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Here’s What Toothpaste Tubes Are Actually Made Of

Here’s What Toothpaste Tubes Are Actually Made Of

in The Reverie

When people think about clean toothpaste, they usually zero in on the ingredients list. Fluoride or no fluoride, whitening agents, harsh abrasives like SLS, the list goes on. But there’s a hidden part of the equation that’s easy to overlook: the tube itself.

When you squeeze a dollop of toothpaste onto your brush, you probably don’t think twice about the container it came in. But maybe you should. Most traditional toothpaste tubes aren’t just made of harmless plastic. They’re a cocktail of petroleum-based plastics, hidden metals, and industrial adhesives—many of which are nearly impossible to recycle and can pose risks to your health and the environment.

Below, we’re breaking down exactly what’s inside your average toothpaste tube, and why Better & Better’s sugarcane-based tubes are a cleaner, smarter swap for you and the planet.

What Are Toothpaste Tubes Made Of?

While some toothpaste formulas have gotten cleaner over the years, the tubes haven’t always kept up. Many major brands still rely on outdated materials and manufacturing shortcuts that come with hidden costs.

Here’s what you’re really holding every time you brush:

1. Petroleum-Based Plastic

That slick, squeezable feel you’re used to? It comes from petroleum-derived plastic. While it’s great for keeping your toothpaste fresh and pliable, it’s terrible for the planet. This type of plastic can take hundreds of years to break down—if it ever does. That means every tube you’ve ever tossed probably still exists somewhere, sitting in a landfill or worse, polluting waterways.

2. BPA

Cheap toothpaste tubes can be lined or coated with BPA (bisphenol A). This chemical compound is often used to make plastics flexible and durable. Unfortunately, BPA is also notorious for acting as a hormone disruptor, interfering with the body’s endocrine system and potentially causing a ripple effect of health concerns over time.

It’s the same stuff people avoid in plastic water bottles and food containers—yet many toothpaste tubes still contain it.

3. Industrial Adhesives

Ever wonder how toothpaste tubes stay leakproof, even after you roll, squeeze, and twist them? Most brands bond multiple layers of plastic, foil, or other materials together using industrial adhesives. These glues do the job—keeping your toothpaste stable and contained—but they come at a cost.

Over time, these adhesives can break down, leaching trace chemicals into your trash or recycling stream. Even worse? These adhesive layers make the tubes nearly impossible to separate for proper recycling.

4. Aluminum

It’s not always obvious, but many toothpaste tubes have a hidden layer of aluminum sandwiched between layers of plastic. This thin metallic film helps keep the toothpaste stable by blocking light and air. Good for shelf life, but terrible for recyclability.

Most local recycling facilities simply can’t process these mixed-material tubes, so they’re tossed straight into landfills, where they’ll sit for centuries. According to estimates, over 1 billion toothpaste tubes are thrown away every year—enough to circle the globe multiple times.

Are Toothpaste Tubes Really Recyclable?

You might see “recyclable” printed on some toothpaste packaging, but the reality is disappointing. Because traditional tubes are made with multiple bonded layers (plastic, aluminum, adhesives), they can’t be easily separated and recycled.

Even when companies claim recyclability, the actual recycling rate for toothpaste tubes is dismally low. Most municipal recycling programs reject them outright because they gum up machinery and cost too much to process.

Bottom line: Despite good intentions, the vast majority of toothpaste tubes end up as permanent landfill residents.

Sugarcane Tubes: Better for Your Health (and the Planet’s Health)

You deserve a toothpaste tube that’s as clean as the toothpaste inside it. That’s why Better & Better tubes are made from sustainably sourced sugarcane, a renewable resource that drastically reduces your carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based plastic.

Our sugarcane tubes are BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about hormone disruptors lurking in your bathroom cabinet. They’re also recyclable and carbon neutral, meaning they won’t stick around for centuries once you’re done brushing.

Whether you want the natural cavity-fighting power of Fortify or a fluoride-free kids' toothpaste your little one actually loves, every Better & Better formula comes in a sugarcane-based tube you can feel good about.

A Small Swap, A Big Difference

At Better & Better, we believe your toothpaste should be clean from the inside out. No unnecessary chemicals. No wasteful packaging. Just a better way to brush that’s good for you and the planet. So next time you brush, take a closer look at what’s inside your tube—and what the tube itself is made of. Brushing better really does start with a smarter squeeze.

