Important Update on Himalaya Botanique Kids Bubble Gum Toothpaste

Published on March 13, 2025 — Thursday

A Personal Message from Tamara Rubin:

The Himalaya Botanique Kids Toothpaste in Bubble Gum flavor (shown above) has been tested and found to contain concerning levels of heavy metals, including Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic. The laboratory report provided for this product did not give us definitive data regarding Mercury content, primarily because the detection threshold for Mercury was too high to determine its presence accurately (see the detailed chart below). Nevertheless, the detection of Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic alone raises significant health concerns, especially considering this toothpaste is specifically marketed for young children.

Our research suggests this product might be manufactured in India — an inference drawn from the images on the packaging and the company’s claims of being a global brand. If anyone has additional information regarding its manufacturing locations or sourcing, please share your insights in the comments section below. For transparency, we have included the original lab report at the bottom of this article, alongside a social media share graphic with the test results for easy sharing.

This product falls into the ‘J-K’ range on our comparative toxicant chart for toothpaste and tooth powders, indicating it contains higher levels of Lead than most tested products so far. Many community members anticipated a cleaner profile for this brand, especially given its marketing claims of being natural and Ayurvedic. Unfortunately, the test results reveal otherwise, which is understandably disappointing.

It’s important to note that all federal agencies agree: there is no safe level of Lead exposure, especially for pregnant women and children. The toxicity of heavy metals is cumulative, meaning even small amounts ingested repeatedly can build up in the body over time, leading to serious health issues. When a product containing detectable toxicants is used multiple times daily over years—such as toothpaste—the risk escalates dramatically. The oral ingestion pathway further compounds the concern, as young children are especially vulnerable to absorbing these toxins through routine oral care.

For context, the full original lab report is available at the bottom of this article. We encourage readers to review it thoroughly to understand the specific levels detected and the implications for health. Our comparison chart, which is regularly updated, can be found near the top of this article and helps contextualize this product’s contamination levels relative to others tested.

Legal Status of Lead in Cosmetic Products

It’s crucial to understand that, legally, the levels of toxicants found in this toothpaste are permissible under current regulatory standards. Since fluoride-free toothpaste is classified as a cosmetic under FDA regulations, it can legally contain up to 10,000 parts per billion (ppb) of Lead (equivalent to 10 parts per million or ppm). Additionally, the recent Washington State Toxic-Free Cosmetic Act, effective January 2025, limits Lead content to 1,000 ppb (1 ppm). Given these thresholds, the levels detected in this product are within legal limits, but that does not imply they are safe or acceptable, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

It’s vital to recognize that these standards primarily serve regulatory compliance and corporate liability purposes, not public health. Our goal is to advocate for stricter, health-protective standards—ideally, much lower thresholds for Lead and other toxic metals—by providing comprehensive data to the FDA. We encourage consumers to report concerns through the FDA’s online complaint forms, as part of our ongoing effort to push for safer consumer products.

If your child has been using this toothpaste and you are concerned about Lead exposure, consider discontinuing its use immediately. Consult with your healthcare provider about testing your child’s blood Lead levels. To learn more about detox protocols and supporting your family’s health, read our detailed article on safe detoxification methods. Beware, many detox products on the market are ineffective or potentially harmful; seek guidance from qualified health professionals.

Accessing the Full Lab Report and Safer Choices

The complete lab report for this product is provided at the bottom of this article. For safer options, our website hosts comprehensive lists of tested foods, supplements, and cosmetics that have demonstrated non-detect results for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic. Bookmark our dedicated pages for regularly updated, science-based recommendations on safer shopping choices for your family.

We also maintain a database of all lab testing results conducted since March 2024, which you can access through our main reports page. Your support through donations and community sharing helps us continue our independent testing and advocacy efforts. Find out more about our campaigns and how to contribute via our GoFundMe links.

