A Critical Update on Primal Life Organics Bubblegum Tooth Powder
Published March 10, 2025 — Monday
A Message from Tamara Rubin:
Continuing our rigorous commitment to consumer safety, our recent XRF testing of this specific product from Primal Life Organics confirms earlier findings from 2022. Our previous report, linked here, detailed the presence of dangerously high levels of Lead, measuring an alarming 7,800 parts per billion (ppb). The current testing also detected significant amounts of Arsenic, raising further concerns about product safety. Below, you will find the comprehensive test summary, including a shareable social media graphic and the original laboratory report, which is located at the bottom of this article.
Our team has already alerted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about these findings via email earlier today. Additionally, a formal complaint is being filed with both the FDA and the Washington State authorities. Although this product does not currently violate federal cosmetic regulations—since the permissible Lead content is set at 10,000 ppb—it definitively breaches Washington State’s new (2025) Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act. This law restricts Lead in cosmetics to a maximum of 1,000 ppb, meaning the product is now considered illegal under state standards. Notably, this flavor, marketed explicitly for children and accompanied by packaging, imagery, and flavor descriptors like “Bubblegum,” is especially concerning. Marketing elements imply safety for children, yet the toxicity levels suggest otherwise. We advocate for the FDA to take decisive action, including a public recall, despite the product’s compliance with federal standards.
- Federal regulations on Lead in cosmetics are fundamentally inadequate for human health protection.
- These standards primarily serve industry liability concerns, not public health, especially not for vulnerable populations like children or pregnant women.
- The permissible Lead levels are based on outdated assumptions that low-level exposure is harmless—modern research contradicts this, showing even minimal Lead exposure can cause lifelong health issues, including cardiovascular problems, cognitive deficits, and reproductive health complications.
- Current FDA guidelines do not consider the unique risks posed by oral ingestion pathways, especially relevant for products like toothpaste and tooth powders used repeatedly daily, often by children.
Take a moment to review the six images from the Amazon listing below. It’s particularly disturbing that their “Important Information” section instructs, “Keep out of reach of children” and “If swallowed, seek medical help immediately,” which starkly contrasts with their marketing claims such as “You and your entire family can enjoy brushing your teeth,” “Loved by both kids & adults,” and descriptors like “Natural Ingredients,” “Healthy,” and “Safe for children.” These conflicting messages highlight a significant risk, especially given the high Lead content.
- “You and your entire family can enjoy brushing your teeth…”
- “Choose from flavors like Bubblegum, Spearmint, Cinnamon, and others that kids love!”
- “This is an all-natural product made of the healthiest ingredients.”
- “Crafted with healthy ingredients that will make your mouth happy.”
- “Loved by both kids & adults.”
- “Made with safe ingredients.”
- “A magical powder that transforms your dental routine.”
- “High-quality organic ingredients.”
From a scientific standpoint, it’s reassuring that our lab results mirror previous XRF tests on this brand’s tooth powders—validating the accuracy of XRF technology as an effective screening method for Lead detection in such materials. The chart comparing toxicant levels across various toothpaste and tooth powders clearly shows that this Bubblegum Tooth Powder ranks as the most hazardous tested product to date.
- Remember, all federal agencies agree there is no safe level of Lead exposure, especially for pregnant women and children.
- Serving size does not mitigate the risk posed by toxicants like Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury; even tiny amounts are dangerous when used repeatedly over time.
- Bioaccumulation means that consistent, daily exposure—even at low levels—can lead to significant health problems, including cognitive impairments, heart disease, and reproductive issues.
- Because Tooth powders are used orally multiple times daily, the risk of toxicant absorption via ingestion pathways is especially concerning for children.
For those concerned about potential Lead exposure, we advise immediate cessation of use of any product from this brand, especially the Bubblegum flavor, and recommend consulting your healthcare provider. Blood Lead level testing for your child can help assess exposure, and early testing is crucial due to Lead’s short half-life in blood. You can also file a report directly with the FDA through their online complaint form.
