If your main concern with using mouthwash is the unpleasant burning sensation, try one that's alcohol-free. Due to the 0% alcohol content, they are also a great choice for those who are pregnant or who frequently experience dry mouth. However, once you begin shopping, you'll realise just how many choices there are out there!
This buying guide will walk you through all the things you need to look out for, including the different types and flavours as well as key ingredients like fluoride and cetylpyridinium chloride. We'll then show you our review of the top 10 best alcohol-free mouthwashes in the UK, including products from popular brands such as Corsodyl and Colgate, all available online from Amazon, Boots, ASDA and Tesco.
Quick List - Top Alcohol-Free Mouthwashes
Corsodyl
A Budget-Friendly Daily Use Mouthwash With Raving Reviews From Gum Care Experts
Colgate Fluorigard
Triple-Action Solution to Reduce Plaque Acids, Prevent Mineral Loss, and Encourage Remineralisation of Early Decay
Zendium
Formulated With Naturally Occurring Antibacterial Enzymes and Proteins to Reinforce Natural Oral Defences
Listerine
Removes Stains and up to 99% Of Germs to Give You Whiter and Healthier Teeth
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
Alcohol is a common ingredient found in many types of mouthwash, but not for the reasons you'd expect. At around 20%, the concentration isn't enough to reliably eliminate bacteria, so it merely serves as a stabiliser and transporter for other actives. So even with an alcohol-free mouthwash, you can get plenty of oral care benefits - only without the burning sensation!
Alcohol is also known for drying out the mouth, which makes you more prone to bad breath, plaque buildup, and staining, whereas a non-alcoholic mouthwash will gently swish away food particles and debris without disrupting saliva production. If you suffer from dry mouth, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent worsening dryness.
Alcohol-free mouthwashes are also a great alternative for those who want to avoid alcohol in general. For example, if you're pregnant, sharing the mouthwash with children, medicating, have certain illnesses, or simply prefer a non-alcoholic option.
Although most mouthwashes offer a range of benefits, they can generally be classified under three main types: antiseptic, plaque-inhibiting, and preventive. Decide your main oral health goal, and choose a type accordingly. Here's a quick look at the options.
Trying to get rid of bad breath? Here are the best mouthwashes for bad breath in the UK!
Tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, plaque and tartar buildup, and dry mouth can all be prevented by using an alcohol-free mouthwash. With the right actives, they can also help to give you pearly whites. For your mouthwash to be effective in treating any specific oral concerns, check for the following ingredients:
Check out our go-to whitening toothpaste here!
Rinsing with a mouthwash after brushing should be developed into a daily habit to achieve great results, and you're more likely to stick to a new habit if it's something that you enjoy. By picking a tasty mouthwash flavour that you like, it will be a much better experience, making it more likely you'll remember to use it.
Mint-flavoured mouthwash is arguably the most popular and traditional flavour. It gives the mouth a satisfying cooling effect that feels clean while leaving the breath smelling fresh and the gums tingling.
But if you prefer more subtle flavours, there are milder options available which are often better for sensitive mouths as they prevent irritation. These can be made up of natural essential oils and extracts such as anise or clove to create an aromatic flavour.
Did you know that there is such thing as eco-friendly toothpaste? Make the sustainable switch today!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Corsodyl Daily Mouthwash Alcohol Free|500 ml | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Daily Use Mouthwash With Raving Reviews From Gum Care Experts | |
2 | Colgate Fluorigard Alcohol Free Mouthwash|400 ml | ![]() | Triple-Action Solution to Reduce Plaque Acids, Prevent Mineral Loss, and Encourage Remineralisation of Early Decay | |
3 | Zendium Complete Protection Natural Mouthwash|500 ml | ![]() | Formulated With Naturally Occurring Antibacterial Enzymes and Proteins to Reinforce Natural Oral Defences | |
4 | Listerine Advanced White Milder Taste Mouthwash|500 ml | ![]() | Removes Stains and up to 99% Of Germs to Give You Whiter and Healthier Teeth | |
5 | Listerine Total Care Milder Taste Mouthwash|600 ml | ![]() | A Milder Tasting Mouthwash for Comprehensive Oral Care | |
6 | Aquafresh Complete Care Mouthwash with Fluoride|500 ml | ![]() | Daily Mouth Rinse With 6 Key Benefits That’s Suitable for the Whole Family | |
7 | Waken Mouthcare Aniseedmint Mouthwash|500 ml | ![]() | The Vegan Natural Mouthwash That’s Gentle on the Teeth, Gums, and the Environment | |
8 | Colgate Plax Whitening Alcohol Free Mouthwash|500 ml | ![]() | Reverse Staining and Achieve Whiter Teeth With a 10X Longer Cooling Sensation | |
9 | Aesop Mouthwash Bain de Bouche|500 ml | ![]() | A Natural Aromatic Mouthwash Suitable for Sensitive Mouths and Perfect for Freshening the Breath | |
10 | Corsodyl Original Medicated Mouthwash Alcohol Free|300 ml | ![]() | Medicated Mouthwash With 0.2% Chlorhexidine Digluconate to Eliminate Dental Plaque |
Our no. 1 pick is from Corsodyl - well-known experts in gum care. It has over 10,000 positive reviews on Amazon with a 4.7-star ranking overall, making it one of the most highest-rated picks for alcohol-free mouthwashes on the site.
