Researchers from the Environment and Social Development Organization tested 34 toothpaste samples in Bangladesh between July 2025 and June 2026 and found microplastics in 26 samples (76.5%). Domestic brands were most affected, with 22 of 25 Bangladesh-made products testing positive. Detected levels ranged from 20 to 320 particles per 100 grams, and packaging rarely disclosed polymer contents. Esdo has called for standards, testing methods, and mandatory labelling to protect consumers and the environment.
Study Finds Microplastics in 76.5% of Toothpaste Samples in Bangladesh — Local Brands Worst Hit
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A year-long study in Bangladesh has found microplastic particles in the majority of tested toothpaste samples, raising fresh concerns about everyday exposure and gaps in regulation.
Study Findings
Researchers from the Environment and Social Development Organization (Esdo) analyzed 34 toothpaste samples purchased from supershops, retail outlets, and wholesale markets between July 2025 and June 2026. They detected microplastics in 26 samples — equal to 76.5% of the products tested. Domestic brands were most affected, with 22 of 25 Bangladesh-made samples testing positive.
Levels and Notable Products
Measured concentrations ranged from 20 to 320 particles per 100 grams of toothpaste. Mediplus Fluoride Gel recorded the highest count at 320 particles per 100 g. Four of the six children’s toothpastes included in the study also contained microplastics, with counts between 20 and 140 particles per 100 g.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Esdo warned that toothpaste can release microplastic particles into wastewater and the environment during use and disposal. Those particles may re-enter the food chain and drinking water, ultimately reaching people. The organisation cited international studies linking microplastic exposure to potential effects across respiratory, digestive, immune, cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems — while stressing that more research is needed to clarify health risks.
“These findings highlight a regulatory gap and a potential public-health concern,” said Esdo Chairperson Syed Marghub Murshed, calling for improved oversight and stricter standards.
Regulatory Gaps and Industry Response
Esdo found that none of the tested toothpaste packaging disclosed the presence of microplastics or identified the synthetic polymers used, leaving consumers without clear information to compare products. A consumer survey by Esdo showed limited public awareness: 41.9% of respondents said they had never heard of microplastics in toothpaste.
Md Monzurul Karim, deputy director for chemistry at the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), noted that current national standards approve 40 toothpaste ingredients and include particle-size limits. He also suggested some manufacturers might be using microplastics as a low-cost means to increase product weight, calling the practice undesirable. BSTI has been examining microplastics in personal-care products since 2019 and may revisit toothpaste standards after updates to facewash and facepack rules.
What’s Missing
Esdo emphasised that Bangladesh currently lacks national standards, permitted limits, validated testing methods, and mandatory labelling requirements for microplastics in toothpaste. The study did identify several products with no detectable microplastics, but Esdo cautioned that a single round of testing cannot guarantee a product will always be free of particles.
Next steps: Esdo and consumer advocates are urging regulators and manufacturers to adopt standardized testing, set clear limits or bans where warranted, and require transparent labelling so shoppers can make informed choices.
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