I didn’t know how important traditional toilet paper was until I found that the average American uses nearly 100 rolls yearly. The toilet paper industry has experienced tremendous growth over the years. This article focuses on the different toilet paper options you can choose from.
This improvement in the toilet paper industry has birthed numerous brands producing different types of toilet paper. These different types have their respective advantages, features, and functions.
Let’s check out some of the different types of toilet paper.
JUMP TO: Toilet Paper Based On Paper Layer | Based On Source | Based on Color | Based on Texture and Functionality | Bottomline |
- Toilet papers are classified based on their paper layers. The most
- The environmental effects of tree cutting have led to the production of environmentally safe toilet paper.
- There is no best type of toilet paper
- You have multiple colors of toilet paper, including black, red, pink, etc.
Toilet Paper Based on the Paper Layer
The first category used to know types of toilet paper is the paper layers. Some toilet papers have only a single layer, while others have multiple layers.
Ply is the word used to
Here are the different types of toilet paper under this category

One Ply Toilet Paper
One-ply toilet paper is a type of toilet paper that comes with one layer. This type of toilet paper is one of the cheap editions you can get.
The single layer of one-ply toilet paper is usually slim and light. It may not give a good feeling when you touch it. But one ply is the cheapest toilet paper, so many consider it the standard toilet paper.
Before now, one-ply toilet paper used to be weaker and less durable than other types of toilet paper. However, improvements and innovations from toilet paper brands have changed that. You can have a one-ply type of toilet paper, and it will be stronger than multiple layers.
One significant advantage of one-ply toilet paper is its quick breakdown in septic tanks. Septic systems require time to break down toilet paper, and one-ply paper breaks down fast.
Also Read: Can You Paint Bathroom Countertops?

Two-Ply Toilet Paper
As the name suggests, two-ply toilet papers have two layers of writing on a single tissue paper roll. This is the right option if you want soft toilet paper with more thickness and texture.
It may not be ultra soft, but two-ply toilet paper is great for sensitive skin. Depending on the thickness of each of the two layers, two-play toilet paper may be excellent for your septic system.
The breakdown period will be fast if the two-ply has flat sheets.
You can check out this youtube video for the differences between one and two-ply toilet papers:
3 Ply Toilet Paper
The three-ply toilet paper is another layer type of toilet paper. This time, the three-ply toilet paper comes with three layers of paper.
This toilet paper is usually ultra soft and thick, making it handier for usage. While the three-ply toilet paper can be incredibly soft, it usually comes as a mega roll because of its size.
A single roll of 3-ply toilet paper will feel heavier than the one-ply or two-ply types of toilet paper. One downside of this type of toilet paper is its ability to absorb water.
A 3-ply toilet paper holds water more than other types of toilet paper. This means your septic system can get blocked with the three-ply toilet paper, even though it’s ultra soft.
CAUTION: Only use three-ply toilet paper if you don’t have a septic system.
Toilet Paper Based on Source
Usually, the manufacturing process of toilet paper involves either wood pulp or wood shavings.
The only downside of this project is toilet papers are not environmentally friendly. According to a report, more than 27000 trees are cut down yearly. If you want to make ten million packages, you’ll be cutting more trees.
However, brands of toilet paper have sought to make it more environmentally friendly. Some of the different types of toilet paper under this category include;
Bamboo toilet paper
As the name implies, this type of toilet paper refers to the ones made from bamboo. This type of toilet paper is environmentally friendly and doesn’t affect trees.
According to multiple sources, bamboo toilet paper isn’t obtained from a tree but a grass. Also, bamboo grows tremendously fast, so they are readily available.
Hence, since you are not cutting trees for blood toilet paper, you are saving the environment. This is a welcome development for toilet paper users who also double as environmentalists.
Usually, the bamboo pulp used in manufacturing gets mixed with sugar cane. A significant advantage of this type of toilet paper is its ability to hold water.
Bamboo toilet papers are also softer than standard toilet paper. If you prefer to choose toilet paper made from sustainable materials, bamboo toilet paper is a great choice.

