Learning to make your own health and beauty products at home carries loads of benefits. You’ll save money, skip the hard-to-recycle packaging, and be able to control the ingredients your family comes in contact with during their morning routine.
If you’ve never made personal care products yourself, the concept may sound a little intimidating. But most concoctions require only a few household ingredients. And they work just as well as your favorite brand. Check out these two simple do-it-yourself, natural toothpaste recipes to get started.
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Basic Homemade Toothpaste
Difficulty Level: Easy
You need only four basic ingredients and about five minutes to complete this simple yet effective DIY natural toothpaste.
Bloggers Matt and Betsy Jabs of DIY Natural say this toothpaste costs less than $1.50 for 5 ounces. That’s about a 300% cost savings over store-bought toothpaste. And it’s free of potentially harmful additives and ingredients.
“DIY cleaning and beauty are usually much more simple than a lot of the natural-living websites afford, which is one staple of our approach: make it simple, affordable, and effective!” the couple told us in an email.
Ingredients
Get step-by-step instructions for making basic toothpaste at DIY Natural.
Simple 3-Ingredient Coconut Oil Toothpaste
Difficulty Level: Easy
This ultra-simple recipe from Wholehearted Eats requires only three main ingredients you likely already have at home. The creator’s mother used this recipe and was told by her dental hygienist that she had surprisingly little plaque and whiter teeth!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Leave coconut oil in a warm spot to soften
- Mix coconut oil with baking soda until smooth
- Add oils and stir to combine
- Divide into small jars
- Use a small spoon to scoop onto toothbrush
Why These Ingredients Work:
- Baking soda: Acts as a gentle alkaline cleaner that’s actually less abrasive than commercial toothpaste
- Coconut oil: Provides antibacterial benefits similar to oil pulling
- Oil of oregano: Natural antiseptic that fights bacteria in hard-to-reach places
Get the full recipe and instructions at Wholehearted Eats.
Squeezable Remineralizing Toothpaste
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This natural toothpaste recipe requires a few additional ingredients. But the end result is probably more like the products you’re used to using. And it has the added benefit of being squeezable for easy use.
Recently updated by Katie of Wellness Mama, this recipe is nontoxic and enriched with clay and calcium powder for a double dose of minerals.
Ingredients
Get step-by-step instructions for making remineralizing toothpaste at Wellness Mama.
DIY Probiotic Chocolate Toothpaste
Difficulty Level: Advanced
From dental expert Dr. Mark Burhenne of Ask the Dentist, this unique recipe includes cacao and probiotics to support oral health. Research shows compounds in cacao can promote remineralization better than fluoride.
Ingredients
Storage: Use within 7-10 days at room temperature, or store in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Get the complete recipe, preparation steps, and safety tips at Ask the Dentist.
Important Safety Tips for DIY Toothpaste
What to Include:
- Alkaline ingredients like baking soda to neutralize mouth acids
- Coconut oil for antibacterial properties
- Xylitol to reduce cavity-causing bacteria
- Bentonite clay for gentle polishing and mineral content
What to Avoid:
- Acidic ingredients – Always test pH with strips; aim for 7 (neutral) or higher
- Hydrogen peroxide – Ineffective in toothpaste form and can damage soft tissues
- Highly abrasive ingredients that can damage enamel
- Too many essential oils – Can disrupt beneficial mouth bacteria
More Natural Personal Care Recipes
Now that you’ve discovered how easy it can be to make natural toothpaste at home, are you ready for more recipes? Check out our how-to guides for natural personal care products for men, women, and children.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on October 31, 2013, this article was substantially updated in July 2025. Feature image courtesy of Matt and Betsy Jabs, DIY Natural.