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The right toilet paper is soft and plush while offering excellent strength and absorbency. The last thing you want is a product that tears, pills, or feels rough on sensitive skin. While you may be used to buying whichever TP is on sale at the grocery store, it’s worthwhile to learn more about what to look for in a high-quality toilet paper, so you can make the best choice for your household.
Ahead, see some of the best toilet paper recommendations in their respective categories—softest, strongest, even the most eco-friendly options on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare Soft Toilet Paper
- RUNNER UP: Angel Soft Toilet Paper
- BEST VALUE: Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll Toilet Paper
- BEST 3-PLY: Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Toilet Paper
- BEST SCENTED: Angel Soft Toilet Paper with Fresh Lavender Scent
- BEST BAMBOO: Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo Toilet Paper
- BEST RECYCLED: Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper, 100% Recycled
- BEST QUICK-DISSOLVING: Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper
- MOST DURABLE: Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper Mega Roll
Photo: iStockphoto.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Toilet Paper
Before shopping for toilet paper, there are some key factors to consider. Though it’s easy to assume that all brands of toilet paper are the same because they work in a similar manner, there are several characteristics that can affect the quality. Keep reading to learn about some of the most important qualities to remember when shopping for the best toilet paper for you and your family.
Type/Material
Toilet paper is typically made from one of three materials.
- Standard (or virgin) toilet paper is made from the fibers of softwood or hardwood trees. The fibers are shredded and bleached before being transformed into the rolls you put in your bathroom. This type of toilet paper is the most commonly used and is both readily available and affordable.
- Recycled toilet paper is not made from used toilet paper. Rather, it is crafted from recycled newspapers or other recycled paper products. This kind of toilet paper is an environmentally-friendly and sustainable option.
- Bamboo toilet paper uses fibers from bamboo rather than softwood or hardwood trees. It’s a more easily renewable resource, which makes it more sustainable than standard paper.
Ply
The “ply” refers to the number of layers of material that make up each sheet of toilet paper. Each additional ply provides more strength and absorbency.
- 1-ply toilet paper is what you find most often in businesses and public places. It is also a good bet for those who need a quick-dissolving product for their home plumbing or septic systems.
- 2-ply toilet paper is the most common for home use. It is made up of two layers and is softer and more absorbent than 1-ply paper.
- 3-ply toilet paper features three layers and has a plush, luxurious feel. While this may be the softest toilet paper, it is durable and takes longer to dissolve, may create a need for plunging, and may not be ideal for homes with septic tanks.
Softness
Softness is one of the primary concerns for consumers when it comes to toilet paper. Whether it’s just being used as bathroom tissue or is occasionally doubling as facial tissue, you want your toilet paper to be soft and plush without feeling rough. Sensory experts generally test toilet paper softness by evaluating its feel in temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms. Pliability is also relevant, because the more pliable a sheet of toilet paper is, the softer it will feel.
Keep in mind that many ultra-soft toilet papers are not suitable for septic systems. While they feel luxurious to use, their plush surface is usually made from thick and long fibers that tend to break down slower than other toilet paper types. Instead, look for a septic-safe toilet paper that is soft enough for daily use, but not so plush that it won’t break down. Two-ply toilet paper may offer more comfort than one-ply versions for day-to-day use.
Strength
Durability and strength are essential qualities to look for in high-quality toilet paper brands. Strength is typically measured by how easy the paper punctures. Due to their multiple layers of material, 3-ply toilet papers are likely to be strongest, but there are plenty of 2-ply toilet papers that perform just as well. You will likely use less toilet paper if it is durable, making it a more economical and eco-friendly choice.
Sheets Per Roll
Sheets per roll is an important consideration as you’re calculating whether a brand of toilet paper is economical or not. Many brands make marketing claims about the size of their rolls, but one reliable way to measure the validity of those claims is by how many individual sheets each roll contains.
Toilet paper brands use marketing terms like “mega roll,” “family roll,” and “ultra roll,” but these sizes are not consistent from brand to brand. By verifying how many sheets per roll the package you are considering contains and then calculating the price per sheet, you can make an informed decision on whether it suits your budget.
Environmental Impact
Approximately 27,000 trees are consumed every day for the world’s regular toilet paper production. Bathroom tissue is inherently wasteful, but there are ways to reduce your ecological footprint. Recycled toilet paper is a popular option, as are toilet papers made from alternative materials like bamboo.
Eco-friendly toilet papers have traditionally underperformed compared to their standard-paper counterparts, but innovations in technology mean that you no longer have to sacrifice quality when shopping for sustainable toilet tissue.
Dissolvability
If you’re shopping for septic-safe toilet paper, dissolvability is one of the key features to look for. Septic-safe toilet paper is often labeled as such since it dissolves quickly enough for most septic systems to handle. To be sure, you can also test the toilet paper yourself by mixing a few sheets into a large cup of water and observing how readily it dissolves.
