Published March 26, 2025 — Wednesday
A Personal Message from Tamara Rubin:
The Boka Kids Orange Cream Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (shown above) was independently tested by Lead Safe Mama, LLC, through community-funded, third-party laboratory analysis, and the results revealed the presence of Lead and Mercury. This outcome aligns with our previous findings on their mint-flavored toothpaste, which also tested similarly. For transparency, we’ve included the shareable social media graphic showcasing the test results below, as well as the original detailed lab report at the end of this article.
Our comparative chart for various toothpaste and tooth powder products, which organizes items by the amount of Lead detected, is located near the top of this article. This product ranks between B and C on that chart—indicating measurable but not the highest levels of Lead. Many community members anticipated this product to be safer, especially given its marketing and branding, which promote it as a natural or child-friendly option. Unfortunately, these test results are a significant disappointment, but they also serve as an important reminder that it is entirely possible to formulate effective, child-safe toothpaste with non-detectable levels of Lead.
To date, we’ve identified five toothpaste products that tested completely free of Lead—these are marked as “non-detect” on our chart. Four of these are marketed specifically for children, emphasizing that safer options do exist.
- As always, it’s essential to remember that all federal health agencies agree there is no safe level of Lead exposure—none whatsoever, especially for pregnant women and young children.
- Serving size does not mitigate risk when it comes to toxicants like Lead, Cadmium, or Mercury. Even tiny amounts are dangerous over time.
- Lead and other heavy metals bioaccumulate in the body, building up with repeated, chronic exposure—particularly with daily use of contaminated products.
- Repeatedly using a product contaminated with unsafe levels of toxicants, especially over years, significantly increases health risks—especially when used two or three times daily by children or pregnant women.
- Since toothpaste is ingested and absorbed through the oral mucosa, the risk of toxicant exposure is particularly concerning compared to non-oral cosmetic products.
For comprehensive details, please scroll to the bottom of this page to access the full original laboratory report for this product. Our comparison chart and additional resources on safer food, supplement, and cosmetic choices are available on our dedicated pages, which are regularly updated—bookmark them for ongoing reference.
Important Regulatory Context:
The toxicant levels we detected in this toothpaste are legally permissible under current U.S. regulations because fluoride-free toothpastes are classified as cosmetics by the FDA. Cosmetics are allowed to contain Lead concentrations up to 10,000 ppb (parts per billion) or 10 ppm (parts per million). However, recent legislation such as the Washington State Toxic-Free Cosmetic Act (effective January 2025) limits Lead in cosmetics to 1,000 ppb (1 ppm). Despite these regulatory standards, the presence of Lead—even within legal limits—is concerning, especially given the vulnerable populations targeted by this product.
Legal does not mean safe. It’s crucial to recognize that current regulations primarily serve industry interests rather than prioritize human health. Our advocacy includes urging regulatory agencies like the FDA to lower permissible limits for toxicants in children’s products and to enforce stricter safety standards.
What Should You Do?
- If your child has been using this toothpaste and you are worried about potential Lead exposure—or if your child has tested positive for low-level Lead in blood tests—you should consider discontinuing its use immediately.
- For safer alternatives, we’ve identified five products that tested completely free of Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic in independent lab tests—these are listed below. Keep scrolling to see the full list.
- Consult your healthcare provider about testing your child’s blood Lead levels to assess exposure—more information on testing options can be found here.
- In addition to blood testing, a comprehensive heavy metals panel can provide a broader picture of toxicant exposure—details are available here.
- It’s important to note that most standard blood Lead tests may only detect levels above 3.3 micrograms per deciliter, potentially missing lower but still harmful exposures caused by sources like contaminated toothpaste.
- Filing a formal complaint with the FDA is also recommended. You can do so here.
- Personally, I would not allow my own children to use this product, given the known risks of Lead exposure.
If you’re interested in detox strategies to support your family after learning this information, please read our dedicated article here—be cautious of unproven or dangerous detox products, which can sometimes cause additional harm.
