Tom's of Maine

[RedSoxRosie]

What's everyone's opinion on Tom's of Maine products?

Way back in the day when I first heard of them (and scoffed at natural and organic products) I used to think "eeew!". Well, now that I'm all over the organic stuff, I still think "eeeew!" when it comes to Tom's.

I bought their mouthwash (peppermint) and while it's IN my mouth it's fine, has a minty feeling and freshness to it, then after it's spit out it leaves a horrible aftertaste in my mouth the rest of the day that has me worrying that my breath stinks. (which is the reason I use the mouthwash in the first place)

The toothpaste I won't try because they have fluoride and I get fluoride free.

And their deodorants first ingredient is propylene glycol (petroleum).

Boo on Tom from me.

[jujubee]

The only products of theirs that I've tried are the toothpastes. I love them! I've had two different varieties and I loved them both. I found a closeout sale at Kroger where the tubes were $1.99, so I bought several (including kids) for us to try. I just used the last of the tubes last week, and I was squeezing that sucker for any last bits, lol!

I also buy my dd the strawberry kids flavor, and she loves it, too.

DH was also quite happy with the peppermint variety.

[Mavis]

I have some flouride free Tom's of Maine toothpaste. I haven't tried it yet so I can't give a full report but just wanted to let you know they do have it.

[bexx09]

I've tried Tom's toothpaste, mouthwash and deodorant. The toothpaste is pretty good. I completely agree with you about the mouthwash -- I only used my trial sized bottle ONCE. And the deodorant is okay-ish... has a strong scent that I didn't really like, so I only bought it the one time.

[moon and stars]

We use the flouride free toothpastes (both the adult and the kids' silly strawberry). We're pleased with them. The one thing I don't care for is sls is an ingredient. I know they have sls-free toothpaste, but no retailer around here carries it.

The other products we avoid due to ingredients we choose not to use.

[RedSoxRosie]

Thanks for letting me know they have fluoride-free. I haven't seen it around here, but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough.

[RedSoxRosie]

Originally Posted by moon and stars

We use the flouride free toothpastes (both the adult and the kids' silly strawberry). We're pleased with them. The one thing I don't care for is sls is an ingredient. I know they have sls-free toothpaste, but no retailer around here carries it.

The other products we avoid due to ingredients we choose not to use.

May I ask what's sls? Is that the laurel sulfates?

[moon and stars]

Yep, sodium laurel sulfate.

[suzy24]

I've used the toothpaste, deodorant and shave cream and liked them all. I agree, the deodorant smell is a little strong. Also, just throwing it in that Tom's is owned by Colgate.

[derketchup]

the spearmint flavored toothpaste isn't bad! Don't like much of anything else, though.

[RedSoxRosie]

Originally Posted by moon and stars

Yep, sodium laurel sulfate.

I know this is jumping off the Tom's tracks, but...I was looking at Method products yesterday and the dish soap doesn't actually list the ingredients (neither does Seventh Generation) they just say soemthing like "a unique blend of naturally derived cleaning agents" and then says coconut-based something or other (which I think is kind of elusive)..anyway, on the Method hand soaps it lists the ingredients and the SECOND ingredient is sodium laural sulfate.
I'm kind of bummed about that.

[Kyrthira]

My husband has used Tom's before, and we recall him liking it. I'll double-check the ingredients when we buy it, but even if the ingredients aren't perfect CVS is having a sale here in a bit and at least the Tom's is better than the cheapo stuff we USED to use.

At least on my end, I was happy to find a scented deodorant that he could wear that wouldn't make ME start sneezing violently until I was so dizzy I had to sit down...

[derketchup]

Tom's is now owned by Colgate. Caveat emptor.

[jujubee]

Originally Posted by derketchup

Tom's is now owned by Colgate. Caveat emptor.

Tom's of Maine - About - Colgate partnership

...After much soul-searching, and many conversations with our children and trusted advisors, we realized that we cannot meet this growing demand alone. We decided to seek a partner to help us. It’s been a quest that we entered with trepidation and excitement because we wanted to find a company that would honor our values, and we were unwavering in our commitment to stay intact in Maine as Tom’s of Maine. We are happy to report to you that we did find a partner who has a deep understanding and respect for what we’ve done and wants to build on that with us.

