Botanical oils and oral-care ingredients used in LOL!® adult toothpaste

Botanical Oils in Toothpaste: Coconut, Green Tea, Mint & More

Botanical oils have been used for generations to create distinctive flavors, aromas and sensory experiences. In modern toothpaste, however, they can do much more than make a formula taste pleasant. Carefully selected botanical ingredients can contribute freshness, mouthfeel, color and complementary oral-care support.

LOL!® uses different botanical oils and functional ingredients across its adult toothpaste collection. Each formula has its own purpose: the smooth coco-mint experience of Whitening Glow, the botanical cleansing profile of Ultra Detox and the layered freshness system of Deep Fresh.

This guide explains what each ingredient is, where it comes from, how ingredients of this type are generally produced and why they were selected for their specific LOL!® formula.

WHAT ARE BOTANICAL OILS?

Botanical oils are ingredients obtained from plants, seeds, fruits, leaves, flowers or herbs. They are not all produced in the same way and they do not all perform the same function.

Essential oils—such as peppermint, thyme, rosemary, spearmint and anise oils—contain concentrated aromatic compounds responsible for the plant’s characteristic flavor and aroma. These oils are commonly produced through steam distillation, although extraction methods can vary by supplier.

Carrier and seed oils—such as coconut oil and pomegranate seed oil—contain naturally occurring lipids. They may be produced by mechanical pressing, controlled extraction and filtration or refining.

Other ingredients in a botanical-inspired formula may not technically be oils. Sodium copper chlorophyllin is a chlorophyll-derived color ingredient, zinc citrate is a functional mineral salt and propolis is a resinous material collected and processed by bees.

HOW ARE BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS ADDED TO TOOTHPASTE?

Toothpaste is a carefully balanced mixture containing water-based ingredients, humectants, cleaning and polishing agents, binders, flavors and specialized oral-care ingredients.

During typical toothpaste manufacturing, concentrated aromatic oils are first measured in very small, controlled amounts. They may be combined with the flavor phase or dispersed with other compatible ingredients before being mixed throughout the toothpaste.

Water-soluble materials—including certain mineral salts and chlorophyll-derived ingredients—may be incorporated into a separate phase. The complete formula is then blended and homogenized so the ingredients remain evenly distributed in every use.

The exact order, temperature and mixing process depend on the formula and manufacturer. Ingredient identity, purity, concentration, stability and compatibility are all important because botanical oils are highly concentrated.

LOL!® WHITENING GLOW: COCONUT OIL

Coconut Oil — Cocos Nucifera Oil

Coconut oil is obtained from the white kernel of mature coconuts. Depending on the desired grade, the coconut meat may be dried or processed fresh before the oil is mechanically pressed, filtered and refined for use in personal-care products.

Coconut oil naturally contains fatty acids, with lauric acid being one of its best-known components. In toothpaste, it can contribute a smooth texture, creamy mouthfeel and a gentle coconut profile that complements mint flavor.

Research involving coconut-oil pulling has explored possible effects on plaque and oral hygiene. However, oil pulling is not the same as brushing with a formulated toothpaste, and the findings should not be interpreted as proof that coconut oil alone prevents or treats dental disease.

In LOL!® Whitening Glow, coconut oil supports the formula’s signature coco-mint experience while complementing PAP+, nano hydroxyapatite, probiotics, xylitol and erythritol. Its primary formula-specific role is to create a smooth, pleasant brushing experience that fits the product’s gentle whitening identity.

LOL!® ULTRA DETOX: GREEN TEA, POMEGRANATE AND ROSEMARY

LOL!® Ultra Detox combines a matcha-mint sensory profile with selected botanical ingredients, kaolin and activated charcoal. The word “detox” describes the product’s deep-cleaning experience; toothpaste does not medically detoxify the body.

Green Tea Leaf Oil — Camellia Sinensis

Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Green-tea-derived ingredients can be produced using different extraction methods, depending on whether the desired material is an oil-soluble fraction, aromatic component or polyphenol-rich extract.

Green tea naturally contains compounds studied for antioxidant and oral-care applications. Research involving green tea toothpastes, gels and mouthrinses has reported encouraging results related to plaque and gum health, although evidence is not sufficient to treat green tea as a replacement for established dental care.

