*This feature is not sponsored or paid for in any way by PearlBar or any other invested party
Dental care - an area of our daily lives that we don’t really think about when we think about sustainability. However, it’s an area that creates a lot of waste. Think about it - how much do you throw out in the way form of discarded toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes in a year? Now multiply that with the number of years that you’ve been brushing your teeth. It’s a lot. Recently, a lot of brands have been realising this and trying to do something about it. One of them is PearlBar.
PearlBar’s multi-award winning range uses “the planet's most effective and sustainable resources” to take good care of your pearly whites. The company itself claims to also be passionate about bringing eco-friendly oral care products to the world to inspire people to make sustainable changes in their lifestyle starting with their daily choices.
To learn more about PearlBar, we reached out to founder Bridget to talk about the brand.
OWNERSHIP
PearlBar, founded by Bridget Rose, is an independent business with no parent company.
INGREDIENTS &
RAW MATERIALS
The main active ingredient in PearlBar's Charcoal Natural Whitening Toothpaste is activated charcoal, used as an alternative to fluoride. It is used as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral agent, and to deodorise, detoxify, and balance PH levels.
All of the other ingredients in their toothpaste formula are also on the product page on their website.
Their Charcoal-infused Floss Picks are also an eco-friendly alternative to regular nylon. They are made of oxo-biodegradable plastic, bamboo charcoal powder, and polyester.
The Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush is made of bamboo and coconut charcoal-infused nylon.
Their Konjac + Charcoal Facial Sponge is 100% natural konjac plant roots and is compostable.
Their products are all vegan and cruelty-free, although they don’t hold any certifications at this time. Their products are also not sold in mainland China.
INGREDIENT SOURCING & MANUFACTURING
Unfortunately, Bridget tells us that she could not give assurance that PearlBar ingredients are sustainably sourced or fair trade. PearlBar products are also not organic.
Their toothpaste is made in California, USA, while the toothbrushes, floss picks, and konjac sponges are all made in China.
PACKAGING & RECYCLING OPTIONS
PearBar toothbrushes need to be replaced every 2-3 months, just like a regular plastic toothbrush. The difference is that when the PearlBar Bamboo + Charcoal Toothbrush has reached the end of its life, you can shave the bristles into your recycling bin and throw the handle into compost. The same goes for their Charcoal-infused Floss Picks and all of their kraft packaging (they use a grand total of zero plastic packaging for shipping). You can bury them in the garden and they decompose within 6 months.
You can also pop the floss picks and toothbrush bristles in recycling and they’ll break down with continuous exposure to oxygen and sunlight.
They do not offer a recycling program or refilling option at this time.
GIVING BACK
Through their #makethechange campaign, PearlBar donates 10% of stock sold to charities including the Salvation Army and Love Without Boundaries. One toothbrush gets donated for very 10 toothbrushes sold.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVITY
PearlBar was unable to offer data regarding company diversity at this time.
If you are looking to take another step into making your home a more sustainable one, swapping to more sustainable dental care products is a good step to consider taking. If you do switch to PearlBar products, not only will you be preventing more plastic from ending up in landfills, you’ll also be eliminating a lot of harsh ingredients from your personal care routine. With every purchase, you’ll also be helping PearlBar give oral hygiene essentials to those who need it. So, if all of that sounds good to you, go and have a look at the reviews, head to their website, and see if the PearlBar range is right for you.
PearlBar is available globally via its website and stockists around the world.