About Tamara Rubin and Lead Safe Mama, LLC

• Tamara Rubin is an award-winning advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer safety, as well as a documentary filmmaker. She is a mother whose own children were affected by Lead poisoning, which fuels her passion for this work.
• She founded Lead Safe Mama, LLC, a woman-owned small business committed to community-driven efforts for safer consumer products and Lead poisoning prevention.
• Since July 2022, her organization has been responsible for initiating six product recalls involving FDA and CPSC.
• All test results published on this site are based on rigorous, replicable scientific analysis.
• Explore our press page to see media coverage of our initiatives.

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List of Tested Safe Products (Updated March 2, 2025)

Below is an evolving list of over 50 foods, supplements, and cosmetics that have tested non-detect for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic through independent, crowd-funded laboratory analysis. You can view the full reports and details by searching the product names on our website. This list is continually updated to guide safer choices for your family.

1. Baby Food (1): Little Spoon Kale, Carrot + Pear BabyBlends
2. Baby Food (2): Little Spoon Butternut Squash + Blueberry BabyBlends
3. Baby Food (3): Little Spoon Sweet Potato BabyBlends
4. Baby Food (4): Little Spoon Sweet Potato + Carrot BabyBlends
5. Baby Food (5): Little Spoon Banana + Pitaya BabyBlends
6. Beverage (1): Honest Kids Organic Appley Ever After Apple Juice Drink: https://amzn.to/4fjGhov
7. Beverage (2): Olipop Grape Tonic: https://amzn.to/4cjFYZu
8. Breakfast (1): Nature’s Path Envirokidz Organic Panda Puffs: https://amzn.to/4fo1crf
9. Breakfast (2): One Degree Organic, Gluten-Free, Sprouted Rolled Oats (Canada): https://amzn.to/3WIQ1BN
10. Candy: Lindt White Chocolate Bar (Made in USA, New Hampshire): https://amzn.to/3OXkyIm
11. Candy: Cavendish & Harvey Wild Berry Drops, non-organic (Germany): https://amzn.to/3Z1Jxjr
12. Coffee & Tea (1): Chameleon Handcrafted Organic Cold Brew Concentrate: https://amzn.to/3OcrH77
13. Coffee & Tea (2): Tao of Tea Organic Genmaicha: https://amzn.to/3Dp8Fsd
14. Coffee & Tea (3): Califia Farms Almond Latte Cold Brew (XX Espresso): https://amzn.to/4gTTGoJ
15. Coffee & Tea (4): Death Wish Organic Espresso Roast Ground Coffee: https://amzn.to/3yo1eiL
16. Coffee Creamer (Plant-Based): Laird Superfood Coconut Creamer: https://amzn.to/4fItA7A
17. Coffee Creamer (Dairy): Organic Valley Grassmilk Half and Half: https://amzn.to/4fHJIWT
18. Dairy & Cheese: Babybel Mini Original Snack Cheese: https://amzn.to/3ZY5noO
19. Fruit Snack (1): GoGo Squeez Organic Apple Sauce Pouch: https://amzn.to/3XhWYLe
20. Fruit Snack (2): Kirkland Organic Apple Sauce Pouch (Costco): https://amzn.to/4gOYpZ9
21. Fruit Snack (3): Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars (Strawberry Banana): https://amzn.to/3WQEekA
22. Fruit Snack (4): Once Upon A Farm Strawberry Banana Swirl Fruit Smoothie Pouch: https://amzn.to/3CPMbAw
23. Fruit Snack (5): Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars (Raspberry Lemonade): https://amzn.to/3XcFsIp
24. Infant Formula (1): Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula with Iron: https://amzn.to/3YYb849
25. Infant Formula (2): Bobbie Organic Infant Formula with Iron: https://amzn.to/3VOr4Vy
26. Infant Formula (3): Bobbie Grass-Fed Milk-Based Powder with Iron: https://amzn.to/3ZlAaeJ
27. Infant Formula (4): ByHeart Infant Formula (US-made, non-organic): https://amzn.to/48DJjTb
28. Infant Formula (5): HiPP Bio Combiotik Infant Formula Stage 1: Link not provided
