Frequently Asked Questions
TOOTHBRUSH QUESTIONS
What are the bristles on the toothbrush made from?
Our toothbrush bristles are 100% Castor Bean Oil and USDA Certified 100% Biobased – see the USDA Certification and Testing Paperwork. This means that our bristles contain 0% fossil fuel and 0% petroleum. Our bristles are made in the European Union. The bristles are “biobased” and “biodegradable” — but cannot be legally classified as “compostable” (compostable products need to break down as quickly as food). Our biobased bristles will eventually return to the soil, but the timeline for break down would depend on soil activity/ocean activity. To remove and recycle the bristles see details on our Proper Disposal page.
* Note about other companies claiming to have “biodegradable bristles”:
Always ask for testing paperwork for any claim made regarding biodegradation or biobased content. Avoid bristles made from PLA (Polylactic Acid) – this is a material made from GMO corn; it also breaks down too quickly to be appropriate for repeated use in the mouth.
Given that the bristles are made from castor bean oil, is there any ricin in the bristles?
No. There is no ricin. The material is extensively processed using heat and pressure. By the time we make it into toothbrush bristles, the ricin in the castor beans is completely gone.
What is the compostable wrapper/bag made from?
Brush with Bamboo eliminated the wrapper around its toothbrush in March of 2019. All toothbrushes are now packaged in a paper box only.
Are your products certified or tested?
Yes, our products tested and certified by third parties. For more information, see our Lab tests and certification page.
Where are Brush with Bamboo toothbrushes made?
Our toothbrushes are a Product of the European Union and China. Our special plant-based bristles are made in the European Union. All other components are made in China. Click here to view photos of our team and operations in China. We’ve gone the extra mile to ensure safety: the toothbrushes are verified chemical-free and BPA-free by U.S. testing agencies. We also have a full-time American-managed team on the ground in China ensuring worker safety, cleanliness, and good working conditions.
Given that you’re harvesting bamboo, what about panda welfare?
We use Moso bamboo to make our brushes. Pandas eat 42 species of bamboo, but Moso bamboo is not one of them. So this type of bamboo is not food for pandas, nor do pandas inhabit the area where we harvest.
What type of bamboo is used and is it sustainably grown?
The type of bamboo used for our toothbrushes is wild-harvested Giant Moso Bamboo. Our bamboo comes from a mountain range in South China where it grows wild. When a stalk of bamboo is cut to make toothbrushes, another bamboo stalk takes its place and grows to full length (50-75ft) in only 2 years (bamboo is a grass, not a tree).
HAIRBRUSH QUESTIONS
Can the hairbrush be composted?
Yes. The natural rubber base, bamboo handle, and bamboo pins are all-natural and will decompose in active soil (i.e. soil that has bioactivity, worms, heat, etc.). Depending on where you live, you may also be able to compost of this product in your city’s green waste bin.
Is the bamboo used for the hairbrush also certified organic?
Currently: No. The hairbrush is being produced at a different bamboo harvesting site. We would love to certify the bamboo as organic in the future.
SILK FLOSS QUESTIONS
Is your silk floss vegan?
Our silk floss is not vegan. Silk is a product produced by silkworms. This is the only home compostable option currently available for dental floss.
Is your silk floss made from “peace silk” or “ahimsa silk”?
No. The worm cocoon is boiled in the production of silk. Peace silk or Ahimsa silk is an alternative to regular silk – during the production of this silk the worm exits the cocoon by breaking through the silk threads. Peace silk or Ahimsa silk cannot be used to make silk dental floss because of the way the threads are broken during its processing. Please beware of companies claiming to use Peace/Ahimsa silk for silk dental floss – these are false claims.
Shipping and Returns
Where are orders shipped from?
All orders are shipped from our Los Angeles office in Diamond Bar, CA.
What carriers do you use for shipping?
We use US Priority Mail or UPS for shipping our orders. Transit time for any location in the USA varies from 3-5 business days. Transit time for overseas varies by country and can range from 10 – 30 days. Please track and report any issues within a reasonable time frame to info@brushwithbamboo.com.
Do I have to pay customs duties?
For non-USA customers, import duty and taxes may be due when importing goods, whether by a private individual or a commercial entity. These charges, if any, are not included in the checkout total, and all such charges will be collected by local customs authority from the importer (you) at the time of delivery.
What returns do you accept?
We accept returns of products purchased on BrushwithBamboo.com. If you purchased your product from another retailer please return it to that retailer.
What is your return policy?
If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase made on Brush with Bamboo, simply return it we will happily credit your original form of payment. Please email us at info@brushwithbamboo.com or call at +1 909 265-4326. We are here to help you!
Where do I send my return?
You can send your returns to:
Brush with Bamboo Returns
324 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. #354
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Make sure to enclose a copy of your original invoice. Please select a shipping method that provides a tracking number and delivery confirmation, and keep a copy of these numbers for your records. Sorry – we can’t be responsible for lost returns.
My product has a manufacturing defect, what should I do?
We do our best to make sure each item is perfect, but occasionally there can be a glitch. After all, it’s a natural material – not plastic. If you have a quality problem with one of our products, please contact us at info@brushwithbamboo.com, or call us at +1 909 265-4326. If possible, please include a photo!