When it comes to picking a natural toothpaste that actually works, it usually comes down to a few key things: clean ingredients, safety, taste, and whether or not you trust the brand. Two of the top contenders in the fluoride-free, hydroxyapatite space are Wellnesse and RiseWell. So, we decided to put them to the test. Our team bought both the Wellnesse Whitening Toothpaste and the RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste (both in mint) to keep things comparable.
In this review, we’ll dive into everything from ingredients and flavor to certifications, and the overall experience to see which one really stands out.
1. Ingredients: What to Know
When you’re shopping for a natural toothpaste, the goal is pretty simple: skip the fluoride, but still get something that actually works. A lot of people in the natural health space choose to avoid fluoride (we dive into why here), but that doesn’t mean they’re willing to compromise on effectiveness. What they do want is a toothpaste with real science behind it, one that strengthens and remineralizes teeth, keeps them healthy, and uses ingredients you can trust.
Wellnesse: Micro-Hydroxyapatite You Can Feel Good About
Wellnesse’s line of toothpastes were formulated around hydroxyapatite, specifically micro-hydroxyapatite. If you are new to this natural mineral, you might be impressed to learn that 97% of your tooth enamel is made of hydroxyapatite. It’s an impressive ingredient that you will commonly see around this site.
On their website, they explain their stance clearly: their micro-hydroxyapatite is naturally sourced, biocompatible, and safe. The particle size is small enough to fill in tiny cracks in your enamel but not so small (like nano-sized) that it can get absorbed into your bloodstream or cross the blood-brain barrier. That’s a big deal, because Wellnesse is firmly against nano-hydroxyapatite due to concerns about long-term safety and systemic absorption.
Their formula is also fluoride-free, glycerin-free, and made in the USA. They take a clean, thoughtful approach that checks a lot of boxes for ingredient-conscious shoppers. It also contains beneficial ingredients such as xylitol, green tea leaf extract, aloe vera, and neem oil. Combined together, these ingredients do create quiet the powerhouse to strengthen and support your teeth.
RiseWell: A Solid Formula, But Some Missing Details
RiseWell’s Mineral Toothpaste also uses hydroxyapatite to help with sensitivity and remineralization, which is great. But here’s the thing: they don’t specify whether their hydroxyapatite is naturally derived (micro) or the synthetic version (nano). That lack of transparency can leave some customers, especially those who prioritize ingredient sourcing, scratching their heads.
Other beneficial ingredients in the RiseWell toothpaste is xylitol and essential oils and extracts.
Shared Strength: Xylitol for Oral Health
Both Wellnesse and RiseWell include xylitol, a plant-based sugar alcohol that plays a powerful role in oral health. Dentists often recommend this ingredient as it helps starve cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, reduces plaque buildup, and encourages saliva production, which naturally helps balance pH and rinse away food particles.
Ingredient Verdict: Wellnesse Takes the Lead
While both brands rely on hydroxyapatite and xylitol to support strong, healthy teeth, Wellnesse edges ahead thanks to its commitment to natural micro-hydroxyapatite, ingredient transparency, and a cleaner, more intentional formula. If you’re serious about knowing what’s in your toothpaste, and where it comes from, Wellnesse makes that easier.
2. Brand Credentials, Safety, and Trust
When you’re deciding between two brands, it’s natural to wonder: Who are they really? What kind of testing or certifications back them up? And can you actually trust them? We’re breaking all of that down to help you see how these two brands stack up.
Wellnesse: Clinically Supported, Certified, and Dentist‑Advised
Wellnesse isn’t just another natural toothpaste brand – they’ve done their homework and brought in the experts. Their Dental Advisory Board includes respected names in the field like Dr. Griffin Cole, Dr. Eric Roman, Dr. Meghna Dassani, and Dr. Anthony Trovato.
Translation? They’re serious about oral health.
Their formula is third-party tested (you can view the results on their website), and they back it up with real research. Studies show that micro-hydroxyapatite can help remineralize enamel, reduce sensitivity, and even whiten teeth, with some users seeing results in as little as 4 weeks, and 98% within 60 days.
