Some common toilet paper products may contain ingredients that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, according to Dr. Meagan W. Shepherd, an allergist and immunologist. Both traditional dry toilet paper and flushable wipes can be sources of allergens, Shepherd explained.
Wet varieties, such as flushable wipes, often contain preservatives like methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiozolinone. These preservatives account for approximately 10% of contact allergen sensitizations in North America, Shepherd noted.
Dry toilet paper varieties, on the other hand, are more likely to include added fragrances or dyes. These substances can function as irritants or trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Shepherd stated that she frequently encounters patients with severe vulvar rashes attributed to these hidden chemicals.
For individuals who struggle to find toilet paper they can tolerate, Shepherd suggests avoiding recycled paper. She indicated that recycled paper can be rougher than conventional varieties, potentially leading to irritation. Additionally, trace amounts of various allergens from the original paper sources might persist and cause reactions in sensitized individuals.
Shepherd advises that switching to plain, unbleached, and fragrance-free toilet paper options typically resolves irritation quickly for most people.