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FURTHER READING

Here’s What Toothpaste Tubes Are Actually Made Of

Here’s What Toothpaste Tubes Are Actually Made Of

When people think about clean toothpaste, they usually zero in on the ingredients list. Fluoride or no fluoride, whitening agents, harsh abrasives like SLS, the list goes on. But there’s a hidden part of the equation that’s easy to overlook: the tube itself. When you squeeze a dollop of toothpaste onto your brush, you probably don’t think twice about the container it came in. But maybe you should. Most traditional toothpaste tubes aren’t just made of harmless plastic. They’re a cocktail of petroleum-based plastics, hidden metals, and industrial adhesives—many of which are nearly impossible to recycle and can pose risks to your health and the environment. Below, we’re breaking down exactly what’s inside your average toothpaste tube, and why Better & Better’s sugarcane-based tubes are a cleaner, smarter swap for you and the planet. What Are Toothpaste Tubes Made Of? While some toothpaste formulas have gotten cleaner over the years, the tubes haven’t always kept up. Many major brands still rely on outdated materials and manufacturing shortcuts that come with hidden costs. Here’s what you’re really holding every time you brush: 1. Petroleum-Based Plastic That slick, squeezable feel you’re used to? It comes from petroleum-derived plastic. While it’s great for keeping your toothpaste fresh and pliable, it’s terrible for the planet. This type of plastic can take hundreds of years to break down—if it ever does. That means every tube you’ve ever tossed probably still exists somewhere, sitting in a landfill or worse, polluting waterways. 2. BPA Cheap toothpaste tubes can be lined or coated with BPA (bisphenol A). This chemical compound is often used to make plastics flexible and durable. Unfortunately, BPA is also notorious for acting as a hormone disruptor, interfering with the body’s endocrine system and potentially causing a ripple effect of health concerns over time. It’s the same stuff people avoid in plastic water bottles and food containers—yet many toothpaste tubes still contain it. 3. Industrial Adhesives Ever wonder how toothpaste tubes stay leakproof, even after you roll, squeeze, and twist them? Most brands bond multiple layers of plastic, foil, or other materials together using industrial adhesives. These glues do the job—keeping your toothpaste stable and contained—but they come at a cost. Over time, these adhesives can break down, leaching trace chemicals into your trash or recycling stream. Even worse? These adhesive layers make the tubes nearly impossible to separate for proper recycling. 4. Aluminum It’s not always obvious, but many toothpaste tubes have a hidden layer of aluminum sandwiched between layers of plastic. This thin metallic film helps keep the toothpaste stable by blocking light and air. Good for shelf life, but terrible for recyclability. Most local recycling facilities simply can’t process these mixed-material tubes, so they’re tossed straight into landfills, where they’ll sit for centuries. According to estimates, over 1 billion toothpaste tubes are thrown away every year—enough to circle the globe multiple times. Are Toothpaste Tubes Really Recyclable? You might see “recyclable” printed on some toothpaste packaging, but the reality is disappointing. Because traditional tubes are made with multiple bonded layers (plastic, aluminum, adhesives), they can’t be easily separated and recycled. Even when companies claim recyclability, the actual recycling rate for toothpaste tubes is dismally low. Most municipal recycling programs reject them outright because they gum up machinery and cost too much to process. Bottom line: Despite good intentions, the vast majority of toothpaste tubes end up as permanent landfill residents. Sugarcane Tubes: Better for Your Health (and the Planet’s Health) You deserve a toothpaste tube that’s as clean as the toothpaste inside it. That’s why Better & Better tubes are made from sustainably sourced sugarcane, a renewable resource that drastically reduces your carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based plastic. Our sugarcane tubes are BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about hormone disruptors lurking in your bathroom cabinet. They’re also recyclable and carbon neutral, meaning they won’t stick around for centuries once you’re done brushing. Whether you want the natural cavity-fighting power of Fortify or a fluoride-free kids' toothpaste your little one actually loves, every Better & Better formula comes in a sugarcane-based tube you can feel good about. A Small Swap, A Big Difference At Better & Better, we believe your toothpaste should be clean from the inside out. No unnecessary chemicals. No wasteful packaging. Just a better way to brush that’s good for you and the planet. So next time you brush, take a closer look at what’s inside your tube—and what the tube itself is made of. Brushing better really does start with a smarter squeeze.

