After last week's article all about why we don't use Kleenex I had several requests to investigate that other tissue that we use in the bathroom, toilet paper. My initial thought was that toilet paper or "TP" as it's known around my house, wasn't going to be as bad. Was I wrong?
Here is the ingredient list for Charmin Sensitive TP:
First ingredient: Mineral Oil. We went over that one in the Kleenex post. Mineral Oil actually traps dirt and bacteria...not something I'd really care for in my toilet paper....
Cetearyl Alcohol(basically a moisturizer), Beeswax, Steareth 2
Not only is Steareth 2 made from scary chemicals I also found that it's an environmental toxin and a violation of industry reccommendations.
And then the rest of the ingredients: Aloe Vera Extract, Tocopherol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), all appear to be "ok".
I also looked into the latest invention in TP, Moist Wipes. And I won't pick on Charmin for the whole post so we will look at the ingredients in Cottonelle Moist Wipes...
Oh for the love of all that's sweet and good. That is not a pretty list! Here we go...
Water/Aqua, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Glycol:
Sodium Benzoate (preservative also used in firework production), Polysorbate 20 (Detergent), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Malic Acid, Methylisothiazolinone (Proved to be LETHAL in tissue neurons), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance/Parfum.
My conclusion from this investigation? Stick with either plain old toilet paper or go for the recycled brands. I was not able to find ingredients on the brands of toilet paper with no added ingredients but of course that doesn't mean their aren't any. Try for plain tissue (non-chlorine whitened if possible) with no added fragrance, dyes, or scents.
Oh and steer clear of any "moist wipes". If the list of ingredients above doesn't scare you I'm not sure what will....
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s interesting about the moist wipes. I wonder what one could use as an alternative that’s non-toxic?
Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather
a friend of mine makes her own pads and tampons…not the most exciting conversation to have…but worth looking into if you have female issues
Believe it or not I’ll actually be talking about the in the next few weeks:)
Cloth wipes are much better than TP, I make them myself and I know what is in them! I also make my own laundry soap so I know what they are being washed in, I also use cloth pads as well! Over all this post make me even more confident that I am making the right choice!
Not sure I want to read this one
Thank you!..for years, I have used certain brands of TP & I will get a burning sensation & then a bladder infection, afterwards..I wondered if it was caused by the TP..I am thinking..Maybe it is!
Thank you…..I was beaginning to think I was crazy. I have the very same problem. Was looking to see what TP ingredients are. Have you found any TP that works
We use Marcal brand mostly.
me, too, Mel….never blamed the TP!!! Maybe I should have…
Does that include baby wipes?
for moist wipes cheap from the dollar store wash rags and a small rubbermade container with water and whatever cleaner you wish to mix in with it. Use then wash just like you would with diapers. Used this when I had babies instead of the diaper wipes
Wow. Thanks for the research!
Did you happen to do the research on the BPA in our paper products as well? Especially recycled paper? Curious to hear what you found.
I’m still waiting for a reply back from my contact about that.
What website do you use to look up ingredients? I want to check out my toilet paper too.
You can try Drugstore.com, they have a ton of ingredients listed for items.