Personal Care

Best Mouthwash in the Philippines: Colgate Plax, Listerine, Human Nature and More Compared

Mouthwash in the Philippines: Colgate Plax, Listerine, Human Nature, Watsons and a kids' rinse compared on FDA notifications, claims and price per 100 ml, plus when to use it and what to avoid.

Updated 17 min read6 products compared
Best Mouthwash in the Philippines: Colgate Plax, Listerine, Human Nature and More Compared
On this page 9 sections
  1. Our verdict
  2. Using mouthwash: what to know first
  3. What the claims on these listings actually mean
  4. Mouthwash listings we would be careful with
  5. Our picks
  6. How to choose a mouthwash
  7. How we researched this guide
  8. Frequently asked questions
  9. Related reading

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Our verdict

Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Peppermint 500 ml (88/100, ₱240, ₱48.00 per 100 ml) is the best all-round mouthwash we could verify: a full ingredient list, measured directions and the lowest price per 100 ml. Listerine Total Care Zero (82/100) is the alcohol-free fluoride option from the brand owner, and Nature to Nurture Kids (80/100) is the only kids’ fluoride rinse we could verify, for ages 6 and up.

Every pick is notified with the FDA as a cosmetic. Antiseptic rinses with chlorhexidine or hexetidine are registered as drugs and are not covered here. Almost every listing says to use the rinse after brushing; the NHS advises against that, because mouthwash can wash off the fluoride left by toothpaste. This is general information, not medical advice.

We searched the Shopee affiliate offer list and Shopee search for mouthwash, alcohol-free mouthwash, fluoride and kids’ mouthwash on October 27, 2026, then looked each candidate up in the FDA Philippines cosmetic notification list and its advisories. We ranked only products sold by the brand’s own Mall store that we could match to a notification.

2.1×

The price per 100 ml of Human Nature Natural Mouthwash in the 170 ml bottle (₱102.35) against Colgate Plax Peppermint in the 500 ml bottle (₱48.00). Compare mouthwashes by price per 100 ml, and prefer the larger bottle, as long as you will use it. Prices checked on 27 October 2026.

Best choiceBest valueColgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Peppermint, No-Alcohol, 500ml (Colgate-Palmolive Official)Colgate Plax Peppermint 500 mlListerine Total Care Zero Mouthwash 500ml, alcohol-free (Kenvue Official Store)Listerine Total Care Zero 500 mlNature to Nurture Kids Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash 200ml, Watermelon, ages 6+ (Nature to Nurture)Nature to Nurture Kids 200 mlHuman Nature Natural Mouthwash, alcohol-free, 170ml (Human Nature Official Store)Human Nature Natural 170 mlListerine Cool Mint Mouthwash 250ml (Kenvue Official Store)Listerine Cool Mint 250 mlWatsons Cool Mint 500 ml
Score88/10082/10080/10077/10075/10073/100
Our rating4.44.14.03.93.83.7
Best forEveryday use at the lowest cost per 100 mlAlcohol-free fluoride rinse with full claimsChildren aged 6 and up, supervisedFluoride-free, alcohol-free, short ingredient listThe original strong formula, cheapest to tryA plain mint rinse on a budget
AlcoholNone (stated)None (“zero”)None (stated)None (stated)Not statedNot stated
FluorideSodium fluoride listedFluoride listed225 ppm (stated)NoneNot namedSodium fluoride (stated)
FDA cosmetic notificationNN-1000005402020, to Jul 2028 (close name)NN-1000016759511, to Sep 2029NN-1000014327143, to Apr 2028NN-1000014428413, to Jun 2027NN-1000016759120, to Sep 2029NN-1000008975978, to May 2028
Ingredient list on the pageFullSummaryPartialFullNoNo
Directions and age on the pageYes (under 6 not advised)Directions onlyYes (ages 6+)Directions onlyNoNo
Ratings on this listing4,257 (4.93)4,244 (4.95)2,086 (4.96)4,702 (4.94)12,406 (4.91)1,364 (4.81)
Price₱240₱378₱167₱174₱147₱260
Price per 100 ml₱48.00₱75.60₱83.50₱102.35₱58.80₱52.00
Listing problem“Kills over 99%” untested; name differsTen claims, no test shown“Safe for your child”“9 out of 10” self-assessment; expires Jun 2027No alcohol content or ingredientsCavity claim not in notified use
BuyShopeeLazadaShopeeLazadaShopeeLazadaShopeeLazadaShopeeLazadaShopeeLazada
Prices and stock checked on October 27, 2026. Notifications were looked up in the FDA Philippines verification portal on the same day. We did not use, taste or test any product.

