Toilet paper is one of those products most of us buy on autopilot. Soft, strong, good price, ideally recycled or “eco” – job done. But over the past few years, researchers have started asking a new question: does your toilet paper contain PFAS?
If that sounds excessive, it’s not. Several recent studies have found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in mainstream toilet paper brands, including some marketed as environmentally friendly. That has triggered a new wave of marketing claims: “PFAS-free”, “no forever chemicals”, “chemical-free” tissue. But do PFAS-free toilet paper products really exist – and how can you tell which brands are actually safer?
Let’s unpack what the science currently tells us, what “PFAS-free” can realistically mean, and how to navigate the mess of labels and green claims.
Why would PFAS be in toilet paper in the first place?
PFAS are a large class of synthetic chemicals used for their water-, grease- and stain-resistant properties. You’ll find them in food packaging, textiles, firefighting foams, non-stick coatings – and, surprisingly, in some paper products.
There are three main ways PFAS can end up in toilet paper:
- Intentional use in manufacturing: Some mills use PFAS-based additives to improve “wet strength” (so paper doesn’t disintegrate instantly), smoothness, or to help with processing. Not every mill does this, but it’s not unheard of.
- Contaminated recycled fibres: Recycled paper can carry over PFAS from its previous life – for example, from food packaging, receipts, or treated cardboard. When that mixed pulp is turned into tissue, traces of PFAS can remain.
- Contaminated process water or equipment: Even if a mill no longer deliberately uses PFAS, legacy contamination in process water, coatings or machinery can lead to low-level residues in the final product.
So toilet paper doesn’t usually have PFAS because someone thought, “Let’s coat this roll with Teflon.” It’s more often a side-effect of broader use of PFAS in the paper and packaging industry.
What do studies show about PFAS in toilet paper?
Over the last few years, several academic and NGO investigations have looked for PFAS in toilet paper. A few key findings:
- PFAS are detectable in many brands: A 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters tested toilet paper from multiple regions (North America, Europe, Africa, South America). Researchers found measurable levels of various PFAS in most samples, though typically at low concentrations.
- Toilet paper can be a source of PFAS in wastewater: The same study estimated that toilet paper contributes to PFAS in sewage – not necessarily as the dominant source, but as one part of the overall PFAS load entering wastewater treatment plants and, ultimately, rivers, farmland (via sludge spreading), and groundwater.
- Recycled content is not automatically safer: In some investigations, recycled toilet paper contained PFAS at levels similar to or higher than virgin-fibre tissue, likely due to PFAS-laden packaging and paper in the recycling stream.
- But levels are often in the parts-per-billion or parts-per-trillion range: These are tiny amounts by weight – but with PFAS, low does not necessarily mean low concern, because many PFAS are extremely persistent and can build up over time in the environment.
It’s also important to keep exposure pathways in perspective. Compared with drinking water or heavily contaminated food, toilet paper is probably a secondary contributor to most people’s PFAS burden. However, it does represent a direct contact with skin and mucous membranes, and a continuous source into wastewater and sludge, so it’s not trivial.
Can toilet paper really be “PFAS-free”?
This is where marketing language becomes tricky. From a chemist’s perspective, declaring something absolutely “PFAS-free” is almost impossible to prove.
There are a few reasons for that:
- There are thousands of PFAS: Most commercial tests only look for a few dozen or a few hundred. A product might be free of the “usual suspects” (like PFOS, PFOA) but still contain other, less studied PFAS.
- Detection limits exist: Laboratories have limits of detection, often in the low parts-per-trillion range. Below that, PFAS may be present but undetectable. A brand might honestly report “not detected” while still having ultra-trace residues.
- Widespread background contamination: In a world where PFAS have been used for decades, complete absence is difficult. Dust, water, raw materials, and equipment can all introduce minute contamination.
So when you see “PFAS-free” on toilet paper, it typically means one or more of the following in practice:
- The manufacturer does not intentionally add PFAS during production.
- The product has been tested for a specific list of PFAS, and each chemical was “not detected” above a certain threshold.
- The product meets the criteria of a third-party certification that restricts or bans PFAS (with defined limits and test methods).
That doesn’t guarantee absolute zero. It does mean the brand has actively tried to avoid PFAS and can demonstrate low levels for at least the better-known compounds.
What to look for on labels and websites
Because PFAS aren’t usually listed as ingredients, you need to read between the lines. Here are concrete signs that a toilet paper brand is more likely to be PFAS-safe – and red flags that should make you cautious.
Positive signs of safer toilet paper
Look for brands that provide specific, verifiable information rather than vague green buzzwords.