29. Infant Formula (6): HiPP HA Stage PRE (0+ Months): Link not provided
30. Infant Formula (7): Holle Bio Goat Stage 2 Infant Formula (European, organic): https://amzn.to/3BVU7zI
31. Infant Formula (8): Kendamil Goat Infant Formula (non-organic): Available at Target
32. Infant Formula (9): Kendamil Organic Follow-On Milk (European): Link not provided
33. Infant Formula (10): Kendamil Whole Milk Infant Formula: Available at Target
34. Infant Formula (11): Kendamil Organic Infant Formula: Available at Target
35. Ingredient (Salt): Jacobsen’s Sea Salt (Oregon, USA): https://amzn.to/4dcbk5L
36. Ingredient (Flour): Jovial Organic Einkorn Flour (Italy): https://amzn.to/3LIqxix
37. Ingredient (Seeds): Costco Kirkland Organic Hemp Seeds: https://amzn.to/4e05RP9
38. Ingredient (Seeds): Navitas Organic Gluten-Free Chia Seeds (Mexico): https://amzn.to/3YvE7xC
39. Vinegar: Napa Valley Naturals Organic Red Wine Vinegar (California): https://amzn.to/4jWhHOg
40. Beans: Jovial Organic Chickpeas (Italy): https://amzn.to/4iRON1l
41. Oil (Avocado): Chosen Foods 100% Avocado Oil (non-organic): https://amzn.to/3YDZSuv
42. Oil (Perilla Seed): Dr. Adorable’s Organic Perilla Seed Oil (Korea): https://amzn.to/3NDt7Yc
43. Oil (Coconut): Dr. Bronner’s Regenerative Organic Coconut Oil: https://amzn.to/40xwBmv
44. Plant-Based Milk (1): Kiki Milk Organic Plant-Based Milk: https://amzn.to/3AA6Qrt
45. Plant-Based Milk (2): West Soy Unflavored Unsweetened Organic Soy Milk: https://amzn.to/4dwev8l
46. Supplement (1): Baby Ddrops Organic Vitamin D3 for Babies: https://amzn.to/49C3ktH
47. Supplement (2): Doctor’s Best Vitamin C with Q-C: https://amzn.to/4hlVvea
48. Supplement (3): Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil: https://amzn.to/48q1j2V
49. Supplement (4): Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Multivitamin Liquid Drops with Iron: https://amzn.to/3YPhcgx
50. Supplement (5): Pendulum Metabolic Daily Dietary Supplement: https://amzn.to/4gY5wOm
51. Cosmetic (1): Kora Organics Noni Face Oil: https://amzn.to/43hy2XO
52. Cosmetic (2): Fluoride-Free Toothpaste! Orajel Kids Training Toothpaste in Natural Berry Fruity Flavor, Elmo Sesame Street Packaging, Fluoride-Free: https://amzn.to/41wxtrY

Access the complete compilation of lab reports for all tested foods, supplements, and cosmetics at: https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/food-articles/

Stay tuned for more updates and new testing results!

Additional Noteworthy Findings: Trace Arsenic in Select Products

Below, we list five products that tested positive for trace amounts of Arsenic, but levels considered safe by current standards. The detection limits are specified in the respective lab reports.

1. Kendamil Goat Toddler Milk (non-organic): Contains trace Arsenic, available at Target or European specialty retailers.
2. That’s It Apple Cherry Bars: Non-organic, positive for trace Arsenic: https://amzn.to/4fHkSWV
3. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil (organic): Trace Arsenic detected: https://amzn.to/3BVQYQa
4. Now Sunflower Lecithin (non-organic): Contains trace Arsenic: https://amzn.to/3AFdHzO
5. WishGarden Immune Boost (seasonal supplement): Trace Arsenic levels present: https://amzn.to/3Cd940N

Note: Amazon affiliate links are used for convenience, and purchases made through these links support our ongoing independent testing efforts at no extra cost to you.

Lab Report for the Product Showcased at the Beginning

For detailed insights into the specific heavy metal detection levels, review the full laboratory analysis attached below. This transparency is essential for understanding the potential risks associated with this product.