Using mouthwash: what to know first

General information, not medical advice. The brushing advice below comes from the NHS; the rest comes from the FDA registry and the listings we read.

  • Do not use mouthwash straight after brushing. The NHS says it can wash away the fluoride left by toothpaste, and suggests another time of day, “such as after lunch”. Almost every listing here says to use the rinse after brushing, so the label’s advice and the NHS advice disagree.
  • Brushing is the main routine. The NHS stresses brushing twice a day for about two minutes; its page does not say that a rinse can replace brushing.
  • After a fluoride mouthwash, wait. The NHS advises waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
  • These are cosmetics. The FDA Philippines notifies mouthwashes as cosmetics (an NN number); it notifies, it does not approve. Products with hexetidine or chlorhexidine are registered as drugs, for example Bactidol (a household remedy, DRHR-102), and are outside this guide. Ask a dentist before using one.
  • Alcohol and fluoride are choices, not rules. Alcohol-free rinses avoid the burn; fluoride rinses are made for cavity prevention. Which suits you is a question for your dentist (general advice).
  • Children. Colgate Plax says it is not recommended under age 6 and Nature to Nurture is for ages 6 and up. Young children swallow rinses, so an adult should supervise and a dentist or pediatrician should decide (general advice).
  • Persistent bad breath, bleeding gums or mouth pain need a dentist, not a stronger rinse (general advice).

What the claims on these listings actually mean

ClaimWhat it coversKey exclusion
“Kills 99.9% of germs” (Listerine) and “kills over 99% of bacteria” (Colgate Plax)A laboratory result against named bacteriaNo listing shows the test, and the two brands give different numbers; neither means what happens in your mouth
“24 hours a day, 7 days a week” (Plax); “up to 24h germ protection” (Listerine)A duration claim with twice-daily useNo test shown; the FDA notification says only “oral care”
“Helps prevent cavities”, “fluoride for stronger teeth”The fluoride in the formulaA cosmetic notification is for oral care, and Watsons’ notified use is only “helps freshen breath”
“Alcohol-free”, “zero alcohol”, “no burning taste”No ethanol in the formulaListerine Cool Mint and Watsons do not state their alcohol content
“Healthier gums”, “helps prevent plaque buildup”, “prevent tartar”Oral-health benefit claimsBrand claims with no test shown; a dentist can check your gums
“99.9% natural” (Human Nature)The brand’s own measure of natural ingredientsNot a safety or effectiveness claim; the formula includes preservatives
“9 out of 10 … longer-lasting fresh breath” (Human Nature)A self-assessment among users of other brandsNot a clinical test
“Safe for your child” (Nature to Nurture)A safety claimUnsupported; kids swallow rinses, so supervise and ask a dentist
“Healthier mouth than brushing alone” (Listerine)A comparison with brushingNo comparison shown; the NHS stresses brushing as the main routine
Claims found in the listings reviewed for this guide.

