Frequently Asked Questions

Laro's Products - General FAQ

What does "natural" mean?

When we call our Naturally Whitening Toothpaste "natural", we mean that it is primarily made up of ingredients sourced and derived from nature. Our formulas are free of any artificial flavours and preservatives, artificial colouring and artificial sweeteners. We also do not use any animal derived ingredients (which is why we can call ourselves Vegan), or any ingredients tested on animals (Cruelty Free).

What ingredients does your "Naturally Whitening Toothpaste" contain? 

Ingredients list: GLYCERIN, AQUA, HYDRATED SILICA, HYDROXYAPATITE, CALCIUM CARBONATE, KAOLIN, XYLITOL, CELLULOSE GUM, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, STEVIOSIDE, MENTHA ARVENSIS LEAF OIL, MENTHOL, MENTHA VIRIDIS LEAF OIL, BROMELAIN, SODIUM CHLORIDE, AROMA, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA FRUIT OIL, LIMONENE.

Translated into real talk, these are the key components: 

  • Hydroxyapatite: This essentially mimics the substances of your tooth's enamel, and works to rebuild, remineralise and protect enamel as well as smoothing the surface of your teeth. See our Word Of Mouth blog for more.
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine: This is a surfactant derived from Coconut, used as a natural alternative to SLS (Sodium lauryl sulphate) that you find in most commercial toothpastes - these are the ingredients that create the foamy feeling when brushing. 
  • Calcium Carbonate: Used as a micro-abrasive, derived from limestone. 
  • Mint, Lemon & Bergamot Oils: We use three different types of oil extract from mint plants both for flavouring and freshness.
  • Bromelain: This is a naturally occurring enzyme derived from pineapples, and we use it to gently dissolve stains without using harsh abrasives or damaging enamel. 
  • Kaolin: This is a white clay compound that we include for its deep cleansing and anti-microbial properties. 

Does Laro's toothpaste prevent cavities?

Cavities are caused by the bacteria in plaque that can wear away your enamel and create harmful abrasions. Our toothpaste works to prevent and reduce these in combination with regular and effective brushing, as our ingredients are designed to both reduce bacteria and strengthen enamel (please refer to the ingredients breakdown above). 

Why have you chosen not to use Fluoride?

Whilst fluoride has been proven effective in preventing tooth decay, its use has also raised concerns over potential health risks (particularly when it comes to children) and environmental impacts. In our fluoride free toothpaste, we use a variety of natural ingredients known for their dental benefits. But the real star is hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that mimics your tooth enamel. This hard-working active ingredient offers all-around care and protection for your mouth. This alternative not only matches fluoride's effectiveness but also offers additional benefits such as being gentler on sensitive teeth and gums, and it is naturally derived.

Why have you chosen to use aluminium tubes?

Upwards of 1.5 Billion plastic toothpaste tubes end up in landfill sites each year, and we wanted to create something that did better for the environment - it seems outdated in this day and age. We chose aluminium tubes and caps in order to be 100% recyclable through household channels, and indeed aluminium is a material that can be effectively recycled unlike some plastics. We also believe aluminium tubes maintain the maximum freshness and protection for our toothpaste. 

Read more on our blog here.

Are Laro's products gentle on the Oral Microbiome?

We think this is a question that should be asked more often and is at the heart of why we have developed natural formulas with no harsh chemical ingredients.

A healthy oral microbiome consists of beneficial bacteria that can keep harmful microorganisms in check, preventing infections and maintaining the health of our teeth and gums - in much the same way as our gut microbiome. Many conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes contain chemicals and artificial additives that can disrupt the delicate balance of microorganisms in your mouth. The natural ones we have selected offer the same antimicrobial properties without the harmful side effects, ensuring a balanced and healthy oral environment.

Read more on our Word of Mouth blog.

Are Laro's Products Pregnancy Safe?

Yes! All Laro products are formulated with natural ingredients, free from SLS and harmful chemicals, making them safe for you and your baby. For more details, check out our blog post.

Are Laro's Products Vegan?

Yes - all of our formulations are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Our Naturally Whitening Toothpaste and Active Mouth Rinse are made entirely from plant-derived and mineral-based ingredients, without any animal testing or animal-derived compounds.

The only exception is our toothbrush collaboration with Koh-i-Noor, which features natural boar-bristle fibres. These were chosen for their gentle polishing qualities and minimal environmental impact - a return to traditional craftsmanship - but we understand this means the brush itself is not vegan.


While the bristles are naturally derived, no animals are harmed or tested on in the making of our toothbrushes. Koh-i-Noor’s heritage production methods prioritise ethical sourcing and long-lasting quality over synthetic alternatives.

Whitening Toothpaste

Does hydroxyapatite whiten teeth?

Yes - hydroxyapatite can make teeth appear whiter by filling microscopic surface imperfections in the enamel. This creates a smoother, glossier surface that reflects light more evenly, giving a visibly whiter appearance without harsh abrasives or peroxide. It’s considered one of the safest daily whitening ingredients because it also supports remineralisation.

Can whitening toothpaste damage enamel?

Some whitening toothpastes can damage enamel, especially if they rely on strong abrasives or peroxide. However, non-abrasive, remineralising whitening formulas - like those using hydroxyapatite - whiten by rebuilding and smoothing enamel rather than stripping it. Always choose a “low-abrasivity” or “non-abrasive” formula.

