This Bristle is PLANT BASED! 62% Castor Bean Oil -( made in the USA), is used in this soft comfortable Bristle. This fact sets BWB apart from any other Bamboo handled Toothbrush. Our Bamboo handle, is highly sustainable, and pesticide free,and is Giant MOSO Bamboo which is not on the Panda Diet in China where it grows wild. Quality control is maintained by the Manufacturers Family and overseen to ensure fair labour practices.