We Tested Our Toothpaste for Heavy Metals. Here's What We Found.
Why We Decided to Test
Over the past several months, a growing number of consumers have been raising questions about the safety of toothpaste — specifically around the presence of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury. These conversations have been happening across social media, in health-focused communities, and in mainstream consumer discussions.
As a brand built entirely on ingredient transparency, we take these conversations seriously. We don't dismiss consumer concerns — we investigate them. And when the question is about what's in our product, there's only one right answer: test it, and share the results.
So that's exactly what we did.
"When the question is about what's in our product, there's only one right answer: test it, and share the results."
The Testing Process
We sent a sample of our Fluoride-Free Remineralizing Toothpaste to Vanguard Laboratory in Olympia, Washington — an A2LA accredited, independent third-party laboratory with no affiliation to Nobiesse or Alpinia Labs.
The testing covered two categories: Heavy Metals Analysis using ICP-MS methodology — the gold standard for trace element detection — and a Microbiological Screening panel. Here is what came back.
Heavy Metals Analysis
| Analyte | Result | Unit | Detection Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic (As) | Non-Detect | ppm | 0.50 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | Non-Detect | ppm | 0.05 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Chromium (Cr) | Non-Detect | ppm | 0.50 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Lead (Pb) | Non-Detect | ppm | 0.50 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | Non-Detect | ppm | 0.50 ppm | ICP-MS |
Microbiological Screening
| Analyte | Result | Unit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonella spp. | Negative | CFU/g | AOAC 991.14 |
| E. coli | Negative | CFU/g | AOAC 2016.01 |
| Total Plate Count | <10 CFU/g | CFU/g | AOAC 990.12 |
| Yeast and Mold | <10 CFU/g | CFU/g | AOAC 2014.5 |
Every heavy metal tested came back at non-detect levels. Every microbiological screen came back negative or below detectable limits. The report was reviewed by Vanguard's Quality Assurance Director and approved by their Operations Director on March 9, 2026.
What "Non-Detect" Actually Means
Non-detect (ND) means the analyte was not found at or above the laboratory's detection limit. For lead, the detection limit was 0.50 parts per million — an extremely sensitive threshold. Finding zero lead at that sensitivity level is not a technicality. It means our toothpaste contains no measurable lead contamination.
ICP-MS — Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry — is considered the gold standard method for detecting trace elements in consumer products. It is capable of detecting metals at parts per billion or even parts per trillion in many applications. When we say non-detect, we mean it.
What This Means for Our Customers
We know that choosing a clean toothpaste requires trust. You're putting this product in your mouth twice a day — one of the most absorbent areas of your body. That trust has to be earned, not just claimed.
"You're putting this product in your mouth twice a day. That trust has to be earned, not just claimed."
This is why we formulate without fluoride, SLS, artificial sweeteners, synthetic fragrance, or parabens — and why we use EWG Verified® certification as an ongoing standard for ingredient safety. Independent lab testing is the next layer of that commitment.
We intend to continue third-party testing and to share results as they become available. Transparency is not a marketing strategy for us. It's a standard we hold ourselves to because we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're using.
VERIFIED®
Nobiesse Toothpaste is EWG Verified®
EWG Verified® products are free of EWG's chemicals of concern and meet their strictest standards for ingredient transparency and health. Less than 1% of personal care products earn this certification. Our toothpaste is one of them.
The Full Lab Report
We believe in full transparency. The complete Vanguard Laboratory Report of Analysis (Laboratory ID: V260209-24, Sample ID: ATP020526NB, reported 3/9/2026) is available for download below. We have not edited or altered the document in any way.
Read the Full Lab Report
Download the complete, unedited Vanguard Laboratory results for Nobiesse Fluoride-Free Toothpaste.
If you have questions about our testing process, our formulation standards, or anything else about what goes into our products, we're always reachable at info@alpinialabs.com.