A biocidal composition may include perlite and a biocidal metal compound associated with the perlite. The perlite may have a top particle size (d50) less than 50 μm and a median particle size (d50) less than 30 μm, and the perlite may range from 0.1 percent to 20 percent by weight of the composition. A dentifrice composition may include perlite and a biocidal metal compound associated with the perlite. The perlite may have a top particle size (d50) less than 50 μm, a median particle size (d50) less than 30 μm, and exhibit an RDA value less than 220. The composition may include a toothpaste base. A method of making a biocidal composition may include providing perlite and contacting the perlite with a biocidal metal compound to form biocidal metal-treated perlite.
