Microplastics detected in 76% of toothpaste samples sold in Bangladesh: Study
A study found microplastics in more than three-quarters of toothpaste samples sold in Bangladesh, prompting fresh scrutiny of everyday consumer products.
Nearly three out of every four toothpaste products tested in Bangladesh contain microplastics, raising concerns over the potential health risks of a product used daily by millions, according to a new study by the Environment and Social Development Organization.
Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces less than five millimetres long that come from broken-down trash, synthetic clothes, and manufactured beads. They pollute the air, water, and soil, and can end up inside animals and humans.
The year-long study found microplastic particles in 26 of 34 toothpaste samples (76.5%) collected from 19 local and imported brands sold across the country.
The findings were unveiled today (26 July) at the research organisation's office in Lalmatia of the capital.
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Conducted between July 2025 and June 2026, the study analysed samples collected from supermarkets, retail shops and wholesale markets. Laboratory tests were carried out at the Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology Laboratory of Jahangirnagar University. The survey was conducted on 2,760 consumers nationwide
Microplastics were detected in 22 of 25 locally produced toothpaste samples, two samples imported from Vietnam, one of two from Thailand and one of five from India.
Researchers found between 20 and 320 microplastic particles per 100 grams of toothpaste. Mediplus Fluoride Gel contained the highest level, with 320 particles per 100 grams.
Closeup Red Hot and Closeup Menthol Fresh each contained 160 particles, followed by 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.
Eight samples, including Zenfresh, Parachute Just for Baby (Mango) and Close-Up Red-Hot Zinc Fresh Technology, showed no detectable microplastics.
Four of the six children's toothpaste samples tested, or 66.7%, contained microplastics ranging from 20 to 140 particles per 100 grams.
Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula recorded the highest level followed by Meril Baby Strawberry, Meril Baby Orange and Pepsodent Kids Orange. No microplastics were found in Parachute Just for Baby or Kodomo Orange.
While the study did not assess direct health effects, the organisation warned that microplastics released from toothpaste can enter the environment and, eventually, the human body through food and drinking water.
Referring to international studies linking microplastic exposure to potential risks involving the respiratory, digestive, immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems, the study noted that further research is needed to confirm these impacts.
Speaking at the event, Dr Shahriar Hossain, secretary general and senior technical adviser of the research organisation, said the consumer survey revealed limited awareness of the issue. Nearly 41.9% of respondents said they had never heard of microplastics in toothpaste, while 31.3% had heard the term but knew little about it. Only 26.9% said they were aware of the issue.
Md Manjurul Karim, deputy director (Chemistry) at the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, said the toothpaste standard currently specifies 40 approved ingredients and particle-size limits and some manufacturers may use microplastics as a low-cost filler to increase product weight, describing the practice as undesirable.
The testing institution has already revised standards for facewash and face packs and is considering similar changes for toothpaste, he said.
The research organisation claimed that this is Bangladesh's first scientific study on microplastics in commercially available toothpaste.
Contacted, SM Faysal, public relations and projects manager of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, said consumer safety is the company's highest priority and claimed that all Unilever products, including its toothpaste brands, are developed and manufactured in compliance with rigorous global quality standards and local regulatory requirements.
Referring to the research report, he said the company has taken note of its findings and is seeking additional information on the report's methodology, testing process and results.
Faysal added that Unilever remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of product safety and consumer trust.