With 0.06% chlorhexidine, it effectively eliminates plaque buildup on the teeth and gums, including bad breath-causing bacteria. The included fluoride also reinforces the teeth enabling them to better withstand cavities and erosion. In terms of effectiveness and value for money, this one certainly takes the lead!
The main ingredient in this alcohol-free rinse from Colgate is fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral found on our teeth that's paramount for cavity protection. Using a three-way approach, this solution fights cavities by inhibiting the formation of acids, thereby preventing mineral loss and encouraging remineralisation of early decay.
Besides leaving you with minty fresh breath, rinsing daily with this mouthwash will protect your teeth and make them more resistant to decay. If you're at high risk of developing cavities, for instance, if you frequently experience dry mouth or often consume sweet foods and beverages, we highly recommend this mouthwash for protection and prevention.
This natural mouthwash from Zendium is a great option, especially for those with particularly sensitive mouths, as it doesn't contain any harsh chemicals or additives. Instead, it harnesses the natural power of enzymes and proteins such as lactoferrin, which keep the teeth and mouth bacteria-free.
Thanks to the natural formulation, it doesn't have a burning sensation, won't exacerbate dry mouth conditions, and has a milder taste! Because of this, it's suitable for those who have painful mouth ulcers, gum problems, or any unpleasant oral issues.
If you're looking for a mouthwash that will help give you whiter teeth, this one promises results in as soon as a week! It isn't just marketing talk either - Listerine's Advanced White rinse has undergone lab studies which show its effectiveness in lifting away and preventing stubborn stains.
Employing a non-abrasive whitening technology, the solution whitens teeth without harming the enamel and creates a shield to guard them against future staining. For antiseptic benefits, the formula contains a blend of powerful essential oils to eradicate up to 99% of plaque-causing germs.
If you're easily put off by the strong taste of most mouthwashes, this one from Listerine is an excellent choice as it's designed to have a milder taste. But although the flavour is much gentler, the cleansing power of this solution is nothing short of extraordinary, offering up to 10 oral benefits with daily use!
It works to remove any bacteria that is left in the mouth after brushing and has 12-hour germ protection to keep the oral cavity clean and smelling fresh for longer. This includes eliminating plaque buildup in the teeth and gums, while the addition of fluoride makes the teeth more resilient against cavities.
Aquafresh's Complete Care mouthwash aims to give you and your family absolute mouth protection. It gets rid of bacteria that brushing and flossing miss and curtails the development of harmful acids and bad breath causing bacteria.
Moreover, the enamel is protected from erosion thanks to the 24-hour sugar acid protection by using active fluoride, which shields the teeth against sugar acid attacks throughout the day. Nevertheless, according to some users, the liquid has a syrupy consistency and doesn't leave the mouth feeling as fresh for as long as some of the other options.
Expertly blending natural plant-based extracts and fluoride, this mouthwash from Waken will give you minty-fresh breath while protecting your teeth from cavities. The vegan-friendly recipe is gentle yet effective and doesn't contain any alcohol or additives, making it suitable for sensitive mouths.
This mouthwash is a good choice if you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint as it comes in beautiful, sustainable packaging that is 100% recyclable. However, we should note that the aniseed flavour may not suit certain taste buds, and it might take some time to get used to.
Teeth staining is extremely common and can happen for various reasons. Luckily, this can be gradually reversed by using whitening oral care products such as this non-alcoholic mouthwash from Colgate. It works to lift stains, and has a WhiteProtect system that will keep your teeth whiter for longer.
For those who enjoy the satisfying cooling sensation that you get after using a mouth rinse, this one is formulated to make that feeling last ten times longer! However, some users say that the taste can be quite unpleasant, which is something to consider before investing in a full 500 ml bottle.
Aesop is a well-known brand for developing products made from minimal, botanical formulations of exceptional quality. For those who prefer a more natural option, their Bain de Bouche mouthwash is seriously something to consider for a unique, fresh aromatic experience.
Aromatic is not usually something you'd expect from a mouth rinse, but with a blend of essential oils such as clove, anise, and spearmint leaf, this one is definitely something to consider. These ingredients are handpicked for their naturally antiseptic, soothing and remineralisation properties, but keep in mind that these flavours may be unappealing for some.
This medicated mouthwash from Corsodyl has 0.2% of chlorhexidine digluconate to disrupt and eliminate dental plaque, which helps to keep the teeth and gums healthy. The concentration is high enough to effectively eliminate disease and bad breath causing bacteria without the painful burning sensation.
If you suffer from any type of gum disease, including bleeding, you have oral ulcers or are recovering from any kind of dental surgery, this mouthwash can help keep the bacteria in your oral cavity in check and speed up the healing process. However, do note it cannot be used for the long term, so stick to the recommended usage on the label for the best and safest results.
Written and Researched by Audrey Tan
No. 1: Corsodyl|Daily Mouthwash Alcohol Free|500 ml
No. 2: Colgate Fluorigard|Alcohol Free Mouthwash|400 ml
No. 3: Zendium|Complete Protection Natural Mouthwash|500 ml
No. 4: Listerine|Advanced White Milder Taste Mouthwash|500 ml
No. 5: Listerine|Total Care Milder Taste Mouthwash|600 ml
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games