Learn more
vitamin e for gums

Vitamin E for Gums: 3 Reasons You Need This Nutrient In Your Routine

If your gums ever bleed when you floss or brush, you’re not alone. Nearly half of all adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. And while our usual advice to brush and floss daily still applies, there’s one overlooked nutrient that could help: vitamin E. You’ve seen it in skincare. You’ve seen it in supplements. But vitamin E is also an unsung hero for your gums. In this article, we’ll cover: What vitamin E actually does for your gums What science says about its benefits Why we put it in our Detoxify toothpaste Let’s get into it. First Things First: What Is Vitamin E? Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which means it helps protect your cells from oxidative stress—the damage that happens when free radicals go unchecked. These unstable molecules can come from pollution, processed foods, stress, and even your own metabolism. Your body stores vitamin E in fat cells and uses it to reduce inflammation, repair tissue, and boost immune function. The recommended daily intake for adults is around 15 mg per day. When it comes to gum health, vitamin E’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers make it a compelling ingredient to have in your oral care routine. 3 Reasons Vitamin E Is Good for Your Gums Here are three science-backed reasons this antioxidant deserves a permanent spot in your oral care lineup. 1. Helps Reduce Inflammation Gum disease—whether it’s mild gingivitis or periodontitis—is essentially inflammation of the soft tissues around your teeth. That puffiness, redness, and occasional bleeding mean your immune system is reacting to bacteria buildup. Vitamin E has been shown to calm inflammatory markers in the gums. A 2021 study found that vitamin E supplementation actually reduced inflammation and improved periodontal indices, including less attachment loss (which is good, because that’s how teeth become loose). 2. Supports Healing in Gum Tissue Vitamin E is also involved in cell regeneration and tissue repair, helping cells recover and rebuild after stress or injury. In the mouth, that translates to faster healing for irritated, receding, or damaged gums. And because it’s naturally present in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (the liquid between your gums and teeth), the body clearly knows it belongs there. 3. Defends Against Oxidative Stress Your gums are exposed to all kinds of daily stressors: acids from food, bacteria from plaque, environmental toxins, and even your own immune response. Over time, that can lead to oxidative damage. Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals before they can mess with your tissue. In fact, a meta-analysis of 8 studies found that people with low vitamin E levels were more likely to have periodontal disease, suggesting a strong link between this antioxidant and gum resilience. Can Vitamin E Soothe Irritated Gums? Yes, vitamin E may help soothe irritated gums for some people. Bleeding gums are often a red flag for inflammation and plaque buildup, but vitamin E can help soothe and protect irritated areas. Whether you’re flossing for the first time in months or dealing with early-stage gum disease, this antioxidant can help minimize sensitivity and promote healing. How Vitamin E-Infused Toothpaste Promotes Gum Health We made it easy to get your daily vitamin E: just brush your teeth. Our Detoxify Toothpaste is infused with 1.4 mg of vitamin E per brush, which means you're supporting your gums every time you clean your teeth. It's like multitasking, but for your mouth. And that’s not all Detoxify delivers: Vitamin B12: Supports healthy red blood cell formation and may help reduce oral ulcers and inflammation Zinc: Balances bacteria levels, helps control plaque, and neutralizes bad breath without drying out your mouth Hydroxyapatite: A non-fluoride mineral that naturally remineralizes enamel and strengthens teeth Calcium: Works with hydroxyapatite to reinforce tooth structure and protect against erosion Detoxify gives you the best of both worlds: clean teeth and calmer gums. Get Vitamin E, Every Time You Brush When it comes to gum health, the little things matter. Daily brushing. Gentle flossing. And smart ingredients—like vitamin E—that do more than just freshen breath. By adding a microdose of vitamin E to your daily brushing routine, Detoxify does double duty: protecting your enamel and nourishing your gums. No supplements. No mouthwash cocktails. Just one tube that gets it done. Ready to make vitamin E part of your oral care routine? Try Detoxify.

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Nano-Hydroxyapatite vs. Hydroxyapatite: 5 Key Differences

