Chondrus Crispus: A Prebiotic Toothpaste Ingredient

Holistic oral care goes beyond fighting bad breath and cavities. It supports the mouth’s natural ecosystem. A disrupted oral microbiome allows harmful bacteria to get out of hand, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, gum inflammation, and more. 

Ingredients like Chondrus crispus, a natural prebiotic, stand out as safe, effective choices for a more balanced microbiome and, as a result, long-term oral health. 

What Is Chondrus Crispus?

Chondrus crispus, also known by its common name of Irish moss or carrageen moss, is a type of red seaweed with unique nutritional and functional properties. It’s found along the rocky Atlantic coasts of North America and European countries like Ireland, and harvested sustainably at low tide to support regrowth in those areas.

Wild-gathering involves handpicking the seaweed from these intertidal zones, followed by drying and cleaning. In some regions, land-based aquaculture systems are being developed to ensure a more consistent, contaminant-free supply and reduce pressure on our natural ecosystems.

Chondrus crispus has a high concentration of carrageenan, a natural polysaccharide and gel-forming substance commonly used as a thickener in food and personal care. That includes foods like dairy products and plant-based milks, as well as lotions, deodorants, and natural toothpastes.

Carrageenan exists in a few different forms, each slightly different in structure, but it’s most beneficial in its whole, unprocessed form.

When used in natural products like toothpaste, it can help deliver that smooth, stable texture of conventional brands without synthetic binders. That’s good news for your brushing experience and your oral microbiome.

Why It’s Used in Toothpaste

The most common reason this unique marine plant is used in products like toothpaste is for its natural thickening properties. In traditional toothpastes, synthetic ingredients like carbomer, a petroleum derivative, or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a harsh foaming agent, are used to get the “right” texture and spreadability. 

While they’re safe enough to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in oral care products, those additives can come with side effects. These include dry mouth, skin irritation, and gum sensitivity, likely all areas you hope to improve with your oral care routine.

These ingredients can also disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your mouth. Chondrus crispus is an alternative that can play the same structural role as those other thickening agents without the potentially harmful effects of chemicals. It gives natural toothpastes like Revitin their body and smoothness without synthetic additives.

Beyond its texture, Chondrus crispus also acts as a prebiotic fiber. That means it helps nourish beneficial microorganisms, or “good” bacteria, in your mouth. This supports a balanced oral microbiome and offers protection against harmful pathogens.

In the body, including your mouth, everything is connected. A balanced oral microbiome supports healthy gums, prevents tooth decay, and reduces inflammation long-term. When that balance is disrupted, that’s when you can see issues like bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. 

Important note: Harsh antiseptics and chemical rinses that eliminate microbes in the short term may sound like a good idea, but the promise of quick fixes won’t do much for lasting oral health. 

Supporting your microbiome naturally helps protect long-term oral and overall health by working with your body’s natural defenses, not against them. It’s a pillar of holistic, integrative dentistry and essential to addressing the root of many oral health concerns.

Safety Information

Chondrus crispus is generally recognized as safe and non-toxic when used in food and oral care products. It’s FDA-approved for use as a food additive, and when used appropriately, it poses no known health risks.

Some studies show that its key compound, carrageenan, may cause some concerns about inflammation and gastrointestinal issues in its processed form. However, natural toothpastes like Revitin use whole Chondrus crispus, not its degraded form. 

Multiple studies show that whole seaweed does not cause inflammation or toxicity in humans when consumed or applied topically, as in the case of toothpastes. In fact, there is growing research around its use in other applications. 

We already know Chondrus crispus is a natural prebiotic. Some studies show its anti-inflammatory effects could be good for reducing overall stress and flare-ups of metabolic conditions, and supporting immune system health. 

Researchers think this is because of its effects on binding to magnesium ions. (Magnesium helps regulate your body’s immune responses, reducing the potential for inflammation.)

While you shouldn’t be eating your toothpaste, Chondrus crispus is safe if accidentally ingested, too. That’s why it’s such a common food additive. Research is ongoing as to whether you should be adding it to your smoothies on a regular basis, but proponents like it as a source of minerals like calcium, zinc, and potassium.