How long does whitening toothpaste take to work?

Most whitening toothpastes take 1–2 weeks of consistent use to show visible improvements. Hydroxyapatite-based formulas can show subtle results within a few days because they immediately begin smoothing the enamel surface, but full results appear with continued daily use.

Is non-peroxide whitening effective?

Yes. Non-peroxide whitening uses gentler mechanisms - like hydroxyapatite or polishing minerals - that work by strengthening enamel and reducing surface stains. It’s ideal for people with sensitivity, enamel erosion, or those looking for a long-term whitening approach rather than a quick, harsh bleaching effect.

Can whitening toothpaste be used every day?

Daily use is safe if the toothpaste is non-abrasive and formulated to protect enamel. Gentle, remineralising formulas (like hydroxyapatite) are designed for everyday use and can actually strengthen teeth while whitening.

Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Is fluoride-free toothpaste effective?

Yes - fluoride-free toothpaste can be highly effective when formulated with proven remineralising ingredients like hydroxyapatite. These ingredients help strengthen enamel, reduce sensitivity, and support cavity prevention without using fluoride.

Who should use fluoride-free toothpaste?

Fluoride-free toothpaste is suitable for:

  • people who prefer a natural or clean-ingredient oral routine
  • those with fluoride sensitivity
  • adults wanting to avoid synthetic additives or endocrine disruptors
  • people following holistic or microbiome-supportive oral care
  • pregnant or breastfeeding people seeking fluoride alternatives (always with dentist approval)

Can fluoride-free toothpaste prevent cavities?

Yes - studies show that hydroxyapatite based formulas can remineralise enamel and support cavity prevention at levels comparable to fluoride. Xylitol also helps prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to teeth. Effectiveness depends on the formulation, not just the “fluoride-free” label.

Is fluoride-free toothpaste safe for children?

Many fluoride-free toothpastes are considered safe for children because they avoid the risk of fluorosis from accidental swallowing. However, formulas should still be gentle and age-appropriate. Always check with a dentist for children under 6.

Why are people switching to fluoride-free toothpaste?

People are switching because they want:

  • cleaner ingredient lists
  • enamel-safe alternatives
  • microbiome-friendly oral care
  • effective whitening without synthetic chemicals
  • reduced risk of irritation or over-fluoridation

Hydroxyapatite is driving this shift due to its strong scientific backing.

SLS Free Toothpaste

What is SLS and why is it used in toothpaste?

SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is a foaming agent that creates the lather found in many conventional toothpastes. It doesn’t clean teeth; its function is purely sensory. It’s also known to irritate sensitive mouths.

Why choose SLS-free toothpaste?

SLS-free toothpaste is gentler on the mouth and is recommended for people with:

  • mouth ulcers or canker sores
  • dry mouth
  • sensitive gums
  • oral microbiome imbalance
  • irritation from harsh surfactants
  • eczema or dermatitis around the lips

Can SLS cause mouth ulcers?

Studies suggest a link between SLS and increased frequency or severity of mouth ulcers. The ingredient can irritate the mucosal lining, making SLS-free formulas a better choice for people prone to canker sores.

Is SLS bad for the oral microbiome?

SLS can disrupt the natural oral microbiome by acting as a harsh detergent. It can strip protective moisture layers and contribute to dryness. SLS-free formulas help maintain microbiome balance and are generally better tolerated.

Does SLS affect taste?

Yes - SLS temporarily suppresses sweet taste receptors and enhances bitterness, which is why food can taste strange after brushing. SLS-free toothpaste avoids this effect.

Orders & Shipping

I just placed my Laro order, what happens next? 

You will receive an email from us letting you know your order has been received. Your new Laro products should be at your door within 3-5 business days.

Can I edit the items in my order after it has been confirmed?

We are not able to edit an order after it has been placed, but please contact us so we can help find an alternative solution.

Is shipping free?

Orders over £25 shipping within the UK qualify for free delivery. For orders of  £25 or under, shipping will be calculated at checkout based on the weight of your items.

Please note shipping rates apply to both one-time purchases and subscriptions.

Do you ship outside of the UK?

We currently ship to the UK, Netherlands and Belgium. We are working to open up this option more widely in Europe as we grow - please sign up to our mailing list to be the first in the know when this happens.

My order hasn't been delivered, what should I do? 

If your order hasn't shown up, please email us at orders@larolondon.com and we will follow up with the delivery partner. Make sure you reference your order number email so we can help as efficiently as possible.

My order has arrived with damaged items, what do I do? 

If your order has arrived and there are damages, we are very sorry to hear! Please email us at orders@larolondon.com referencing your order number. If you can include any pictures it will help our team to investigate and avoid this in the future. We will make sure you get a refund or a replacement.

My order arrived but there are items missing, what do I do? 

If there are missing items that should have been with your order, we are very sorry to hear! Please email us at orders@larolondon.com referencing your order number. We will investigate what happened to your items and rectify the problem as soon as possible. 

Returns & Exchanges

How do I make a return? 

If you'd like to return or exchange an unopened Laro product, email us at returns@larolondon.com within 30 days referencing your order number and we will process your return. 

As we are a small business, you are responsible for the return shipping and handling charges, which will not be refunded.

Can I return products if I don't like them? 

Unfortunately as we are a small business competing with some very big giants, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges on any opened items. We are confident you'll love our products though!