I personally would never allow my children to use this product or any containing bentonite or other clays, given their known potential for Lead contamination, which we strictly avoid in our household.
If you wish to explore detoxification protocols to support your family’s health, please refer to our dedicated article linked here. Be cautious, as many detox products are ineffective or could even pose additional risks for Lead exposure.
The Full Laboratory Report
Find the detailed lab report for this product at the bottom of this article. Our comparative chart for tested toothpaste and tooth powders is available on our website, providing ongoing updates to help consumers make safer choices.
Legal Standards and Regulatory Gaps
While this product complies with current FDA standards—allowing Lead levels up to 10,000 ppb—it is illegal under Washington State’s new 2025 law, which caps Lead at 1,000 ppb. This discrepancy underscores the inadequacy of federal regulations, which are primarily designed to shield industry from liability rather than safeguard human health, particularly for children and pregnant women. Our work continues to advocate for lower, more protective standards, and we are collaborating with the FDA to push for stricter limits on toxicants in consumer products, especially those marketed for children.
If your child has been using this or any similar product, and you are concerned about exposure, stop use immediately and have your child tested for blood Lead levels. Documenting exposure can support liability claims and health assessments. You may also report your concerns to the FDA via their online portal.
Note: I would never permit my own children to use this or any similar toxic product.
Safer Alternatives and Resources
For safer options related to foods, supplements, and cosmetics—including toothpaste—we recommend visiting our curated lists on the food and supplement testing landing page, linked here. These lists are updated regularly and include products tested to be free of Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic.
Additionally, you can view all our independent, third-party lab reports at this link, which is always kept current and is a valuable resource for making informed choices. Support our efforts by checking out our crowdfunding campaigns on GoFundMe, which help fund further independent testing and advocacy initiatives.
About Tamara Rubin
For those unfamiliar with my background:
- I am a multiple-award-winning advocate dedicated to preventing childhood Lead poisoning and ensuring consumer safety.
- I am also a documentary filmmaker and a mother whose children have been affected by Lead poisoning—two of my four sons were acutely poisoned in 2005.
- I founded Lead Safe Mama, LLC, a woman-owned small business focused on community-driven efforts to eliminate Lead exposure and promote safer consumer products.
- Since July 2022, our work has directly contributed to six product recalls by FDA and CPSC authorities.
- All of our testing results are scientifically validated, accurate, and reproducible.
- Visit our press page to learn more about media coverage of our work, linked here.
Support Our Mission
This article is completely ad-free. Our operational costs are supported through affiliate links and donations, which help us maintain our independent stance. If you wish to support our ongoing efforts—such as further testing and advocacy—you can do so by clicking here.
Our Testing Achievements and Ongoing Efforts
We continually test a wide array of foods, supplements, and cosmetics. Recently, our independent testing has identified over 50 products that tested non-detect for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic. These results demonstrate that safer, cleaner products are achievable and that industry claims of unavoidable contamination are false.
Additional Low-Level Arsenic Testing
We also identified five products that, while tested positive for trace amounts of Arsenic, remain within levels considered safe by all standards. These include certain infant formulas, fruit snacks, oils, and supplements, which are listed below:
- Kendamil Goat Toddler Milk — positive for trace Arsenic (may be available at Target or through European specialty retailers)
- That’s It Apple Cherry Bars — positive for trace Arsenic (available on Amazon)
- Chosen Foods Avocado Oil — trace Arsenic detected (available on Amazon)
- Now Sunflower Lecithin — trace Arsenic (available on Amazon)
- WishGarden Immune Boost Seasonal Rescue — trace Arsenic (available on Amazon)
All links are affiliate links, supporting our independent work without additional cost to consumers.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Our ongoing mission is to protect children and vulnerable populations from toxic exposures. We urge consumers to stay informed, choose safer products, and advocate for stronger regulations. For detailed lab reports and updates, bookmark our website and visit regularly.
Contact and Further Information
If you have concerns about Lead exposure or wish to support our advocacy efforts, please visit our contact page or consider contributing to our crowdfunding campaigns. Together, we can make a difference in public health and safety.