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Listerine Alternative

Author

Michael Hansford

Published

July 15, 2025

Brushing and flossing are obviously essential, but mouthwash completes your oral-care routine. It gives you that clean, refreshed finish to help fight plaque, bad breath, and gum irritation. And while Listerine is a household name, many people are starting to look for a replacement.

We understand the need for a better Listerine alternative. That burning and dryness is certainly not the most enjoyable way to start your day or end your evening, especially if you struggle with sensitivity. The good news is there is a smarter alternative to Listerine - just see this chart below.

Brand	Main Active Ingredient(s)	Alcohol	Best For	Key Benefits (factual)
LIVFRESH Mouthwash	Activated Edathamil + essential oils	~0.1%	Advanced gum & tartar control	Patented plaque-adhesion disruption; university clinical study showing superior gum, plaque, and tartar outcomes vs leading brands
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash	Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) 0.07%	0%	Daily plaque/gingivitis help	CPC anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque action; alcohol-free formula
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse	Sodium chlorite (oxygenating) ± xylitol (varies by flavor)	0%	Persistent bad breath; gentle feel	Oxygenating formula targets odor compounds; alcohol-free, dye-free
ACT Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash	Sodium fluoride (anticavity)	0%	Enamel strengthening & cavity prevention	Fluoride rinse; alcohol-free; pH-balanced formula
CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash	Stabilized chlorine dioxide (Cloralstan®)	0%	Sensitive mouths; low-taste rinse	pH-balanced, almost no burn; alcohol-free, dye-free

You can learn more about what to use instead of Listerine below, including natural Listerine alternatives like saltwater, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar rinses - or even oil pulling.

But if you just want the fast facts on the best Listerine alternative, it’s LIVFRESH. Our patented formula uses Activated Edathamil to loosen and repel plaque at the molecular level, delivering 163% better tartar control and 114% better gum health than leading brands in university studies.

It’s gentle, effective, and backed by science. LIVFRESH makes real oral health results finally feel comfortable. Upgrade from Listerine today and experience the difference firsthand!

A Look at the Listerine Lineup

Listerine has become synonymous with mouthwash, known for that signature sharp burn and unmistakable “just cleaned” feeling. The brand has quite a few different products, but it relies on a core blend of essential oils like eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol.

These work as antiseptics to reduce plaque and gingivitis. Over time, the lineup has expanded far beyond its original amber formula. Here are some of the most popular Listerine products:

Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic: The classic blue formula with roughly 26% alcohol, offering strong antibacterial action and intense freshness. It’s ADA-accepted for reducing plaque and gingivitis when used twice daily, but it can sting or dry sensitive mouths.
Listerine Total Care: A multi-benefit version with fluoride for enamel protection. Designed to strengthen teeth while still delivering that antiseptic feel.
Listerine Zero / Total Care Zero: Alcohol-free alternatives that still provide plaque-fighting essential oils but with a milder burn for comfort over intensity.
Listerine Gum Therapy: May improve gum health by reducing bleeding and inflammation at the gumline. It still has about 21% alcohol and the essential oil blend.
Listerine Ultraclean / Tartar Control: Uses zinc compounds to help prevent tartar buildup while keeping the mouth fresh between brushes.
Listerine Whitening Pre-Brush Rinse: Targets surface stains more than gum health, often used alongside the brand’s other antiseptic rinses.

There’s something for everyone in the Listerine lineup, but there’s also a growing trend of people looking for alternatives to Listerine. The good news is you have no shortage of options if you want a Listerine alternative. But what’s the problem with Listerine, exactly?

Why You Might Want an Alternative to Listerine

You might think mouthwash is just mouthwash, but that’s definitely not the case any longer. Today, people don’t have to settle for whatever is most convenient/available at their local drugstore. You can find better options online.

Listerine is really intense. That burning sensation comes from a high alcohol content (up to 26%). Yes, you know you’re getting clean with Listerine - but at what cost? The heat can dry out soft tissue, disrupt the mouth’s natural balance, and lead to discomfort for people with sensitivity, gum irritation, or dry mouth.

That dryness becomes counterproductive for a lot of people. Saliva plays a major role in maintaining oral health, and mouthwash stripping that moisture away can actually create the perfect conditions for bacteria and plaque to thrive later in the day.

Those dealing with xerostomia (chronic dry mouth) or recovering from dental procedures often find Listerine’s intensity difficult to tolerate. But that’s not the only reason people look for a Listerine alternative. Taste fatigue is another common issue.

