More than three in every four toothpaste samples collected from the Bangladeshi market were found to contain microplastics, according to a year-long study released on Sunday.
The Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) said microplastics were detected in 76.5% of 34 toothpaste samples from 19 local and imported brands collected from super shops, retail outlets and wholesale markets across the country during the study conducted between July 2025 and June 2026.
Laboratory analysis was carried out at the Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE) Laboratory under the Department of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University. ESDO also conducted a nationwide consumer survey involving 2,760 respondents.
According to the study, microplastics were detected in 26 of the 34 toothpaste samples. Of the 25 samples manufactured in Bangladesh, 22 contained microplastics. Both samples from Vietnam also tested positive, along with 1 of 2 samples from Thailand and 1 of 5 samples from India.
Researchers found between 20 and 320 microplastic particles per 100 grams of toothpaste.
The highest concentration, 320 particles per 100 grams was recorded in Mediplus Fluoride Gel.
Other products with comparatively high levels included Closeup Red Hot and Closeup Menthol Fresh with 160 particles each, Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula with 140, Signal Green Tea with 120, Pepsodent Advance Salt and Himalaya Complete Care with 100 each, and Sensodyne Fresh Mint with 80.
No detectable microplastics were found in 8 samples, including Zenfresh, Parachute Just for Baby (Mango) and Close-Up Red-Hot Zinc Fresh Technology.
Among the 6 children's toothpaste samples tested, 4 contained microplastics ranging from 20 to 140 particles per 100 grams. Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula recorded the highest level, while Parachute Just for Baby and Kodomo Orange showed no detectable microplastics.
The study also found that none of the toothpaste packaging disclosed the presence of microplastics or the synthetic polymers used, limiting consumers' ability to make informed choices and making regulatory monitoring more difficult.
Speaking at the event, ESDO Secretary General and Senior Technical Adviser Dr Shahriar Hossain said all samples were collected directly from super shops and retailers, leaving no scope for counterfeit or adulterated products to be included in the study.
The consumer survey found that awareness of microplastics in toothpaste remains limited. About 41.9% of respondents said they had never heard of the issue, while 31.3% had heard the term but knew little about it. Only 26.9% said they were aware of the issue.
The survey also found that 82.5% of respondents regularly use toothpaste and 90.6% use toothbrushes. Most respondents, or 56.9%, brush once a day, while 40.6% brush twice daily.
Mediplus was the most commonly used toothpaste brand among respondents, followed by Closeup, Pepsodent and Colgate.
Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) Deputy Director (Chemistry) Md Monzurul Karim said current national standards specify 40 approved toothpaste ingredients and particle size limits.
He said: "Some manufacturers might use microplastics to increase product weight at low cost," describing the practice as undesirable.
He added: "BSTI has been examining the issue since 2019 and will consider revising toothpaste standards after updating standards for facewash and facepack products."
ESDO said the research is the first scientific study on microplastics in toothpaste sold in Bangladesh. It noted that the country currently has no national standards, permissible limits, testing methods or mandatory labeling requirements for microplastics in toothpaste.
ESDO Chairperson Syed Marghub Murshed said: "The findings will support the development of toothpaste standards, strengthen regulatory oversight and help protect consumers and the environment."
According to the study, microplastics released from toothpaste can enter the environment and eventually the human body through food and drinking water. It cited international studies indicating potential risks to the respiratory, digestive, immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems while noting that further research is needed.
