More and more UK households are rethinking their everyday bathroom choices — and toilet paper is often the first switch. As awareness grows around deforestation, plastic waste, and carbon emissions, eco-friendly toilet paper has become a simple yet powerful way to make a positive impact without changing your routine.

At the forefront of this shift is Cheeky Panda, the UK’s leading bamboo toilet paper brand. Made from FSC® 100% certified bamboo, it’s B Corp™ certified, plastic-free, and independently rated as the No.1 eco toilet roll by Which? and Good Housekeeping for sustainability, softness, and performance.

In this article, we break down how Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper performs in real life — from softness and strength to skin safety and dissolvability — and explore what independent reviewers and everyday customers are saying about why it’s the UK’s most trusted eco toilet roll.

Is bamboo toilet paper soft?

One of the biggest questions people have about switching to eco toilet paper is whether it’s actually soft and comfortable. The good news? Bamboo toilet paper isn’t just sustainable — it’s genuinely pleasant to use!

Bamboo fibres are naturally silky and smooth, giving them a softer texture than recycled rolls and a more refined feel than many standard supermarket brands. Unlike recycled paper, which can sometimes feel coarse or thin, bamboo’s long, rounded fibres create a luxurious, cushioned surface that’s gentle on skin while still holding its shape.

Independent testing backs this up. In the latest Which? Best Buy review, Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper scored among the highest for softness and comfort, outperforming both recycled and virgin wood-pulp alternatives. Good Housekeeping reviewers also praised its premium texture, describing it as “surprisingly soft for a sustainable roll.”

Customers echo this sentiment, with many noting that Cheeky Panda is “as soft as Andrex but far more sustainable” and “the first eco toilet paper that actually feels premium.”

In short, Cheeky Panda proves you don’t have to compromise on comfort to go green — its bamboo toilet paper delivers everyday softness and value with genuine sustainability.

Is bamboo toilet paper strong?

Strength is just as important as softness when it comes to toilet paper — and it’s an area where bamboo really stands out. Thanks to its naturally long, durable fibres, bamboo toilet paper is both tear-resistant and highly absorbent, offering dependable performance without needing extra layers or additives.

Each sheet of Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper is made with 3-ply construction, combining multiple layers of tightly woven bamboo fibres for maximum strength and flexibility. This design means the paper holds together better when wet, helping you use fewer sheets per visit — which translates directly into lower cost per wipe and less waste overall.

Independent testing backs this up. In the Which? Best Buy rankings, Cheeky Panda scored among the top performers for both strength and durability, outperforming most recycled and virgin wood-pulp alternatives. Many reviewers describe it as “strong but still soft”, and one customer even noted, “It’s the first eco toilet paper my husband actually loves — he says it feels like the real thing.”

That everyday reliability also explains why Cheeky Panda’s Double Length Rolls (380 sheets) last significantly longer than standard supermarket options. They’re engineered for strength, comfort, and efficiency — without compromising on sustainability.

In short, Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper offers the ideal balance: soft, sturdy, and built to last, proving that eco-friendly doesn’t mean flimsy.

Is bamboo toilet paper safe for sensitive skin?

Yes — and that’s one of the biggest advantages of switching to bamboo toilet paper. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-toxic, making it far gentler on skin than many conventional alternatives. Because the fibres are smooth and rounded rather than coarse, bamboo paper is less likely to cause irritation — even with repeated use.

Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper is dermatologically tested, vegan, and free from dyes, bleach, or harsh synthetic additives. It contains no chlorine or formaldehyde, both of which are often used in traditional pulp whitening. That makes it an excellent choice for sensitive skin, allergy-prone users, or families with children.

Independent reviewers agree. Good Housekeeping described Cheeky Panda as “gentle on skin and ideal for everyday comfort,” while customer reviews frequently highlight its skin-friendliness — with comments like “no irritation at all” and “the only eco roll I can use after years of sensitive-skin issues.”

Soft, safe, and sustainably made, Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper proves that you can care for your skin and the planet at the same time.

Cheeky Panda: Which? and Good Housekeeping’s No.1 eco-friendly toilet paper

When it comes to performance, Cheeky Panda isn’t just popular — it’s recognised as the UK’s No.1 eco-friendly toilet paper by leading independent reviewers.

In the Which? Best Buy 2025 tests, Cheeky Panda was the only eco toilet paper recognised as Best Buy. Reviewers praised its balance of comfort, strength, and genuine eco credentials, making it the only eco rolls that delivers premium performance without compromise.

The Good Housekeeping Institute also awarded Cheeky Panda its seal of approval, commending it for its gentle texture, responsible sourcing, and plastic-free packaging. Their expert testers highlighted how it’s “soft on skin, durable in use, and ideal for anyone wanting an eco switch that still feels premium.”

