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WELPRCertifications
Free From
Highlights
Fragrance-free
Plastic-free packaging
Recyclable packaging
Compostable packaging
Recycled materials
Half sheet
2-ply
Tree-free
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Best Non-Toxic Paper Towels
We vetted paper towels against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Here's what we look for:
- Unbleached cotton, bamboo, or other natural fibers, ideally sustainably sourced and organic
- Free from fragrance, chlorine, PFAS, formaldehyde, dyes, and plastics
- Certifications like OEKO-TEX® and GOTS whenever available
- Brands that are transparent about sourcing, materials, and ethical practices
Best Non-Toxic Paper Towels
On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.
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Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Hypoallergenic
Fragrance-free
Plastic-free packaging
Compostable packaging
Recycled materials
Food-contact safe
Money-back guarantee
Select-a-size
2-ply
Tree-free
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Cruelty-free
Hypoallergenic
Fragrance-free
2-ply
Tree-free
Certifications
How to Swap to Non-Toxic paper towels:
Here's how to swap to non-toxic paper towels:
What to know about paper towels
Paper towels are used throughout the day to wipe hands, clean surfaces, and handle food. Welpr looks at what they're made of and how they're processed, since many conventional paper towels include chemical treatments you might not expect.
- Common additions include chlorine bleaching for whiteness, PFAS for grease resistance, and wet-strength coatings that can leave residues on hands and surfaces.
- Because paper towels touch your skin and food frequently, the materials and processing matter more than you might think.
Review what you already use
Check the packaging or product page for your current paper towels. Look for clues about how they're made, what fibers are used, and whether any chemical treatments are mentioned or notably absent.
- Look for terms like "unbleached," "chlorine-free," "PFAS-free," "no dyes," and "no added fragrance" — these are good signs.
- If the packaging doesn't mention what the product is free from or how it's processed, that's worth noting when it's time to restock.
Use your current paper towels more thoughtfully
If you're not ready to switch yet, small changes in how you use paper towels can reduce unnecessary contact. This is especially worth considering when food is involved.
- Avoid wrapping or covering hot food directly with conventional paper towels, since heat can increase the transfer of chemical residues.
- Use a cloth towel or plate instead of a paper towel as a resting surface for fresh or cooked food.
Choose cleaner replacements
Look for paper towels made from unbleached or chlorine-free natural fibers like bamboo or recycled paper. The best options skip fragrance, dyes, PFAS, optical brighteners, and unnecessary performance coatings.
- Certifications like OEKO-TEX® can help confirm safer materials and processing — look for them on the packaging or product listing.
- Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved paper towels.
Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....
Olushola M. Awoyemi
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...