Important Update: Toxic Metal Contaminants Detected in Happy Tooth Kids Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Published March 21, 2025 — Friday

A Message from Tamara Rubin:

Our recent independent lab analysis has revealed that the Happy Tooth Kids Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (pictured above) contains alarming levels of toxic metals, including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury (!), and Arsenic. These findings are particularly distressing considering many parents purchase this product specifically for young children’s oral hygiene routines. Below, you will find a shareable social media graphic summarizing the test results and the comprehensive original laboratory report. As with all our product testing reports, the detailed lab data is available at the end of this article.

Our comparative chart for various toothpaste and tooth powder brands (which is currently being updated to include this product) places it between K and L on the risk scale—indicating it has a higher concentration of Lead than the majority of tested products. Many community members expected this product to be safer, especially given its marketing claims, but the test results tell a different story. This discrepancy is a significant disappointment and underscores the importance of independent testing and transparency.

All federal health agencies agree that there is no safe level of Lead exposure, especially for pregnant women and children.
Serving size is irrelevant when toxicants like Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury are involved, as even trace amounts pose health risks.
Heavy metals such as Lead and Cadmium bioaccumulate in the body over time, leading to chronic health issues.
Repeated daily use of contaminated toothpaste over years can result in cumulative toxic exposures, significantly increasing health risks.
The oral absorption pathway associated with toothpaste use amplifies these concerns, especially in young children.

Please scroll down to see the original lab report at the bottom of this page for detailed toxicant levels. For context on safe levels, visit our earlier articles and check our continually updated comparison chart, which consolidates all tested products to date. Bookmark this page for ongoing updates.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The detected levels of toxicants in this toothpaste are legally permissible under current regulations. Specifically, since fluoride-free toothpastes are classified as cosmetics by the FDA, they can legally contain up to 10,000 ppb (parts per billion) of Lead—equivalent to 10 ppm. Additionally, the new Washington State Toxic-Free Cosmetic Act, effective January 2025, restricts Lead content to 1,000 ppb (1 ppm). Consequently, the test results fall within these legal thresholds, making the product compliant with current laws. Nonetheless, legal does not equate to safe, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Our advocacy efforts include filing official complaints with the FDA to urge stricter regulations and lower permissible limits for Lead in consumer products, particularly those marketed for children. We hope that accumulating evidence will prompt regulatory agencies to prioritize public health over corporate interests.

If your child has been using this toothpaste or you have concerns about potential Lead exposure, consider discontinuing its use immediately.
Explore safer alternatives. We have identified several toothpastes that tested non-detect for Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Arsenic through independent third-party laboratories—see the list below.
Consult your healthcare provider about testing your child’s blood Lead levels to assess potential exposure. More information on testing and health impacts can be found here.
Remember, blood Lead levels of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher are considered concerning, but even lower levels can cause lifelong health issues. Most standard tests detect only down to 3.3 micrograms.
Report adverse findings or concerns to the FDA through their online complaint portal.
In my personal view, I would not allow my own children to use this product.

If you’re interested in detox protocols to mitigate heavy metal exposure, please read our detailed guide here. Be cautious of unproven or dangerous detox products—consult health professionals before proceeding.

Access the Full Laboratory Report:

The complete lab analysis for this product is located at the bottom of this article. For safer product choices across foods, supplements, and cosmetics, visit our Safer Products List. This resource is regularly updated with new verified products tested for safety. Bookmark it to stay informed.

Regulatory Context and Advocacy:

While the current standards permit these levels of toxicants, our goal is to press for stricter regulations that truly protect public health, especially for children and pregnant women. Your support through sharing this information, filing complaints, or contributing to our independent testing initiatives is invaluable.

About Tamara Rubin:

Tamara Rubin is a recognized advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer safety, a documentary filmmaker, and a mother who experienced her own children’s Lead poisoning firsthand.
She founded Lead Safe Mama, LLC, a community-driven small business dedicated to testing and promoting safer consumer products.
Since July 2022, her work has contributed to six product recalls involving FDA and CPSC action.
All results reported are scientifically validated, accurate, and reproducible.
Check out our Media Coverage to learn more about our efforts.

