Toilet paper is generally safe to use, but like most products, it depends on quality and formulation. Practically speaking, the greater concern is not so much about additives as it is about sanitation efficacy. Dry paper alone doesn't entirely clear the area, which can result in irritation or discomfort, especially for the elderly or those with sensitive skin. In recent years, however, I have seen more and more requests to install a bidet while remodeling a bathroom — and for good reason. A bidet combined with a small amount of toilet paper provides the best of both worlds: gentle cleaning for your sensitive areas and less paper waste. It's also a smart upgrade for long-term comfort and sustainability. Today's bidet attachments are inexpensive, easy to install and much more sanitary than using just paper. I recommend thinking of it not as a luxury, but as a functional improvement, both for your own health and the planet's.
I work in an industry that is focused on function and quality, therefore I have always been cognizant of the materials I use especially on skin. About 2 years ago, after conducting some research for a client project related to eco-friendly home upgrades, I began to do some reading on what is actually in conventional toilet paper. The absence of transparency around things like fragrance, 'bleach', PFAS, etc. was enough for me to make a change at home. We started to use unbleached bamboo paper and a simple $40 bidet attachment. Within a few weeks we could see a significant difference, my partner's skin irritation completely went away, and we reduced our household paper consumption by over 80%. Just that alone saved us about $200 a year! In my work, I am seeing more and more people choosing low chemical options for their homes, I think the application represents the same logic. It is not about being radical, it is just smarter and more comfortable.
We've absolutely have had the same concerns about conventional toilet paper with it all containing bleach, preservatives, crappy fragrances, and especially PFAS, those horrible forever chemicals, which is particularly alarming given how we all use these products on such sensitive skin. As a company that fully prioritizes ethical and environmental practices at our farm and in our business, where we refuse any materials that contribute to deforestation, we've now switched to brands like Naked Paper's FSC-certified unbleached bamboo or Who Gives A Crap's 100% recycled options, both of which have been independently tested and confirmed PFAS-free for our staff and our guests to use. The world is waking up, and we want to be there to meet the moment. We all owe it to each other to put quality over profit in even the smallest gestures.
In our company, I assist people to reconsider one of the simplest elements of their homes, their lawn and select materials what will be less dangerous and more durable. I believe that same attitude should be used on all the stuff that we introduce into our home particularly something as personal as toilet paper. It is rather fascinating how we will read and read all the ingredients on a food package but we never even consider the contents of a product we apply on a very sensitive part of our body on a daily basis. You discover when you look into it that most toilet papers are manufactured using chlorine bleaches, perfumes, among other substances. We now understand that they can even hold PFAS which are the chemicals you do not want in your house or in your body. It simply does not seem logical to me that it is best to consciously use products that contain so many useless chemicals. Switching to an unbleached, additive-free brand or even putting in a bidet is an easy thing to do. It is simply a matter of being more conscious of the contents you can have in your personal space to create a healthier long-term environment.
People should be paying more attention to what's in all of the products they use. A lot of the conventional toilet paper is bleached, has added fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. Some brands also contain PFAS. They're also known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down and have been linked to all kinds of health issues. Now with that said, using it once isn't going to hurt you. But if you're using it every day on sensitive skin, especially if you've got allergies or skin conditions, it's fair to be concerned. From a legal perspective, it's hard to prove harm came just from toilet paper, unless someone had clear damage linked to it. Then that could open the door to a product liability claim. For example, if someone developed chronic skin irritation or chemical burns and testing showed it was caused by specific additives in the toilet paper. You'd also have to prove that the manufacturer failed to warn customers about those risks. That's when a case could be made. Especially if other customers report similar issues.
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Weight Loss, Gut, Hormone Health, Mind Body Expert at True Living
Answered 4 months ago
For most people, dry tissue paper carries less risk; it is mostly the moist, scented wipes that are more problematic. Modern tissue paper uses elemental-chlorine-free processes, so chlorine is not the issue in current household paper. Yes, PFAS are detected in toilet paper, but the bigger personal concern is wet wipes that contain preservatives and fragrance that can cause contact dermatitis. Recycled paper can also be a source of trace BPA. If you are sensitive, shift to unscented, dye-free, uncoated toilet paper and stop using moist wipes for two to four weeks to see how your skin responds; if you are very cautious, prefer brands that are uncoated, unscented, and that limit recycled content. Bidets can reduce irritation and lower paper use, but they have to be used correctly—front to back with low to moderate pressure, then pat dry. So yes, bidets can be a good alternative, but for many people, a simple dry, unscented, uncoated tissue does the job; it's the wipes that are the problem.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD) and Atopic Dermatitis defined my life. Switching to a bidet has changed everything for me. My skin doesn't flare up, and my frequency to the bathroom dropped by nearly half.
A lot of regular toilet paper uses chemicals to make it look whiter or feel softer. I work with people who use home care equipment and I've seen those same chemicals usually cause skin irritation. Bleach, dyes and perfumes can dry out or damage the skin which matters even more for older adults or anyone with sensitive skin. Some brands use PFAS which are "forever chemicals" that stay in the body and the environment for years. They make paper smoother and stronger but exposes the body to health risks. Many of our clients who switched to plain, unbleached or bamboo paper have noticed that their skin calmed down in a few days. Some completely ditched using paper towels and switched to bidets. In our recovery rooms, bidets keep the area cleaner and help prevent rashes or small wounds from getting worse. Using warm water and a soft towel to dry is the safest routine for sensitive skins.