Mouthwash listings we would be careful with

ProductWhat we foundOur check
Bactidol Oral Antiseptic Gargle (₱145) and WATSONS Hexetidine Oral Antiseptic Mouthwash (₱109 to ₱164)Hexetidine products, which the FDA registers as drugs (Bactidol is a household remedy, DRHR-102). Drug guides are on hold.Not covered (drugs)
Colgate PerioGard Antibacterial Mouth Rinse, ₱450 (Colgate-Palmolive Official); EUTHYMOL alcohol-free mouthwash, ₱610 (Korea)PerioGard is sold as an antibacterial rinse and we did not check its registration class; Euthymol ships from Korea and we found no Philippine notification under that name.Not scored (not checked or no notification found)
Orahex oral rinses, ₱149 to ₱405 (Watsons Official Store)Notified as cosmetics (Pharmahex), with several variants including a “0.12%” rinse. We did not read these listings in full.Not scored (not reviewed)
Watsons mouthwash “Buy 1 Take 1”, ₱797 to ₱1,009 (about 10 listings)The genuine Watsons 500 ml costs ₱260. The four shops we checked opened on 24 September, 25 September, 27 September and 13 October 2026, with 0 to 2 followers, 0 sold and no ratings.Not scored (new shops, price 3 to 4 times higher)
SADOER Cool Mint Zero Alcohol Mouthwash, ₱81 (SADOER Official Store, Mall)We found no mouthwash notification under SADOER, only a toothpaste and shampoo, and the FDA has issued advisories on several other SADOER cosmetics (for example No. 2026-1596 in October 2026).Not scored (no notification found)
YANDY Fluoride Mouthwash and Kids Mouthwash, ₱168 to ₱268 (YANDY Global Store, Mall)YANDY has notified a “Multi-Care Mouthwash”, but the listing names (“Fluoride Mouthwash for Disinfection”, “Kids Mouthwash 3-12Y”) do not match it, and YANDY has FDA advisories on mosquito coils.Not scored (name not matched)
FACE-U Probiotic Mouthwash 500 ml, ₱97 (Face-U Philippines, shop since 2016)The only Face-U notification we found is a plain “Mouthwash” (NN-1000007311290); we could not tie the “probiotic” product to it.Not scored (name not matched)
ORACARE Mouthrinse 500 ml, ₱293 (PascualLab Wellness Hub)Oracare has FDA notifications (Pascual), but this shop opened on 22 June 2026 and has 578 followers.Not scored (new shop)
Scoban mouthwash, ₱89 (Scoban Philippines)Notified, but FDA Advisory No. 2024-1706 once warned against it and was lifted on 4 September 2025; we did not rank a regular shop’s “mouth perfume” listing.Not scored
Kids’ mouthwashes: Colgate Kids Minions (₱228 to ₱289), “Listerine Kids Berry Shield” (₱547), Kodomo and Sunstar GumSold by regular shops or shipped from Mainland China, Thailand and Hong Kong. We found no Philippine notification for these listings, and FDA Advisory No. 2026-1174 (October 2026) warns against a Brush Buddies Crayola anticavity fluoride mouthwash.Not scored (cross-border or no notification found)
“No Brand Mouthwash Water” 250 ml, ₱53No brand and no notification.Not scored
Read the shop name, the exact product name and the FDA list before buying.

Our picks

Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Peppermint, No-Alcohol, 500ml (Colgate-Palmolive Official)

88/100

4.4

Best all-round: full ingredient list, clear directions, lowest price per 100 ml

1. Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Peppermint, No-Alcohol, 500ml (Colgate-Palmolive Official)

ShopeeLazada

Alcohol-free

Cetylpyridinium chloride + fluoride

FDA cosmetic notification (close name)

₱48.00 per 100 ml

FDA statusColgate Plax Peppermint Fresh Mouthwash, Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, Inc., NN-1000005402020, valid to 15 July 2028 (cosmetic notification, intended use “oral care”); the listing name adds “Antibacterial” and “No-Alcohol”, so the match is close, not exact; no advisory found
Ingredients statedWater, glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, poloxamer 407, flavor, cetylpyridinium chloride, potassium sorbate, sodium fluoride, sodium saccharin, menthol, CI 42051
Directions statedAfter brushing; fill the cap to the 20 ml line; rinse 30 seconds, gargle and expel; do not swallow; not recommended under age 6; keep out of reach of children
Claims“Kills over 99% of bacteria”; “control bad breath 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with twice daily use”; “no alcohol, no burning taste”; “promotes healthier gums” (vs non-antiseptic mouthwash)
SellerColgate-Palmolive Official (Shopee Mall): joined 2023, 1.2M followers, 100% response; 4.93 stars from 4,257 ratings on this listing, about 10K sold
Price₱240 for 500 ml = ₱48.00 per 100 ml

