Quick poll: Who brings their phone along during bathroom breaks?
No judgment here. We’re always pondering something in there, and phones have all the answers: what to eat for dinner, the latest Dept. Q theories and even why toilet paper makes your bum itch. Eek.
A rash or itchiness in your intimate areas is particularly unpleasant, but we’re here to get to the bottom of what makes some bathroom tissue so aggravating.
People with sensitive skin need to be extra cautious about the products they come into contact with and opt for ones that are less likely to irritate from the start.
Which toilet paper materials, manufacturing processes and additives are more likely to aggravate skin? Find out below, along with a checklist of safer alternatives to keep all your bits happy.
What causes toilet paper to irritate skin, anyway?
If toilet paper is causing you discomfort, it’s likely a skin reaction to one of the ingredients. This is known as contact dermatitis, which presents in two ways:
Irritant contact dermatitis, an inflammatory response caused by a damaging substance.
Allergic contact dermatitis, an immune system response triggered by a specific ingredient.
Many traditional toilet paper brands are packed with ingredients that can turn your bathroom experience into an itchy nightmare. Watch out for these common culprits of angry skin:
1. Fragrances and dyes
While that "fresh linen" scent might sound like a dream, those added perfumes and lotions are common allergens that can trigger contact dermatitis. They often lead to redness, itching, and rashes for those with sensitive skin.
2. Bleaching agents
Some prefer TP to be pearly white, but there are but achieving that colour can involve harsh chemicals. Many brands use chlorine bleaching processes, which can leave behind irritants like dioxins.
3. Texture and lint
Beyond the chemical cocktail, the physical properties of your toilet paper matter too. If your TP feels like sandpaper or leaves behind a flurry of lint, that rough texture can lead to physical irritation and discomfort.
4. Other additives
To make toilet paper stronger or softer, some companies add chemicals like formaldehyde or paraffin wax. While effective, these additives can be harsh on delicate skin.
A toilet paper checklist for sensitive skin
To treat your bum luxuriously, knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) makes all the difference.
Here’s your cheat sheet to help you choose gentler toilet paper rolls:
Hypoallergenic is a good start
This is the gold standard for sensitive skin, but here’s a little secret: the term "hypoallergenic" isn't actually regulated by an official standard.
So, while it means the product is designed to minimise allergic reactions, there are no guarantees. To add a layer of trust, look for products that are "dermatologist tested" or "third-party tested" — these often indicate a more credible claim for sensitive skin.
Always choose fragrance free
Look for "fragrance free" rather than just "unscented” because they don’t mean the same thing.
Fragrance free products mean no perfumes were added, while unscented might mean they just masked natural odors with other chemicals.
Stick with dye free rolls, too
No unnecessary bells, whistles or colours here. Dyes are another potential irritant your sensitive skin doesn't need.
Scrutinise for milder whitening processes
Fancy sounding terms like Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF), Process Chlorine Free (PCF) and Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) mean the toilet paper was whitened without harmful chemicals that cause harm to your skin and the environment.
Opt for sustainable toilet paper materials
This is where traditional wood pulp gets the boot. Plant based materials like bamboo naturally have longer, smoother fibres, which means less lint and a gentler feel.
By looking for TP made from sustainable materials, you’re not just making a choice that’s good for the planet — you’re likely finding a better option for your sensitive skin, too.
Exploring the best toilet paper for sensitive skin
When it comes to sensitive skin, the material matters just as much as the manufacturing process. Some fibres are naturally gentler, smoother and less likely to leave behind residue or cause irritation.
Bamboo grass
Bamboo toilet paper is the quiet overachiever of the bathroom world. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and has long, smooth fibres that result in a soft, strong, and low-lint paper.
Plus, it’s an incredibly fast-growing super plant, making it a sustainability superstar.
Additional unconventional fibres
Alternative fibres like sugarcane, hemp and reed are part of a growing movement toward more sustainable paper products. They're naturally soft, require minimal chemical processing and tend to be biodegradable and compostable.
But proceed with caution — avoid brands that use greenwashing or lack transparency in their ingredients and processing methods.
Conventional wood pulp
Many popular store brands are made from virgin wood pulp. While often marketed as pillowy soft, they can contain additives like fragrances, lotions, and dyes to achieve that feel.
Unless explicitly labelled as hypoallergenic, dye free and chlorine free, it’s not a friendly choice for your cheeks. (Plus, it’s never an eco-friendly choice for Mama Earth.)
Pro Tip: It’s not just what you wipe with
Even the softest, most hypoallergenic toilet paper in the world can’t make up for poor technique. (We said what we said.)
Your wiping habits play a big role in whether your skin stays calm or stages a protest. So if your bathroom routine currently resembles a cardio workout, here’s a gentle reminder to:
Wipe front to back.
This is the number one rule for a reason. Wiping this way helps prevent the spread of bacteria from your bum to your front, which is crucial for avoiding uncomfortable urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Pat, don’t scrub.
Your skin is not a dirty pot that needs scouring. Aggressive rubbing can cause micro-tears and inflammation, especially in such a delicate area.
Don’t overdo it.
Over-wiping can strip your skin of its natural, protective oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
We’ve only scratched the surface of healthy toileting habits. Finding the best bathroom routine for your skin is a personal journey. Tune into what your body needs and focus on what feels good for you.
Conclusion — Irritated with your toilet paper? Not anymore.
The best toilet paper for sensitive skin comes down to a simple philosophy: focus on what’s not in it.
Simple changes are essential to giving your sensitive skin the lasting relief it deserves. Remember to steer clear of rolls with harsh chemicals, unnecessary fragrances and artificial dyes to take control of your skin’s comfort.
By consciously opting for gentler materials (like super soft bamboo), you're choosing a kinder experience for your body and the environment.
Let your bottom live its best life. Try out premium, 100% bamboo toilet rolls and see if your skin feels the difference.