Last updated: 8 June 2026

By Stiv · Design, technology and personal finance

I've used Wype Original for nearly a year, and the new Soothe formula for three months. So this comparison comes from real daily use, not a spec sheet.

Two gels. One cleaner habit. Here is how I choose.

This post contains a referral link. If you buy through it I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect my editorial view.

So, Wype Original vs Soothe: which should you buy? Let me make it simple. Wype now sells two toilet paper gels, and they are not the same. Below, I compare the formulas, texture, skin type and price in plain English. So you can pick the right one in about two minutes.

What Wype is, and how the gel works

First, a quick refresher. Wype is not a wet wipe. Instead, it is a gel that you squeeze onto dry toilet paper. You then wipe as normal, and the paper does the job of a moist wipe. Because you only flush ordinary paper, no plastic sheet heads into the sewers.

This matters more than it sounds. After all, the government has confirmed a ban on plastic wet wipes in England, with the rules due in spring 2027. Meanwhile, water industry research cited by Defra found that wet wipes cause 94% of sewer blockages. So switching to a gel is a tidy fix. For my fuller verdict on the system itself, see my full Wype review.

What is different about Soothe

So where does Soothe fit in? Put simply, Soothe is Wype's newer, gentler formula. Wype positions it for 'irritated, sensitive or reactive skin', whereas Original is the everyday option. In my experience, the two suit slightly different days.

The headline change is the active blend. Soothe keeps aloe vera, then adds bisabolol, allantoin and a 'self-heal' plant extract. Wype says bisabolol is 'clinically proven to soothe skin' and helps calm irritation. Witch hazel, meanwhile, is a traditional astringent that supports gentle cleansing.

That said, I keep my expectations sensible. Soothe is a cosmetic cleansing gel, not a medicine. So for lasting soreness, piles or broken skin, a pharmacist or GP is the right first stop. This is not medical advice.

Ingredients and skin type

Now for the formulas side by side. Original leans on a broad, organic-certified botanical blend: aloe vera, chamomile, coconut and bamboo, plus vitamin E. As a result, Wype badges it for 'normal to sensitive skin'.

Soothe takes a more targeted route. It keeps aloe vera, then adds calming actives like bisabolol and allantoin, a 'self-heal' extract and skin prebiotics. Importantly, both gels are pH balanced, fragrance-free, dermatologically tested, vegan and cruelty-free, so neither one stings.

Personally, I lean towards Original's organic botanical mix, since it feels a touch more nourishing to me. Both gels include aloe vera, though, so the gap is small. In practice, the choice comes down to your skin and your preference.

How they feel to use

Here is where my daily use comes in. Both gels are fragrance-free, so there is no scent either way. Sensitive noses are safe.

The textures differ, though, and that is the real story. Original is a clear, classic gel. Soothe, by contrast, feels less like a gel and more like a cream. I also find the paper breaks even less with Soothe, which makes each wipe that bit more reliable. Otherwise, the routine is identical: dry wipe, add gel, wipe again, then flush. There is no residue, because both gels are rinse-free.

Once you switch from dry paper, you get a clean you will not want to go back from.

Wype Original vs Soothe: price and value

Now for the money. The prices below come from Wype's online store in June 2026, so do check the latest before you buy. The fairest comparison is like for like, so here are the two Starter Kit and Refill Sets.

The Wype Original Starter Kit and Refill Set usually lists at £21. However, it is often discounted, and it sits at £17.99 right now. On top of that, you can stack our £5 discount code on your first order.

The Wype Soothe Starter Kit and Refill Set costs a little more, at £23 normally, or £19.99 right now. Again, our £5 code applies. So Soothe lands about £2 higher, yet I still think it is worth it if your skin runs reactive.

For me, both are worth it, and I would happily buy either again. The one honest catch is price, since both cost more than a basic pack of wipes. Prefer to start small? Then a 30ml Mini from £5.99 is a cheap taster. To compare the live bundles, see the current Wype sale and bundle stack, then use my Wype page below to claim the code.

See Wype prices and get £5 off

Wype Original vs Soothe: which should you choose?

So, which Wype do I reach for? Honestly, it is close. I lean slightly towards Soothe, mainly because the paper holds up even better. That said, I miss Original's organic botanical blend, so it really comes down to one thing: do you prefer a gel or a cream?

Choose Original if you like a classic clear gel and an organic botanical blend. Choose Soothe if your skin runs reactive, or you simply prefer a creamier feel. Either way, both beat wet wipes by a mile. In fact, I think this is what most people should use instead of dry paper alone.

Start with Wype today

Wype Original vs Soothe FAQs

What is the difference between Wype Original and Soothe?

In short, the focus and the texture. Original uses an organic botanical blend of aloe, chamomile and coconut, and feels like a clear gel. Soothe keeps aloe but adds soothing actives like bisabolol and allantoin, and feels more like a cream. Both are vegan, fragrance-free, pH balanced and flushable.

Is Wype Soothe better for sensitive skin?

Wype designs Soothe specifically for irritated, sensitive or reactive skin, so it may suit you if you flare up easily. In my use, it does feel a touch gentler, although the gap is small. If symptoms persist, please speak to a pharmacist or GP, as this is not medical advice.

Which Wype is cheaper?

Original is a little cheaper. Like for like in June 2026, the Original Starter Kit and Refill Set lists at £21, often £17.99, while the Soothe version is £23, often £19.99. So Soothe costs roughly £2 more. Our £5 first-order code works on either.

Are Wype gels fragrance-free?

Yes. Both Wype Original and Soothe are fragrance-free and dermatologically tested. Therefore, neither one adds perfume to your routine.

Are Wype Original and Soothe vegan?

Yes. Both are vegan and cruelty-free, with no animal-derived ingredients. Wype is certified by the Vegan Society, and Original is also certified organic.

Can you flush Wype?

Yes, because you only flush ordinary toilet paper with the gel on it, not a plastic sheet. That is the whole point, and it is why Wype sidesteps the wet wipe blockages that water companies keep warning about.

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