The most complete listing of the six: a full ingredient list, a measured dose (20 ml for 30 seconds), an age warning and a “do not swallow” line, from the brand’s own Mall store. It names cetylpyridinium chloride and sodium fluoride as ingredients, says plainly that it has no ethanol, and costs the least per 100 ml.

The name on the listing is not the notified name: the FDA record says “Plax Peppermint Fresh Mouthwash”, and the listing adds “Antibacterial” and “No-Alcohol”. “Kills over 99% of bacteria … 24 hours a day” is the brand’s claim, and we saw no test. The listing says to use it after brushing, which is the opposite of the NHS advice to avoid mouthwash straight after brushing.

Why it scored well

  • Full ingredient list and measured directions
  • Lowest price per 100 ml of the picks
  • Age warning and “do not swallow” on the page

Watch-outs

  • Notified name differs from the listing name
  • “Kills over 99%” and “24/7” claims with no test shown
  • Says to use after brushing
Listerine Total Care Zero Mouthwash 500ml, alcohol-free (Kenvue Official Store)

82/100

4.1

Best fluoride mouthwash with no alcohol, if you want the full Listerine claims

2. Listerine Total Care Zero Mouthwash 500ml, alcohol-free (Kenvue Official Store)

ShopeeLazada

Alcohol-free

Fluoride

FDA cosmetic notification

₱75.60 per 100 ml

FDA statusListerine Total Care Zero Alcohol Mouthwash, JNTL Consumer Health (Philippines) Inc., NN-1000016759511, valid to 29 September 2029 (an earlier notification runs to 26 June 2028); no advisory names this product
Ingredients stated“Water, essential oils, fluoride, flavoring agents” (a summary, not the full label)
Directions statedUsed twice daily after brushing
Claims“Kills 99.9% of germs”; “up to 24h germ protection”; “helps to get healthier gums”; “helps prevent cavities”; “fluoride for stronger teeth”; “helps prevent tartar to keep teeth naturally white”; “long lasting fresh breath up to 24 hours”
SellerKenvue Official Store (Shopee Mall): joined 2017, 1.09M followers, 100% response; 4.95 stars from 4,244 ratings on this listing, about 10K sold
Price₱378 for 500 ml = ₱75.60 per 100 ml

An exact FDA cosmetic notification for the Total Care Zero Alcohol name, valid to 2029, sold by the brand owner’s Mall store with 4,244 ratings on this listing. It has fluoride, no alcohol and the most benefit claims of the six, each footnoted.

Those claims are the brand’s: ten benefits, none with a test on the page. The ingredient line is a four-part summary rather than a label, and there are no age or swallowing warnings on the listing. At ₱75.60 per 100 ml it costs about 1.6 times as much as Colgate Plax, and like the others it says to use it after brushing.

Why it scored well

  • Exact FDA notification, valid to September 2029
  • Fluoride, no alcohol
  • Brand owner’s Mall store, 4,244 ratings

Watch-outs

  • Ten benefit claims with no test shown
  • Short ingredient summary, no age or swallowing warning
  • Says to use after brushing
Nature to Nurture Kids Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash 200ml, Watermelon, ages 6+ (Nature to Nurture)

80/100

4.0

The only kids’ fluoride mouthwash we could verify; ages 6 and up

3. Nature to Nurture Kids Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash 200ml, Watermelon, ages 6+ (Nature to Nurture)

ShopeeLazada

Ages 6+

225 ppm fluoride (stated)