- Clear “no added PFAS” or “no intentionally added PFAS” statement
The wording matters. “No added” or “no intentionally added” PFAS acknowledges that they’re avoiding PFAS in their formulations, while also being honest about the reality of trace contamination. Ideally, the brand explains what they mean by PFAS and how they verify this (e.g., third-party testing). - Third-party certifications that restrict PFAS
Some eco-labels have begun to include PFAS restrictions, especially for paper products. Depending on your region, look for certifications that:- Explicitly ban or tightly limit PFAS in tissue and paper
- Require regular testing and supply-chain documentation
Be cautious: not all “green” labels currently address PFAS. Check the certifier’s website to confirm their PFAS policy rather than assuming.
- Transparent materials and process description
Brands that are serious about chemical safety typically provide details such as:- Whether the paper is virgin pulp, recycled, or a mix
- Bleaching method (e.g., TCF – totally chlorine-free, or PCF – processed chlorine-free)
- Absence of certain additives (e.g., no lotions, fragrances, dyes)
- A basic explanation of how they have eliminated PFAS-based chemistries from their supply chain
Vagueness is a red flag; transparency is a good sign.
- Recent, dated test results
Some leading-edge brands now publish PFAS test summaries on their websites. Things to check:- The date of testing (ideally within the last 1–2 years)
- Which PFAS were tested (a list or reference to a test panel)
- The limit of detection used in the report
- Whether tests were done by an independent accredited laboratory
A one-line claim with no supporting data carries less weight than a downloadable lab report.
Red flags and misleading claims
On the other hand, some marketing language should make you pause.
- “Chemical-free” toilet paper
Everything is made of chemicals. When a brand uses “chemical-free”, it’s a sign they’re prioritising marketing over scientific accuracy. It tells you nothing about PFAS specifically. - “Eco”, “natural”, “green” with no specifics
Unregulated terms like “eco-friendly” or “natural” may refer only to recycled content or forestry practices. They do not automatically mean the absence of PFAS or other hazardous additives. - No information on additives or coatings
If a brand provides almost no detail besides “soft and strong” and a recycled or bamboo claim, they may not be focusing on chemical safety – or they may not yet have pressure to disclose more. - Old test data or one-off studies
A PFAS test from 2017 doesn’t guarantee the 2025 product is PFAS-safe. Supply chains change; mills change formulations. Look for recent, repeated testing.
Is recycled toilet paper better or worse for PFAS?
From a climate and forest-conservation perspective, recycled toilet paper is often a strong choice. But PFAS complicate the picture.
Because recycled pulp collects material from many sources, including food packaging and industrial paper, it can concentrate contaminants like PFAS, BPA, and other additives. Some studies have indeed found higher PFAS levels in certain recycled papers compared with virgin-fibre products.
Does that mean you should avoid recycled toilet paper altogether? Not necessarily. Instead, consider this nuanced approach:
- Recycled + PFAS policy = better
Recycled toilet paper from a brand that has a clear “no added PFAS” policy and active testing can still be a solid option. These companies push their suppliers to clean up inputs and help drive systemic change in recycling streams. - Virgin + PFAS policy may be lower risk for now
If your top priority is minimising PFAS exposure, a virgin-fibre brand with a strong, transparent PFAS and chemical safety policy is often a safer bet than a generic recycled product with no such policy. - Context matters
Your choices don’t exist in a vacuum. Balancing PFAS reduction with reduced deforestation and lower emissions is a reality of sustainable living. There’s no single perfect option; instead, the goal is to choose products that are improving on multiple fronts.
What about bamboo and “alternative fibre” toilet paper?
Bamboo toilet paper has exploded in popularity as a “greener” alternative. Because bamboo grows quickly without replanting, it’s often marketed as more sustainable than wood pulp.
However, from a PFAS standpoint, bamboo paper can sit in exactly the same risk categories as conventional paper:
- If the pulping and paper-making process uses PFAS-based additives, PFAS can be present.
- If bamboo tissue is recycled or blended with other fibres, contaminants from those sources can carry over.
- If the brand offers no PFAS or chemical transparency, the plant species alone doesn’t make it safer.
In other words, “bamboo” is not a synonym for “PFAS-free”. All the same rules apply: look for “no added PFAS” statements, testing, and certifications that explicitly address PFAS, not just sustainability more broadly.
Practical steps: how to choose safer toilet paper today
If you’re standing in a supermarket aisle right now, what can you realistically do? Here’s a simple, practical decision path.
