If you've ever flipped over a toothpaste tube and read the ingredient list, you've probably noticed names like artificial dyes, synthetic sweeteners, carrageenan, and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), a foaming agent. These ingredients handle things like color, flavor, and texture, and they aren't unsafe for most people. That said, some people prefer simpler formulas, or avoid certain ingredients because of personal preferences or sensitivities — for example, some find SLS irritating. If you like the idea of knowing exactly what's going into your oral care, a DIY toothpaste you make yourself is easier than you might think.
This homemade toothpaste recipe uses coconut oil as its base, baking soda as a gentle abrasive, peppermint essential oil for freshness, and optional xylitol for sweetness. That's it. It's a natural toothpaste option for anyone who wants a simple, fluoride-free formula — and a small way to lean into cleaner oral care without overhauling everything at once.
One quick note on wording: "non-toxic" is a cleaner-living term for simpler, more transparent ingredient lists, not a regulated safety certification.
What You Need
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons organic virgin coconut oil (softened or melted)
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 15–20 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1–2 teaspoons organic xylitol (optional, for sweetness)
- Pinch of fine sea salt (optional, for extra mineral content)
Tools
- Small glass jar with lid (2–4 oz)
- Small spoon or spatula for mixing
How to Make It
- Soften the coconut oil until it's scoopable but not fully liquid.
- Combine coconut oil and baking soda in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Add peppermint essential oil and mix well.
- If using, stir in xylitol and sea salt.
- Transfer to a clean glass jar. Store at room temperature.
Total time: under 5 minutes. Cost per jar: under $3.
To use: Scoop a small amount onto your toothbrush (a clean spoon or dedicated scooper keeps it hygienic). Brush as normal for 2 minutes. Spit and rinse.
DIY oral-care products are not a replacement for regular brushing, flossing, dental checkups, or individualized advice from your dentist. This recipe is fluoride-free and may not provide the same cavity protection as fluoride toothpaste.
A Note on Fluoride
This recipe does not contain fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended by major dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, for preventing cavities. If you're considering switching to a fluoride-free toothpaste — particularly if you have a history of cavities or an elevated cavity risk — it's a good idea to discuss it with your dentist first. Some people use this homemade toothpaste alongside a fluoride rinse, or alternate it with a fluoride toothpaste, and that's a reasonable approach to talk through as well.
Why These Ingredients Work
Coconut oil — the base of this recipe. Coconut oil is commonly used in DIY oral-care recipes, and its smooth texture works well here. It's also the foundation of traditional oil pulling. It hasn't been proven to prevent cavities or replace established dental care. We use Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil — cold-pressed, unrefined, organic, and non-GMO.
Baking soda — a mild abrasive commonly used in oral-care products, and it can help remove some surface stains. It's been a fixture of oral care for generations.
Peppermint essential oil — primarily provides flavor and a fresh, clean sensation. Make sure you're using a food-grade or cosmetic-grade peppermint oil.
Xylitol — a sugar alcohol commonly used in oral-care products. It has been studied for its potential role in cavity prevention, though this homemade recipe hasn't been proven to remineralize teeth or prevent cavities. Some people like it simply for sweetness. We use NOW Foods Organic Xylitol — derived from non-GMO corn.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a small dedicated spoon to scoop — don't double-dip your toothbrush directly into the jar to keep it clean.
- Coconut oil solidifies below 76°F — in cooler months your paste may be firmer. That's normal.
- Conventional toothpaste foams because of SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). No foam is a feature, not a bug.
- Make a fresh batch every 4–6 weeks.
- Keep out of reach of pets — xylitol is toxic to dogs.
If You'd Rather Skip the DIY — Clean Store-Bought Toothpastes We Love
No time to mix your own? These are the fluoride-free toothpastes we like — chosen for simpler ingredient lists and thoughtful formulas.
David's Fluoride-Free Toothpaste — EWG Verified
Our top pick. David's fluoride-free, SLS-free formula is designed for whitening and antiplaque care, and the maker lists it as EWG Verified.
Bite Toothpaste Bits — Zero Waste & Nano Hydroxyapatite
Tablet-format toothpaste — you chew a bit and brush as it dissolves into a paste. The formula is fluoride-free with nano hydroxyapatite, and a jar is a 2-month supply — ideal if you want a lower-waste approach to oral care.
Boka Fluoride-Free Toothpaste — Nano Hydroxyapatite
Boka's fluoride-free formula uses nano hydroxyapatite, an ingredient that's become popular in clean oral care. The Strawberry Mango flavor is also a great option for kids making the transition away from conventional toothpaste.
Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening
A trusted household name. Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free is widely available and easy to find, with antiplaque and whitening in a familiar tube format — a great entry point for families transitioning to cleaner oral care.
Hello Epic Whitening Activated Charcoal Toothpaste — Fluoride Free
For anyone who wants a whitening boost alongside their clean swap. Hello's formula combines activated charcoal and coconut oil and is fluoride-free. The fresh mint and coconut oil combination makes it feel close to a conventional toothpaste experience — easy for toothpaste skeptics to adopt.
Shop Hello Charcoal Toothpaste →
What to Expect From Homemade Toothpaste
Homemade toothpaste feels different from the conventional kind, and it helps to know that going in. It may not foam, since the recipe has no foaming agents. The coconut-oil texture can change with room temperature — firmer in cooler months, softer in warm ones. And the flavor and texture may take a little adjusting if you're used to store-bought. One reminder: this DIY recipe is fluoride-free, so it shouldn't be considered a substitute for professional dental advice or regular dental care.