FDA cosmetic notification

₱83.50 per 100 ml

FDA statusNature to Nurture Kids Anti-Cavity Fluoride Mouthwash, Go Nurture Enterprise, NN-1000014327143, valid to 29 April 2028; no advisory names this product
Specifications stated200 ml; watermelon flavour; “alcohol-free”, “sugar-free”, “225ppm fluoride”, “for ages 6+”; xylitol and aloe vera
Directions stated10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls), swish vigorously for 1 minute and spit out; twice a day after brushing
Claims“Anticavity … help build up enamel and strengthen young teeth”; “safe formula … safe for your child”; “helps prevent plaque buildup”
SellerNature to Nurture (Shopee Mall): joined 2017, 240.4K followers, 96% response; 4.96 stars from 2,086 ratings on this listing, about 10K sold
Price₱167 for 200 ml = ₱83.50 per 100 ml

A children’s mouthwash with an age limit, a stated fluoride level, a measured dose and a time, from a Mall store, with an exact FDA cosmetic notification. It is the only kids’ product here that gives ppm, volume and minutes on the page.

“Safe for your child” is a promise the listing cannot back, and the fluoride figure is the seller’s. Young children swallow rinses, so a dentist or pediatrician should say whether a fluoride rinse is right for yours, and an adult should supervise every use (general advice). Like the others it says to use it after brushing, against the NHS advice.

Why it scored well

  • Age limit, ppm, dose and time stated
  • Exact FDA notification, valid to April 2028
  • Alcohol-free and sugar-free

Watch-outs

  • “Safe for your child” is unsupported
  • Fluoride level is the seller’s figure
  • Says to use after brushing
Human Nature Natural Mouthwash, alcohol-free, 170ml (Human Nature Official Store)

77/100

3.9

Best fluoride-free, alcohol-free option, with the cleanest ingredient list

4. Human Nature Natural Mouthwash, alcohol-free, 170ml (Human Nature Official Store)

ShopeeLazada

Alcohol-free

Zinc citrate, no fluoride

FDA cosmetic notification

₱102.35 per 100 ml

FDA statusHuman Nature Natural Mouthwash, Gandang Kalikasan, Inc., NN-1000014428413, valid to 18 June 2027 (intended use “to freshen breath”); no advisory found
Ingredients statedAqua, propanediol, potassium citrate, zinc citrate, sodium bicarbonate, aloe vera leaf juice, corn mint and peppermint oils, sodium gluconate, rebaudioside A, sodium C12-18 alkyl sulfate, menthol, citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate
Directions statedShake well; swish a capful for 30 seconds and spit; twice a day after brushing
Claims“99.9% natural”; “alcohol-free … without the burning sensation”; “9 out of 10 experienced longer-lasting fresh breath” (self-assessment among users of other brands); zinc citrate “helps … prevent plaque buildup”
InconsistenciesThe attribute says “Formulation=Gel” for a liquid mouthwash
SellerHuman Nature Official Store (Shopee Mall): joined 2021, 563K followers, 88% response; 4.94 stars from 4,702 ratings on this listing, about 10K sold
Price₱174 for 170 ml = ₱102.35 per 100 ml (400 ml: ₱349 = ₱87.25 per 100 ml)

The only one of the six with no fluoride, which suits people whose dentist has said to avoid extra fluoride, and with the full ingredient list and a stated test basis for its main claim. It is notified for freshening breath, and that is what its claims mostly stay with.

The “9 out of 10” figure comes from a self-assessment among users of other brands, not a clinical test, and “99.9% natural” is the brand’s own measure. It is the dearest per 100 ml: ₱102.35 in the small bottle, 2.1 times what Colgate Plax costs. The FDA notification ends on 18 June 2027, so check it before you stock up.

