Not sure about you, but conventional mouthwash has a way of burning my mouth. I literally cannot wait to spit it out. This is thanks to the alcohol content in it – but have you ever stopped to think about the other ingredients too? Like what gives it such a bright neon color? Lets not forget all the packaging waste: Over 500 million plastic mouthwash bottles end up in landfills every year. That’s enough to wrap around the earth three times! As someone with sensitive gums, and a desire to help the planet, I’ve decided to roundup my favorite zero waste mouthwash alternatives.
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10 Zero Waste Mouthwash Options
Is mouthwash eco-friendly?
Conventional mouthwash isn’t eco-friendly because it comes in a plastic bottle (which is made from virgin plastic, aka crude oil that was unsustainably extracted from the ground). While many recycling facilities accept plastic mouthwash bottles for recycling, as many as 500 million still find their way to landfill every year (so something tells me recycling isn’t the answer here!).
Plus, many mouthwashes contain questionable ingredients, like dyes, which give them those bright unnatural colors. These serve no purpose other than to help them stand out from competition. Is that really something we want in our mouths, or going down the drain? The best option is a plastic-free, all-natural mouthwash that’s efficient. Better yet, one that’s refillable!
Is Listerine biodegradable?
For something to be biodegradable, it simply means it has to break down. There’s a stark contrast between compostable vs. biodegradable and I advise knowing the difference. In summary, Listerine may be biodegradable, but it isn’t compostable. Thus, mouthwash can negatively impact water quality and affect the behavior of aquatic organisms after they make their way from the drain
to streams or rivers.
What is a natural alternative to mouthwash?
A natural alternative to mouthwash would be hydrogen peroxide (in very small amounts, mixed with water), baking soda (mixed into some water), or peppermint oil (a few drops blended with water), apple cider vinegar (mixed with water). Personally, I prefer the zero waste mouthwash listed in this post!
What is the healthiest mouthwash to use?
The healthiest mouthwash to use doesn’t have alcohol, dyes, or unknown additives inside it. It’s got simple, natural ingredients you can easily research. Ideally, it’s efficient and effective too and will leave your mouth feeling fresh without stinging or cheek peeling.
I have very sensitive gums and every time I used conventional mouthwash with or without alcohol, I couldn’t wait to spit it out. It would always sting my mouth. Now, I use Nix – but I’ll also be trying Huppy and Geoorganics soon (both of which made this list). I truly love Nix and highly recommend it for sensitive gums like mine! And my dentist said I have seriously clean teeth too (so it absolutely works).
Can I make my own mouthwash?
You can make your own mouthwash relatively easily by upcycling a glass jar and combining some distilled water, baking soda and peppermint essential oil. Just give it a good shake and it’s ready for use. You can also make my homemade zero waste mouthwash using fresh peppermint leaf – always a winner!
What are the best zero waste mouthwash brands?
Glad you asked! I’ve rounded up 10 of the best zero waste mouthwash brands around – and I wouldn’t be surprised if I updated this list as time went on. So be sure to bookmark it or pin it for later!
These brands utilize all-natural ingredients, innovative packaging, and great businesses practices. All of them are worth a place in my medicine cabinet (and yours too!).
1. By Human Kind
- Refillable mouthwash tablets
- Just add water (dissolvable)
- Silicone tablet holder nests inside glass cup – can be separated for TSA-friendly travel.
- Alcohol-free
- Natural ingredients
- Refills are shipped in a 100% compostable pouch
- 100% carbon neutral
Image credit: By Human Kind
2. Geoorganics
- Mouthwash tablets
- Just add water (dissolvable)
- Natural ingredients
- Based in the UK
- Comes in recyclable/reusable glass bottle with metal lid
Image credit: Geoorganics
3. Huppy
- Refillable mouthwash tablets
- Chew, sip water, swish, spit, rinse
- Cool mint flavor
- Natural ingredients
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- TSA-friendly + portable
Image credit: Huppy
4. Bite
- Refillable mouthwash tablets
- Compostable refills
- Made with nHAp (a non-flouride alternative)
- Cruelty-free
Image credit: Bite
5. Nix
- Refillable mouthwash crystals
- Comes in a recyclable/reusable glass jar
- Just 10 natural ingredients
- Just add water (dissolvable)
- Alcohol-free
- Each jar lasts for 4-6 months
Image credit: Nix
6. Birch Babe
- 99% Organic mouthwash
- Comes in a glass bottle with metal lid
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan + cruelty-free
Image credit: Birch Babe
7. Organic Zero Waste Shop
- Himalayan Salt Mouthwash
- Handmade
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free + vegan
- Recyclable glass bottle + aluminum lid
Image credit: Organic Zero Waste Shop, Etsy
8. Blue Haven Holistics
- Oil pulling mouthwash
- Reusable/recyclable 8oz glass container
- Organic ingredients
- Swish approximately 2-3 teaspoons of oil in the mouth, spit + rinse with water
Image credit: Blue Haven Holistics
9. Mia Botanica
- Oregano oil mouthwash
- Handmade in New York
- Small business
- Organic ingredients
- Alcohol-free
- 4oz glass jar available
Image credit: Mia Botanical
10. Lucky Teeth
- Organic whitening mouthwash
- 16 oz glass bottle
- Comes with a bamboo cup to dispense liquid
- Plastic free packaging materials
- Vegan + cruelty-free
- Free of alcohol, sugar, fluoride, glycerin & gluten
Image credit: Lucky Teeth
So, what do you think of these zero waste mouthwash options? Drop your favorites in the comments below!
For more zero waste dental care, check out my blog post 10 Zero Waste Toothpaste Brands!
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