The Best Toilet Paper Brands - Pros & Cons of Each

The Best Toilet Paper Brands - Pros & Cons of Each

You might consider it a no-brainer to buy toilet tissue for your home. After all, it's one of our most common household essentials. We need it in good supply and at the ready at all times. However, ecoHiny is here to tell you that all toilet paper is not created equally.

Even though it's a disposable product that we literally flush down the drain, it really does matter what materials and more factor into your toilet paper purchase. 

Choosing the best toilet paper can depend on factors such as cost, comfort, health, and environmental impact. Let's examine these in relation to several toilet paper brands and see exactly what they offer.

Selecting Toilet Paper to Evaluate

To make our list of toilet paper to consider, we took into account the factors that are most important when looking for the right rolls for your home, starting with strength and softness.

One of the most important considerations is the softness and strength of the paper. We all want a toilet paper that is gentle on the skin but also does not tear easily. There's an important balance between softness and strength that the best brands are able to achieve. We also want a toilet paper that is strong enough to do its job without leaving any residue or causing any discomfort. Next up, cost and value.

The price of toilet paper is also an important factor to consider. Rising costs can strain household budgets, and families are looking to get the best value for their money. It's helpful to compare the prices of different brands to find the one that fits their budget. 

The total count of sheets per roll is also important. A higher number of sheets means that the toilet paper will last longer, and there will be fewer trips to the store to purchase more. Noting the number of rolls in a package is also necessary, as you want to ensure you have enough toilet paper on hand to last for a while.

At ecoHiny we're thrilled that in recent years, many people have become more environmentally conscious and are looking for the best eco-friendly toilet paper. They may look for toilet paper that is made from recycled materials, or that is biodegradable, to reduce their impact on the environment.

Brand reputation, availability, and personal preferences such as scent or texture are also considerations that some people take into account when buying toilet paper. 

To get a product that meets your preferences, we've compiled a list of the pros and cons for five leading industry brands using this criteria.

The Rundown of the Reviewed Rolls

We examined rolls from several toilet paper brands and categories. This list consists of notable products from each.

Most Popular Traditional: Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet Paper

Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper is a popular choice for its softness and absorbency. It is also known for being gentle on the skin and not leaving any residue. This paper has a solid two-ply construction that remains extremely strong even when saturated. You'll find a pack of 18 rolls priced at an average of $30 at most supermarkets and even mega-retailers like Wal-Mart and Amazon.

Pros: 

  • Widely available
  • cost-effective
  • reliable quality, especially when it comes to softness
  • Cons: 
  • Environmental concerns, potential use of bleaches and dyes
  • Buying from the traditional toilet paper industry means contributing to harmful deforestation
  • The thickness translates into a paper that's very difficult to dissolve; old plumbing and septic systems beware

Recycled: Seventh Generation Recycled Toilet Paper

Seventh Generations toilet paper products include both 100% recycled and partially recycled options. Seventh Generation's products are also free of chlorine bleach, fragrances, and dyes, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Seventh Generation is available at most major retailers, drugstores, and some office supply locations. Its price point comes in at around $35 for 24 rolls.

Pros: 

  • Eco-friendlier than traditional
  • Utilizes post-consumer recycled content
  • Dissolves quickly and easily in most systems

Cons: 

  • Recycled toilet paper is notoriously rough
  • Thinner 2-ply construction is not as durable
  • Uses material made initially from hardwood trees, so it's not entirely tree-free

Luxury: Renova

Referred to as "the sexiest toilet paper on earth," Renova is a European-based company with an incredible array of toilet paper offerings and is best known for its vibrant, eye-catching colored toilet paper. However, their 4-ply royal toilet paper option is an unbelievably plush product. Four rolls come in at just under $7, but you'll pay handsomely for shipping if you're in the U.S., to the tune of about $48.

Pros: 

  • Superior softness 
  • Extra thick 4-ply construction
  • Reputable company with many innovative products and options

Cons: 

  • Shipping costs
  • Susceptible to the use of chemicals and bleaching during manufacturing
  • Extra thickness hinders its ability to dissolve quickly

Plant-Based and Tree-Free: ecoHiny's Bamboo Toilet Paper

If you're looking for a non-toxic option that's totally into saving trees, ecoHiny should be your choice. You can get 12 premium three-ply rolls for $29.99, but signing up for the convenient subscription service allows you to save 20% and also guarantees carbon-free delivery right to your door.

Pros:

  • Sustainable and responsibly sourced
  • Made from ultra-soft yet super-strong and flexible bamboo fibers
  • Naturally hypoallergenic 
  • Non-toxic
  • Safe for any type of plumbing system, septic, or toilet
  • Cute individual packaging that sets it apart from other brands and adds a stylish touch to your space! It also makes it super hygienic and convenient for carrying along on camping or R.V. trips

Cons: 

  • Premium price, although more affordable than some other brands 
  • Limited to online ordering, but with a subscription, you can choose the frequency and amount for regular delivery

Choose the Best Toilet Paper

Let's review common characteristics you should look at when choosing the right toilet paper for your home. Here are six considerations to make before you buy.

  1. Ply-Toilet paper typically comes in 1-ply, 2-ply, or 3-ply options. Generally, the higher the ply, the softer and more absorbent the toilet paper is. Just use caution with some thicker brands if you have older plumbing or a septic system. 
  2. Brand-Each particular brand of toilet paper has its own method for addressing factors such as softness, strength, or environmental impact. What brand checks all the boxes for you?
  3. Texture- Some toilet paper is designed to have a textured surface to clean more effectively, while others are smooth and soft. Think about your desired comfort and sensation on the skin.
  4. Roll size-Toilet paper rolls come in various sizes, from regular to mega. Consider how often you need to replace the roll and how much storage space you have available. Here's where a subscription service can come in handy.
  5. Eco-friendliness- If you're concerned about the impact of the traditional toilet paper industry's impact on the environment, look for toilet paper made more responsibly! The logging industry, which includes harvesting wood for paper products like toilet paper, is responsible for clearing 680,000 hectares per year. (1)
  6. Price- toilet paper prices can vary widely, so consider your budget and how much you're willing to spend. Checking for brands that offer free shipping or subscription discounts, like ecoHiny, is a good money-saving strategy.

Choose a Top Tissue 

When you think more intentionally about your toilet paper purchase, you'll find there really is a lot to consider. Making an informed choice means finding a brand that offers an affordable price point and delivers softness, strength, and convenience. You also can't forget to ensure that the paper will be compatible with your sewer or septic system.

Top on our list is environmental impact. At ecoHiny, we're committed to combining quality with sustainability, so you get the very best eco-friendly toilet paper option out there. We promise when you explore ecoHiny's options, you'll find that addressing all the important factors for purchasing toilet paper is easy.

Take a look at your current T.P. and see if it measures up to all ecoHiny has to offer!

  1. "Cutting down forests: what are the drivers of deforestation?" Our World in Data, ourworldindata.org/what-are-drivers-deforestation