Critical Findings on Kinder Karex Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: Lead, Mercury, Cadmium & Arsenic Detected

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Important Update: March 23, 2025 — Sunday

A message from Tamara Rubin:

The Kinder Karex Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (pictured above) has been tested and found to contain significant levels of toxic heavy metals including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Arsenic. Notably, this product tested positive for Mercury, which raises serious health concerns. The levels detected are particularly alarming, especially since many parents purchase this toothpaste for young children, as the packaging states it is suitable for all ages (0+ years). Below, you will find both a shareable social media graphic with the test results and the original lab report for detailed analysis. To maintain transparency and scientific integrity, the full lab report is accessible at the bottom of this article. Our comparative chart for toothpaste and tooth powder products (which currently excludes this product but will be updated soon) places this toothpaste between categories D and E based on its lead content, as determined by independent, community-funded third-party testing conducted by Lead Safe Mama, LLC.

  • Despite being a European product, many community members anticipated it would test cleaner, perhaps with “non-detect” levels for all tested toxicants. The current findings are therefore disappointing to those expecting safer options.
  • It is crucial to remember that all federal health authorities agree that there is no safe level of Lead exposure, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.
  • Serving size does not mitigate the risks associated with toxicants like Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury, which are highly potent and dangerous even at trace levels.
  • Heavy metals such as Lead bioaccumulate in the human body over time, particularly with habitual, chronic exposure—such as repeated daily use of toothpaste containing these toxicants.
  • Repeated use of products positive for unsafe levels of heavy metals over months or years significantly increases the risk of health complications, as absorption occurs through the oral mucosa during brushing.
  • The oral ingestion route is especially concerning due to the absorption of these toxicants directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes.

For full context, please scroll to the bottom of this page to review the original lab report. Our ongoing comparative chart, which ranks tested products based on their lead content, is regularly updated and can be a valuable resource for making safer choices. Remember, the toxicity levels found here are legally permissible under current regulations, but that does not equate to safety, particularly for children and pregnant individuals.

Legal Status of Toxicant Levels in Toothpaste

Because fluoride-free toothpaste is classified by the FDA as a cosmetic product, it is legally permitted to contain up to 10,000 parts per billion (ppb) Lead (equivalent to 10 ppm). Additionally, the January 2025 Washington State Toxic-Free Cosmetic Act restricts Lead levels in cosmetics to 1,000 ppb (1 ppm). These standards are not based on serving size, making all products within these limits technically compliant with current law. However, compliance does not imply safety or healthfulness. Our advocacy aims to prompt the FDA to lower acceptable thresholds and implement stricter regulations, especially for products marketed to children or pregnant women.

Recommendations for Concerned Parents

  • If your child has been using this toothpaste and you are worried about potential Lead exposure or if your child has tested low but positive for Lead, consider discontinuing its use immediately.
  • We have identified several safer alternatives—five products that have been independently tested and shown to contain non-detectable levels of Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Arsenic. Details are provided below.
  • Consult your healthcare provider for blood Lead testing—this can help determine if exposure has occurred. For comprehensive assessment, consider testing for a full heavy metals panel. Note that typical blood Lead tests may not detect very low exposure levels from sources like toothpaste.
  • Persistent low-level exposure to heavy metals can lead to lifelong health issues, even if blood levels are below current action thresholds. Regular monitoring and avoiding contaminated products are essential.
  • File a formal report with the FDA if you suspect product safety violations. Reporting helps inform regulatory action.
  • Based on our findings, I personally would not allow my children to use this product, as any source of Lead exposure is unacceptable in our household.

If you are interested in detox protocols to support your family’s health after discovering heavy metal exposure, please review our related article. Be cautious of detox products that are unproven or potentially harmful, and consult health professionals before undertaking any detox regimen.

Access to Full Lab Report

The detailed lab analysis for this product is available at the end of this article. For additional guidance on safer food, supplement, and cosmetic choices, visit our comprehensive testing pages linked here, which are regularly updated with new results.

Support Our Work

We invite you to explore our open, crowd-funded campaigns on GoFundMe to help sustain our independent testing and advocacy efforts. Your support allows us to continue providing transparent, science-based information to protect children and consumers nationwide.

About Tamara Rubin

For newcomers to Lead Safe Mama:

  • Tamara Rubin is a recognized federal award-winning advocate dedicated to preventing childhood Lead poisoning and improving consumer safety. She is also a documentary filmmaker and mother of children affected by Lead poisoning (two of her four sons were acutely poisoned in 2005).
  • She owns and manages Lead Safe Mama, LLC—a woman-owned small business focused on community-driven efforts to eliminate Lead exposure and ensure product safety.
  • Since July 2022, her work has contributed to six product recalls by the FDA and CPSC.
  • All test results shared are science-based, accurate, and reproducible to ensure transparency and trust.
  • Visit our press page to see media coverage of our initiatives and findings.

Final Note

This article is presented ad-free to prioritize clarity and reader focus. Support our mission by making purchases through our affiliate links or contributing directly to our cause, which helps us maintain independent, ad-free content.

Safer Product Recommendations

Below is an expanding list of foods, supplements, and cosmetics that have been tested and confirmed to contain non-detectable levels of Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic through independent, third-party laboratory testing coordinated by Lead Safe Mama, LLC. This list is regularly updated; click on the linked product names to access full lab reports.

