There’s some nasty news hiding right under our noses in the form of facial tissues. Those innocent-looking squares we use to dab our tears and sneezes have a downside. Many conventional brands of facial tissues contain harmful additives that could be putting your health at risk. These tissue troubles are here to stay unless we choose a path to non-toxic, eco-friendly tissues that will pamper your face and the planet.
The list below includes substances commonly found in many facial tissues or released during their production. Keep in my mind, most of the ingredients below don't have to be disclosed to consumers, so chances are if you're using relatively standard tissues, they probably have these ingredients:
Chlorine (bleaching): Chlorine is used in the bleaching process of most tissues in order to give them a bright white color. However, the chlorine bleaching process emits dangerous chemicals into the air during production, leading to pollution and possible environmental harm. [1] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has found dioxin, a hazardous by-product of chlorine, to be 300,000 times more potent as a carcinogen (cancer-causing) than Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), making the decision clear to switch to chlorine-free tissues. [2]
Fragrances & Dyes: Artificial fragrances and dyes can make your nose twitch and your skin itch. They have even been linked to more serious health threats due to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emission disguised under many different names that can harm human health. [3] Keep an eye out for any flashy scents and dyes, and when in doubt go with unscented or fragrance-free tissue options.
Formaldehyde: The smelly stuff used for preserving frogs in biology class is also found in many tissues on the market. What really stinks is that formaldehyde is a known VOC and a skin, eye, and throat irritant with repeated exposure potentially leading to cancer. [4]
Per- & Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS): These substances are a group of forever chemicals created by humans, but pose concerning health risks. [5] They potentially lead to health problems such as cancer, reproductive and immune system impairment, and other diseases. [6]
These are just a handful of the hazardous chemicals in many tissues. Keep in mind when shopping for facial tissues to look for keywords like "unscented", “chlorine-free,” and "hypoallergenic." Electing to make the switch to chemical-free tissues will support healthier skin and easier breathing knowing you're not inhaling harmful substances. Not to mention, healthy facial tissue options are often made from sustainable materials, contributing to a cleaner and greener world.
Be sure to check out my other posts, safe toilet paper options and non-toxic baby wipes, to transition your bathroom paper products to safer alternatives.
Top Non-Toxic Tissue Choices
Navigating the multitude of tissue choices that presently exist on the market can be a daunting task, but that’s where I come in! I have done the research for you so that all you have to worry about is allergy season. Below are my top four non-toxic facial tissue choices.
Cloud Paper bamboo tissues are free of formaldehyde, added scents, dyes, pesticides, and petroleum-based additives. I reached out to learn more about their process. They bleach their paper using the Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) method to reduce carcinogens and the adhesive applied to keep the sheets attached is made entirely out of cornstarch. Also, their products tested to be free of PFAS.
The Cheeky Panda bamboo tissues are plastic free and free of harsh chemicals. I questioned them to learn more about their products and process. To achieve the desired color of the tissues, they use the ECF water-based bleaching method that excludes Bisphenol A (BPA), de-inking chemicals, and chlorine, as well as reduces dioxins and dioxin-like compounds, which are potential carcinogens. I followed up to see if they do any testing for PFAS in their tissues. At the moment, they do not test their tissues for PFAS as it can be an expensive process, but they are working toward testing for PFAS in all of their products as they do for their toilet paper, which is free of PFAS.
These tissues are made of non-GMO certified bamboo and sugarcane. They are processed with ECF bleaching and are free of any inks, dyes, fragrances, and BPA. I followed up with them and confirmed that their tissues are free of formaldehyde, PFAS, and petroleum-based additives.
Available on their website.
Mouche tissues are made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified bamboo. These bamboo tissues are free of whiteners, bleach, dyes, fragrances and lotions, so the tissues remain their natural beige color. I followed up with them and confirmed that their tissues are free of additives and they do test for PFAS with none having been detected.
Please note, bamboo tissues may feel slightly less soft than their conventional counterparts, so be mindful of this when making a purchase decision. Also, though the Elemental Chlorine Free process is a much safer alternative than conventional bleaching techniques, it’s still best to choose completely natural (non-dyed) options.
The benefits of non-toxic tissues is immeasurable when compared to traditional tissues. It's time to say farewell to tissues with a toxic agenda and say hello to safer, healthier, and more eco-friendly facial tissues. Your face deserves nothing but the best, and the earth will delight in your eco-conscious choices.
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