- Start with what you can see
On-pack, look for:- Specific claims like “no added PFAS” or reference to “no forever chemicals”
- Recognised third-party eco-labels that mention PFAS restrictions
- Absence of extras: no lotion, no fragrance, no dyes – fewer additives usually mean fewer chemical unknowns
If none of this information is present, treat the product as a “default” tissue with unknown PFAS status.
- Check the brand’s website when possible
Most serious efforts to reduce PFAS will be described online rather than on a small plastic wrapper. Look for:- A chemicals or safety page that mentions PFAS directly
- Downloadable test results or at least a clear PFAS policy
- Evidence of ongoing testing, not just one historical study
- Email or message the company
It might feel like overkill for toilet paper, but consumer questions drive change. You can ask:- “Do you use any PFAS-based chemicals in the manufacture of your toilet paper, including in recycled inputs or process aids?”
- “Have your products been tested for PFAS? If so, which PFAS and what were the results?”
How they respond – or whether they respond at all – is very telling.
- Prioritise brands that are actively engaged on PFAS
A brand that can’t yet claim zero PFAS but is honest about current limits, testing, and plans to improve is often a better long-term choice than a brand that ignores the issue altogether.
What does this mean for your health risk?
It’s reasonable to ask: is PFAS in toilet paper a major health threat compared to other exposures?
The honest answer is: we don’t fully know yet. However, some context helps:
- PFAS are known to be problematic
Many well-studied PFAS are linked to health effects including immune system impacts, altered cholesterol levels, thyroid disruption, certain cancers, and reproductive effects. That’s why regulators are moving to restrict or ban several PFAS in drinking water and other products. - Toilet paper is likely not the dominant exposure route
For most people, the biggest PFAS contributors are typically:- Contaminated drinking water
- Certain food items and food contact materials (e.g., some grease-resistant packaging)
- Specific occupational exposures or living near contaminated sites
Toilet paper adds to the overall “PFAS load”, but probably represents a smaller slice of the pie.
- But local contact and environmental release still matter
Skin and mucosal exposure to PFAS via toilet paper isn’t well studied. And from an environmental perspective, toilet paper is a direct pipeline to wastewater systems and sludge – meaning PFAS in tissue don’t stay in your bathroom; they move into rivers, soils, and food chains.
A practical way to think about it: you don’t need to panic about every sheet you’ve used up to now, but it makes sense to reduce avoidable PFAS exposures where you can – especially when safer alternatives are available with relatively little effort or cost.
Where regulation and innovation are heading
The presence of PFAS in everyday paper products is increasingly on the radar of regulators, scientists, and manufacturers.
- Regulators are tightening PFAS controls
Across the EU, UK, and parts of North America, regulators are:- Setting drinking water limits for key PFAS
- Restricting PFAS in certain food contact materials
- Considering group restrictions on broad PFAS categories rather than one-by-one bans
Paper and tissue are likely to face closer scrutiny as part of this broader shift, especially where sludge is applied to farmland.
- Paper mills are looking for PFAS-free process aids
Behind the scenes, chemical suppliers are racing to develop alternative sizing agents, wet-strength resins and surface treatments that don’t rely on PFAS. As these become cost-competitive and proven at scale, mills will have fewer technological excuses to stick with PFAS-based chemistries. - Brands are starting to compete on “no forever chemicals”
In the same way “BPA-free” became a selling point for plastics, “PFAS-free” is emerging as a differentiator in tissue, period products, and food packaging. This market pressure, when paired with meaningful standards, can accelerate change across the sector.
In other words, truly low-PFAS toilet paper is not only possible – it’s likely to become the norm over the next decade. Consumer awareness and scrutiny will help determine how quickly that happens and how robust those changes really are.
Key takeaways for your next toilet paper purchase
To bring this back from global policy to your shopping list, here are the main points to remember:
- Yes, PFAS can be present in toilet paper, often due to manufacturing aids, recycled inputs, or contamination.
- Absolute “PFAS-free” is hard to guarantee, but “no added PFAS” with testing is currently the most realistic and meaningful standard.
- “Eco”, “natural” or “bamboo” don’t automatically mean PFAS-safe. The process matters more than the plant.
- Look for:
- Specific PFAS language (“no intentionally added PFAS”)
- Third-party certifications that explicitly restrict PFAS
- Recent test data from independent labs, where available
- Transparency about additives and manufacturing
- Toilet paper is probably not your largest PFAS exposure source, but choosing safer brands reduces both personal and environmental PFAS loads at low effort.
You don’t need to obsess over every roll, but you also don’t have to accept unnecessary PFAS in a product you use every day. By asking a few more questions – of labels, of websites, and of manufacturers – you can nudge both your household and the wider paper industry toward genuinely safer, PFAS-conscious toilet paper.