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List of Safer, Non-Detect Products (Updated March 19, 2025):

Below is a growing list of foods, supplements, and cosmetics that have tested non-detect for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic through independent third-party laboratories. The detection limits are specified in each report. To view detailed results, search by product name on our website.

Baby Food #1: Little Spoon Kale, Carrot + Pear BabyBlends
Baby Food #2: Little Spoon Butternut Squash + Blueberry BabyBlends
Baby Food #3: Little Spoon Sweet Potato BabyBlends
Baby Food #4: Little Spoon Sweet Potato + Carrot BabyBlends
Baby Food #5: Little Spoon Banana + Pitaya BabyBlends
Beverage #1: Honest Kids Organic Appley Ever After Apple Juice Drink: https://amzn.to/4fjGhov
Beverage #2: Olipop Grape Tonic: https://amzn.to/4cjFYZu
Breakfast #1: Nature’s Path Envirokidz Organic Panda Puffs: https://amzn.to/4fo1crf
Breakfast #2: One Degree Organic Gluten-Free Sprouted Rolled Oats (Canada): https://amzn.to/3WIQ1BN
Candy: Lindt White Chocolate Bar (Made in USA, New Hampshire): https://amzn.to/3OXkyIm
Candy: Cavendish & Harvey Wild Berry Drops, not organic (Germany): https://amzn.to/3Z1Jxjr
Coffee & Tea #1: Chameleon Organic Cold Brew Concentrate: https://amzn.to/3OcrH77
Coffee & Tea #2: Tao of Tea Organic Genmaicha: https://amzn.to/3Dp8Fsd
Coffee & Tea #3: Califia Farms Almond Latte Cold Brew: https://amzn.to/4gTTGoJ
Coffee & Tea #4: Death Wish Organic Espresso Roast: https://amzn.to/3yo1eiL
Coffee Creamer (Plant-Based): Laird Superfood Coconut Creamer: https://amzn.to/4fItA7A
Dairy Creamer: Organic Valley Grassmilk Half and Half: https://amzn.to/4fHJIWT
Cheese: Babybel Mini Original Snack Cheese: https://amzn.to/3ZY5noO
Fruit Snack #1: GoGo Squeez Organic Apple Sauce Pouch: https://amzn.to/3XhWYLe
Fruit Snack #2: Kirkland Organic Apple Sauce Pouch (Costco): https://amzn.to/4gOYpZ9
Fruit Snack #3: Organic Layered Fruit Bars in Strawberry Banana: https://amzn.to/3WQEekA
Fruit Snack #4: Once Upon A Farm Dairy-Free Strawberry Banana Swirl: https://amzn.to/3CPMbAw
Fruit Snack #5: Organic Layered Fruit Bars in Raspberry Lemonade: https://amzn.to/3XcFsIp
Infant Formula #1: Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula (Pink/White Can): https://amzn.to/3YYb849
Infant Formula #2: Bobbie Organic Infant Formula (Green/White Can): https://amzn.to/3VOr4Vy
Infant Formula #3: Bobbie Grass-Fed Milk-Based Powder: https://amzn.to/3ZlAaeJ
Infant Formula #4: ByHeart Infant Formula (US-made, non-organic): https://amzn.to/48DJjTb
Infant Formula #5: HiPP Bio Combiotik Stage 1: [Import Product]
Infant Formula #6: HiPP HA Stage PRE (0+ Months): [Imported]
Infant Formula #7: Holle Bio Goat Stage 2 (6-10 months, organic European): https://amzn.to/3BVU7zI
Infant Formula #8: Kendamil Goat Infant Formula (non-organic): Available at Target
Infant Formula #9: Kendamil Organic Follow-On Milk (European, Cow Milk): [Availability varies]
Infant Formula #10: Kendamil Whole Milk Infant Formula (Europe, pink can): Available at Target
Infant Formula #11: Kendamil Organic Infant Formula (Cow Milk): [Availability varies]
Ingredient #1: Jacobsen’s Sea Salt (Oregon, USA): https://amzn.to/4dcbk5L
Ingredient #2: Jovial Organic Einkorn Flour (Italy): https://amzn.to/3LIqxix
Ingredient #3: Costco Kirkland Organic Hemp Seeds: https://amzn.to/4e05RP9
Ingredient #4: Navitas Organic Chia Seeds (Mexico): https://amzn.to/3YvE7xC
Ingredient #5: Napa Valley Naturals Organic Red Wine Vinegar (California): https://amzn.to/4jWhHOg
Ingredient #6: Jovial Organic Chickpeas (Italy): https://amzn.to/4iRON1l
Oil #1: Chosen Foods 100% Avocado Oil (not organic): https://amzn.to/3YDZSuv
Oil #2: Dr. Adorable Organic Perilla Seed Oil (Korea): https://amzn.to/3NDt7Yc
Oil #3: Dr. Bronner’s Regenerative Organic Coconut Oil: https://amzn.to/40xwBmv
Plant-Based Milk #1: Kiki Milk Organic Plant-Based Milk (original flavor): https://amzn.to/3AA6Qrt
Plant-Based Milk #2: West Soy Unflavored Unsweetened Organic Soy Milk: https://amzn.to/4dwev8l
Supplement #1: Baby Ddrops Organic Vitamin D3 for Babies: https://amzn.to/49C3ktH
Supplement #2: Doctor’s Best Vitamin C with Q-C: https://amzn.to/4hlVvea
Supplement #3: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil: https://amzn.to/48q1j2V
Supplement #4: Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Multivitamin Drops: https://amzn.to/3YPhcgx
Supplement #5: Pendulum Metabolic Daily: https://amzn.to/4gY5wOm
Cosmetic #1: Kora Organics Noni Face Oil: https://amzn.to/43hy2XO
Cosmetic #2: Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (Elmo Sesame Street Packaging): https://amzn.to/41wxtrY
Cosmetic #3: Miessence Mint Toothpaste: https://amzn.to/4bJc4PO
Cosmetic #4: Dr. Brown’s Fluoride-Free Baby Toothpaste (Strawberry): https://amzn.to/3DCehzZ
Cosmetic #5: Low-Fluoride Watermelon-Flavored Kids Foam Toothpaste: https://amzn.to/3RgKEXV
Cosmetic #6: Kid’s Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol (Original Flavor): https://amzn.to/41GZb4e

