Oral Care, Rooted in Something Greater.
Long before modern toothpaste, there was siwak.
Derived from Salvadora persica, siwak has been used for oral hygiene for centuries. What began as tradition has since become the subject of modern scientific research — with studies investigating its antibacterial, anti-plaque, antimicrobial and oral-cleansing properties.
At Siwa, we didn’t add siwak simply to call our toothpaste natural.
We built our formula around it.
Why Siwak?
Siwak is more than a plant-based alternative.
Scientific research has identified a range of naturally occurring compounds within Salvadora persica and has examined how siwak and its extracts interact with the bacteria, plaque and environment of the mouth.
Helps Fight Plaque
One clinical study published in the Saudi Dental Journal compared miswak directly with a conventional toothbrush.
Researchers found that both methods produced significant reductions in plaque, with no statistically significant difference between miswak and conventional toothbrushing during the tested cleaning periods.
The researchers concluded that miswak was as effective as a conventional toothbrush at reducing plaque on the tooth surfaces studied. (EMRO Dashboards)
Naturally Antimicrobial
Research reviewed in the Saudi Medical Journal has found antimicrobial activity from Salvadora persica extracts against numerous oral microorganisms.
In one study discussed in the review, an aqueous siwak extract demonstrated activity against all seven microorganisms tested, including several Streptococcus species associated with the oral environment. (PubMed Central (PMC))
That distinction matters to us.
Siwa uses siwak extract, allowing us to bring the botanical components of this ancient oral-care plant into a familiar modern toothpaste.
Siwak Extract Has Been Studied in Toothpaste
The research isn’t limited to chewing on a traditional siwak stick.
The 2015 scientific review describes laboratory research specifically evaluating siwak extract both by itself and when incorporated into toothpaste. Those studies found that siwak extract could affect the growth of dental-plaque bacteria, leading researchers to suggest its use in toothpaste and mouthwash formulations. (PubMed Central (PMC))
The same review also cites research in which a toothpaste containing Salvadora persica extract demonstrated significantly greater plaque removal than the comparison toothpaste used in that particular study. (PubMed Central (PMC))
This is why extract matters — and why siwak sits at the heart of our formula rather than appearing somewhere at the bottom of an ingredient list.
A Different Approach to Toothpaste
Conventional oral care has changed dramatically.
Our philosophy hasn’t.
Instead of beginning with what every other toothpaste is expected to contain, we began with a simple question:
What would oral care look like if one of the world’s oldest oral-care traditions were thoughtfully redesigned for today?
The result is Siwa.
A modern toothpaste centered around siwak extract, created for those who want a different approach to their everyday routine.
No added fluoride.
No microplastics.
No unnecessary compromise.
Just a modern expression of an ingredient people have trusted for generations.
More Than Tradition
Siwak’s history is remarkable.
Its science is what makes it even more interesting.
A 2015 review of the scientific literature on Salvadora persica reported research into its:
Antibacterial activity
Anti-plaque properties
Antifungal activity
Effects on oral microorganisms
Potential influence on plaque pH and saliva
Mechanical and chemical cleansing properties
The authors concluded that available research supports siwak as a meaningful oral-hygiene tool, while also recognizing that results vary among studies and that technique and regular use matter. (PubMed Central (PMC))
The Research
A Review of the Therapeutic Effects of Using Miswak (Salvadora persica) on Oral Health
Saudi Medical Journal, 2015
A scientific review examining decades of research surrounding Salvadora persica, including studies of siwak extracts, oral bacteria, plaque, saliva and oral hygiene.
Key finding: The review found substantial scientific evidence supporting both the mechanical cleansing properties and biological activity of Salvadora persica. (PubMed Central (PMC))
Read the full scientific review
The Effectiveness of Chewing Stick Miswak on Plaque Removal
Saudi Dental Journal, 2006
Researchers compared miswak with conventional toothbrushing under experimental conditions and also evaluated real-world users.
Key finding: Miswak significantly reduced plaque, and researchers found no significant difference in plaque reduction between miswak and the conventional toothbrush during the tested cleaning periods. (EMRO Dashboards)
Oral Care, Reconsidered.
Our philosophy extends beyond toothpaste.
The Siwa toothbrush pairs a reusable aluminum handle with a bamboo brush head, creating an alternative to the disposable plastic toothbrush.
Across our oral-care system, we’ve made deliberate choices about what belongs — and what doesn’t.
Microplastic Free.
Nylon Free.
BPA Free.
Because something you use every morning and every night deserves more thought.
Ancient Roots. Modern Care.
Siwa isn’t about abandoning modern oral care.
It’s about asking what modern oral care can learn from something that came long before it.