How to identify toothpaste free from harmful 'microplastics', ESDO informs

Lifestyle

Dhaka Magazine Desk

Published: Monday, 27 July 2026

Very small plastic particles or microplastics in toothpaste have become a cause for concern for human health and the environment. In this context, the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) has reported in a study that microplastics were not found in several toothpastes.

According to ESDO's research, no microplastics were detected in the following eight toothpastes—

Genfresh (local brand)

Parachute Just for Baby (Mango) (local brand)

Close-Up Red-Hot Zinc Fresh Technology (local brand)

Parodontax Expert Gum Care (India)

Sensodyne Fresh Gel (India)

Colgate Maxfresh (India)

Colgate Active Salt (India)

Kudumu-Orange (Thailand)

ESDO said that the purpose of this study is not to hold any specific brand or manufacturer responsible. Rather, it presents a scientific picture of the current situation due to the lack of national standards, acceptable limits, testing guidelines, and mandatory disclosure of ingredients on product labels for microplastics in toothpaste in the country.

The organization has emphasized the formulation of science-based national standards for microplastics in toothpaste, regular market monitoring, enhancement of laboratory capacity, and ensuring transparent information about ingredients on product labels to protect public health.

Additionally, ESDO has called for conducting further research on this matter as well as taking coordinated initiatives by relevant government agencies, regulatory authorities, research institutions, manufacturing companies, and consumer rights organizations.