That said, if you have a known seaweed allergy or a rare sensitivity to iodine (red seaweed is a natural source of iodine), you should use caution with Chondrus crispus. For most others, it’s one of the safest natural ingredients for general use as part of your daily oral health routine.

FAQs

Which chemicals should be avoided in toothpaste?

Conventional toothpastes can contain certain chemicals that may cause health concerns or irritation. SLS, for example, can contribute to dry mouth, and artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners may cause sensitivities.

While fluoride is widely used for cavity prevention, excessive fluoride intake can lead to fluorosis and hormonal imbalances. Nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp), an alternative to fluoride, is linked to cytotoxicity. Propylene glycol, a common wetting and foaming agent, has been linked to central nervous system problems in large doses. 

The more natural the ingredients list in your toothpaste, the better. That’s true of all of your oral care products, including sugar-free gums. (Xylitol may be more harmful than we initially thought.) Choosing clean, well-researched ingredients helps support safer, gentler oral care.

What are the best whitening toothpastes without harmful additives?

The best natural toothpastes for whitening and oral health are natural products with naturally sourced ingredients, like Revitin, that are free of additives and harmful compounds like fluoride. 

Revitin uses safe, non-toxic ingredients to support a healthy oral microbiome while gently removing stains and preventing conditions like gingivitis. Ingredients like calcium carbonate tackle plaque buildup and tooth remineralization without the side effects of harsh abrasives that can lead to issues down the line.

Revitalize Your Smile With Revitin 

Chondrus crispus supports holistic oral health by nourishing the oral microbiome while giving you the texture you’d expect from a toothpaste. Revitin harnesses the benefits of this red seaweed along with other natural ingredients like xanthan gum and cranberry seed oil that contribute to a balanced oral microbiome.

Revitin is safe, non-toxic, and highly effective, and choosing this natural toothpaste means embracing a cleaner, kinder approach to oral care.

Ready for a more long-lasting solution to oral care? Try Revitin, the world’s first toothpaste designed by the nation’s leading biologic dentist to support a healthy oral microbiome. 

Sources

1. Álvarez-Viñas, M., González-Ballesteros, N., Torres, D.M., et al. (2022). Efficient extraction of carrageenans from Chondrus crispus for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and formulation of printable hydrogels, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 206, 553-566. Full text: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813022004019?via%3Dihub

2. Chevenier, A., Jouanneau, D., & Ficko-Blean, E. (2023). Carrageenan biosynthesis in red algae: A review. The Cell Surface, 9, 100097. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10311240/

3. Kanouté, A., Dieng, S.N., Diop, M., et al. (2022). Chemical vs. natural toothpaste: which formulas for which properties? A scoping review. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 13(3), 1945. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9585602/

4. Park, S.J., Sharma, A., & Lee, H.J. (2024). An Update on the chemical constituents and biological properties of selected species of an underpinned genus of red algae: chondrus. Marine Drugs, 22(1), 47. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10817618/

5. Lomartire, S., Marques, J.C., & Gonçalves, A.M.M. (2021). An overview to the health benefits of seaweeds consumption. Marine Drugs, 19(6), 341. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8232781/

6. Jaworowska, A. & Murtaza, A. (2022). Seaweed derived lipids are a potential anti-inflammatory agent: a review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(1), 730. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9819613/

7. Wekwejt, M., Wojtala, M., Mielewczyk-Gryń, A., et al. (2024). Injectable biocomposite cement: A dual-setting formula with magnesium potassium phosphate and κ-carrageenan hydrogel for orthopedic advancements. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 283(Pt 4), 137922. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39577538/

8. Darias-Rosales, J., Rubio, C., Gutiérrez, Á.J., et al. (2020). Risk assessment of iodine intake from the consumption of red seaweeds (Palmaria palmata and Chondrus crispus). Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27, 45737–45741. Full text: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-020-10478-9#citeas

9. Silici, S., Okan, A., Köklü, B., et al. (2023). Toxicity of propylene glycol extract of propolis on central nervous system and liver in pregnant and neonatal rats. Die Zeitschrift für Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie (ZGN), 227(4), 261-268. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36889342/