Why it scored well

  • Full ingredient list, no alcohol, no fluoride
  • Test basis for the claim is stated
  • Brand’s own Mall store, 4,702 ratings

Watch-outs

  • Dearest per 100 ml of the picks
  • “9 out of 10” is a self-assessment
  • Notification valid only to June 2027
Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash 250ml (Kenvue Official Store)

75/100

3.8

The original alcohol formula, cheap per bottle, but the listing says little

5. Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash 250ml (Kenvue Official Store)

ShopeeLazada

Original formula

FDA cosmetic notification

12,406 ratings

₱58.80 per 100 ml

FDA statusListerine Cool Mint Mouthwash, JNTL Consumer Health (Philippines) Inc., NN-1000016759120, valid to 29 September 2029 (an earlier notification runs to 25 July 2028); no advisory names this product
Claims“Kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gum problems”; “4 essential oils deeply penetrates to kill bacteria in the plaque biofilm”; “recommended for daily use”; “fresher and healthier mouth than brushing alone”
MissingNo ingredient list, no alcohol content, no directions, no age guidance
InconsistenciesBenefit tags include “Anti-Cavity”, but the listing names no fluoride
SellerKenvue Official Store (Shopee Mall): 4.91 stars from 12,406 ratings on this listing, about 40K sold
Price₱147 for 250 ml = ₱58.80 per 100 ml

The best-selling mouthwash on Shopee in our search, with an exact FDA cosmetic notification and the most ratings of any pick. At ₱147 it is the cheapest to try, and it is the strong-tasting original formula many people mean by “Listerine”.

The listing is thin. It does not say how much alcohol the formula contains, gives no ingredient list or directions, and tags the product “Anti-Cavity” while naming no fluoride. If you want to avoid alcohol, choose the Zero line instead, and be careful with any alcohol-containing rinse around children (general advice).

Why it scored well

  • Exact FDA notification, valid to September 2029
  • 12,406 ratings from the brand owner’s store
  • Cheapest bottle to try

Watch-outs

  • No alcohol content, ingredients or directions
  • “Anti-Cavity” tag with no fluoride named
  • “Healthier than brushing alone” has no comparison

A cheap store-brand rinse with fluoride; the listing is the thinnest

6. WATSONS Cool Mint Mouthwash 500ml (Watsons Official Store)

ShopeeLazada

73/100

3.7

Store brand

Sodium fluoride (stated)

FDA cosmetic notification

₱52.00 per 100 ml

FDA statusWatsons Cool Mint Mouthwash, Watsons Personal Care Stores (Philippines), Inc., NN-1000008975978, valid to 29 May 2028, intended use “helps freshen breath”; no advisory found
Claims“Contain sodium fluoride to help prevent cavities; its mint flavor helps freshen your breath and leaves your mouth feeling cool and clean”
InconsistenciesThe listing claims cavity prevention; the notified intended use is breath freshening only
MissingNo ingredient list, directions, volume per dose or age guidance
SellerWatsons Official Store (Shopee Mall): joined 2018, 7.2M followers, 100% response; 4.81 stars from 1,364 ratings on this listing, about 8K sold
Price₱260 for 500 ml = ₱52.00 per 100 ml

The second-cheapest per 100 ml, from Watsons’ own Mall store, with an exact notification for this product name. For a household that wants a plain mint rinse at the lowest cost, it does the job its notification describes: freshening breath.

The listing is two sentences. It says the rinse has sodium fluoride “to help prevent cavities”, but the notified use is only breath freshening, and nothing else is stated: no ingredient list, no directions, no age guidance. It also has the lowest rating of the six (4.81). Avoid the many “Buy 1 Take 1” Watsons listings at ₱797 to ₱1,009 from newly opened shops.