Biodegradable Toilet Paper
Biodegradable toilet paper isn’t exactly a type of toilet paper. Instead, it refers to any kind of sustainable toilet paper. That means any tissue paper made from sustainable materials is biodegradable toilet paper.
For example, chlorine-free toilet paper and bamboo options are biodegradable. Toilet paper is considered biodegradable once its materials are natural.
Recycled Toilet Paper
Recycled paper is another way toilet paper companies try to make eco-friendly toilet paper. As the name implies, paper-making brands use used paper and other recycled materials in manufacturing.
Recycled toilet paper reiterates the environmentally friendly features of toilet paper. Also, it saves you the cost of electricity and water for paper-making companies.
If you want to feel good about your environment, choose recycled toilet paper.
Toilet Paper Based on Color
Color is another parameter used to classify toilet paper. Almost every bath tissue comes as white toilet paper. But most times, this toilet paper undergoes bleaching.
Colored toilet paper is another avenue for brands producing toilet paper to appeal to consumers’ preferences. However, not all colored toilet papers have a unique color; some are just Unbleached.

Source: popsugar.com
Let’s take a look at the type of colored toilet papers
Unbleached or Brown Toilet Paper
Brown toilet paper refers to toilet paper with little to no bleach. This is another eco-friendly toilet paper to suit environmentalists.
Recycled cardboard and virgin pulp are mixed to achieve this type of toilet paper. The idea of the paper-making industry is to produce sustainable toilet paper rolls that don’t require lots of tree-cutting.
These types of toilet paper may have a rough texture, which may not be perfect for user comfort. Experts consider brown toilet paper the best in terms of eco-friendliness.
Colored Toilet Paper
Most consumers buying toilet paper do so because they need it. However, it will surprise you that some preference goes into their choices.
Many people buy colored toilet paper because it’s their favorite color or because it blends with the bathroom design. There are numerous colored toilet paper options, ranging from red to pink, black, red, and many more.
Most times, these bathroom tissues are soaked in dye to get their respective colors.
TIPS: Color should be the least of your worries when choosing toilet paper.
Toilet Paper Based on Texture, Functionality, and Comfort
Besides choosing recycled paper for its ecological benefits and three-ply papers for their thickness, consumers also consider comfort.
Most paper-making brands try to produce toilet paper to suit the needs of consumers. Some of the types of toilet paper include;
Also Read: How to Fix a Hole in A Porcelain Sink?
Extra Soft Toilet Paper
The extra soft toilet paper has features to provide more comfort for users. Also known as luxury toilet paper, these aren’t cheap editions.
In addition to being an ultra-soft toilet paper, this toilet paper can come with perfumes and lotions, amongst other features. It’s another tactic from producers to make money off one bath tissue.
Usually, luxurious toilet paper rolls are more expensive.
RV Toilet Paper
Also known as marine toilet paper, RV toilet paper is probably the only toilet paper not prepared for human use. It’s created for vehicles used for recreational vacations and camps.
This toilet paper is useful for cleaning the black water tank without clogging it.
Sensitive skin Toilet paper
Skin sensitivity is an important factor to consider when choosing a specific toilet paper. If you have sensitive skin, you must pick toilet paper that wouldn’t cause reactions.
Some toilet paper manufacturers have produced some toilet paper with features to have your skin perfect.
What is The Best Type of Toilet Paper?
First, there’s no best type of toilet paper. You only need to choose the one that best suits your needs and is safe for the environment. That means if you have sensitive skin, some of the eco-friendly options may not be the best.
You can always choose the luxurious bath tissue rolls instead.
Conclusion
Reducing the carbon footprint and curbing air pollution have been one of the downsides of toilet paper. In a bid to make toilet paper production more environmentally friendly, many types of toilet paper were birthed.
This article discusses how numerous toilet paper types are separated into different categories.
Choosing any of these toilet paper types is your decision. But just be sure to make a choice that’s great for you and your environment at large.