Public ratings tell the same story. Across Trustpilot, Amazon, major UK retailer sites and our own e-commerce site, Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper averages between 4.6 and 4.8 stars, with thousands of verified customers praising its softness, strength, value and environmental credentials.

And it’s not just about feel: Cheeky Panda’s impact is measurable. Each roll has a verified carbon footprint of just 177 g CO₂e, one of the lowest in the UK, thanks to bamboo’s rapid renewability and the brand’s mindful, B Corp™ certified operations.

Soft, sustainable, and scientifically proven, Cheeky Panda, the pioneer brand for eco toilet paper in the UK, continues to set the standard for what eco-friendly toilet paper should be.

Does bamboo toilet paper block drains?

It’s a common question — and a fair one. Some thicker, multi-layer toilet papers can cause plumbing issues, especially in older properties or septic systems. The good news is that Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper has been independently tested and proven safe for both standard drains and septic tanks.

In Which? laboratory testing, Cheeky Panda passed the Slosh Box Disintegration Test (which measures how quickly toilet paper breaks apart in water to ensure it won’t cause blockages) with flying colours, proving that Cheeky Panda’s bamboo sheets dissolve efficiently and evenly, breaking down into small particles within minutes — faster than many leading recycled or wood-pulp alternatives.

This means the paper won’t clog pipes, harm septic systems, or leave residue in plumbing lines. Whether you’re connected to the mains or using an off-grid setup, Cheeky Panda is drain-safe and biodegradable.

Its performance comes down to the natural structure of bamboo fibres — strong when dry but quick to disperse when flushed. Combined with the brand’s 3-ply design and absence of synthetic binders or coatings, this ensures a gentle, clean breakdown that keeps your pipes (and conscience) clear.

So, while some premium rolls can be tough on plumbing, Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper delivers the perfect balance of strength in use and dissolvability after use — soft on skin, strong where it matters, and safe for your drains.

Real customer feedback: What users say

Independent testing aside, the most telling reviews often come from real people who use the product every day. Across platforms like Trustpilot, Amazon, and Cheeky Panda’s official website, feedback on Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper is overwhelmingly positive — consistently averaging 4.6 to 4.8 stars from thousands of verified UK customers.

Most reviewers highlight how the paper feels “super soft” yet “strong and reliable”, noting that it performs just as well as — or better than — mainstream premium brands. The words “great value”, “no plastic”, and “long-lasting” appear frequently, reflecting the product’s balance between performance and eco integrity. One customer summed it up perfectly: “It’s soft, sustainable, and surprisingly luxurious — eco with no compromise.”

Shoppers also appreciate the convenience and sustainability of the Double Length Rolls, mentioning how each box lasts longer and creates less waste. Some reviewers even highlight the product’s appeal beyond eco-conscious buyers, with one noting, “Even my husband loves it — he finally stopped complaining about eco toilet paper!”

A few users mention that the texture feels thicker than standard supermarket rolls, and agree this adds to its strength and durability.

Overall, customer sentiment is clear: Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper earns loyalty by delivering on its promise — soft, sustainable, and strong, proving that eco-friendly doesn’t require any compromise.

Try it for yourself:

FAQs — Bamboo toilet paper reviews

  • Is bamboo toilet paper softer than recycled?
    Yes. Bamboo toilet paper is generally much softer and smoother than recycled varieties. Bamboo fibres are naturally silky and rounded, giving a gentle texture that feels premium on skin. In independent Which? tests, Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper scored among the highest for softness and comfort, outperforming most recycled and wood-pulp brands.

  • How does bamboo toilet paper compare to Andrex?
    Many reviewers say Cheeky Panda is “as soft as Andrex but more sustainable.” It matches top mainstream brands for comfort and price while being FSC® 100% bamboo and plastic-free. It’s a genuine eco alternative that doesn’t compromise on strength, softness, or quality.

  • Is Cheeky Panda worth the price?
    Yes. While it may cost more upfront than basic supermarket rolls, Cheeky Panda’s Double Length Rolls (380 sheets) offer the lowest cost per wipe in the long run. They last longer, use fewer sheets per visit, and are made to premium standards — delivering better long-term value and genuine sustainability.

  • Is bamboo toilet paper OK for septic tanks?
    Absolutely. Cheeky Panda bamboo toilet paper is septic-safe, drain-safe, and biodegradable. It passed the Slosh Box Disintegration Test, confirming it breaks down quickly in water and won’t block pipes or septic systems — ideal for both standard and off-grid homes.