Bamboo Toilet Paper vs. Charmin & Cottonelle: A Side-by-Side Comparison

If you've only ever bought whatever's on sale at the grocery store, chances are it's been Charmin or Cottonelle. They're two of the biggest names in the category, and for good reason: they're widely available and consistently reviewed as soft and reliable. So when bamboo toilet paper shows up on your radar, a fair question is how it actually compares, not whether it's automatically "better."

Here's an objective look at the two, feature by feature. This isn't a case for one brand over another; it's meant to help you weigh the trade-offs based on what matters most to you.

Softness

Charmin Ultra Soft and Cottonelle Ultra Comfort are both formulated for a plush, cushioned feel. Bamboo toilet paper has a different texture: bamboo fiber is naturally long and smooth, which gives it a soft but somewhat firmer feel than the heavily cushioned conventional rolls. WholeRoll's own bamboo tissue is a 2-ply roll marketed for the cushioned feel of a 3-ply sheet, which narrows that gap versus thinner bamboo tissue on the market. Whether that's a pro or a con really comes down to personal preference.

Takeaway: Charmin and Cottonelle are generally plusher out of the box. Bamboo offers a different, more natural texture that some people prefer and others need to adjust to.

Strength & Performance

Bamboo fiber is naturally strong, and bamboo toilet paper is commonly sold in 3-ply formats, which supports solid wet strength. WholeRoll's own roll uses 2 plies engineered for 3-ply-level cushioning and strength, per its product listing. Charmin and Cottonelle are also engineered specifically for strength and are well-reviewed on this point. In practical use, most people find both options perform comparably for everyday needs, though individual results can vary by specific product line.

Read more: Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Worth It? A Buyer's Guide

Septic & Plumbing Safety

Charmin and Cottonelle both market their standard product lines as septic-safe, and bamboo toilet paper is also widely described as septic-safe by manufacturers and reviewers — WholeRoll markets its own roll as septic safe on its product page. It's worth noting that "septic-safe" and "breaks down quickly" are related but not identical claims; septic-safe generally means a product won't damage a septic system with normal use, while breakdown speed can vary by manufacturing process and isn't something we can quantify here without product-specific testing data. If septic or RV compatibility is a priority for you, it's worth checking manufacturer guidance for the specific product you're considering.

Read more: Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Septic Safe?

Processing & Ingredients

Some toilet paper products, across both conventional and bamboo categories, include added elements like lotions, dyes, or fragrance depending on the specific line, while others are unscented and undyed. WholeRoll's bamboo toilet paper is processed without chlorine bleach and is unscented with no added dyes or lotions, per its product page. If minimizing added ingredients matters to you, checking the packaging or product page for the specific item you're buying, bamboo or conventional, is the most reliable way to know what you're getting.

Read more: Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Non-Toxic? What to Know

Sustainability

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that can regenerate more quickly than the trees used for conventional wood-pulp toilet paper, and it's often cited as requiring relatively low water input compared to some other crops. Charmin and Cottonelle are made from wood pulp sourced through their manufacturers' forestry programs. Both companies publish their own sustainability practices, and claims about pesticide use, water consumption, or sourcing should be verified against current manufacturer data rather than assumed, since practices can vary and change over time. For consumers who prioritize renewable, fast-regenerating materials, bamboo may be a better fit.

Read more: Is Bamboo Toilet Paper More Eco-Friendly?

Price

Charmin and Cottonelle are typically less expensive per roll in most retail settings, partly due to their scale of production. Bamboo toilet paper generally costs more. The price gap often narrows if you buy bamboo toilet paper in bulk or through a subscription — WholeRoll, for instance, sells its bamboo tissue in an 18-roll pack for $49.99, which works out to roughly $2.78 per roll.

Read more: Why Is Bamboo Toilet Paper So Expensive?

Side-by-Side Summary

Feature	Bamboo TP (WholeRoll)	Charmin / Cottonelle
Softness	2-ply, marketed for 3-ply-level cushioning	Ultra-plush, cushioned
Strength	2-ply, engineered for 3-ply-level strength	Strong, multi-ply
Septic-safe	Yes, per manufacturer guidance	Yes, per manufacturer guidance
Processing	No chlorine bleach; unscented, no added dyes or lotions	Varies by product line
Sustainability	Made from a fast-growing renewable grass	Made from wood pulp via forestry programs
Price	About $2.78/roll (18-roll pack)	Typically lower per roll

There's no universally "better" choice here; it depends on what you're optimizing for. If plushness and price are your top priorities, Charmin or Cottonelle are solid, well-established options. If you'd rather use a product made from a fast-growing, renewable material and don't mind paying a bit more, bamboo may be a better fit.

If you're ready to try it for yourself, you can shop WholeRoll's bamboo toilet paper online and see how it compares in your own bathroom.

FAQs

Is bamboo toilet paper softer than Charmin?
Not in the same plush, cushioned sense Charmin is known for. Bamboo has a different, more natural texture that some people prefer and others find takes adjusting to.

Is bamboo toilet paper worth the extra cost?
It depends on your priorities. If sustainability or a more natural product matters to you, many people find it worth the difference. If price and plushness are your main concerns, conventional brands may suit you better.

Can I use bamboo toilet paper in a septic system if I currently use Charmin or Cottonelle?
Bamboo toilet paper is widely marketed as septic-safe, as are Charmin and Cottonelle's standard lines. If septic compatibility is a concern, it's worth checking the specific manufacturer's guidance for the product you're using.

Read more: Bamboo vs. Recycled Toilet Paper: Which Is Better?