Ultimate Guide to Vegan Mouthwash - Natural & Cruelty-Free

Last updated on:
September 11, 2023
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People are increasingly mindful of the products they use and their effects on both personal well-being and the environment. This extends to oral care products too, with a growing demand for safe, natural, and vegan alternatives, including vegan mouthwashes. These products offer a natural and effective way to maintain oral hygiene and achieve fresh breath.

What Is a Vegan Mouthwash?

A vegan mouthwash is completely made up of plant-based ingredients, making it different from traditional mouthwashes that often contain animal-derived elements like glycerine. 

What makes vegan mouthwashes unique is their commitment to excluding harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and alcohol, which can be detrimental to health. These characteristics make vegan mouthwashes a safer and more natural choice for oral care.

Vegan mouthwashes incorporate essential oils like aloe vera and tea tree oil, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. These ingredients effectively reduce plaque and gingivitis, ensuring a clean and healthy oral environment. They leave a refreshing feeling in the mouth and you can choose from various natural flavors such as peppermint, spearmint, or cinnamon to suit your preferences.

What Are the Ingredients of Vegan Mouthwash?

Vegan mouthwash uses the power of natural, plant-based ingredients, offering eco-friendly alternatives to those found in traditional mouthwashes. Here are some common ingredients and their benefits:

Water: Water serves as the primary ingredient in most mouthwashes, facilitating the mixing and dilution of other components.

Xylitol: Derived from plants, xylitol is a natural sweetener widely utilized in vegan toothpaste and mouthwash. It not only adds sweetness but also prevents tooth decay while promoting oral hygiene.

Essential Oils: Essential oils, obtained by pressing various parts of plants, are essential in vegan mouthwash. Varieties like peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil possess antimicrobial properties, effectively combating mouth bacteria while imparting a natural flavor.

Vegetable Glycerine: Vegetable glycerine, a clear, sweet liquid, is sourced from vegetable oils, often coconut or soy. Unlike traditional mouthwashes that may contain animal-derived glycerine or fat, this vegan alternative aligns with ethical and sustainable values.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera, a well-known medicinal plant, boasts antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In vegan mouthwashes, it helps reduce dental plaque, alleviate inflammation, and soothe oral tissues.

Sodium Benzoate: Derived from the natural compound benzoic acid, which occurs in plants like tomatoes, cloves, cinnamon, apples, and cranberries, sodium benzoate serves as a preservative in oral care products. It extends shelf life and prevents bacterial growth, enhancing the overall quality of vegan mouthwash.

What Are the Impacts of Animal-Derived Mouthwashes?

Animal-derived mouth washers leave several impacts on animals on the environment and include

  • Animal Testing: Animal-derived mouthwashes often involve ethical concerns due to animal testing for safety, raising welfare issues.
  • Animal Agriculture: Producing animal-derived ingredients drives demand for animal farming, linked to deforestation and environmental issues.
  • Sustainability: Sourcing animal-derived ingredients can need more environmental sustainability, like unsustainable palm oil for glycerin.
  • Resource Diversion: Using resources for animal derived  ingredients could be better used for sustainable alternatives, impacting land, water, and energy use.
  • Consumer Awareness: The use of animal derived ingredients raises ethical awareness, driving demand for eco-friendly alternatives, and potentially shaping industry practices.

What Are the Benefits of a Vegan Mouthwash?

Vegan mouthwash offers a range of benefits for both oral health and the environment:

Promotes Oral Health: Regular use of vegan mouthwash contributes to excellent oral health by effectively removing food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Natural ingredients in these mouthwashes reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Fresh Breath: Vegan mouthwashes provide a refreshing and cold sensation, leaving your breath feeling fresh. Their natural antibacterial properties also help eliminate the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.

Free from Animal Products: Vegan mouthwashes are entirely free from animal-derived ingredients, making them an ideal choice for individuals adhering to a plant-based or vegan lifestyle. These mouthwashes are cruelty-free, ensuring no harm to animals during the production process.

How to Use a Vegan Mouthwash?

Incorporating vegan mouthwash into your oral care routine can be a valuable addition. To make the most of it, follow these steps:

  1. Selecting the Right Vegan Mouthwash: The initial crucial step is to choose the appropriate mouthwash that addresses your specific oral health concerns. If you're tackling bad breath, opt for a mouthwash designed for that purpose. Additionally, scrutinize the ingredients to ensure they are free from animal products and have not been tested on animals.
  1. Measuring the Correct Amount: Ensure you use the right quantity of mouthwash. Most mouthwash bottles include a measuring cup. Typically, you should use around 20 ml of mouthwash, but refer to the product label or consult your dentist for precise instructions.
  1. Thoroughly Rinse: Pour the measured mouthwash into your mouth and swish it around for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. Make sure to swish it throughout your entire mouth, including your teeth, gums, and tongue.
  1. Spit and Rinse: After swishing, spit out the mouthwash completely. It's essential not to swallow it, as ingesting mouthwash can be harmful. Follow up by rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water.
  1. Compliment with Brushing and Flossing: Remember that mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. To maintain optimal oral health, continue with your regular brushing and flossing routine.

