Remember when toothpaste just came in white tubes with red stripes? Those days are numbered. While Colgate still dominates the dental aisle, a new generation of oral care brands is bringing fresh perspectives to everything from ingredients to packaging. These companies aren't just making prettier products—they're tackling environmental issues, pioneering new technologies, and challenging our assumptions about what dental care can be.
Here's our look at several noteworthy oral care brands that offer compelling alternatives to the usual suspects. From waterless toothpaste tablets to coconut-infused dental floss, these products showcase how innovation in dental care extends far beyond just cleaning teeth.
- Where Refills Replace Single-Use Plastic
We're intrigued by how by Humankind has flipped the script on traditional oral care packaging. Their refillable toothpaste system tackles the industry's plastic problem head-on, proving that sustainability doesn't require compromise. The brand's aluminum bottles serve as permanent homes for their dental products, while their durable pumps are engineered to withstand repeated use.
The formulations themselves reflect a thoughtful balance between clean ingredients and efficacy. Their body wash offerings, available in tea tree and bergamot varieties, create a proper lather without relying on harsh chemicals. Even their shampoo and conditioner lines maintain this measured approach, with subtle scents that avoid overwhelming your senses.
Why we like by Humankind
1
Refillable System
Innovative aluminum bottles and durable pumps eliminate single-use plastic waste
2
Clean Formulations
Thoughtfully balanced ingredients that are both effective and gentle
3
Sustainable Vision
Comprehensive approach to reducing environmental impact in personal care
- The Dental Floss That Made Dentists Double-Take
Sister duo Chrystle and Cat Cu (a dentist and entrepreneur, respectively) have transformed the lowly dental floss into something entirely unexpected. Cocofloss features an intricate weave of 500+ filaments that expand during use, giving your teeth what we'd call a micro-massage. The addition of coconut oil isn't just clever marketing—it provides legitimate benefits for gum health.
This brand's technical innovation hasn't gone unnoticed by professionals. Their Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Award speaks to the product's legitimate dental credentials. The flavor selection reads like a farmer's market inventory: pure strawberry, cara cara orange, and others that make standard mint feel pedestrian. We're particularly interested in how they've managed to create floss from recycled water bottles without sacrificing the premium feel of the product.
Why we like Cocofloss
1
Innovative Design
500+ filament weave provides superior cleaning through micro-massage action
2
Coconut Oil Integration
Natural ingredient provides additional gum health benefits
3
Sustainable Materials
Uses recycled water bottles while maintaining premium quality
4
Unique Flavors
Fresh take on dental care with creative, natural flavor options
So much better than simple mint flavored floss and the coconut material makes it perfect for getting all gunk out of your teeth
Who gave FLOSS the RIGHT to taste so good? Like, why am I looking forward to flossing? The dentist who invented this gave the people exactly what they wanted. Apple cinnamon, at night? Talk about a sweet treat. <3
- NASA Technology Meets Eastern Wellness
Boka caught our eye with their use of nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), a compound initially developed by NASA for maintaining astronaut bone density. Their approach bridges traditional Eastern wellness practices with space-age science, offering an alternative to conventional fluoride-based formulations. The n-HA compound works to restore tooth enamel and address sensitivity issues naturally.
The brand's Ela Mint toothpaste exemplifies their philosophy of gentle effectiveness. By combining n-HA with ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract, they've created a formula free from controversial additives like triclosan and artificial sweeteners. We find it telling that dentists aren't just recommending Boka—they're stocking it in their practices, suggesting the brand has found the sweet spot between innovation and clinical effectiveness.
Why we like Boka
1
Space-Age Innovation
Uses NASA-developed n-HA technology for natural enamel restoration
2
Clean Formula
Free from controversial additives while maintaining clinical effectiveness
3
Professional Backing
Endorsed and stocked by dental professionals
- The Brand That Made Dental Care Look Good
Moon Oral Beauty has managed to turn the bathroom counter into premium real estate. While their Kendall Jenner collaboration generated buzz, it's their innovative approach to product development that keeps them relevant. Their OBJ Water Flosser demonstrates how dental care devices can be both powerful and aesthetically pleasing, with thoughtful features like cordless operation and adjustable pressure settings.
The brand's lineup reflects a sophisticated understanding of what modern consumers want from their personal care products. Their vegan, cruelty-free formulations address ethical concerns without sacrificing performance. We're particularly interested in how they've created an entirely new category—"oral beauty"—that positions dental care as an extension of one's beauty routine rather than just a hygiene necessity.
Why we like Moon Oral Beauty
1
Aesthetic Innovation
Transforms dental care into sophisticated beauty products
2
Smart Design
Combines functionality with premium aesthetic appeal
3
Ethical Standards
Maintains vegan and cruelty-free formulations without compromising quality
Waterflossers are great but not always convienent and take up a lot of space. This looks nice and compact, and travel friendly as well!
- Tablet Innovation That Makes Plastic Tubes Obsolete
Surfer-turned-entrepreneur David Phan spent years developing Huppy's toothpaste tablets, going through over 100 iterations before landing on the final formula. The result? A waterless tablet that transforms the simple act of brushing your teeth into something entirely new. We appreciate how the tablets foam up naturally when chewed, creating a familiar sensation despite the novel format.
Their choice of hydroxyapatite over fluoride reflects careful consideration of both efficacy and safety concerns. The brand's sustainability focus extends to their dental floss, which replaces traditional nylon with candelilla wax and corn-based materials. Their aluminum containers solve multiple problems at once: they're aesthetically pleasing, practical for travel, and eliminate the need for plastic packaging altogether.
Why we like Huppy
1
Innovative Format
Waterless tablets eliminate need for plastic tubes
2
Sustainable Materials
Uses plant-based alternatives to traditional synthetic materials
3
Thoughtful Design
Aluminum packaging combines practicality with environmental consciousness
Looking Ahead: The Future of Oral Care
The emergence of these brands signals a broader shift in how we think about dental care. They're proving that effective oral hygiene products can prioritize sustainability, incorporate cutting-edge ingredients, and look good doing it. Whether you're drawn to by Humankind's refillable systems or Huppy's waterless tablets, these alternatives to Colgate demonstrate how innovation in oral care extends far beyond just cleaning power.
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