7 Best Virucidal Mouthwashes for COVID-19 according to Evidence (2025)
The COVID-19 Omicron variants replicate to achieve high viral loads in the throat. Therefore, appropriate mouthwashes will likely reduce the viral load in the throat and thereby reducing the risk of severe disease due to the viral load in the lungs.

Credit: covid19criticalcare.com
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Mouthwash is part of the FLCCC I-PREVENT Protocol |
Best Mouthwashes for COVID-19 according to Evidence
There are lots of great mouthwashes out there, and this list is by no means complete. We’ve included therapeutic mouthwashes with proven anti-COVID-19 ingredient, you can buy over the counter.
1. Betadine (Povidone Iodine) Gargle - Mouthwash with 1% povidone iodine
Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 (more than 3,000 ratings)
The antiseptic povidone-iodine has immediate virucidal effects against COVID-19 virus. There are more than 20 published studies on povidone-iodine for COVID-19 (c19early.org/pmeta).
Instruction: Gargle twice a day or after having been out for prevention, and three times a day for early treatment of COVID-19.
- CONTAINS one 8 oz bottle (24 uses) of Betadine Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle for the temporary relief of occasional sore throat
- TREAT AND RELIEVE SORE THROAT SYMPTOMS the moment you feel a sore throat coming on
- FAST ACTING GARGLE From Betadine, the brand that has been trusted by healthcare professionals for over 50 years.
- 0.5% POVIDONE-IODINE ANTISEPTIC GARGLE
- MINT FLAVOR, ALCOHOL FREE FORMULATION
- Dr. David Brownstein
Betadine mouthwash side effects (Drugs.com) - Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Redness.
- Very bad irritation where this drug is used.
2. Crest Pro Health Intense Mouthwash with CPC (Cetylpyridinium Chloride)
A meta-analysis of 3 studies (C19early 2025) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may significantly lower risk with viral clearance. One study shows significant benefit. Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 83% [6‑97%] lower risk. Results are consistent with early treatment being more effective than late treatment.
Another study, published in Nature (Takeda 2022) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection even at lower concentrations.
A scientific review, published in the Journal of Formosan Medical Association (2022) also concluded that mouthwash containing CPC shows potential for reducing the viral load of COVID-19 virus in the throat.
- Active Ingredient: Cetylpyridinium Chloride 0.05%.
- Inactive Ingredients Water, Alcohol (15 Wt%), Propylene Glycol, Flavor, Poloxamer 407, Sucralose, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Blue 1, Yellow 6
- 99% Germ Kill with no medicinal taste
- Cooling sensation
- Keeps teeth clean longer
- Freshens breath
- Fights plaque & gingivitis
3. TheraBreath Healthy Gums - Periodontist Formulated 24-Hour Oral Rinse with CPC
A gluten-free, alcohol-free CPC mouthwash option.
TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) 0.05%, an ingredient approved by the FDA and clinically proven to kill germs linked to gum disease and other periodontal problems, and adds a sweetener, xylitol (but NO saccharin), to neutralize the decay process.
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1 in Mouthwashes category#2 in Anesthetic & Antiseptic Oral Rinses category
It has over 23,000 customer reviews, most of them 5-stars.
A gluten-free, alcohol-free CPC mouthwash option.
TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) 0.05%, an ingredient approved by the FDA and clinically proven to kill germs linked to gum disease and other periodontal problems, and adds a sweetener, xylitol (but NO saccharin), to neutralize the decay process.
Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#1 in Mouthwashes category
#2 in Anesthetic & Antiseptic Oral Rinses category
It has over 23,000 customer reviews, most of them 5-stars.
4. Colgate Peroxyl (Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash)
Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 (more than 18,000 ratings)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7 in Mouthwashes category
Price: $9 ($0.53 / Fl Oz)
Chinese health authorities recommended the use of povidone–iodine (PI) and hydrogen peroxide-based mouth-rinses as a pre-procedural preventive measure, while the American Dental Association has advocated the use of 1% hydrogen peroxide mouth-rinse before dental examination.
However, the April 2020 version of the ADA Interim Guidance recommended:
Since SARS-CoV-2 may be vulnerable to oxidation, use 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (commercially available in the US) or 0.2% povidone iodine as a pre-procedural mouth-rinse (Int J Oral Sci. 2020).
Instruction: Gargle twice a day or after having been out for prevention, and three times a day for early treatment of COVID-19.
Instruction: Gargle twice a day or after having been out for prevention, and three times a day for early treatment of COVID-19.
- Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide 1.5%.
- #6 best seller in Amazon Best Seller Mouthwash category. Review rating 4.7 out of 5 with more than 17,000 reviews.
- Mouth rinses cleanses and promotes healing of minor oral wounds
- Helps promote healing of: oral sores, irritations, mouth burns
- Oxygenating action removes oral debris to facilitate healing
- Soothes minor gum inflammation from dental procedures, dentures and orthodontic appliances
- Antiseptic mouthwash, alcohol free formula
5. Scope Mouthwash
Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 (more than 800 ratings)
Price: from $9
A study, published in Nature (Takeda 2022) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection even at lower concentrations.
A scientific review, published in the Journal of Formosan Medical Association (2022) also concluded that mouthwash containing CPC shows potential for reducing the viral load of COVID-19 virus in the throat.
- Ingredients: Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), Water, Alcohol (15 Wt%), Glycerin, Flavor, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Blue 1, Yellow 5
- Kills 99% of bad breath germs in lab tests
- Crest clean meets Scope freshness
- Cosmetic mouthwash
- Made in the USA with U.S. and imported ingredients
- Original Mint Flavor
6. Colgate Zero with CPC
Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 (more than 250 ratings)
Price: Check Price on Amazon
- Active Ingredient: Cetylpyridinium Chloride
- Kills 99% of plaque germs
- 0% alcohol
- 0% dyes
- 0% artificial flavors
- 0% artificial sweeteners
7. Iotech ioRinse Mouthwash
Customer Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 (more than 300 ratings)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44 in Mouthwashes category
Price: $40
There is a new generation of patented iodine-based antiseptics that overcome the negative side effects of PVP-1. A new aqueous formulation with 100 times more I2 than contained in PVP-1 is now available, and the non-biocidal content has been reduced from 31,600 ppm to a few hundred ppm. This new formulation increases its effectiveness, safety, and shelf life, while also reducing staining, toxicity, bad taste, and potential irritancy. It is now available in mouth-rinses, concentrates, nasal sprays, and hand sanitizers offered by IoTech International (IoTech International).
Key Takeaways
However, it is important to note that mouthwash alone should not be relied upon as a sole strategy to prevent or treat COVID-19. No single treatment is 100% effective. Comprehensive protocols typically combine multiple safe and effective measures, tailored to individual risk/benefit considerations and ongoing monitoring.
You should continue to follow your local health guidelines, including wearing face masks, practicing hand hygiene, and maintaining appropriate social distancing.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement for COVID-19 or any other health condition.
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