It is tough to establish whether or not a toilet paper has been manufactured using an isothiazolinone-containing chemical during its multiple processing stages. Toilet paper brands themselves may struggle to find out and reassure you that a particular product is safe if you make an enquiry.
On the whole, many in the community rely on trial-and-error approaches, or recommendations from those in a similar boat, often through Facebook.
Given the points of contact on the body, this is a sensitive subject in more ways than one. What follows is a selection of recommendations, mainly drawn from kind followers of the MI Free Facebook page. But readers have to be warned that guarantees of safety are extremely difficult to provide.
You can reduce the risk a reaction by avoiding fragranced varieties, which generally use artificial perfumes, and which are ill-advised for intimate regions anyway, and choosing dye free varieties too. Bamboo-based products appear to have a better track record.
There have been some anecdotal reports that the glues used to attach the first sheet to the roll and the last sheet to the inner carton could be isothiazolinone-containing, even in an otherwise ‘safe’ toilet paper. You may want to discard those ‘bookend’ sheets as a precautionary measure.
Other recommendations or confirmed safe products? Please leave a comment or send me a message and I’ll periodically add to and update the listing.
Toilet Paper Recommendations from methylisothiazolinone-allergic consumers
Who Gives a Crap (Worldwide)
There are two types. Angela and Fiona, who both recommended it, use Bamboo variety, which also works for Rainbow. Pia in Australia uses it too, and says she was able to confirm its MI-free status. This product seems to get the most frequent thumbs-up, so gets pride of place at the top of this otherwise A–Z list. (There is also Recycled Paper, which may not be safe, so stick to Bamboo.)
In the US, click here. In the UK, click here.
In Canada, click here. In Australia, click here.
Angel Soft Mega Rolls (US)
Used by Jessica without issue — and she describes herself as ‘super sensitive’! Unscented.
Find it here.
Asda Shades (UK)
“Have been good for me,” says Jackie, “but I can’t guarantee they’re MI Free and whether MI is used at any point in the manufacturing process”.
View them here.
Bamboo Story (US)
Recommended by Andrea, who buys them from Amazon.
Bim Bam Boo (US)
Recommended by Robert, when bought directly from brand itself, as a delivery from Amazon once arrived having picked up scent during storage.
Find the brand’s website here.
Caboo Bamboo (Canada / US)
Used without issue by Mardi, Wendy and Maggie.
Find it at their website here.
Also available via Amazon Canada and Amazon US.
Cashmere Premium (Canada)
Recommended by Melody. “I have not confirmed MI free but seems like it.”
Find it here.
Cheeky Panda (UK)
Recommended by Christine, who warns the glue used may contain isothiazolinones (update to come) but is fine with the paper itself.
Find it at The Ethical Superstore.
Cottonelle Ultra Comfort (Purple Packaging) (US)
Belinda says she has been using this for years without issue.
It’s available on Amazon. Also on their site here.
Naked Paper (formerly Naked Sprout) (UK)
The brand has confirmed itself that it does not contain MI here.
For its Unbleached Bamboo toilet paper see here.
NatureZway (US)
Recommended by Dana of the AtIMB Facebook Group.
Sold on Amazon.
PlantPaper (US)
Recommended by Melissa. This one is confirmed formaldehyde free.
Find it here.
Quilton (Australia)
Both White Three-Ply and King Size Three-Ply Unscented have worked for Samantha for over a decade. However, Pia believes it does contain MI, and has experienced difficulty obtaining confirmation from the brand.
Scott 1000 (US)
Recommended by Margaret. Scott products sometimes get mixed reviews: Robert points out that some have used their products for years without issue, but then seem to react. Others remain unaffected.
Find the Scott 1000 here.
Seventh Generation 100% Recycled (US)
“I have been using it successfully for close to a decade,” says Marni.
Find it here.
Walgreens Big Roll (US)
“Safe for me” says Linda.
Find it here.
I appreciate this site and refer to it frequently! Thank you so very much for your help and advice!!
Thanks, Mary!
I fully recommend Who gives a crap – Bamboo it is excellent I have never had a problem with it in the UK.
Thank you for all the info it’s really helpful
Thanks Carol!