Total Whitening Toothpaste

Name: Total Whitening Toothpaste
Brand: Colgate

PFR Grade

Fair — some plastic content or limited transparency

Colgate Total contains triclosan (in some formulations), synthetic flavors, and is packaged in non-recyclable plastic laminate tubes. The fluoride is beneficial but the other ingredients raise concerns.

PFR Reviewed

Whitening toothpaste with fluoride. One of the most popular toothpastes in the US.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$5See Safer Alternatives in Personal Care

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 5, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Personal care products are applied directly to skin — the body's largest organ — and often left on for extended periods. Many contain microplastics (as exfoliants or film-forming agents), phthalates (as fragrance carriers), and PFAS (in long-wear formulations). Daily use compounds exposure significantly.

Synthetic Plastic Content

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Colgate is a decent toothpaste but the plastic laminate tube is not recyclable and some formulations contain triclosan. Natural fluoride toothpastes in recyclable packaging are better choices.