That harsh, medicinal flavor can make daily rinsing feel like a chore rather than a refreshing habit. Consistency is everything with oral hygeine, and people are more likely to skip mouthwash if they dread it.

There’s also the simple fact that there are far superior formulations on the market today. It might not even be an issue with Listerine, just that other brands have innovated to create more effective, gentle formulas. Choosing Listerine, at some point, means settling for less.

So, let’s get into what to use instead of Listerine below.

The Best Listerine Alternative: What Should I Use Instead of Listerine?

There are plenty of great alternatives to Listerine that deliver a clean, clinical feel without the sting. But with so many similar-looking formulas on the market, how do you choose the best Listerine alternative?

The best Listerine substitute should do more than mask odor or fight surface bacteria; it should actively improve gum health, disrupt plaque, and keep your mouth balanced enough for everyday use. That’s where LIVFRESH Mouthwash comes in.

LIVFRESH Mouthwash

LIVFRESH Mouthwash was developed to do what traditional mouthwashes can’t - work BELOW the surface of plaque. Rather than relying on high alcohol levels or harsh antiseptics, LIVFRESH uses a patented Activated Edathamil compound - the same ingredient used in our world-renowned plaque removal toothpaste.

Our mouthwash has been clinically shown to loosen plaque at a molecular level and make it harder for it to reattach. In independent university studies, users achieved over 2x better gum health, 1.6x improved tartar control, and 70% better plaque reduction than with leading brands.

The difference lies in chemistry. While Listerine depends on essential oils and alcohol to kill microbes, LIVFRESH targets the ionic bonds that hold plaque together. This is how it breaks down existing buildup and prevents new layers from forming, all without the burning, drying, or damaging delicate gum tissue.

LIVFRESH only contains 0.1% alcohol. You get a refreshing peppermint burst and a subtle cooling effect instead of the throat-searing burn you’ve become all too accustomed to in Listerine. Essential oils like eucalyptol and thymol add a clean finish, while soothing agents like allantoin help calm tissue along the gumline.

We recommend using our mouthwash immediately after brushing with our gel toothpaste. The gel leaves a slight negative charge on tooth surfaces, and the mouthwash amplifies that effect to repel new plaque and extend that smooth, post-cleaning feel.

Together, this dynamic duo forms a complete oral-care system that’s gentle, modern, and clinically proven to improve gum health from day one. LIVFRESH is the smarter way to rinse, so order risk-free today and see the difference for yourself!

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash

Crest Pro-Health Advanced is one of the most recognizable alcohol-free alternatives to Listerine. It’s built around cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a proven antimicrobial that helps reduce plaque and gingivitis.

This formula uses CPC to disrupt harmful buildup while still feeling mild and refreshing. It’s gentle enough for everyday use, even if you have a sensitive mouth and don’t like the sharp burn of something like Listerine.

It’s also part of Crest’s broader “Pro-Health” system, which includes toothpaste and floss designed to target multiple oral health concerns together. The mouthwash’s clean mint flavor leaves a pleasant aftertaste without much intensity, so you can stick to a twice-daily routine.

But the reason we don’t necessarily consider this the best Listerine alternative comes down to how deep it works - or perhaps, doesn’t work. It’s a solid performer on surface-level buildup, but won’t have the plaque-repelling or biofilm-disrupting technology LIVFRESH does.

Not a bad choice for a mainstream Listerine substitute, though you’re settling for less than the best if you go with Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash.

TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse

TheraBreath is one of the longest-standing dentist-developed brands in the gentle mouthwash category. It has quite a few formulations, but its Fresh Breath Oral Rinse is probably its most popular.

This product helps fight bad breath, as the name suggests, without a harsh sting. It’s powered by oxygenating compounds (sodium chlorite) to neutralize sulfur-producing bacteria that cause bad breath. No alcohol, dyes, or artificial flavors to worry about here.

People with chronic bad breath, dry mouth, recovering from oral surgery, or just looking for a gentler alternative to Listerine are drawn to TheraBreath. The rinse has a slightly sweet, mild taste and doesn’t foam or burn, so it’s easier to use consistently.

But as you might be realizing, this mouthwash is not going to move the needle all that much as far as plaque, tartar, or gum health metrics go. It’s great for freshness, but that’s about it.

ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash

ACT Total Care stands out for a different reason: its focus on cavity prevention rather than plaque or gum issues. Its active ingredient, sodium fluoride, helps remineralize enamel and protect teeth from acid wear.

We see this Listerine alternative recommended for children, teens, and adults prone to sensitivity or enamel erosion because it’s alcohol-free and formulated with mildness in mind. It’s a solid everyday rinse for strengthening teeth and reducing the decay between dental visits.

Just be aware, you’re not getting any antibacterial or anti-adhesion actives, so it won’t do much to address gum inflammation or tartar formation. It really doesn’t make sense if you’re already brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, either.

Plus, plaque itself is the most common cause of cavities - so a better Listerine alternative is one that dissolves it beneath the surface and prevents it from reforming. As you now know, that’s something only LIVFRESH can do.

CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash

Finally, we have CloSYS - an alternative to Listerine for those whose main priority is comfort in oral care. Its key ingredient, stabilized chlorine dioxide (Cloralstan®), neutralizes odor compounds and helps balance oral pH without relying on alcohol, dyes, or harsh flavoring.

The gentleness is what really sets CloSYS apart from other formulas. The rinse has almost no taste and causes no burn, so it’s really popular among those with mouth ulcers, dry mouth, or post-treatment sensitivity.

Plus, it’s pH-balanced and sulfate-free. CloSYS supports a less acidic environment, helping slow plaque accumulation indirectly. It doesn’t, however, directly target tartar or provide measurable gum-healing benefits the way clinical formulas do.

We still think it’s a good option for people who find traditional antiseptic mouthwashes intolerable, but is it the best Listerine alternative? Not when you put it side-by-side with something like LIVFRESH. Don’t settle for less. Get LIVFRESH today.

Is There a Natural Listerine Alternative?

We know a lot of people looking for an alternative to Listerine are interested in natural, homemade remedies rather than another clinical formula.

We do want you to set your expectations, as these are not going to be nearly as effective at fighting plaque and improving gum health. However, there are some natural alternatives to Listerine you can use in a pinch.

Saltwater Rinse

This is perhaps the oldest and simplest oral care remedy. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water to create a mild antiseptic. You can use this to reduce swelling and wash away debris after brushing or dental work.

It’s especially useful for soothing irritated gums or post-procedure soreness. However, it doesn’t remove plaque or prevent tartar buildup. It’s more about calming tissue than restoring oral health.

Baking Soda Rinse

A baking soda rinse helps neutralize acidity in the mouth, creating conditions that slow bacterial growth and support enamel strength. We actually see baking soda toothpaste commonly recommended as a Sensodyne alternative.

You can mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water and swish for 30 seconds. Baking soda’s alkaline nature balances pH and can make your mouth feel cleaner between brushes. Again, though, there’s really no evidence supporting any sort of “plaque removal.”

Essential Oil Pulling

You’ve probably heard about oil pulling if you’ve researched natural alternatives to Listerine. This involves swishing coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil in your mouth for 5-10 minutes. The lipids grab debris and microorganisms, helping lift away surface buildup and freshening breath.

Coconut oil is most commonly recommended because it contains lauric acid, which has mild antimicrobial properties. The catch? Oil pulling doesn’t reach between teeth or dissolve plaque. It’s best used as an occasional detox-like ritual rather than a daily substitute for mouthwash.

Apple Cider Vinegar

There are countless uses for apple cider vinegar, and natural oral hygeine is yet another. Diluted ACV (1 part vinegar to 3-4 parts water) can act as a natural deodorizer thanks to its acidity, which helps balance oral pH and remove surface stains.

There is an important caveat here, though. Vinegar is quite acidic, so it can erode enamel over time if you’re using it too frequently or not diluting it properly. Why take any chances when the best Listerine alternative is a click away? Shop LIVFRESH today.

Wrapping Up Our List of Alternatives to Listerine

Finding the right alternative to Listerine isn’t just about avoiding the burn. You want a rinse that goes beyond the basics, helping to stop plaque in its tracks and prevent it from coming back.

Our blog has more tips on how to stop bleeding gums or how to remove plaque from teeth at home if you’re interested. Really, it’s as simple as rethinking your oral care habits with LIVFRESH. Brush and rinse smarter, not harder. Our formulas do what no others on the market can because they’re protected by 40 patents and backed by 26 clinical studies.

Switch to science-backed oral care that actually works. Try LIVFRESH now!