The findings were disclosed during a press conference titled "Microplastics in Toothpaste," held at ESDO’s headquarters in Lalmatia, Dhaka, on Sunday (July 26).
Conducted from July 2025 to June 2026, the study collected 34 toothpaste samples from superstores, retail shops, and wholesale markets across Bangladesh. Laboratory analysis was performed at the Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE) Laboratory under the Department of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University. Alongside the lab analysis, a nationwide survey was conducted involving 2,760 consumers.
Among the tested samples, microplastics were identified in 22 out of 25 Bangladeshi-manufactured samples, both of the two tested samples from Vietnam, one out of two from Thailand, and one out of five from India.
Concentration Levels and Affected Brands
The laboratory analysis revealed microplastic concentrations ranging between 20 and 320 particles per 100 grams of toothpaste.
The highest concentration—320 particles per 100 grams—was detected in MediPlus Fluoride Gel. Other significant findings per 100 grams included:
CloseUp Red Hot & CloseUp Menthol Fresh: 160 particles each
Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula: 140 particles
Signal Green Tea: 120 particles
Pepsodent Advance Salt & Himalaya Complete Care: 100 particles each
Sensodyne Fresh Mint: 80 particles
In contrast, eight samples showed no detectable microplastics, including GenFresh, Parachute Just for Baby (Mango), and CloseUp Red Hot Zinc Fresh Technology.
Microplastics were also detected in four out of six children's toothpastes tested (66.7 percent), with particle counts ranging from 20 to 140 per 100 grams. Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula led this category with 140 particles, followed by Meril Baby Strawberry (60), Meril Baby Orange (40), and Pepsodent Kids Orange (20). However, no microplastics were found in Parachute Just for Baby and Kodomo Orange.
Lack of Labeling and Consumer Awareness
The study highlighted that none of the tested toothpastes disclosed the presence of microplastics or synthetic polymers on their packaging or ingredient labels. ESDO emphasized that this lack of transparency deprives consumers of making informed choices and complicates market oversight for regulatory authorities.
Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General and Senior Technical Advisor of ESDO, clarified that all samples were directly sourced from reputable superstores and retail sellers, ruling out the inclusion of counterfeit or adulterated products in the study.
The consumer survey revealed low public awareness regarding microplastics in dental products. Approximately 41.9 percent of respondents stated they had never heard of microplastics in toothpaste, while 31.3 percent had heard the term but lacked detailed knowledge. Only 26.9 percent reported being aware of the issue.
The survey also indicated that 82.5 percent of participants use toothpaste regularly, and 90.6 percent use a toothbrush daily. MediPlus emerged as the most widely used brand among respondents (35.6 percent), followed by CloseUp and Pepsodent (13.8 percent each), and Colgate (11.3 percent).
Regulatory Response and Health Risks
Speaking at the event, Md. Manzurul Karim, Deputy Director (Chemistry) at the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), noted that the national standard for toothpaste currently regulates 40 approved ingredients and particle size limits.
Karim acknowledged that some manufacturers might incorporate microplastics as a cost-effective way to add weight or volume, calling it a "bad practice." He added that BSTI has been monitoring microplastics in cosmetic products since 2019 and has already revised standards for face washes and face packs. Similar amendments are now being considered for toothpaste standards.
ESDO pointed out that this is the first scientific study on microplastics in commercially available toothpaste in Bangladesh. Currently, there are no national standards, permissible limits, testing protocols, or mandatory labeling policies for microplastics in toothpaste in the country.
Syed Marghub Munshed, Chairperson of ESDO, emphasized that effective public policies must be grounded in reliable scientific evidence, expressing hope that the study would help strengthen regulatory oversight and protect consumer health.
Microplastics washed down the drain from toothpaste can easily enter water bodies and food chains, ultimately posing health risks to humans. While further research is needed, international studies link microplastic exposure to potential risks affecting the respiratory system, digestive tract, immune response, cardiovascular system, and reproductive health.
