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The Best Toilet Paper

Last updated on August 14, 2023
Best Toilet Paper

Our Review Process

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One of the most important essentials you’ll need for your home is toilet paper. It may seem like a simple purchase, but there are actually a few things you want to consider before deciding which toilet paper is best for you and your family.

First, you’ll want to look for any certifications or awards that indicate the brand has been recognized as a quality product. For example, does the toilet paper packaging state that the paper has been stamped with the Good Housekeeping seal of approval?

Next, check to see if the toilet paper is safe for use with septic systems. You don’t want to use paper that won’t dissolve easily in water, as this will clog up your pipes. Cottonelle lists their product as clog and septic-safe. You’ll find some other models also come with Roto-Rooter approval.

If you or anyone in your home has sensitive skin, you’ll also need to look for toilet paper that is soft and non-irritating. Unscented brands are a good choice, as they don’t contain any chemicals, such as fragrances, that may cause a reaction in some people.

MORE: 6 Clever Toilet Paper Storage Solutions for Small Bathrooms

Strength is another characteristic you’ll want to see in a good toilet paper. You don’t want paper that easily breaks apart when dry, or you’ll end up using twice as much of it just to get clean. Some brands are actually 2-ply, and because they’re so strong, you’ll actually use four times less of their toilet paper to do the same job as regular toilet paper.

Of course, you’ll also want toilet paper that is absorbent. Models that are three times thicker, are also three times more absorbent than other leading national bath tissues.

Finally, if caring for the environment is important to you, you’ll want to choose a toilet paper that is eco-friendly. Some brands make their sheets from pulp that comes from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. They also are proud Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification holders. Others use 100% recycled fiber content and have FSC and Eco Logo certifications.

Our Picks For The Top Toilet Paper

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Amazon Basics Standard Absorbent Toilet Paper, 30-Rolls

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Amazon Basics

Standard Absorbent Toilet Paper, 30-Rolls

You'll get a total of 30 rolls when you opt for this basic toilet paper. Each roll features more sheets that most competitors, which means you won't need to replace the roll as often. The tissue is also soft and absorbent and safe for use in homes that have septic systems.

Overall Take

Economical PickWhen shopping on a budget, this affordable toilet paper is the way to go.

 Runner Up

Tork Biodegradable Recycled Toilet Paper, 96-Rolls

Tork

Biodegradable Recycled Toilet Paper, 96-Rolls

Made from 100% recycled materials, you can feel good about this toilet paper purchase. Each roll contains a whopping 500 sheets and you get 96 rolls in the set. That makes it perfect for large families who need to stock up, as well as commercial businesses with public restrooms.

Overall Take

Best for the EnvironmentThe sheets within each of these toilet paper rolls are embossed for added softness.

 Strong Contender

Cottonelle All Skin Toilet Paper, 24-Rolls

Cottonelle

All Skin Toilet Paper, 24-Rolls

Homeowners with septic systems must be careful about which toilet paper they use. Fortunately, this brand is clog and septic safe, so it can be safely used in any home. It's also made using special cleaning ripples that remove more in one wipe than other brands for a superior clean.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionWhen compared with other leading toilet papers, this brand is three times stronger and thicker and two times more absorbent.

 Also Great

Quilted Northern Absorbent Toilet Paper, 24-Rolls

Quilted Northern

Absorbent Toilet Paper, 24-Rolls

The quilting in this toilet paper makes it softer and more pleasant when you're using it. It promises to be septic safe, although it's important to make sure your toilet paper passes the "dissolve test" if your home relies on a septic tank for waste disposal. Each pack of 24 rolls is equal to 99 regular rolls of tissue paper.

Overall Take

Three Cushiony LayersYou'll enjoy the luxury of three layers of soft tissue with this toilet paper.

What to Look For

  • There are plenty of creative ways to store extra toilet paper in your bathroom, even if your bathroom is on the smaller side. You can use a decorative planter, install a wire rack under your sink or even place a pocket hanger in your bathroom closet.
  • Toilet paper is flammable. Never store it near a heat source.
  • Save the cardboard toilet paper tube when you come to the end of your paper. If you don’t have any children or grandchildren in the home, you can donate your tubes to a nearby school or daycare center. The cardboard tubes are often used to make fun crafts, like cute animals, decorative binoculars and even gift boxes.
  • Surprisingly, toilet paper comes in handy for many things, not just keeping you clean after you’ve used the restroom. It serves as a makeup remover, doubles as a coffee filter, cleans up dog messes and stops shaving nicks from bleeding. Of course, just like the toilet paper tube, you can also use the paper to create art, like paper flowers for example.
  • If you have a big family or you just like to be prepared, you may want to consider buying toilet paper in bulk. Look at how many rolls are included in each package to determine which size is right for your family.

More to Explore

Before the Chinese invented toilet paper in the 6th century AD, people used all kinds of items to clean their tushes. Sticks, moss, wool, fruit peels and sponges are just a few examples. It wasn’t until 1857 that toilet paper began to be sold in the United States. Although it’s widely popular now, with the average household using a roll of toilet paper every five days, 70 to 75 percent of the world’s population still doesn’t use this handy invention. There are several reasons for this, such as limited access to trees, lack of funds to purchase the toilet paper and no household plumbing.

More to explore