When I consult with people on low-tox living, swapping out toxic toilet paper for non-toxic is usually at the bottom of the priority list (no pun intended, I swear this won’t be that kind of article!).
However, a typical roll of toilet paper contains a significant amount of chemicals, including the notorious PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” bleaching agents, formaldehyde, BPA, and more.
‘Well’, you might be thinking, ‘That sucks, but why does this matter if I’m just wiping with it? Why would I spend the extra money?’
It’s a fair question that deserves a balanced and evidence-based answer. So read on for a quick study on non-toxic toilet paper, why some people should avoid it, and our favorite brands of natural toilet tissue.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning In On Around will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain the site. As always, we value full transparency & only work with brands we love and trust.
Author: In On Around Founder & CEO, Catherine Power.
- Published On:
- Updated On: June 6, 2025
Summary:
- Bleached toilet paper can contain unnecessary chemicals that shouldn’t be on your privates.
- That said, in the grand scheme of things, this is NOT an important swap. Focus your budget and efforts on more impactful swaps, like buying organic high-quality fruits and
- Best Brand: Plant Paper (20% Off Subscriptions: inonaround)
Table of Contents
What The Heck Is Non-Toxic Toilet Paper?
The non-toxic toilet paper trend is the type of stuff comedians and natural health and living skeptics live for. And can you blame them?
The whole idea of going out of your way to buy more expensive, non-toxic paper to wipe with seems a bit ridiculous.
However, one must only do a quick online search to discover that there is a real problem with chemicals in toilet paper.
As reported in news and environmental watchdog outlets like Time Magazine [1], The Environmental Working Group [2], and Fast Company [3], studies have shown various toilet paper brands contain PFAS, aka: forever chemicals.
PFASs are a big problem because they’re endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal issues, cancers, obesity, immune and metabolic disruption, and developmental issues. [4, 5, 6]
They’re also a significant environmental problem because they persist indefinitely, contaminating our water, soil, and even the air.
Why are PFASs used in toilet paper? To create that ultra-soft and comfortable ply we all know and love.
They’re also used in products like non-stick pans (even non-Teflon pans), outdoor gear, feminine hygiene products, active wear, stain-resistant carpets and rugs, and textile manufacturing. But PFAS aren’t the only chemical of concern in toilet paper.
Other studies have shown that toilet paper may contain: [7, 8, 9, 10]
- BPA
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
- SVOCs
- Dyes
- Fragrance
- Chlorine
- Dioxins
Most of these chemicals are known or suspected carcinogens [11, 12] and can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in the short term, such as: [8]
- Chronic or acute vulvar irritation
- Yeast infections
- Contact dermatitis
There is also anecdotal evidence suggesting that some women experienced less PMS and hormonal symptoms after switching to non-toxic or natural toilet tissue. Although there are no studies to support a direct link, it’s not unfeasible given the documented hormonally disruptive properties of these chemicals.
Related reading: Per/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – What Are Forever Chemicals & How Do We Avoid Them?
Why Does This Matter If We’re Only Wiping With It?
Leaving environmental concerns aside, the genitals (especially female genitals) and anus contain sensitive tissues that easily absorb whatever they come into contact with.
Now, consider how many times you wipe a day, a week, a month, a year, a lifetime…that’s a lot of potential chemical absorption.
We also know PFASs have been detected at concerning rates in breastmilk, umbilical cords, placentas, infants, children, and adults. [13]
Although it would be impossible to blame toilet paper use entirely (remember, PFAS are everywhere at this point), chances are it does play a role.
Perhaps we’ll have a double-blind placebo-controlled study to show the difference in blood levels of PFAS between users of conventional toilet paper versus non-toxic toilet paper one day.
In the meantime, it’s worth being aware of, though, IMO, not something to panic or break your budget over.
The Environmental Impacts Of Conventional Toilet Paper
I could write an entire article on this topic alone.
For the sake of time, here are some facts about the environmental impacts of conventional toilet paper: [14]
- It comes from trees that take decades to regrow. Yes, forestry can be done sustainably, but reports have also shown much of the trees used for American toilet paper come from the Canadian boreal forest. Per the NDRC: “This great northern forest is the most carbon-dense, intact forest left on the planet.”
- It requires extensive energy and water to produce (approximately 37 gallons per roll).
- It requires various toxic chemicals to transform tree pulp into toilet paper.
- It’s bleached, which releases chlorine bleach and its byproducts into the air and waterways.
- It contains PFASs, which pollute areas around the manufacturing facilities and continue to pollute waterways every time we flush.
- One study published in Environmental Science And Technology Letters found “toilet paper usage was estimated to contribute from 6.4 to 80 μg/person-year of 6:2 diPAP to wastewater–water systems. Our results suggest that toilet paper should be considered as a potentially major source of PFAS entering wastewater treatment systems.” [16]
- Recycled toilet paper requires other chemicals to produce, making it potentially less eco-friendly and safe for humans (some people argue it’s worse than regular TP)
- Other chemicals used in treatment, like formaldehyde and BPA, may be released into the environment during manufacturing and/or every time we flush.
