If you’ve ever tried “eco” or “green” toilet paper and ended up regretting it because it felt like sandpaper or cost twice as much – you’re not alone.
For years, clean and non-toxic toilet paper meant sacrificing comfort, softness, or your budget. But that’s finally changing.
This isn’t just about sustainability or ingredient safety – for people dealing with rectal irritation, hemorrhoids, fissures, or other sensitive skin conditions, using truly toxin-free, fragrance-free toilet paper can make a real difference in daily comfort and healing.
Today, several toxin-free brands have figured out how to make toilet paper that’s safe for your skin, free from PFAS, dyes, and chlorine, yet still feels as plush as the big-name rolls – and doesn’t cost a small fortune.
In a Hurry?
Jump straight to the best nontoxic toilet paper brands I’ve tried and tested.
Page Contents
What’s Wrong With Regular Toilet Paper?
Most people assume toilet paper is harmless – after all, we use it every day.
But research shows that some of the chemicals used in common toilet paper brands can irritate the skin, disrupt hormones, and even harm the environment.
Here’s what the science says:
PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
PFAS are used to make paper smoother and stronger, but these substances don’t break down easily.
Studies have found PFAS exposure can build up in your body and may be linked to hormone imbalance, fertility issues, and immune system effects.
Researchers have also found PFAS in toilet paper, contributing to wastewater contamination.
Chlorine Bleaching Agents
Many papers are whitened with chlorine dioxide. This process can create trace dioxins, which are “stubborn” pollutants that may affect your endocrine system and liver function with long-term exposure.
Formaldehyde
Sometimes added to improve strength and shelf life, formaldehyde is a known skin and mucous membrane irritant and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen in EPA materials (EPA factsheet PDF).
Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes
Added for “fresh scent” or to make the paper look bright, these can trigger allergic reactions or vaginal irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin (ACOG guidance).
Even though these chemicals are used in very small amounts, the skin around the intimate area is thin and more sensitive to irritants.
And because toilet paper is used several times a day, that small exposure can add up over time.
The good news?
It’s easy to avoid them. Non-toxic toilet papers use oxygen-based whitening (e.g., peroxide/oxygen processes) instead of elemental chlorine, skip PFAS, and avoid added fragrances or dyes, giving you peace of mind without having a less comfortable bathroom experience.
Why Non-Toxic Doesn’t Have to Mean Rough or Expensive
A few years ago, going toxin-free usually meant paying double or settling for scratchy recycled paper.
But not anymore.
Thanks to new manufacturing tech and growing demand, several brands now offer soft, plush, affordable toilet paper made from bamboo or other sustainable fibers.
In fact, some of the best non-toxic options today feel just as smooth as Charmin – without the chemicals. T
he prices have also dropped, especially when you buy in bulk or by subscription. You get comfort, safety, and savings, all rolled into one (literally).
The Best Non-Toxic Toilet Paper Brands (Tried & Tested)
What I mean by “best” here:
No PFAS in independent testing (where available), plus clean processes (unbleached/TCF or chlorine-free), good everyday softness, and fair value.
1. PlantPaper – Cleanest & Best Overall
Ultra-clean, unbleached bamboo that’s gentle on sensitive skin – but the smaller 200-sheet rolls run out faster
$38 for members
- Material: Bamboo (unbleached)
- Ply: 3
- Sheets/Roll: 96
- Cost/100 Sheets: $0.83
- PFAS: Non-detect (lab tested)
- Bleach Type: None – unbleached natural fiber
- Fragrance/Dyes: None
- Compostable: Yes (home & commercial)
- Septic-Safe: Yes
✅ Pros – Naturally tan (no brighteners), comfy 3-ply feel, strong eco story
❌ Cons – Brown color + premium pricing may be new to some shoppers
Why it’s here: Plant Paper uses one of the cleanest formulas I’ve seen: lab-certified bleach, formaldehyde & PFAS-free, and also tested non-detect for PFAS by an independent consumer investigation.
I’ve been using PlantPaper for a few weeks now, and honestly – it feels different in a good way.