Even if not labeled as such, recycled and biodegradable toilet papers also tend to be septic safe because of how they are made. Recycled toilet paper has a better chance of dissolving completely because it is usually made of shorter, recycled fibers that break up more readily than long, strong fibers used in new toilet paper.
While all the best toilet papers are technically biodegradable, biodegradable toilet paper breaks down faster than standard rolls. This toilet paper type also requires less water to break down and tends to take up less space in a septic tank once it’s dissolved.
Chlorine Free
Many of the best toilet papers are bleached with chlorine in order to make them pure white. Chlorine is a pollutant and is not considered an eco-friendly material, so those who want to purchase “green” tissue should look for recycled toilet papers that are not treated with chlorine. It’s also possible for chlorine to enter your bloodstream when it comes into contact with your skin.
There are few different ways toilet paper manufacturers can reduce the amount of chlorine with which your toilet paper is treated:
- Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) toilet papers used gentler chlorine derivatives like chlorine dioxide.
- Process Chlorine Free (PCF) toilet paper is typically made from recycled paper that has not been re-bleached with chlorine.
- Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) toilet paper uses no chlorine in the bleaching process.
Our Top Picks
This list features a variety of the best toilet papers to help you find the one that’s right for your needs and budget.
Photo: amazon.com
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Each roll of this 2-ply paper contains 325 sheets, making it an economical choice that’s soft, absorbent and durable. Cottonelle Ultra doesn’t pill or leave lint behind, and the two layers stay together without separating. The paper is very absorbent and performs well whether it is wet or dry. The product’s plush, textured material gives it a high-end feel and the ripples help deliver an ultra-clean result.
Cottonelle Ultra is Climate Pledge Friendly, having been certified by The Forest Stewardship Council for responsible and sustainable forestry practices. It’s also safe for use in septic tanks and dissolves well despite its thick texture.
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Thickness: 2-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 6
Pros
- Comes with 325 sheets
- Ultra thick
- Textured material
- Climate Pledge Friendly; biodegradable
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited amount of rolls per pack
Photo: amazon.com
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This pack comes with 12 rolls, each of which contains 230 sheets. With so many sheets per roll, you’ll change rolls and shop for more paper less frequently. Angel Soft is more economical than many other leading brands, and it’s a terrific option for those who want softness and strength without spending too much. Its 2-ply design is meant to be durable and absorbent.
Safe for use in both septic and sewer systems, Angel Soft Toilet Papers meet Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) sourcing standards.
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Thickness: 2-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 36
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Comes with 425 sheets
- Affordable
- Ultra soft and thick
Cons
- Cardboard roll is shorter than comparable options
Photo: amazon.com
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Toilet paper is an unavoidable household expense. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, consider Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll toilet paper, which features an impressive 1,000 sheets of toilet paper per roll.
This one-ply toilet paper may feel less thick and luxurious than plusher options, but its texture makes it an excellent clog-free option. The toilet paper breaks down quickly once it hits the water and is also 100 percent biodegradable. It’s safe for use in standard sewers, septic systems, RVs, boats, and campers. This package includes 16 rolls, which equals an affordable 16,000 sheets of toilet paper to keep your bathroom well-stocked for less.
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Thickness: 1-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 16
Pros
- Clog-free
- Biodegradable
- Safe for all septic systems
Cons
- Lacks softness and plushness
Photo: amazon.com
For those seeking the softest and plushest toilet paper on the market, Quilted Northern’s Ultra Plush variety is an excellent choice. This product has an embossed, 3-ply design, making it thicker and more absorbent than most other products on the market. Each roll contains 319 sheets, giving the roll a total width of 4 inches.
Though it is marketed as septic safe, because Quilted Northern Ultra Plush is so thick, it may not be the best choice for those with plumbing issues or septic tanks. It meets Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) sourcing standards.
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Thickness: 3-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 24
Pros
- Embossed design
- Environmentally friendly
- Comes with 319 sheets
- Ultra soft
Cons
- Not the best for septic systems
- Expensive
Photo: amazon.com
Make your bathroom smell pleasant and fresh with this scented toilet paper from Angel Soft. Although scented paper isn’t the best pick for septic systems (fragrances can disturb the balance inside the septic tank), this toilet paper includes a scented inner tube rather than scented paper. Since the paper itself isn’t fragranced, it’s safe for standard sewers and well-maintained septic systems.
The tube has a fresh lavender scent, wrapped with Angel Soft’s classic soft and strong toilet paper. The toilet paper breaks down easily after flushing. This pack includes six mega rolls with 200 2-ply sheets per roll.
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Thickness: 2-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 12
Pros
- Lavender-scented
- Septic-safe
- 200 sheets per roll
Cons
- Cardboard roll is shorter than comparable options
- Expensive
Photo: amazon.com
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Eco-friendly toilet paper has a reputation for being less plush than its mainstream counterparts, but Caboo’s organic bamboo toilet paper feels luxurious. It is composed from organic bamboo that is BPA and fragrance-free. It also contains no dye, making it an excellent pick for sensitive skin.
