Microplastics detected in 26 of 34 toothpaste: ESDO
More than three-quarters of toothpaste products tested in Bangladesh contain microplastics, according to a new study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO).
The findings, released on Sunday, showed that 26 of the 34 toothpaste samples tested-or 76.5 percent-contained microplastic particles. Researchers detected between 20 and 320 microplastic particles per 100 grams of toothpaste in the contaminated samples, while the remaining eight products tested negative.
ESDO said the year-long study, conducted between July 2025 and June 2026, is the first scientific assessment of microplastics in toothpaste available on the Bangladeshi market. The research combined a nationwide consumer survey, laboratory analysis and interviews with regulatory officials and scientific experts.
The laboratory tests were carried out at the Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE) Laboratory under the Department of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University. Researchers analyzed 34 toothpaste samples representing 19 brands using stereomicroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), techniques widely used to identify plastic particles.
The toothpaste samples included products manufactured in Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam. According to the report, 22 of the 25 Bangladeshi-made samples contained microplastics. One of the five Indian products tested positive, while one of the two Thai samples and both Vietnamese products also contained microplastic particles. The highest concentration recorded in a single product was 320 particles per 100 grams. The study also found microplastics in toothpaste marketed for children. Of the six children’s toothpaste products examined, four contained microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 20 to 140 particles per 100 grams. The remaining two samples showed no detectable presence of microplastics.
Researchers expressed concern that none of the tested toothpaste products disclosed the presence of microplastics or synthetic polymers on their packaging. According to ESDO, the lack of ingredient transparency leaves consumers unaware of what they are using and makes effective regulatory oversight more difficult.
As part of the research, ESDO surveyed 2,760 consumers across Bangladesh to assess public awareness of microplastics in oral care products. Although almost all respondents said they used toothpaste regularly, 41.9 percent said they did not know toothpaste could contain microplastics. Only 26.9 percent reported being aware of the issue.
ESDO said the study was not intended to identify or accuse any specific brand or manufacturer. Rather, it aimed to highlight the absence of national standards, permissible limits, testing protocols and labeling requirements for microplastics in toothpaste sold in Bangladesh.
The organisation warned that Bangladesh currently lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework to monitor microplastics in oral care products. It noted that limited laboratory capacity and inadequate market surveillance have further constrained authorities’ ability to assess the scale of the issue.
In its recommendations, ESDO called on the government to establish science-based national standards for microplastics in toothpaste, strengthen laboratory testing capacity, introduce routine market monitoring, and require manufacturers to provide transparent ingredient information on product labels.
It also urged regulators, research institutions, manufacturers and consumer rights groups to work together to develop an effective monitoring system and support further research into the potential health impacts of long-term exposure to microplastics through personal care products.
