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Plastic-Free Rating
Oral Care
Mainstream Brand
Oral Care·Listerine

Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash (1 Liter)

C
PFR Grade
Fair — some plastic content or limited transparency
Contains ethanol (alcohol), synthetic dyes (FD&C Green No. 3, Blue No. 1), saccharin (artificial sweetener), and synthetic fragrance. Listerine is the most popular mouthwash in the US.
PFR Caution

Antiseptic mouthwash with essential oils. Listerine is the most popular mouthwash 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
3
Packaging
3
Transparency
4
Durability
7

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

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

The mouth is one of the most absorptive areas of the body. Toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental products are in contact with oral mucosa for minutes daily. Fluoride, triclosan, artificial sweeteners, microbeads, and synthetic fragrances in conventional oral care products are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Synthetic Plastic Content
30%
synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Listerine contains synthetic dyes, saccharin, and synthetic fragrance — all applied to the highly absorptive oral mucosa. The alcohol content also disrupts the oral microbiome. Oil pulling with coconut oil or a clean mouthwash formula is a safer alternative.

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