- Some toilet paper brands contain gelatin, an animal product derived from bones, used to hold the paper together.
- Although you can buy humane gelatin brands, chances are, toilet paper companies are using the cheapest gelatin sourced from confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs)
- And yes, this means your TP may not be vegan.
This, along with the potential health risks associated with conventional toilet paper, has created an understandable demand for non-toxic toilet paper.
10 Non-Toxic Toilet Paper Brands For Every Budget
Now for the solution: non-toxic toilet paper. It does exist, and various brands are available at different low-tox levels and price points.
For example, some people may choose a more expensive, super low-tox, lab-tested PFAS-free, bamboo option, while others may be fine with a basic, unbleached, FSC-certified bamboo version.
Again, this is NOT an essential swap in my opinion! Life is expensive these days, and I’d much rather see people investing more in organic food and low-tox cleaning products versus low-tox toilet paper.
The best option for you should fit within your budget and align with your health goals.
White Vs. Brown Natural Toilet Tissue
Some brands do not bleach their toilet paper at all, which means you get a brown roll.
Since many people find this off-putting (and guests almost always have a comment!), many brands use less toxic or low-tox bleaching alternatives to achieve a whiter look, including:
- Hydrogen peroxide: H2O2 breaks down to hydrogen and oxygen, which is why it’s approved for use in oral care products. It is 100% biodegradable and human-safe. Some brands use hydrogen peroxide exclusively or a combination of peroxide with other low-tox bleaching alternatives.
- Chlorine dioxide (ECF): Listed as “Elemental Chlorine Free” or “ECF-Free”, these brands utilize chlorine dioxide, a less toxic form of bleach, to achieve a white appearance. This is a popular method used in low-tox brands, but may still be irritating for some people and may contain traces of chlorine and/or dioxane.
- Totally Chlorine Free (TCF): This method uses no chlorine or chlorine derivatives, like chlorine dioxide, to bleach their toilet paper. These brands are usually more expensive because it takes substantial energy to achieve this effect. Other brands are TCF because they do not whiten at all, producing a brown roll.
- Process Chlorine Free (PCF): This is typically applied to recycled toilet paper products, indicating that the recycled materials were not rebleached.
Which is best?
All these are preferable to using chlorine-bleached toilet paper. However, if you want the purest of the pure, I’d suggest:
- Best: Totally Chlorine Free (TCF)
- Better: Elemental chlorine free or whitened with peroxide
- OK: Process chlorine-free (I’m not big on recycled toilet paper for human health because it has the potential to contain PFAS, BPA, BPS, and various other paper chemicals)
Prices and discount codes are subject to change.
Use the Code inonaround to get 20% off a subscription
100% FSC-certified bamboo
- TCF (totally chlorine free)
- 100% lab-certified bleach, formaldehyde & PFAS-free
- Tree-free
- 3-play
- Soft
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Septic-safe
- Plastic-free packaging
Price: $59 for 32 rolls with discount code inonaround
- 100% FSC-certified bamboo
- Organic
- Elementary chlorine-free (EFC whitened)
- PFAS free
- Free from harsh chemicals
- 3-ply
- Longer rolls
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Septic safe
- Available on Amazon
- Good value (300 sheets per roll)
- Plastic-free packaging
- Home, boat, or RV use
Price: About $50 per 24-roll pack
- Made from sugarcane (softness) and bamboo (strength)
- Bleach-free (whitened with peroxide)
- Dye-free
- Glue-free
- Fragrance-Free
- No corn or wheat
- Biodegradable and compostable
- 100% biodegradable
- Soft and strong
- Hypoallergenic
- Excellent price*, but see below for details (this isn’t your typical online shop & ship to your door experience)
Price: $25.11 for 24 rolls or $46.25 for 48 rolls
*”The Catch”: Azure Standard is an online organic co-op catering to homesteaders, hobby farmers, and anyone interested in organic bulk buying. A member of our team uses their toilet paper and, upon investigating, I think it’s a great deal.
However, it’s not a typical online ordering and door delivery system. Anyone can order – there are hundreds of drop locations, but you have to search for a local co-op or drop location (it’s free), join, and then meet the truck at the scheduled pickup time and location to get your order in person. Coop members typically pitch in to unload all the orders (if they’re able), then take their items home.
This may or may not be worth it to you for toilet paper, but if you already order from them or are interested in bulk buying, it may be worth a try.