The first thing I noticed was the color. It’s not that bright, bleached white we’re used to – it’s a soft natural “tan”, which actually made me feel better knowing it’s completely unbleached and free from chlorine or dyes.
In terms of texture, it’s surprisingly soft – not fluffy like Charmin, but a gentle, smooth kind of softness that feels clean and sturdy at the same time.
I never felt that annoying “linty” residue that cheaper eco papers leave behind.
When it’s wet, it holds up well enough, and there’s no itching, dryness, or that weird chemical smell you sometimes get from regular toilet paper.
The rolls are smaller (200 sheets), so you’ll go through them a bit faster, but for something that’s PFAS-free, unbleached, and 100% bamboo, it feels worth the trade-off.
2. Save Trees – Soft Feel & Budget Friendly
Soft, strong 3-ply bamboo that balances comfort and price – though not as plush as luxury brands
- Material: Bamboo
- Ply: 3
- Sheets/Roll: 300
- Cost/100 Sheets: $0.76
- PFAS: Non-detect (independent test)
- Bleach Type: Chlorine-free (oxygen/peroxide process)
- Fragrance/Dyes: None
- Compostable: Yes
- Septic-Safe: Yes
✅ Pros – Soft 3-ply, easy subscriptions, good value in bulk
❌ Cons – Bleaching method varies by run; if you want totally unbleached, pick Plant Paper
Why it’s here: Listed non-detect for PFAS in independent testing; brand pages emphasize no PFAS, no dyes/scents, and 3-ply comfort.
After a few weeks of using Save Trees Paper, I get why people like it. The 3-ply bamboo sheets feel smooth, sturdy, and surprisingly soft for something eco-friendly.
It doesn’t shred or tear easily. I would say it’s solid bamboo paper that actually holds up.
It’s not the most “pillowy” toilet paper out there, but the balance of strength, comfort, and sustainability makes it an easy switch if you want something clean, soft, and earth-friendly without breaking the bank.
3. Reel – Soft, Sturdy, and Sustainably Made
Smooth, sturdy bamboo with fully plastic-free packaging
- Material: Bamboo
- Ply: 3
- Sheets/Roll: 300
- Cost/100 Sheets: $0.65
- PFAS: Non-detect (independent test)
- Bleach Type: Chlorine-free (ECF)
- Fragrance/Dyes: None
- Compostable: Yes
- Septic-Safe: Yes
✅ Pros – Soft 3-ply, widely available, frequent promos
❌ Cons – Bright-white finish (not unbleached) may matter if you’re avoiding any whitening
Why it’s here: Non-detect for PFAS in independent testing; brand states PFAS-free and offers transparent specs.
From the moment I unwrapped the roll, I noticed the smooth texture and the fact that each roll has 300 sheets of 3-ply bamboo.
Reel feels noticeably firmer and sturdier than many eco “budget” brands, and the sheets do not shred easily; it has no plastic packaging.
However, the pricing is slightly higher than that of cheap conventional brands.
Still, if your priority is a non-toxic, tree-free option that performs almost as well as the best traditional TPs — and you appreciate the sustainable packaging — Reel is a strong pick.
4. Caboo – 2-Ply Tree-Free
Affordable bamboo-and-sugarcane mix that’s septic-safe and low-lint – but only 2-ply, so less cushion
- Material: Bamboo + Sugarcane (bagasse)
- Ply: 2
- Sheets/Roll: 300
- Cost/100 Sheets: $0.42
- PFAS: Non-detect (independent test)
- Bleach Type: Chlorine-free (ECF)
- Fragrance/Dyes: None
- Compostable: Yes
- Septic-Safe: Yes
✅ Pros – Balanced softness/strength, often competitively priced
❌ Cons – Not unbleached
Why it’s here: Non-detect in independent PFAS testing; tree-free fiber blend is septic-friendly.
The 2-ply bamboo + sugarcane sheets of the Caboo feel smoother than typical bargain rolls and don’t leave lint.
It’s an easy, not-too-expensive upgrade you can even find at Costco.