Nano-Hydroxyapatite vs. Hydroxyapatite: 5 Key Differences

Fluoride-free toothpaste is having a moment—and for good reason. More and more people are waking up to the fact that stronger enamel and healthier mouths don’t have to come at the cost of questionable ingredients. So it’s no surprise that hydroxyapatite is finally getting the attention it deserves. But like most buzzed-about ingredients, hydroxyapatite (or HA) comes in more than one form. And not all of them are created equal. Specifically, there’s growing debate around micro-hydroxyapatite vs. nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). Same ingredient, different particle size—and a completely different story when it comes to sourcing, formulation, and safety. At Better & Better, we chose a naturally derived micro-hydroxyapatite for all our remineralizing toothpastes. Here’s why. The Basics: What Is Hydroxyapatite Anyway? Hydroxyapatite is a calcium phosphate mineral that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and 70% of your dentin. In short: It’s the stuff your teeth are made of. So it’s not surprising that hydroxyapatite is so effective at restoring and repairing enamel. Because your body already recognizes it, it can seamlessly reintegrate into your teeth—unlike other ingredients that may work on your teeth, but not with them. According to a 2019 study published in Nature, hydroxyapatite is just as effective as fluoride in preventing and reversing cavities. A 2014 study found that brushing with HA significantly reduced tooth sensitivity, especially to cold air and tactile stimulation. This enamel-restoring mineral has been used in oral care in Japan and Europe for decades—and with good reason. It’s safe, effective, and biomimetic (AKA your teeth welcome it with open arms). But while the ingredient itself is powerful, the way it’s made—and the size of its particles—can drastically change its story. Hydroxyapatite vs. Nano-Hydroxyapatite: 5 Key Differences When you zoom in (literally), the difference between HA and nHA comes down to particle size. Micro-hydroxyapatite (HA): Particle size in microns Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA): Particle size less than 100 nanometers And that one small detail changes everything—from safety and sourcing to how it behaves in your mouth. Here’s how they stack up: 1. Particle Size HA = microns. nHA = nanometers. Nano sounds high-tech (and it is), but smaller isn’t always better. Yes, nHA particles can penetrate enamel microdefects more easily—but they can also potentially cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enter your body more easily, too. Micro-HA stays on the surface where it belongs, bonding with enamel without slipping past your body’s natural barriers. It does the job—without going overboard. 2. Source & Clean Label Better & Better’s HA: Derived from natural calcium carbonate, mined from French quarries.Nano-hydroxyapatite: Always lab-synthesized. Our mineral-origin HA is exactly that—a mineral. Not a lab-made replica. While synthetic nHA is chemically engineered to mimic your enamel, our HA is your enamel. It’s nature-made, sustainably sourced, and minimally processed. Just the way we like it. 3. Safety & Regulation Nano-materials often occupy a regulatory gray area—especially in the EU, where strict cosmetic safety standards apply. There’s an ongoing debate around the potential for nanoparticle absorption or inhalation, especially in aerosolized products (think sprays or powders). While this is less of a concern in toothpaste, it’s still enough to raise eyebrows Our micro-HA is stable, well-researched, and comfortably outside that gray area. No guesswork. No hand-waving. 4. Trust & Transparency If you’re reaching for clean-label, minimal-ingredient toothpaste, you probably don’t want to brush your teeth with something that sounds like it belongs in a chemistry lab. Even if nHA is technically safe, it feels like the kind of ingredient that deserves an asterisk. Our HA? No asterisk needed. It’s biomimetic, bioavailable, and fully disclosed on every label—because trust isn’t built on vague promises, it’s built on clarity. 5. Efficacy & Texture Sure, nanoparticles may sneak into enamel defects. But they also require more reactive formulations to stabilize. That means more tweaks to the ingredient list, more potential for irritation, and more trade-offs. Micro-HA? It still remineralizes, strengthens enamel, and reduces sensitivity, just without the extra formulation baggage. And when it’s sourced and processed properly (like ours is), it has a smooth, non-gritty feel that blends beautifully into your brushing routine. Why We Chose French-Mined Micro Hydroxyapatite Let’s recap. Our hydroxyapatite is: Naturally derived from French calcium carbonate Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and non-GMO Regulatory-safe with no nano complications Perfectly aligned with our clean-label approach You’ll find it in all three of our enamel-supporting toothpaste formulas: Fortify: Our GQ award-winning toothpaste that pairs HA with calcium and vitamin D3. Detoxify: For a deeper clean that supports your oral microbiome with added vitamins and minerals. Kids Multivitamin Toothpaste: Fluoride-free, watermelon-flavored, and packed with nutrients for tiny teeth. The Bottom Line: Not All Hydroxyapatite Is the Same Nano isn’t evil. But it’s not always necessary. We built our formulas around a source that’s natural, safe, and effective—without cutting corners or complicating things. Because “better” isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about being intentional with every choice we make—from what’s in the tube to what’s left out. Micro-hydroxyapatite is just one more way we’re making your oral care routine smarter, simpler, and cleaner—one brush at a time. Ready to remineralize the better way? Explore our fluoride-free toothpaste collection.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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