- 100% FSC-certified bamboo (tree-free)
- 3-ply
- 300 sheets per roll
- Free from elemental chlorine
- Fragrance-free
- Compostable & biodegradable
- Septic safe
- Plastic-free
- RV-friendly
- BPA-free
- No inks, dyes, or scents
- Recyclable packaging
- Available at various online retailers such as Thrive Market, Vitacost, and Amazon
Price: $28.04 for 12 rolls, $38.24 for 24 rolls
- 100% FSC-certified bamboo
- BPA-free
- Whitened using elemental chlorine-free (ECF)
- Organic
- Tree-free
- Vegan Option
- Soft
- Lint-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Plastic-free
- Dye-free
- Vegan line available
- One tree is planted for every purchase
- Septic-safe
Price: $44.99-49.99 for 18 rolls (less for subscription)
- 100% bamboo (EFC whitened) and sugarcane (TCF whitened)
- 3-ply
- 300 sheets per roll
- Tree-free
- Septic safe
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
Price: $49.95 for 24 rolls
- 100% bamboo
- EFC whitened
- Tested free from PFAS and PFOS
- Formaldehyde-free
- Plastic-free
- BPA-Free
- No inks or dyes
- Lint-free
- 3-ply
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Available at Target (convenient)
- Carbon-neutral freight shipping
Price: $43.99-$46.99 for 24 rolls (12 and 48 roll packs also available)
- Bamboo and sugarcane
- 2-ply (which may be better for some septic systems, but may be too thin for some people)
- Whitened using ECF
- Non-GMO certified
- Plastic-free
- BPA-free
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Fragrance-free
- Factories are 3rd party certified for humanitarian and safety protocols
- Available at Thrive Market
- Available at Wal-Mart and other big-box stores
- Available at Thrive Market
- Good price
Price: $9.99 for 9 double-rolls at Thrive Market
24 rolls for $39.99 at caboo.com (subscribers save 15%)
- 100% recycled toilet paper
- Could contain BPA and other chemicals
- 2-ply (may be better for some septic systems, but not as comfortable to use for some people)
- No added dyes, inks, or fragrances
- They could be there from the original recycled paper, but none are added
- Completely unbleached (it’s brown)
- Septic-Safe
- Compatible with Low-Flow Toilets in RVs and Campers
- B-Corp
- Widely available at grocery stores, big box stores, and health food stores
- Con: Owned by Unilever
Price: $26.49 for 24 rolls at Vitacost
For the record, I prefer promoting smaller companies and supporting them versus giving more directly to Amazon.
However, a lot of you have asked me about Amazon’s brand of bamboo toilet paper, and as it turns out, it looks like a decent product (not the lowest tox but not the worst either) at a reasonable price.
I also know that everything is costing a lot more these days, and we all have different budgets. So, here’s the scoop on Amazon’s tree-free TP.
- 100% FSC-certified bamboo
- Fragrance-free
- Lint free
- Formulated without elemental Chlorine
- Septic safe
- Dye-free
- Soft and strong
- Plastic-free
Price: $18.25 for 12 rolls
Alternatives to Toilet Paper: Bidets
If you’re ready to go beyond bamboo toilet paper, bidets are a great next step. They’re cleaner, eco-friendly, and can save money over time. Bidets use a much smaller amount of water per wash compared to toilet paper. Check out Tushy, which is a great swap.
Is Non-Toxic Toilet Paper Worth The Money? It Depends…
Switching to a low-tox, more eco-friendly lifestyle can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to this space.
I also completely understand that life can be expensive, especially when you’re opting for non-toxic, more eco-friendly options on a budget, or with kids, or living in the twenty-first century!
It shouldn’t be this way, and it’s getting better, but it still generally costs more money up front to live low-tox (though you’ll save on medical bills in the future).
So, if the idea of having to switch to non-toxic toilet paper seems unrealistic or not budget-friendly, don’t sweat it.
Yes, it is a source of chemicals, but as I mentioned earlier, I’d prefer you to focus on removing toxins from your food and cleaning products first.
Additionally, non-toxic toilet paper is gaining popularity, which means it will likely become more affordable in the future.
The bottom line is if you can make the switch – either partially or fully – that’s great. Especially if you have hormonal issues, are female (we wipe a lot more than men), or have an apparent allergy or reaction to conventional toilet paper.
If not, let it go for now and focus on and celebrate what you can afford to change.
Need some help prioritizing? Check out our Online Course: Balanced Beginnings For Non-Toxic Living.
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What toilet paper do you use?
Let me know your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!
xoxo,
Want to read more? Check out our other articles here!
Other references on Toilet Paper from: Time: PFAS Found in Toilet Paper, EWG: Toilet paper a major source of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in wastewater, Pregnant with PFAS: The threat of ‘forever chemicals’ in cord blood, Fast Company: Your toilet paper is full of forever chemicals, Nature: Exposure to Phthalate, an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical, Alters the First Trimester Placental Methylome and Transcriptome in Women, NIH: PMID: 34069956, PMID: 34774661, PMID: 21939283, PMID: 20393094, PMID: 31788437, PMID: 38473344, EPA: Partnership to Evaluate Alternatives to Bisphenol A in Thermal Paper , NRDC: Toilet Paper Is Driving the Climate Crisis with Every Flush, ACS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Toilet Paper and the Impact on Wastewater Systems
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Frequently Asked Questions – Non-Toxic Toilet Paper
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about: Toilet Paper
Yes, traditional toilet paper often relies on virgin trees and uses significant water and energy to produce.
Recycled, bamboo, or tree-free toilet paper options are more sustainable and biodegradable.
Yes, bamboo grows quickly with less water and no pesticides, making it a more sustainable choice.
Some may, but many eco-brands avoid harsh chemicals—look for “processed chlorine-free” labels