Performance-wise, Caboo holds together better than I expected for 2-ply and breaks down well (good for septic).
Bottom line: not ultra-plush, but comfortable, clean, and great value if you want tree-free without the premium price.
5. Cheeky Panda – Spa-like Softness
Luxuriously soft 3-ply bamboo that feels premium – but more expensive per roll
- Material: Bamboo + Sugarcane (bagasse)
- Ply: 2
- Sheets/Roll: 300
- Cost/100 Sheets: $0.83
- PFAS: Non-detect (independent test)
- Bleach Type: Chlorine-free (ECF); “Natural Color” option unbleached
- Fragrance/Dyes: None
- Compostable: Yes
- Septic-Safe: Yes
✅ Pros – Soft feel, multipack savings
❌ Cons – Some products are lightly bleached—choose “natural color” if you want fewer whiteners
Why it’s here: Non-detect for PFAS in independent testing
I switched to Cheeky Panda for a few weeks and liked it. The 3-ply bamboo roll feels silky yet solid – a nice upgrade from many “eco” budget brands. Several Reddit users describe it as “softer than WGAC yet still strong,” and I’d agree with that.
In practice, it held up well: no shredding, no weird lint, and the packaging is fully plastic-free.
Bottom line: If you want luxury-feel comfort with clean materials (bamboo, no harsh chemicals) and are okay paying a little more, Cheeky Panda is a strong choice.
6. Public Goods – Clean & Minimalist Look
Clean, sturdy 3-ply paper in plastic-free minimalist packaging – but rolls are smaller
20% off for members
- Material: Bamboo + Sugarcane (bagasse)
- Ply: 3
- Sheets per Roll: 300
- Cost per 100 Sheets: $0.56
- PFAS: Non-detect (independent test)
- Bleach Type: Chlorine-free (ECF)
- Fragrance/Dyes: None
- Compostable: Yes
- Septic-Safe: Yes
✅ Pros – clean ingredients, sturdy 3-ply, plastic-free wrap, septic-safe
❌ Cons – smaller rolls, not ultra-plush, you’ll need a membership for the best price
Why it’s here: Non-detect for PFAS in independent testing; minimalist, dye-free.
The 3-ply, 300-sheet rolls of the Public Goods toilet paper feel smooth and low-lint – not ultra-plush, but comfortably soft and sturdy enough that you use fewer sheets.
What I liked: no plastic wrap, individually wrapped rolls, and septic-safe/biodegradable claims.
If you want a simple, tree-free everyday option without paying luxury prices, this is an easy switch – especially with member pricing.
Nontoxic Toilet Paper FAQ
What Makes Toilet Paper Nontoxic?
Non-toxic toilet paper is made without PFAS, chlorine bleach, dyes, fragrances, or formaldehyde, which are common in conventional brands to make rolls look whiter or feel softer.
These additives can irritate sensitive skin and pollute our waterways.
Instead, non-toxic brands use natural materials like bamboo, sugarcane, or 100% recycled fibers and rely on oxygen- or peroxide-based whitening instead of chlorine.
The result is a clean, skin-safe, and eco-friendly roll that’s better for you and the environment.
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Really Better for You and the Environment?
Yes – bamboo toilet paper is naturally hypoallergenic, PFAS-free, and needs no harsh bleaching, making it gentler on your skin than many tree-based toilet paper brands.
Bamboo grows fast without pesticides, uses 30–40% less water, and releases more oxygen per acre than trees, so it’s more sustainable too.
The key is to choose chlorine-free, fragrance-free brands with independent PFAS testing, like PlantPaper or Reel.
What’s the Safest Toilet Paper for Sensitive Skin or Hemorrhoids?
The safest option is unbleached, fragrance-free, and dye-free 3-ply paper made from bamboo or sugarcane – it’s soft yet chemical-free.
Top gentle picks are Plant Paper (unbleached bamboo), Caboo (bamboo & bagasse), and Save Trees Paper (soft 3-ply bamboo).
Avoid rolls labeled with “aloe,” “lotions,” or “scented,” which can irritate sensitive skin areas.
To your health and happiness,
Meital