Wellnesse has been in the oral care space for over five years, and they’ve built a strong reputation in the broader wellness area. They’re also a certified B Corp, Leaping Bunny Certified, and verified by the Non-Toxic Project. So when they say they care about clean, effective products, they mean it.
If you haven’t been through the B Corp certification process yourself, just know it’s no quick or easy task. It’s a deep, detailed review that can take up to a year to complete. It takes real commitment, but the result is a certification that truly means something.
RiseWell: Dentist‑Developed, Third-party tested
RiseWell positions itself as a dentist-developed brand, backed by a Scientific Council. They highlight a Scientific Council on their site, including Dr. Derek Gatta (their co-founder), Dr. Robin Berzin, Dr. Adam Silevitch, Dr. Jana Gyurina, Dr. Sonny Torres Oliva, and Dr. Joel Warsh. That shows they’ve involved experts in formulating and endorsing their oral care products.
But beyond those names, they offer little insight into certifications and this can leave curious shoppers wishing for more transparency and proof behind the claims.
They do reference studies on hydroxyapatite and proudly label their products as clean, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and made in the USA – all great things. You can find toothpaste results on their site, but when it comes to clinical outcomes, the picture’s a bit vague.
Brand Credibility Verdict: Wellnesse
Wellnesse is felt to be stronger on customer outcomes, certifications, and measurable promise. RiseWell’s claims are promising but less concretely presented.
3. Taste, Texture, and User Experience
Let’s be honest. If your toothpaste tastes weird or leaves your mouth feeling gritty, you’re not going to stick with it. People want that clean, fresh feeling after brushing – the kind that makes your mouth feel noticeably better than before you started. Taste matters, too. A crisp, refreshing flavor can actually make you look forward to brushing, while anything too bland, bitter, or chalky is a quick turn-off. And texture? No one wants grit or clumps. Just a smooth, easy-to-use paste that glides over your teeth and rinses clean. When toothpaste gets all that right, it becomes part of a routine you actually enjoy.
Wellnesse: Smooth, Minty, Familiar
From our own experience, and everything we’ve seen in the reviews, Wellnesse’s Whitening Toothpaste really nails it. The texture is super smooth, just like a traditional toothpaste, with none of that gritty or chalky feel you sometimes get from natural products. The minty flavor is fresh and pleasant, and it genuinely leaves your mouth feeling clean.
We’ve actually looked forward to brushing with it. A lot of users mention that it feels just like a regular fluoride toothpaste, only without the fluoride. So if you’re making the switch to natural, that familiar feel can make the transition a whole lot easier. Plus, people are noticing perks like less sensitivity, stronger enamel, and an overall more comfortable mouth. You really need to give this one a try!
RiseWell: Flavor, Natural Oils, Less Feedback
RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste comes in a Wild Mint flavor, and they use essential oils and botanical extracts to help with freshness and antibacterial support. On paper, it all sounds great. But when it comes to actual taste and texture, the feedback just isn’t consistent.
When we brushed with RiseWell, the first thing we noticed was the texture – it felt a bit watery. Not a dealbreaker, but it did have a slightly slimy look to it. Brushing itself felt fine, but the aftertaste was another story. There was just a subtle change in flavor afterward that didn’t quite sit right with us.
Taste and User Experience Verdict: Wellnesse won us over!
Why We Feel Wellnesse Edges Out RiseWell
Ingredient Transparency That Builds Trust
Wellnesse is upfront about what goes into their toothpaste, especially when it comes to hydroxyapatite. They use naturally sourced micro-hydroxyapatite – no mystery, no questionable synthetics. RiseWell, on the other hand, doesn’t specify the type they use, which leaves some unanswered questions for ingredient-conscious shoppers.
Taste and Texture That Feels Familiar
If you’re used to traditional toothpaste, Wellnesse makes the switch to natural feel easy. Their formula has a smooth, minty, non-gritty texture that actually makes brushing enjoyable. RiseWell’s flavor sounds great, but in practice, the experience doesn’t quite have the same consistency or classic feel.
Brand Credibility That’s Easy to See
Wellnesse has been in the oral care game for over five years, holds B Corp certification, and is proudly supported by a number of well-known voices in wellness. RiseWell shows promise, but it’s still building its track record in comparison.
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