For most of us, toilet paper is as common in our daily lives as breathing. We can’t imagine life without it (especially after 2020!).

However, new reports have surfaced questioning the safety of chemicals---including forever chemicals---used to treat conventional toilet paper.[1][2]

Yep, this is a thing.

This has led many consumers to seek out non-toxic toilet paper and toilet paper alternatives, which we'll explore in-depth in this article.

Chemicals in Toilet Paper + Fun Facts

According to statistics, the United States leads the world in toilet paper consumption, with the average American using 141 rolls (equal to about 28 pounds) of TP annually.[3]

Multiply that by about 345 million people, and our country alone uses over 9 billion pounds of toilet paper per year.

Sadly, many brands of toilet paper contain harmful chemicals like chlorine dioxide, dioxin, BPA, and phthalates and other forever chemicals, colors, fragrances, and inks.

This matters because these toxic chemicals are coming in contact with our biggest organ (our skin!), in our most sensitive and vulnerable areas, multiple times per day.

The Problem with Most Toilet Paper

Here’s the deal: toilet paper is made of, well, paper, and the commercial paper making process is a chemically intensive, not to mention environmentally unfriendly, process.

The chlorines (to make toilet paper white), fragrances (to make toilet paper scented), formaldehyde (to provide wet-strength), inks (to make toilet paper express your personality), and colors (to make toilet paper color coordinated) are all chemicals that can cause ill health affects—especially when used regularly. 

Exposure to chemicals in toilet paper may result in more vulnerability to acute issues such as: [1][2][4][5][6][7][8]

• Vulva irritation
• Contact dermatitis
• Yeast infections
• PMS
• Endometriosis
• Irregular periods
• And chronic conditions such as infertility, PCOS, sperm count/viability, cancer, etc.
  

No reason to fear, there are plenty of options out there that keep your body and your bum safe from toxic chemicals.

Our Favorite Brands Of Non-Toxic Toilet Paper & Alternatives

No, you don’t have to go back to using corn cobs, leaves, or the Farmers Almanac like the colonists did.

When shopping for toilet paper, you should ensure it is free of:

• Chlorine
• Dyes
• Fragrances
• BPA

Our favorite brands are Plant Paper and WholeRoll which fit all of our criteria without any sacrifice.

We also like the brands Naturolly and Cloud Paper.

Although not as common to find in the US than other places around the globe, bidets are a fabulous option for your health and the environment.

We love the more affordable options offered by Tushy, a modern bidet that you can easily install yourself at home!

Tushy was kind enough to provide you a 10% discount. Click here or use "BranchBasics" at checkout.

End of the Roll On Non-Toxic Toilet Paper

We believe that prioritizing human health is vital to creating healthier homes.

That's why we created Branch Basics, an all-in-one, human-safe, biodegradable, MADE SAFE, and cruelty-free cleaning line.

Just one Concentrate plus water replaces every single cleaner, stain remover, hand soap, and laundry product in your home.

See: How To Get Started With Your Branch Basics Kit to learn more.

We also offer plastic-free Dishwasher Tablets, Laundry Detergent, Gel Hand Soap, Travel Kits, and natural cleaning accessories. 

By evaluating the products we bring into our living spaces, we can take back our health and become empowered consumers.

So make the switch today, we know your tush will appreciate it!

Further Reading:

• The 5 Best Bathroom Cleaners Without Bleach
• Can You Be Allergic to Bleach? Try These Safe Alternatives
• 5 Best Natural (& Effective!) Toilet Bowl Cleaners

References:

1: https://time.com/6259819/pfas-found-in-toilet-paper/

2: https://nypost.com/2023/03/01/your-toilet-paper-might-give-you-cancer-study/

3: https://www.statista.com/chart/15676/cmo-toilet-paper-consumption/

4: https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2023/march/toilet-paper-is-an-unexpected-source-of-pfas-in-wastewater.html

4: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2860827/

5: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10931119/

6: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8743032/

7: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00094