Here is our good news: we have chosen to become part of the Colgate-Palmolive Company. We will keep a minority ownership in Tom’s of Maine, and are looking forward to continuing as CEO and Vice President to ensure long-term sustainability. The agreement we have worked out succeeds in preserving the character, spirit, and values of our company as we grow.

What does this new partnership mean for you? You will continue to be able to rely on our tried and true Natural Care products based on our model of stewardship and sustainability. We will continue to make products without artificial preservatives, sweeteners, or dyes and without animal testing or animal ingredients. It will probably become easier for you to find more of our products in a variety of stores. You will still write or call us here in Kennebunk, Maine and we will still be called Tom’s of Maine. We will continue our Common Good Partnerships, and to give 10% of what we earn to community efforts, and to support 5% of employee time for volunteering.

...

[spiderdust]

I'm going to give them a woody carrot... not quite a stick, but not the best carrot in the crisper either.

The products aren't as good (IMO) as they were before they were bought by Colgate, but they're still fairly decent. They're one of the few companies who make a non-minty toothpaste for kids that isn't bubble gum flavored. Their deodorant usually works well for me. Their mouthwash doesn't taste sugary. They still have a few unique herbal-y flavors of toothpaste.

[OHeather]

Spider, I was just coming to post something similar. I'm sure the head honchos @ Colgate have tweeked formulas mush to the shagrin of Tom's of Maine head honchos. But being a minority, what do they have to stand on? My advise would be to write/call/email them and tell them that you don't like these things in theor products. If they get enough letters/calls/emails, they'll know something needs to be changed. While you're at it, do the same to Colgate. They'll get the picture.

[jujubee]

I didn't purchase their products before they were bought out by Colgate, so I don't know what's different & what's not. I do agree about the kids toothpaste - why is everything bubblegum flavor?? My dd's been using the strawberry flavor for a while now.

[derketchup]

Originally Posted by spiderdust

I'm going to give them a woody carrot... not quite a stick, but not the best carrot in the crisper either.

The products aren't as good (IMO) as they were before they were bought by Colgate, but they're still fairly decent. They're one of the few companies who make a non-minty toothpaste for kids that isn't bubble gum flavored. Their deodorant usually works well for me. Their mouthwash doesn't taste sugary. They still have a few unique herbal-y flavors of toothpaste.

I've had a hard time finding toothpaste without fluoride from them, too. I mean, it's still out there, but it used to be that finding a fluoride toothpaste with them was difficult.

I am going to email them.

[Prizm99]

Originally Posted by moon and stars

Yep, sodium laurel sulfate.

How do you know what is considered bad?

[RedSoxRosie]

Originally Posted by derketchup

I've had a hard time finding toothpaste without fluoride from them, too. I mean, it's still out there, but it used to be that finding a fluoride toothpaste with them was difficult.

I am going to email them.

I'm with you, I have yet to find a fluoride free from them that is a flavor for kids.
The silly strawberry has fluoride, so I don't give that to my daughter...yet she won't use my fluoride-free mint kind.
The "baby" toothpastes they make (with Little Bear and Thomas the Train on them)...can't remember who makes them...have propylene glycol in them, so I was discouraged by that.
Tom's deodorants have propylene glycol in them too.

The main things I stay away from are sodium laurel (laureth) sulfates, propylene glycol and mineral oil. I'm adding to my list everyday though. But those are my tops when I look at the ingredients in a product.

[Prizm99]

Originally Posted by RedSoxRosie

What's everyone's opinion on Tom's of Maine products?

Way back in the day when I first heard of them (and scoffed at natural and organic products) I used to think "eeew!". Well, now that I'm all over the organic stuff, I still think "eeeew!" when it comes to Tom's.

I bought their mouthwash (peppermint) and while it's IN my mouth it's fine, has a minty feeling and freshness to it, then after it's spit out it leaves a horrible aftertaste in my mouth the rest of the day that has me worrying that my breath stinks. (which is the reason I use the mouthwash in the first place)

The toothpaste I won't try because they have fluoride and I get fluoride free.

And their deodorants first ingredient is propylene glycol (petroleum).

Boo on Tom from me.

I am using their deodorant right now and it does a good job but like you said the first ingredient is propylene glycol. It is supposed to be all natural but there are still controversies on that ingredient.

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

I like their toothpaste for me and my kids. It is funny, now that we have been using it for a few years, I absolutely can't stand regular foaming toothpaste. When I visit my parents sometimes I forget to pack my toothpaste. My kids feel the same way.