When it comes to your tush, only the best will do. But depending on your preferences—some want it ultra-soft, others ultra-strong—what’s best for you won’t necessarily be the best for someone else. Still, some brands of toilet paper are consistently ranked as favorites. So if it’s time to stock up on some new TP, here are some of the best toilet paper brands to consider.
Best Toilet Paper Overall: Charmin Ultra Soft
Charmin Ultra Soft is made from a blend of soft, strong tissue and thicker, cushiony material. It consistently comes out on top in consumer ratings thanks to its softness and strength. In fact, some say it’s too thick for their taste—that it breaks up too easily when you’re using it—but its softness and strength are sure to make it a favorite for many.
Pros: soft & strong
Cons: thickness makes it harder on plumbing
Budget Runner-up: Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll Toilet Paper
Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll Toilet Paper is another brand that comes highly recommended by consumers. This basic TP, like Charmin Ultra Soft, is made from two different types of tissue paper—one that’s strong and one that’s soft. But it also features unique technology that helps prevent the toilet paper from falling apart or breaking off in sheets, making for a smoother, more satisfying experience.
Pros: less expensive than Charmin
Cons: not as soft since it’s single-ply
Best Comfort: Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care
If your bum is a little more sensitive than the average person, you might want to try out Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care. This TP is made from soft, gentle tissue and features unique cushiony “ripples” along the edges that provide extra comfort when you’re using it. It’s also one of the most absorbent options available, making it perfect for those with a more extreme need for moisture protection.
Pros: ultra-soft & comfortable
Cons: may be too thick for some people
Most Sustainable: Seventh Generation Toilet Paper
If you’re looking for a toilet paper brand that’s kind to the environment, look into Seventh Generation. This TP is made from 100% recycled paper and features technology that helps prevent the paper from disintegrating or falling apart in the plumbing system. In fact, it’s so sustainable that some people use it to substitute for their paper towels, too!
Pros: sustainable & environmentally friendly
Cons: not as soft or strong as other brands
Best for Your Plumbing: Angel Soft
Angel Soft is a two-ply toilet paper, so it’ll be softer than Scott’s, but it dissolves more easily than others, like Charmin Ultra Soft. This makes it the best toilet paper for your plumbing system—it’s designed to break down quickly, preventing any blockages or backups in your pipes.
The worst toilet paper you could get for your older plumbing would be 3-ply. Although thicker and softer, the 3-ply toilet paper is more likely to clog your pipes.
Pros: softer & more pliable than Scott’s
Cons: not as durable as some other brands
Toilet Paper Alternative: A Bidet
If you’re looking for a more sustainable or environmentally-friendly option than conventional toilet paper, consider using a bidet instead. A bidet is a hand-held spray attachment that attaches directly to your toilet, allowing you to clean yourself with water instead of paper. Not only is this better for the environment and your plumbing, but it’s also more comfortable and hygienic than using toilet paper alone.
Pros: more hygienic & environmentally friendly
Cons: takes some getting used to
Ultimately, the best toilet paper will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for softness, strength, affordability, or environmental consciousness, there’s a TP brand out there that’s perfect for you. So be sure to shop around and try out a few different options before settling on your favorite!
Help ZuLoo Build Safe Places to Go to the Bathroom
While it’s good to find the best toilet paper that works for your preferences, there are many people, especially women, who don’t have that option. Instead, they have to use leaves, old rags, and other unsafe materials that can cause infections and other health problems.
To build safer places to go to the bathroom, ZuLoo needs your help! You can start by learning about the global sanitation crisis and how it affects everyone, not just the 2.3 billion people who don’t have safely managed sanitation. Then, take a look at our Pōōdcast and 242 Partner program—your support will help us provide people with safe, sustainable sanitation in their communities.