Discover Terra & Co: The Story Behind Our Brilliant Black Toothpaste
Have you ever seen social media posts of people brushing their teeth with black charcoal toothpaste and wondered, "What is charcoal toothpaste?" or "How to make charcoal toothpaste?" Well, look no further! Terra & Co. is here to tell you about our signature Brilliant Black Toothpaste, its ingredients, and how it came to be.
A Refuge and a Dream
Amra's story starts in Sarajevo, Bosnia, where she became a refugee at the age of eight. With the Bosnian economy devastated by war, her parents moved the family to the United States in search of a better life. As Amra grew up, she worked for several start-ups in the beauty industry, learning valuable skills and insights that would later contribute to the foundation of Terra & Co.
Azra, on the other hand, followed her creative passion as a freelance makeup artist for over ten years in New York City. After earning her B.F.A from Wayne State University in Detroit, she moved to NYC and pursued her love for art through makeup. Azra's travels and exploration of the world, especially her fascination with Japanese minimalism, would inspire the elegant packaging design of Terra & Co.'s products.
They started Terra & Co. after discovering a shared love for clean, organic products that worked and empowered women. So together, they set out to create a good brand for people and the planet.
The Birth of Brilliant Black Toothpaste
The idea for Terra & Co.'s signature Brilliant Black Toothpaste came about when Amra, while pregnant, decided to switch to all-natural products. She realized that most natural kinds of toothpaste didn't effectively whiten teeth. This led her to research activated charcoal, a natural teeth-whitening ingredient with numerous oral health benefits.
Amra began experimenting with different natural ingredients in her kitchen. She ultimately developed a formula that incorporated activated charcoal, extra virgin coconut oil, baking soda, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, xylitol, diatomaceous earth, xanthan gum, and purified water. She then enlisted the help of a lab to perfect the final formula.
The Brilliant Black Toothpaste, proudly made in the USA and FDA-approved, offers a unique combination of high-quality ingredients with specific oral health benefits:
- Activated Charcoal – This non-toxic, porous ingredient whitens teeth by absorbing plaque and microscopic particles that stain teeth. It also helps prevent cavities, bad breath, and gum disease by altering the pH balance in the mouth.
- Baking Soda – This pantry staple naturally whitens and polishes teeth while fighting plaque that causes acid and dry mouth.
- Peppermint, Wintergreen & Spearmint: – Peppermint oil provides natural antiseptic properties that combat bad breath, while tea tree oil offers anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and disinfectant qualities that help remove bacteria-causing plaque, receding gums, and tartar deposits.
- Xylitol – A birch-derived sugar that aids remineralization to strengthen tooth enamel and fight cavities.
- Hydroxyapatite – A naturally occurring mineral and the primary component of tooth enamel, Hydroxyapatite strengthens and remineralizes teeth, protecting them against cavities and decay while promoting a healthy shine.
The toothpaste is free from fluoride, SLS, peroxides, and triclosan, ensuring a vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free product.
Sustainability: A Core Value at Terra & Co.
Terra & Co. is passionate about creating effective oral care products and committed to respecting oral microbiomes of all kinds and preserving the environment. Sustainability is a huge part of their mission, and they are constantly working to be more eco-conscious - after all, Mother Earth deserves it!
Their toothpaste tubes are made out of sugar cane, which is 100% recyclable and can be made into new tubes. Sugar cane tubes are produced from sugar industry waste and use 70% less fossil fuels than traditional petroleum-based plastic, promoting a low carbon footprint.
Terra & Co.'s shelfie-worthy bottles, toothbrushes, and tongue scrapers are 100% recyclable and can be recycled curbside or at your local recycling center. In addition, their Sustainability Is The New Black toiletry bag is consciously made out of recycled water bottles and printed with cleaner, renewable alternative soy ink.
Moreover, the paper used in their minimal exterior packaging is made from FSC-certified recycled paper and printed with eco-friendly soy ink. This focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with their mission to provide clean and organic oral care products that are good for people and the planet.
Giving Back and Empowering Women
Terra & Co. is about creating exceptional oral care products, empowering women, and giving back to the community. As a Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified company, Terra & Co. supports the growth and development of women-owned businesses.
In addition to their commitment to producing eco-friendly products, they have partnered with the Los Angeles Women's Shelter, and for every toothpaste sold, Terra & Co. donates one to the shelter. This initiative allows them to support women in their community, inspiring and encouraging them to create a better life for themselves and their children. Terra & Co.'s mission is to provide high-quality oral care products while uplifting and empowering women everywhere.
The Future of Terra & Co.
With the growing popularity of their Brilliant Black Toothpaste, Amra and Azra are excited about the future of Terra & Co. They plan to continue expanding their product line with clean, organic, and sustainable oral care products that make a difference in people's lives and the environment.
Terra & Co.'s story is a powerful testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination of two sisters who dared to dream big. Their Brilliant Black Toothpaste and biodegradable bamboo toothbrush are innovative and effective and rooted in a philosophy of sustainability, wellness, and female empowerment. By choosing Terra & Co. products, you're investing in your oral health and a brighter future for our planet and generations to come.