Why it scored well

  • Exact FDA notification, valid to May 2028
  • Second-lowest price per 100 ml
  • Watsons’ own Mall store

Watch-outs

  • Cavity claim not in the notified use
  • No ingredients, directions or age guidance
  • Lowest rating of the picks (4.81)

How to choose a mouthwash

  • Brush first, rinse at another time. Use the rinse after lunch rather than straight after brushing, as the NHS suggests (general advice).
  • Pick the formula: alcohol-free if the burn bothers you; fluoride if you want the cavity-prevention ingredient; fluoride-free (Human Nature) if your dentist says so.
  • Check the exact name in the FDA verification portal. A brand can have many notified products, and the listing’s name does not always match.
  • Compare per 100 ml. The same brand costs less per 100 ml in the bigger bottle.
  • Use the dose on the label, for example 20 ml for 30 seconds (Colgate Plax), and never swallow it.
  • Keep it away from young children. Plax says not under 6; Nature to Nurture is for 6 and up. Supervise every use (general advice).
  • Avoid new-shop listings at several times the shelf price, and listings with no brand.
  • See a dentist for bad breath that does not go away, bleeding gums or pain.

How we researched this guide

We searched the Shopee affiliate offer list and Shopee search for mouthwash, alcohol-free mouthwash, brand mouthwashes (Listerine, Colgate Plax, Watsons) and kids’ mouthwash on October 27, 2026, then looked each product up in the FDA Philippines verification portal, including cosmetic notifications, drug registrations and advisories. We identified each shop (Mall status, year joined, followers, ratings, response rate), read the full listings and scored six with our published rubric: provenance and notification (25), disclosure (20), claims (20), consistency (10), seller record (15) and value (10). We did not use, taste or test any product.

A cosmetic notification shows a product is recorded with the FDA, not that its claims are proven. The portal returns only the first matches for a word, so a product we list as “not found” may be notified under a name we did not try. Ingredient and claim lists are the sellers’. The brushing advice comes from the NHS; everything else is general information, not medical advice. This guide has not yet been reviewed by our health content reviewer, and we have not checked the Shopee affiliate programme’s rules for this category.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best mouthwash in the Philippines?

Of the products we could match to an FDA notification and a Mall store, Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Peppermint 500 ml (88/100, ₱240, ₱48.00 per 100 ml) scored highest. It lists its full ingredients and a measured dose.

Should I use mouthwash before or after brushing?

The NHS advises not using mouthwash straight after brushing, because it can wash away the fluoride left by toothpaste; use it at another time, such as after lunch. Most product listings say to use it after brushing, so follow your dentist's advice.

Is mouthwash FDA registered in the Philippines?

Mouthwashes are notified with the FDA as cosmetics (an NN number); the FDA notifies, it does not approve. Check the exact product name in the FDA portal. Antiseptic products with hexetidine or chlorhexidine are registered as drugs.

Is alcohol-free mouthwash better?

It avoids the burn some people dislike. Whether alcohol-free or fluoride is better for you is a question for your dentist (general advice).

Does mouthwash kill 99.9% of germs?

Listerine's listings say 99.9% and Colgate Plax says over 99%, both for named bacteria in a laboratory setting. We saw no test on any listing, and the figure does not describe your whole mouth.

Does mouthwash replace brushing?

The NHS stresses brushing twice a day for about two minutes and does not say a rinse can replace it.

Can children use mouthwash?

Colgate Plax says not under 6, and Nature to Nurture Kids is for ages 6 and up. Young children swallow rinses, so ask a dentist or pediatrician and supervise (general advice).

Is Listerine alcohol-free?

Listerine Total Care Zero and Cool Mint Zero are sold as alcohol-free; the original Cool Mint listing does not state its alcohol content.

What is the difference between Listerine Cool Mint and Total Care Zero?

Total Care Zero is the alcohol-free line with fluoride and ten listed benefits; Cool Mint is the original formula, whose listing gives no ingredient list or alcohol content.

Why is there no chlorhexidine mouthwash in your picks?

Chlorhexidine and hexetidine rinses are registered as drugs, and drug guides are on hold on our site. Ask a dentist if you need one.

Why were the Buy 1 Take 1 Watsons listings left out?

They cost ₱797 to ₱1,009 for a product that costs ₱260, and the shops we checked opened in September and October 2026 with no sales.

How much mouthwash should I use?

Follow the label. Colgate Plax says to fill the cap to the 20 ml line and rinse for 30 seconds; Nature to Nurture Kids says 10 ml for 1 minute.

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