The paper is made with a 2-ply construction and easy-tear perforations between sheets. Each sheet is textured for added grip, and each roll contains 300 lint-free sheets.
Product Specs
- Type: Bamboo
- Thickness: 2-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 16
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- BPA, fragrance, and dye-free
- Textured construction
- Lint-free
Cons
- Not evaluated by the FDA
Photo: amazon.com
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Seventh Generation toilet paper is widely considered the most eco-friendly toilet paper on the market. It’s not only made from 100 percent recycled paper, it’s also packaged in 100 percent recyclable materials.
This 2-ply sustainable toilet paper is whitened without the use of chlorine or bleach, and is free of dyes, inks, and fragrances. It’s septic safe and can even be used in low-flow toilets like those in RVs and campers. Each roll contains 240 sheets.
Product Specs
- Type: Recycled
- Thickness: 2-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 24
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- 100% eco-friendly packaging
- Dye, ink, and fragrance-free
- Septic-safe
Cons
- Expensive
Photo: amazon.com
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Made to dissolve quickly, Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper is a great pick for finicky septic systems, RVs, buses, and boats. This clog-free paper is specially made to prevent costly blockages and clumps by breaking down as soon as it’s flushed. According to Scott, this specially designed toilet paper breaks down up to four times faster than the average leading brand.
Each one-ply sheet is soft, absorbent, and gentle on both the skin and septic systems. With how fast these sheets break down, it’s no surprise that they’re 100 percent biodegradable to fully decompose over time and contribute less muck to your septic tank. This package contains 4 double rolls with 231 sheets per roll.
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Thickness: 1-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 4
Pros
- Dissolves quickly
- Septic-safe
- 100% biodegradable
- Comes with 231 sheets per roll
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited rolls per pack
Photo: amazon.com
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If your top priority in a toilet tissue is strength, Charmin’s Ultra Strong is a very good choice. It performs well even when wet, and has a diamond-weave texture that improves cleaning performance. While the price for this pack may be on the higher end, each roll contains 286 sheets, which is more than the average roll. Because the paper is strong, you’ll likely use fewer sheets on each trip to the bathroom. Together, these two factors mean you’ll change the toilet paper roll less frequently.
Despite the fact that it’s ultra-strong, it is also septic-safe. This is a Climate Pledge Friendly product, as Charmin doesn’t participate in deforestation practices and only sources their paper from responsibly managed forests.
Product Specs
- Type: Standard
- Thickness: 2-ply
- Rolls per Pack: 18
Pros
- Diamond-weave texture
- Ultra soft
- 286 sheets per roll
- Septic-safe
Cons
- Expensive
Our Verdict
Selected for its ultra thick texture and eco-friendliness, the Cottonelle toilet paper is our first choice for the best toilet paper. With a Climate Pledge Friendly certification, this pick has a 2-ply thickness and comes with 325 sheets per roll making it perfect for a 2-3 person household that requires less toilet paper.
For those in need of more rolls per pack, the Angel Soft toilet paper comes with 36 rolls in a single package. Made with 425 sheets per roll, this option is affordable, ultra thick, and environmentally friendly for the busy, 3-5 person household’s toilet paper holder.
How We Chose the Best Toilet Papers
Buying toilet paper that meets your needs can make a big difference when it comes to environmental impact as well as your home septic system. Selections for the best toilet paper on the market depended upon thickness, quantity, septic compatibility, and environmental impact.
Many of these picks come in varying quantities to satisfy large or small households, from 6-packs to 36-packs. Thickness being the biggest aid of comfort while in use, the above options vary between 1 and 3-ply thickness for your personal preference. This also aids in the type of septic system you have to avoid clogging or damage.
Some of these choices are also compatible with RVs, boats, and composting toilets for the safety of smaller septic systems. Plus, with recycled, bamboo, quick-dissolve, and other sustainable toilet paper options, the environmental impact of these picks is minimal.
FAQs
With all the choices available, finding the best toilet paper can be a bit overwhelming, so you might still have some questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about toilet paper.
Q: How long is a toilet paper roll?
The length of a roll of toilet paper varies greatly depending on the brand. They also vary in width, so square footage is an ideal measure of quantity. In terms of square footage, the top brands range from 21 to 53 square feet of toilet paper per roll. While the number of sheets per roll varies, most rolls contain 1000 sheets for 1 ply, 500 sheets for 2 ply, and around 330 sheets for 3 ply toilet paper.
Q: How long does toilet paper last?
According to one market research study, the average two-person household goes through 4.5 double rolls of toilet paper per week if they are home full time. The average four-person household uses 8.5 rolls per week.
Q: Where should you throw away used toilet paper?
In much of the world, it’s advisable to throw your toilet paper in the trash. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and much of Northern Europe, it’s acceptable to flush it down the toilet.
