“Mukhvas” is something that is totally exclusive to Indians. It is actually a mouth-freshener taken after meals that also has digestive benefits – like fennel seeds and paan – and the term, literally translated means “mukh = mouth + vas = smell /aroma”. But mouth fresheners, while making your breath fresh, leave behind food particles in the teeth and the bacteria from those can cause dental issues.
Which is why, it is very important to use a mouthwash, specially after meals so that you don’t end up with names like “Onion mouth” or “Dragon breath”. My biggest issue with mouthwashes has always been the bitter after-taste that it leaves behind because of the alcohol content in it. Himalaya recently launched a range of alcohol-free mouthwashes and here’s my review on them…
Himalaya Mouthwash Range
Price ₹95 / 215ml. Available here.
The Himalaya Mouthwash comes in three variants, each with a different purpose but all, of course giving you fresh breath. These are also alcohol-free so that there is no burning sensation in your mouth nor is there a bitter aftertaste. All these mouthwashes kill 99% of bacteria giving long lasting fresh breath. They also prevent plaque buildup and maintain cleaner, fresher, and healthier oral hygiene. The three variants are :
- Himalaya Active Fresh Mouthwash – For long-lasting fresh breath.
- Himalaya Complete Care Mouthwash – For healthy gums and teeth.
- Himalaya Sparkling White Mouthwash – For whiter teeth without chemical bleach.
Himalaya Active Fresh Mouthwash Saunf + Mint
“A refreshing herbal formulation power packed with Fennel and Mint, the Himalaya Active Fresh Mouthwash helps prevent mouth odour.
Fennel Oil contains terpenes which give the herb it’s antimicrobial property. It is also a potent astringent that tightens gums.
Mint has cooling and analgesic properties which gives long-lasting fresh breath.”
I really love this Saunf + Mint combination which is a super tingly, fresh flavour. The menthol in it is quite strong and I can’t swill it in my mouth for the recommended 30 seconds. Despite that, it really freshens up my breath and keeps it that way for a while.
Ingredients:
Aqua, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Poloxamer 407, Potassium Sorbate, Flavour, Sodium Saccharin, Menthol, Citric Acid, Cetylpyridinuin Chloride, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) oil, CI 19140, CI 42053.
Himalaya Complete Care Mouthwash Miswak + Pomegranate
“Specially formulated with the active combination of Neem, Pomegranate and Miswak, this mouthwash provides complete protection to strengthen teeth and gums.
Miswak inhibits the buildup of dental plaque and is therefore beneficial in the prevention of tooth decay. It reduces gum inflammation, prevents gum bleeding, and has an astringent property which strengthens gums.
Neem has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-bacterial properties and is good for total oral hygiene.
Pomegranate fruit rind also has antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and helps prevent dental plaque.”
This is my favourite flavour of the three since I am anyway fond of the taste of Miswak. However, you can’t really taste the pomegranate in it and thankfully, neither the bitterness of the mint. I did have sensitive gums that bled sometimes but after using this mouthwash the bleeding has stopped.
Ingredients:
Aqua, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Poloxamer 407, Potassium Sorbate, Flavour, Sodium Saccharin, Menthol, Salvadora Persica Stem Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, CI 15985, CI 14700.
Himalaya Sparkling White Mouthwash Papaya + Pineapple
“This is a unique herbal formulation based on Plant Enzyme Technology from Papaya and Pineapple that gently remove surface stains on teeth in two weeks, leaving your teeth naturally white and sparkling.
Pineapple contains a natural enzyme, bromelian, that loosens stains on tooth enamel.
Papaya contains the enzyme papain which is a mild whitening agent and is also good for removing stains from tooth enamel.”
Personally, I don’t think any mouthwash can make your teeth whiter. I guess if you have mild stains on your teeth from tea / coffee consumption then it would lighten them making them appear brighter but that too, would happen over a period of time. Flavour-wise, I could only taste mint in this one with not a trace of papaya or pineapple so if you are expecting to taste those, then you would be disappointed.
Ingredients:
Aqua, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Poloxamer 407, Potassium Sorbate, Flavour, Sodium Saccharin, Menthol, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Citric Acid, Bromelain, Papain, CI 4205I
My Views
I really like these mouthwashes , specially because they don’t have alcohol and the resultant burning sensation and bitter aftertaste. The Miswak one is my personal favourite though I also like the Saunf one too.
What I dislike about these mouthwashes is the packaging. The cap is shaped like a little cup so that you can use it for the mouthwash. However, it isn’t spill-proof at all and once you break the seal of the bottle, even the slightest tilt makes the mouthwash spill from under the cap. The packaging really needs to be improved with a tight cap fit onto it. With the kind of cap it has right now, you simply can’t travel with it.
Have you tried any of these three mouthwashes? Which one did you like? Let me know in the comments below.