It is important to understand that matcha powder and green tea leaf oil are not technically identical. Matcha is finely ground green tea leaf, while a green-tea-derived oil or extract is a separately processed formulation ingredient. Ultra Detox has a matcha-mint identity, while the precise ingredient name should always follow the product’s official ingredient declaration.

Within Ultra Detox, the green tea botanical contributes to the formula’s clean, modern botanical profile and complements the deeper cleansing experience associated with kaolin and activated charcoal.

Pomegranate Seed Oil — Punica Granatum Seed Oil

Pomegranate seed oil is obtained from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit, generally through mechanical pressing or another controlled extraction method followed by filtration and purification.

The oil contains naturally occurring fatty acids and other plant-derived constituents. Research on pomegranate extracts has generated interest in oral-care applications, but an extract from the fruit or peel is not the same material as pomegranate seed oil. Benefits observed with one type of pomegranate preparation should not automatically be assigned to another.

In Ultra Detox, pomegranate seed oil contributes a refined botanical element and supports the formula’s conditioning and sensory character. It works as part of the complete formulation rather than as a stand-alone dental treatment.

Rosemary Leaf Oil — Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil

Rosemary essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of rosemary leaves and flowering portions. The resulting aromatic oil contains compounds that give rosemary its clean, herbal scent.

Rosemary has been studied in oral-care formulations for its potential complementary effects on oral microorganisms, plaque and gum wellness. Some clinical and laboratory studies are promising, but results depend on the complete formula, concentration and method of use.

In Ultra Detox, rosemary leaf oil adds a crisp herbal dimension that complements matcha mint, kaolin and activated charcoal. It helps create a clean after-brushing sensation and reinforces the formula’s botanical cleansing identity.

LOL!® DEEP FRESH: A MULTI-LAYER FRESHNESS SYSTEM

Deep Fresh uses several aromatic botanicals together with sodium copper chlorophyllin and zinc citrate. These ingredients perform different but complementary roles—from immediate mint sensation and botanical flavor to natural-looking color and targeted odor support.

Peppermint Oil — Mentha Piperita Oil

Peppermint oil is generally steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering portions of the peppermint plant. It contains menthol and related aromatic compounds responsible for peppermint’s recognizable cooling sensation.

In toothpaste, peppermint oil provides immediate sensory freshness and helps leave the mouth feeling clean after brushing. The cooling sensation is a sensory effect; it should not be confused with permanently eliminating the underlying causes of persistent bad breath.

In Deep Fresh, peppermint oil supplies the first layer of the Mint Swirl flavor and delivers a crisp, cooling finish.

Thyme Oil — Thymus Vulgaris Oil

Thyme essential oil is commonly produced by steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops of Thymus vulgaris. Its composition may include thymol and other aromatic compounds, depending on the botanical variety and growing conditions.

Thyme-derived compounds have been studied for antimicrobial activity, including activity involving oral microorganisms. Laboratory findings do not mean thyme oil alone prevents cavities or treats gum disease, but they help explain its continued use in carefully formulated oral-care products.

In Deep Fresh, thyme oil contributes robust herbal freshness and complements the mint oils to create a deeper, longer-lasting sensory profile.

Spearmint Leaf Oil — Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil

Spearmint oil is generally obtained through steam distillation of spearmint leaves. Unlike peppermint oil, which is known for its stronger menthol character, spearmint usually provides a sweeter, softer and less sharply cooling mint profile.

In Deep Fresh, spearmint leaf oil rounds out the stronger peppermint and thyme notes. This creates a more balanced flavor and helps make the fresh sensation pleasant enough for consistent daily brushing.

Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin — CI 75810

Sodium copper chlorophyllin is not an essential oil. It is a water-soluble ingredient derived from chlorophyll, the naturally occurring green pigment found in plants. During processing, chlorophyll is modified to improve its color stability and water compatibility.

In oral-care formulations, sodium copper chlorophyllin can provide a botanical-inspired green color without relying on a conventional synthetic-looking dye. Chlorophyll derivatives have also been used historically in deodorizing applications, although the strongest direct odor-neutralizing role in Deep Fresh comes from zinc citrate.

In Deep Fresh, sodium copper chlorophyllin gives the toothpaste its distinctive natural-looking green tone and supports the formula’s clean, botanical freshness identity.