Access the Full Lab Report
The detailed laboratory analysis for the product shown above is available at the end of this article. For additional guidance on healthier food, supplement, and cosmetic choices, visit our comprehensive testing pages, which include lists of products that have tested non-detect for heavy metals. These resources are designed to help you make informed decisions for your family’s safety.
Support Our Work
Lead Safe Mama, LLC relies on community support—via donations, affiliate links, and crowdfunding—to fund ongoing independent testing and advocacy efforts. If you wish to help us expand our testing programs or support our mission, please consider making a contribution. Details are linked here.
About Tamara Rubin
- Tamara Rubin is a multiple-federal-award-winning advocate dedicated to childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer product safety. She is also a documentary filmmaker.
- As a mother of children affected by Lead poisoning, her personal experience fuels her passion for change.
- She owns and operates Lead Safe Mama, LLC, a community-driven small business committed to transparency and safety advocacy.
- Since July 2022, her efforts have contributed to six product recalls involving the FDA and CPSC.
- All test results presented are scientifically rigorous, reproducible, and publicly accessible.
- Visit our press page to see media coverage of our work.
This is an ad-free article.
Our work is supported through affiliate marketing and donations, which help us maintain an ad-free environment for our readers. If you appreciate this information and want to support our mission, please consider clicking our affiliate links or making a donation—details are available here.
Expanded List of Safe Products
Below is an evolving list of foods, supplements, and cosmetics that have tested non-detect for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic through independent, community-funded lab testing. The detection limits for each product are detailed in the respective lab reports. To view full reports, search the brand name on our website or visit the linked articles.
- 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 Item — 1 Nature’s Path Envirokidz Organic Panda Puffs: https://amzn.to/4fo1crf
- Breakfast Item — 2 One Degree Organic 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, non-organic (Germany): https://amzn.to/3Z1Jxjr
- Coffee & Tea — 1 Chameleon Handcrafted Organic Cold Brew Concentrate: https://amzn.to/3OcrH77
- Coffee & Tea — 2 Tao of Tea Organic Genmaicha (Japan, Portland-based seller): https://amzn.to/3Dp8Fsd
- Coffee & Tea — 3 Califia Farms Almond Latte Cold Brew (XX Espresso): https://amzn.to/4gTTGoJ
- Coffee & Tea — 4 Death Wish Organic Espresso Roast Ground Coffee (Multi-country origin): https://amzn.to/3yo1eiL
- Coffee Creamer — Plant-Based Laird Superfood Coconut Creamer: https://amzn.to/4fItA7A
- Coffee Creamer — Dairy Organic Valley Grassmilk Half and Half: https://amzn.to/4fHJIWT
- Dairy, 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 Costco Kirkland Organic Apple Sauce Pouch: https://amzn.to/4gOYpZ9
- Fruit Snack — 3 Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars (Strawberry Banana): https://amzn.to/3WQEekA
- Fruit Snack — 4 Once Upon A Farm Dairy-Free Fruit Smoothie Pouch (Strawberry Banana Swirl): https://amzn.to/3CPMbAw
- Fruit Snack — 5 Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars (Raspberry Lemonade): https://amzn.to/3XcFsIp
- Infant Formula — 1 Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder: https://amzn.to/3YYb849
- Infant Formula — 2 Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder: 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): https://amzn.to/48DJjTb
- Infant Formula — 5 HiPP Bio Combiotik Infant Formula Stage 1 (imported): Not available on Amazon, but similar products are.
- Infant Formula — 6 HiPP HA Stage PRE (imported): See product details here.
- Infant Formula — 7 Holle Bio Goat Stage 2 Infant Formula (European organic): https://amzn.to/3BVU7zI
- Infant Formula — 8 Kendamil Goat Infant Formula (non-organic): Available at Target, not on Amazon.
- Infant Formula — 9 Kendamil Organic Follow-On Milk (European, Cow Milk): Not on Amazon, check local retailers.
- Infant Formula — 10 Kendamil Whole Milk Infant Formula (European, pink can): Available at Target.
- Infant Formula — 11 Kendamil Organic Infant Formula (Cow Milk): May be available at Target.