Here are 4 Vegan Mouthwashes we recommend

1. hello Peace Out, Plaque Antigingivitis Mouthwash

A vegan, anti-plaque, and anti-gingivitis mouthwash designed to promote healthy gums and prevent plaque buildup, providing a fresh breath solution. This mouthwash has a blend of natural ingredients such as soothing coconut oil,  mint, and tooth-friendly xylitol, all working effectively to moisturize, freshen breath, and maintain gum health. Enhanced with the goodness of aloe vera, this mouthwash offers comprehensive gum protection.

This formula is alcohol-free and fluoride-free, free from harsh chemicals, ensuring a comfortable and irritation-free experience during use, making it suitable for all individuals. All ingredients are globally sourced from the USA, adhering to high-quality standards, and they exclude artificial sweeteners, flavoring agents, parabens, and gluten, accommodating various dietary preferences.

The product maintains a cruelty-free and vegan status, free from any animal testing throughout its production processes. 

The product is also Leaping Bunny certified assuring the company has a genuine commitment to help and end animal testing. It stands as a refreshing, cruelty-free, and effective oral care choice for those looking for a vegan one.

2. Biöm's SWISH MOUTHWASH

Biöm's Swish mouthwash provides a refreshing oral experience with natural ingredients.

It is made with ingredients like Neem and Licorice Extracts for antibacterial protection, and Spearmint and Peppermint Essential Oils for fresh breath that lasts. Enhanced with Xylitol and Stevia for pH balance and Aloe Vera Juice for hydration, Swish offers a holistic oral care solution.

It is free from harsh chemicals, artificial preservatives, and plastics, making it perfect for protecting your oral microbiome while soothing your gums. The product is proudly cruelty-free and completely vegan, and it comes in eco-friendly packaging.

3. Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh Mouthwash

The clinically proven mouthwash is designed to give long-lasting, fresh breath. The mouthwash uses zinc to neutralize the odor-causing bacteria and is a great solution for bad breath.

Every ingredient, from glycerine to sorbitol, propanediol, and xylitol, is sourced from natural sources. Even the delightful flavor is from natural oils and the essence of mint leaves.

Tom’s of Maine is one hundred percent vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients and not a single animal test is conducted during its creation, as per the brand.

It proudly bears the label of being fluoride-free and completely devoid of artificial flavors, sulfates, parabens, and other preservatives, ensuring a pure and natural oral care experience. It is a great recommendation for those looking for vegan fluoride-free and effective in preventing bad breath.

4. Ratanhia Mouthwash

Ratanhia Mouthwash is a natural, plant-based mouthwash that is carefully made with plant-based ingredients, designed to strengthen the gums and refresh the breath. The primary ingredient Ratanhia, a plant root known for its gum-strengthening properties, is proven to reduce gum bleeding and enhance gum health.

Certified as a natural dental care product, Ratanhia Mouthwash proudly avoids artificial sweeteners, surfactants, preservatives, flavoring agents, and mineral oils, offering a pure and clean oral care experience.

Aligning with ethical principles, this product is entirely vegan, free from any raw materials derived from animals, making it a choice that resonates with those committed to cruelty-free options.

Ratanhia Mouthwash has achieved the prestigious B Corporation certification, a testament to its dedication towards the highest standards of social and environmental performance.

It is a great choice for those seeking a natural, effective, and ethically responsible addition to their dental care routine, Ratanhia Mouthwash stands as the ideal choice.

5. Dr.Brite Extreme Whitening Mouthwash - Mint

Dr. Brite's Extreme Whitening Mouthwash is designed to give the best smile, offering the benefits of whiter teeth and fresh breath. 

The mouthwash is plant-based and does not contain any harmful chemicals. The use of xylitol and hydroxyapatite helps to remineralize naturally. It has a refreshing natural mint flavor.

The mouthwash is fluoride-free, gluten-free, and sulfate-free and it proudly carries vegan and cruelty-free labels, aligning with the ethical values and choices.

The product's effectiveness has been clinically proven through a clinical study conducted in California. It has demonstrated its ability to reduce plaque, gum inflammation, and gum bleeding, ensuring oral health is in excellent hands.

Choosing Dr. Brite is an eco-conscious choice, and commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly principles makes the mouthwash an excellent option for conscious consumers.

More choices to choose from

A quick note

Incorporating vegan mouthwash into your daily routine not only enhances your oral care but also aligns with a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Opting for vegan products carries a significant positive impact on the environment while championing cruelty-free choices.

Switch to vegan products and witness the transformative impact on your personal care routine and our shared planet. Your choice can be a small yet meaningful step toward a more ethical and environmentally conscious lifestyle.