Zinc Citrate

Zinc citrate is not a botanical oil. It is a functional mineral salt formed from zinc and citric acid. It is widely used in oral-care products because zinc ions can interact with volatile sulfur compounds associated with oral malodor.

Rather than simply covering an unpleasant smell with mint flavor, zinc can help neutralize odor-causing sulfur compounds. Clinical research on zinc-containing toothpastes supports its usefulness in reducing these compounds and improving breath freshness after brushing.

In Deep Fresh, zinc citrate provides targeted odor-neutralizing support while peppermint, spearmint, thyme and anise oils provide the immediate flavor and freshness experience.

Anise Oil — Pimpinella Anisum Oil

Anise oil is usually obtained through steam distillation of the seeds or fruits of the Pimpinella anisum plant. Its principal aromatic component, anethole, creates the plant’s recognizable sweet, licorice-like flavor.

In Deep Fresh, anise oil adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the mint profile. This helps soften sharper herbal notes and contributes to a clean, pleasant aftertaste.

Propolis Extract

Propolis is not a plant oil. It is a resinous substance made by bees from plant resins and other natural materials. The bees use it to help protect and maintain the hive.

To create a usable oral-care ingredient, raw propolis is cleaned and extracted using a controlled solvent system—commonly water, alcohol, glycerin or a combination—before being filtered and standardized.

Propolis has been studied in toothpastes and mouthrinses for possible complementary benefits involving plaque, oral microorganisms and gum wellness. Research is promising, but propolis should not be presented as a substitute for professional dental treatment.

In Deep Fresh, propolis extract complements the formula’s botanical oral-care system. Individuals with known allergies to bee products or propolis should consult a healthcare professional before using products containing this ingredient.

WHY COMBINE BOTANICALS WITH MODERN ORAL-CARE INGREDIENTS?

A botanical ingredient does not need to perform every function in a toothpaste. A well-designed formula assigns different jobs to different components:

  • Aromatic oils create flavor and an immediate sensation of freshness.
  • Zinc citrate helps neutralize volatile sulfur compounds associated with bad breath.
  • Sodium copper chlorophyllin supplies botanical-inspired color and complements the freshness story.
  • Coconut and seed oils contribute sensory character and mouthfeel.
  • Nano hydroxyapatite supports enamel remineralization.
  • Lactobacillus paracasei provides probiotic support for a balanced oral-care routine.
  • Xylitol and erythritol create pleasant sweetness without ordinary sugar.
  • Sodium cocoyl glutamate provides gentle, plant-based foaming without SLS.

This combination allows LOL!® to create formula-specific brushing experiences while maintaining the science-powered foundation shared across the collection.

WHICH LOL!® BOTANICAL FORMULA SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Choose Whitening Glow if you want:

  • A smooth coco-mint flavor
  • Coconut oil as part of the sensory experience
  • PAP+ whitening support
  • Nano hydroxyapatite and probiotics

Choose Ultra Detox if you want:

  • A matcha-mint botanical profile
  • Green tea, pomegranate and rosemary ingredients
  • Kaolin and activated charcoal
  • A deeper cleansing experience

Choose Deep Fresh if you want:

  • Layered peppermint, spearmint, thyme and anise freshness
  • Zinc citrate to help neutralize odor-causing sulfur compounds
  • Chlorophyll-derived green color
  • Propolis extract and botanical oral-care support

THE BOTTOM LINE

Botanicals and oils are not added to LOL!® toothpaste simply because they sound natural. Each ingredient is selected to support the flavor, freshness, color, texture or oral-care identity of a specific formula.

Whitening Glow uses coconut oil to complement its smooth coco-mint whitening experience. Ultra Detox combines green tea, pomegranate and rosemary with kaolin and activated charcoal. Deep Fresh layers mint, thyme and anise oils with zinc citrate, chlorophyllin and propolis for a more complete freshness system.

These ingredients work as part of the finished toothpaste—not as individual cures or substitutes for brushing, flossing and professional dental care.

LOL!® — Serious Science. Better Smiles.

This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment or individualized advice from a dentist or healthcare professional. Ingredient lists may be updated; always review the packaging for the current formula. Discontinue use and seek professional advice if irritation or an allergic reaction occurs.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

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