagrada, Bio-Flavanoids

Pluracare F 127 NF Prill

Excellent Solubilizer for flavors and essential oils. Helps form clear mouthwashes with good taste. Also acts as a binder.

Luviskol K 30 Solution

Ideal in water-based formulations where clarity is desired, provides improved mouthfeel and can also act as a binder.

Cremophor RH 40

A non-ionic, low-foam solubilizer and emulsifier for ethereal oils, vitamins, and hydrophobic actives.