What’s Actually in Your Toilet Paper? And Why It Matters
If I asked you what shampoo you use, you'd probably know.
The same goes for your laundry detergent, sunscreen or even your children's toothpaste.
But if I asked you what your toilet paper is made from...
Most of us wouldn't have a clue.
And honestly, I was exactly the same.
It wasn't until I started researching everyday products after experiencing my own skin irritations that I realised something.
I was reading every label in my bathroom...
Except the one product we use every single day.
Toilet paper.
That surprised me.
Because when you think about it, toilet paper comes into contact with some of the most sensitive skin on our bodies.
We use it multiple times a day.
Children use it.
Adults use it.
Yet most of us never stop to wonder what's actually in it.
That question became one of the biggest reasons I created HapeeBum.
So... what is toilet paper actually made from?
Not all toilet paper is created the same.
Depending on the brand, it may be made from:
- Virgin wood pulp
- Bamboo pulp
- Recycled paper fibres
- Or a combination of different materials
The raw material is mixed with water to create a pulp before it's cleaned, pressed, dried and rolled into the toilet paper we all recognise.
From there, every manufacturer makes different decisions about how their product is processed.
Some use fragrances.
Some add dyes.
Some focus on making it ultra-soft.
Others focus on sustainability.
There isn't one universal way to make toilet paper, which is why it's worth understanding what you're buying.
Why we chose bamboo
One question I get all the time is...
"Why bamboo?"
The answer is actually pretty simple.
Bamboo grows incredibly quickly compared to traditional trees and can regenerate from the same root system after harvesting, making it a highly renewable resource.
It's naturally soft, strong and has become a popular choice for families looking for more sustainable everyday products.
For us, bamboo wasn't about following a trend.
It was about offering families another thoughtful option.
Why we also chose recycled paper
People often assume bamboo must always be the better choice.
But that's not really how we see it.
Recycled toilet paper gives existing paper another life instead of sending it straight to landfill.
It helps reduce demand for new raw materials and makes use of resources that already exist.
That's why HapeeBum offers both bamboo and recycled toilet paper.
Not because one is perfect and the other isn't.
But because every family is different.
Some people prefer bamboo.
Others prefer recycled.
We wanted to give families the choice.
Why simpler mattered to us
When we were designing HapeeBum, we kept coming back to one question.
"What actually needs to be in this product?"
If something didn't improve the product...
Why add it?
That's why we chose to make HapeeBum without intentionally added PFAS, BPA, parabens, dyes, fragrances or elemental chlorine.
It wasn't about creating fear.
It was about creating a product we'd feel good about bringing into our own homes.
Sometimes simpler really is better.
More than just toilet paper
As HapeeBum evolved, something interesting happened.
It stopped being just about the toilet paper.
It became about what surrounded it.
The wrappers.
The conversations.
The little learning moments.
The healthy habits.
The confidence children build through everyday routines.
I realised toilet paper wasn't just another household product.
It was something every family already used.
So why not make it a little more meaningful?
That's why every HapeeBum wrapper is designed to encourage learning, spark conversations and turn an everyday routine into something children actually enjoy.
Small choices add up
None of us make perfect choices all the time.
I know I certainly don't.
But I've learnt that small, thoughtful decisions repeated every day can have a much bigger impact than chasing perfection.
Whether that's reading an ingredient label.
Choosing a different product.
Or simply asking more questions.
Every small choice adds up.
And that's exactly what HapeeBum is about.
Not perfection.
Just one more thoughtful choice for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bamboo toilet paper better than recycled?
Both are excellent options. Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource, while recycled toilet paper gives existing materials a second life. Which one is "better" depends on your priorities.
Why does HapeeBum offer both?
Because families are different. We wanted to give people the choice between two sustainable alternatives rather than telling them there's only one right answer.
Does toilet paper contain PFAS?
Not every toilet paper does, and not every manufacturer uses the same materials or processes. HapeeBum is made without intentionally added PFAS.
Is bamboo toilet paper soft?
Yes. Modern bamboo toilet paper is designed to be both soft and durable, making it a popular choice for everyday use.
Final Thoughts
Toilet paper is one of those products we rarely think about until we need it.
But once I started asking questions about what goes into the products we use every day, I couldn't stop.
Creating HapeeBum was never about convincing people there was only one way to do things.
It was about giving families another option.
One that's thoughtfully made, kinder to the planet and designed to turn everyday moments into opportunities for learning and connection.