For comprehensive lab reports on all tested foods and supplements, visit this link. Stay tuned for more updates!

Additional Products with Trace Arsenic Levels

Below are five products that tested positive for trace amounts of Arsenic, which are considered safe by all regulatory standards due to detection limits. While these levels are low, ongoing testing is essential for continued safety assurances.

Kendamil Goat Toddler Milk (non-organic): May be available at Target or European infant formula retailers.
That’s It Apple Cherry Bars (non-organic): https://amzn.to/4fHkSWV
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil (organic): https://amzn.to/3BVQYQa
Now Sunflower Lecithin (non-organic): https://amzn.to/3AFdHzO
WishGarden Immune Boost (for pregnancy): https://amzn.to/3Cd940N

Note: Amazon affiliate links are used; if you make a purchase through these links, Lead Safe Mama, LLC may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Complete Lab Report Access & Further Resources

For the full detailed analysis of this product, refer to the lab report provided at the end of this article. To explore safer options for foods, supplements, and cosmetics, visit our dedicated Safer Choices Resource Page. We regularly update this list to help families make informed, health-conscious decisions.

Advocacy and Community Support

Your engagement—whether through sharing this information, submitting complaints to regulatory agencies, or supporting our independent testing efforts—amplifies our impact in safeguarding children’s health. Together, we can push for stricter regulations and greater transparency in consumer products.

About Tamara Rubin

Tamara Rubin is a renowned advocate for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention, an award-winning independent consumer safety activist, and a documentary filmmaker.
She is a mother whose own children were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005, fueling her passion for change.
Founder of Lead Safe Mama, LLC, she has spearheaded multiple product recalls and safety initiatives.
All data shared here are based on rigorous, science-backed testing and verification.
Visit our Press Page for media coverage of our work.

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Critical Laboratory Findings on Happy Tooth Kids Fluoride-Free Toothpaste