  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 Item — 1: Nature’s Path Envirokidz Organic Panda Puffs: https://amzn.to/4fo1crf
  9. Breakfast Item — 2: One Degree Organic, Gluten-Free, Sprouted Rolled Oats (Canada): https://amzn.to/3WIQ1BN
  10. Candy — 1: Lindt White Chocolate Bar (Made in USA, New Hampshire): https://amzn.to/3OXkyIm
  11. Candy — 2: Cavendish & Harvey Wild Berry Drops, not 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 (Tamara’s favorite, from Japan, sold by a Portland-based company): 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 — 1: Laird Superfood Coconut Creamer: https://amzn.to/4fItA7A
  17. Coffee Creamer — Dairy — 2: 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: Costco Kirkland Organic Apple Sauce Pouch: https://amzn.to/4gOYpZ9
  21. Fruit Snack — 3: Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars in Strawberry Banana Flavor: https://amzn.to/3WQEekA
  22. Fruit Snack — 4: Once Upon A Farm Dairy-Free Fruit Smoothie Pouch in Strawberry Banana Swirl Flavor: https://amzn.to/3CPMbAw
  23. Fruit Snack — 5: Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars in Raspberry Lemonade Flavor: https://amzn.to/3XcFsIp
  24. Infant Formula — 1: Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron: https://amzn.to/3YYb849
  25. Infant Formula — 2: Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder 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 (USA-made, non-organic): https://amzn.to/48DJjTb
  28. Infant Formula — 5: HiPP Bio Combiotik Infant Formula Powder, Stage 1: (imported)
  29. Infant Formula — 6: HiPP HA Stage PRE (0+ Months): (imported)
  30. Infant Formula — 7: Holle Bio Goat Stage 2 Infant Formula: https://amzn.to/3BVU7zI
  31. Infant Formula — 8: Kendamil Goat Infant Formula (not organic): available at Target
  32. Infant Formula — 9: Kendamil Organic Follow-On Milk (European, Cow Milk): not available on Amazon, check Target
  33. Infant Formula — 10: Kendamil Whole Milk Infant Formula (European, pink can): available at Target
  34. Infant Formula — 11: Kendamil Organic Infant Formula (Cow Milk): check Target, not on Amazon
  35. Ingredient — 1 (salt): Jacobsen’s Sea Salt (Oregon, USA): https://amzn.to/4dcbk5L
  36. Ingredient — 2 (baking flour): Jovial Organic Einkorn Flour (Italy): https://amzn.to/3LIqxix
  37. Ingredient — 3 (seeds): Costco Kirkland Organic Hemp Seeds: https://amzn.to/4e05RP9
  38. Ingredient — 4 (seeds): Navitas Organic Gluten-Free Chia Seeds (Mexico): https://amzn.to/3YvE7xC
  39. Ingredient — 5 (vinegar): Napa Valley Naturals Organic Red Wine Vinegar (California): https://amzn.to/4jWhHOg
  40. Ingredient — 6 (beans): Jovial Organic Chickpeas (Italy): https://amzn.to/4iRON1l
  41. Oil — 1: Chosen Foods 100% Avocado Oil (not organic): https://amzn.to/3YDZSuv
  42. Oil — 2: Dr. Adorable’s Organic Perilla Seed Oil (Korea): https://amzn.to/3NDt7Yc
  43. Oil — 3: Dr. Bronner’s Regenerative Organic Coconut Oil: https://amzn.to/40xwBmv
  44. Plant-Based Milk — 1: Kiki Milk Organic Plant-Based Milk (original flavor): 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 Supplement 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: https://amzn.to/41wxtrY
  53. Cosmetic — 3: Miessence Mint Toothpaste: https://amzn.to/4bJc4PO
  54. Cosmetic — 4: Dr. Brown’s Fluoride-Free Baby Toothpaste in Strawberry Flavor: https://amzn.to/3DCehzZ
  55. Cosmetic — 5: Low-Fluoride Toothpaste! — Pegciz Kids Foam Toothpaste in Watermelon Flavor: https://amzn.to/3RgKEXV
  56. Cosmetic — 6: Kid’s Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol in Original Flavor: https://amzn.to/41GZb4e

For full lab reports of all tested foods and supplements, visit: https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/food-articles/

Stay tuned for more updates and new safe product options!

Additional Insights: Trace Arsenic Levels in Select Products

Below are five products that tested positive for very low levels of Arsenic, considered safe according to current standards. The detection limits are specified in each lab report:

  1. Kendamil Goat Toddler Milk (non-organic): traces of Arsenic detected. Available at Target or online European formula retailers.
  2. That’s It Apple Cherry Bars (non-organic): traces of Arsenic detected. https://amzn.to/4fHkSWV
  3. Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil (organic): traces of Arsenic detected. https://amzn.to/3BVQYQa
  4. Now Sunflower Lecithin (non-organic): traces of Arsenic detected. https://amzn.to/3AFdHzO
  5. WishGarden Immune Boost Seasonal Rescue: traces of Arsenic detected. https://amzn.to/3Cd940N

Note: Amazon links are affiliate links. Purchases made through these links support our work at no additional cost to you.

Access the Complete Lab Report for the Pictured Product

The detailed laboratory analysis for the toothpaste shown at the start of this article is provided at the bottom of this page. For more comprehensive information on safer food, supplement, and cosmetic options, visit our dedicated testing pages linked throughout this site. Bookmark these resources for ongoing updates and safer consumer choices.

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