- 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 Gluten-Free Chia Seeds (Mexico): https://amzn.to/3YvE7xC
- Vinegar — 5 Napa Valley Naturals Organic Red Wine Vinegar (California): https://amzn.to/4jWhHOg
- Beans — 6 Jovial Organic Chickpeas (Italy): https://amzn.to/4iRON1l
- Oil — 1 Chosen Foods 100% Avocado Oil (non-organic): https://amzn.to/3YDZSuv
- Oil — 2 Dr. Adorable’s 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): https://amzn.to/3AA6Qrt
- Plant-Based Milk — 2 West Soy Unflavored Unsweetened Organic Soy Milk: https://amzn.to/4dwev8l
- Supplements — 1 Baby Ddrops Organic Vitamin D3 for Babies: https://amzn.to/49C3ktH
- Supplements — 2 Doctor’s Best Vitamin C with Q-C: https://amzn.to/4hlVvea
- Supplements — 3 Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil: https://amzn.to/48q1j2V
- Supplements — 4 Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Multivitamin Liquid Drops with Iron: https://amzn.to/3YPhcgx
- Supplements — 5 Pendulum Metabolic Daily Dietary Supplement: https://amzn.to/4gY5wOm
- Cosmetics — 1 Kora Organics Noni Face Oil: https://amzn.to/43hy2XO
- Cosmetics — 2 Fluoride-Free Toothpaste! Orajel Kids Training in Natural Berry Fruity Flavor (Elmo Sesame Street Packaging): https://amzn.to/41wxtrY
- Cosmetics — 3 Miessence Mint Toothpaste: https://amzn.to/4bJc4PO
- Cosmetics — 4 Dr. Brown’s Fluoride-Free Baby Toothpaste (Strawberry Flavor): https://amzn.to/3DCehzZ
- Cosmetics — 5 Low-Fluoride Kids Toothpaste (Watermelon Flavor, Pegciz): https://amzn.to/3RgKEXV
- Cosmetics — 6 Kid’s Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol (Original Flavor): https://amzn.to/41GZb4e
For a comprehensive list of all tested foods, supplements, and cosmetics, visit our dedicated page: https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/food-articles/. Stay tuned for updates!
Bonus: Five Additional Products with Trace Arsenic Levels
- Kendamil Goat Toddler Milk (non-organic) — positive for traces of Arsenic. Available at Target or specialty retailers.
- That’s It Apple Cherry Bars — non-organic, positive for traces of Arsenic. https://amzn.to/4fHkSWV
- Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil — organic, positive for traces of Arsenic. https://amzn.to/3BVQYQa
- Now Sunflower Lecithin — non-organic, positive for traces of Arsenic. https://amzn.to/3AFdHzO
- WishGarden Immune Boost Seasonal Rescue (for pregnancy) — positive for traces of Arsenic. https://amzn.to/3Cd940N
Note:
All Amazon links are affiliate links.
Purchases made through these links support our independent testing and advocacy work at no extra cost to you.
Full Lab Reports & Resources
Access the detailed laboratory analysis for the product pictured above at the end of this article. For broader guidance on safer food, supplement, and cosmetic choices, browse our comprehensive testing pages, which include up-to-date lists of products that tested non-detect for heavy metals. These resources are invaluable for making informed decisions to protect your family’s health.
Support Our Mission
Lead Safe Mama, LLC depends on community support. You can assist us by donating, shopping via our affiliate links, or sharing our work. Your contributions help us continue independent testing and advocacy efforts. Click here for details on how to support us.
About Tamara Rubin
- Tamara Rubin is an award-winning advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer safety, as well as a documentary filmmaker.
- Her personal journey includes raising children affected by Lead, which fuels her passion for community health and safety.
- She owns and operates Lead Safe Mama, LLC, a community-driven, small woman-owned business dedicated to transparency and safety.
- Since July 2022, her efforts have led to six product recalls involving federal agencies.
- All test results shared are scientifically validated, accurate, and publicly accessible.
- Visit our press page to see media coverage of our work.
This is an ad-free article.
Our work is funded through affiliate marketing and donations, enabling us to keep this content free of intrusive ads. We appreciate your support—by clicking affiliate links or donating, you help us continue this vital work.
