Toxic Metals Found in Popular Toothpaste Brands

New testing by consumer safety group Lead Safe Mama found that the majority of 51 popular toothpaste brands—many marketed for children or as “natural”—are contaminated with dangerous heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.

About 90% contained lead, with many also exceeding state-level safety limits, though remaining under federal thresholds that experts say are outdated and unsafe.

The likely sources of contamination are common ingredients like bentonite clay, hydroxyapatite, and calcium carbonate.

Despite the findings, most companies have not pledged to reformulate their products, and some have even issued cease-and-desist letters in response to the testing.