At ecoHiny, we understand the importance of maintaining our personal hygiene, especially when it comes to women's health. However, what many of us may not realize is that the toilet paper we use can have a significant impact on our health.
It's used on our most intimate areas, yet it often gets taken for granted that we're getting a safe and healthy option when we visit supermarket shelves. Sometimes that's not the case.
Let's explore how to make a conscious choice for feminine hygiene needs.
Women's Health Requires Special Consideration in Toilet Paper
Maintaining personal hygiene is essential for women's health, and because it is used on sensitive areas, toilet paper is an important consideration for maintaining feminine hygiene and preventing certain infections.
The Problems Your Paper Could Cause
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTIs are more common in women than in men, and they are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary system through the urethra.
Vaginitis is a condition that occurs when the vagina becomes inflamed or irritated. It's a common condition that affects many women at some point in their lives. The most common cause of vaginitis is a bacterial or fungal infection, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as hormonal changes, allergies, or irritants.
A yeast infection is a common fungal infection that can affect various parts of the body. It is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, which normally lives in small numbers in the vagina, mouth, and digestive tract. (1) It is unlikely that a yeast infection is the result of toilet paper, as toilet paper does not contain yeast. However, using scented or colored toilet paper may cause skin irritation or disruption of the natural pH balance in the genital area, which can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection.
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that triggers an irritation of the skin. Traditional toilet paper can be a cause of perianal and perineal allergic contact dermatitis.
The rough texture of some types of toilet paper can be abrasive and cause irritation or even small tears on the skin. If you're more sensitive to added fragrances or chemicals in the toilet paper, you could experience significant irritation. Using too much toilet paper or wiping too aggressively can also cause irritation and discomfort for those with sensitive skin.
The wrong toilet paper could be the culprit when it comes to one of these uncomfortable and undesirable infections or irritations. We're here to tell you that you don't have to settle for a toilet paper choice that isn't best for your health.
Our pick for the best toilet paper for women's health? Choose bamboo.
EcoHiny Bamboo Toilet Paper: A Health-Conscious Choice for Women
It's not often that you get a material that comes with natural hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, but that's what you get with bamboo!
Bamboo contains a substance called "bamboo kun," which is a natural antimicrobial agent that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms on its surface. (2) The rounded shape of bamboo fibers is exceptional at wicking away moisture, which reduce potential allergens created by bacteria and fungus.
These properties make bamboo products ideal for use in environments where hygiene is of utmost importance.
Softness is something that also plays a role in skin irritation. When toilet paper is too rough, it can not only cause skin irritation but also small tears in the skin. Soft toilet paper is gentle on the skin and less likely to irritate. Additionally, softer toilet paper is often more absorbent, which means it cleans more efficiently without requiring excessive wiping.
Bamboo fibers are long and strong, but they are also incredibly pliable. This makes for an ultra-soft tissue that still has the strength to tackle any job. ecoHiny's three-ply construction also ensures extra layers of comfort.
Compare ecoHiny to Other Top Toilet Papers
To go with the best toilet paper for women's health, it's a good idea to check ingredients. Many of the substances that can be present in traditional toilet paper are the reason for the adverse effects women experience with their toilet paper. This is what sets ecoHiny apart from competitors.
Non-toxic toilet paper is what you want in your home, but traditional toilet paper doesn't always deliver on that front.
Any number of potentially harmful chemicals could be included in supermarket brands. Chemicals like chlorine bleach are often a part of the manufacturing process of traditional toilet paper. That's not where many brands stop, either.
Many toilet papers contain:
Elemental Chlorine is a toxic gas used to bleach wood pulp in paper products.
Furans and Dioxins are highly toxic chemicals that are a by-product of the chlorine bleaching process.
Formaldehyde is used to strengthen toilet paper when wet to prevent it from breaking down. It is a known carcinogen.
Petroleum-based mineral oils and paraffin are often added to toilet paper rolls to make them softer and smell better.
Fragrances present in scented toilet paper contain chemically derived fragrances or perfumes.
BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical used in the production of certain plastics, resins, and some paper products.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are another somewhat troubling substance potentially in our toilet paper. PFAS are synthetic substances used in various consumer products. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances have even been linked to significant long-term health issues (3).
When you choose ecoHiny, you're guaranteed to avoid any of these and the potential health issues associated with them.
Other Toilet Brands to Consider
Of course, we know 100% bamboo toilet paper to be the best option when you want a soft, safe, and sustainable toilet tissue. However, if you want to look beyond bamboo, here are some regular toilet paper options that we consider to have some admirable qualities.
Bumroll Bumroll brings 100% recycled toilet paper that promises to be chlorine and BPA-free. They have a common focus on the forest like us, donating part of their proceeds to the National Forest Foundation.
Seventh Generation also offers a recycled option that's Forest Stewardship Council certified. They're proud to keep dyes and fragrances out of their toilet paper, too.
Charmin touts its ultra-soft toilet paper as the softest toilet paper ever, with two times more absorbency than the original. The comfort and softness factor is strong in this choice.
The Best Toilet Paper for Women's Health? Bamboo
Don't forget to consider the unique needs of women when choosing the best toilet paper purchase for your home. Non-toxic toilet paper from ecoHiny gives women what they need to ensure feminine health.
Hypoallergenic, antibacterial, chemical, and fragrance-free is everything you can count on from ecoHiny. All the usual suspects for skin irritation and infection are eliminated from our ultra-soft rolls.
Explore ecoHiny's non-toxic toilet paper options and see how seamlessly this sustainable toilet paper can be introduced into your home via our convenient subscription and delivery service.
- "Candidiasis." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html.
- "Bamboo Fiber." Science Direct, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/bamboo-fiber.
- "Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS." United States Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas.