Updated List of Safe, Lab-Tested Products
Below is a continually updated list of products tested by independent laboratories that have shown non-detect levels of heavy metals. The detection limits are specified in each report. To view full reports, search the product name on our website or visit related articles.
- 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: 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 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 (Germany): https://amzn.to/3Z1Jxjr
- Coffee & Tea — 1 Chameleon Handcrafted Organic Cold Brew Concentrate: https://amzn.to/3OcrH77
- Coffee & Tea — 2 Tao of Tea Organic Genmaicha (Japan): 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
- Coffee Creamer — Dairy Organic Valley Grassmilk Half & Half: https://amzn.to/4fHJIWT
- Dairy, 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: https://amzn.to/4gOYpZ9
- Fruit Snack — 3 Organic Layered Fruit Bars (Strawberry Banana): https://amzn.to/3WQEekA
- Fruit Snack — 4 Dairy-Free Fruit Smoothie Pouch (Strawberry Banana Swirl): https://amzn.to/3CPMbAw
- Fruit Snack — 5 Organic Layered Fruit Bars (Raspberry Lemonade): https://amzn.to/3XcFsIp
- Infant Formula — 1 Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula: https://amzn.to/3YYb849
- Infant Formula — 2 Bobbie Organic Infant Formula: https://amzn.to/3VOr4Vy
- Infant Formula — 3 Bobbie Grass-Fed Milk Powder: https://amzn.to/3ZlAaeJ
- Infant Formula — 4 ByHeart Infant Formula: https://amzn.to/48DJjTb
- Infant Formula — 5 HiPP Bio Combiotik Stage 1: Check availability; not on Amazon
- Infant Formula — 6 HiPP HA Stage PRE (0+ months): Check availability; not on Amazon
- Infant Formula — 7 Holle Bio Goat Stage 2 (European Organic): 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): Not on Amazon
- Infant Formula — 10 Kendamil Whole Milk Infant Formula (European): Available at Target
- Infant Formula — 11 Kendamil Organic Infant Formula: Available at Target or local retailers
- 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 Gluten-Free Chia Seeds (Mexico): https://amzn.to/3YvE7xC
- Vinegar — 5 Napa Valley Naturals Organic Red Wine Vinegar (California): https://amzn.to/4jWhHOg
- Beans — 6 Jovial Organic Chickpeas (Italy): https://amzn.to/4iRON1l
- Oil — 1 Chosen Foods 100% Avocado Oil (non-organic): https://amzn.to/3YDZSuv
- Oil — 2 Dr. Adorable’s 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 Organic Plant-Based Milk: https://amzn.to/3AA6Qrt
- Plant-Based Milk — 2 West Soy Unflavored Unsweetened Organic Soy Milk: https://amzn.to/4dwev8l
- Supplements — 1 Baby Ddrops Organic Vitamin D3 for Babies: https://amzn.to/49C3ktH
- Supplements — 2 Doctor’s Best Vitamin C with Q-C: https://amzn.to/4hlVvea
- Supplements — 3 Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil: https://amzn.to/48q1j2V
- Supplements — 4 Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Multivitamin Liquid Drops with Iron: https://amzn.to/3YPhcgx
- Supplements — 5 Pendulum Metabolic Daily Dietary Supplement: https://amzn.to/4gY5wOm
- Cosmetics — 1 Kora Organics Noni Face Oil: https://amzn.to/43hy2XO
- Cosmetics — 2 Orajel Kids Training Toothpaste in Natural Berry Flavor: https://amzn.to/41wxtrY
- Cosmetics — 3 Miessence Mint Toothpaste: https://amzn.to/4bJc4PO
- Cosmetics — 4 Dr. Brown’s Fluoride-Free Baby Toothpaste (Strawberry): https://amzn.to/3DCehzZ
- Cosmetics — 5 Low-Fluoride Kids Toothpaste (Watermelon, Pegciz): https://amzn.to/3RgKEXV
- Cosmetics — 6 Kid’s Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol (Original): https://amzn.to/41GZb4e
For more details and updates, visit our dedicated page on all tested products: https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/food-articles/.