Skip the Slip: Why We’re Rethinking Paper Receipts
- Amber Charboneau
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
We’re all about living more intentionally—choosing what’s good for our bodies, our homes, and the earth. That doesn’t just mean what we eat or put on our skin. Sometimes it’s the little things, like that receipt you’re handed at checkout, that deserve a closer look.
It might surprise you to learn that many receipts—especially the glossy ones printed on thermal paper—carry more than just your purchase history. They can also come with a dose of chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) and BPS (Bisphenol S). These are used to develop the ink when heat is applied, and unfortunately, they’re not doing our health any favors.
What’s the Big Deal with BPA and BPS?
These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors, which means they can mimic or interfere with your body’s natural hormones. And hormones? Well, they’re in charge of a lot—everything from metabolism and mood to fertility and development.
Research has linked BPA and BPS exposure to:
Reproductive issues
Hormone-related cancers (like breast and prostate)
Developmental delays in children
Attention and focus disorders
Obesity and metabolic changes
The Problem with Touching Receipts
Here’s the tricky part: these chemicals don’t just sit on the paper—they can absorb right through your skin. Even brief contact (as little as 10 seconds!) can result in measurable exposure. That risk increases with repeated handling, which is why cashiers and retail workers often show higher levels of bisphenols in their systems.
Worse still, these chemicals bypass your liver’s natural detox process when absorbed through the skin, meaning they can stay in your bloodstream longer and in higher concentrations.
They Can End Up on Your Food, Too
Ever grabbed a sandwich right after shoving a receipt in your bag? (Guilty.) Unfortunately, bisphenols can transfer to surfaces and food with just a touch. That’s another reason to think twice before holding onto that slip.
But Wait—Aren’t Receipts Switching to Safer Alternatives?
Yes and no. While BPA has been phased out in many places, BPS is now commonly used as a substitute, and it’s proving to be just as concerning. Regulations are catching up slowly, but most receipts in the U.S. still contain one or the other.
So What Can You Do?
The good news? Small choices make a big difference.
Go digital. Ask for an emailed or texted receipt whenever possible.
Limit contact. If you do need a printed copy, handle it minimally and wash your hands afterward.
At work? If you handle receipts all day, consider using gloves or a barrier tool and always wash hands before eating.
Wellness lives in small habits and details. That includes the ones that don’t get much attention—like tiny slips of paper with big implications. We’re here to help you swap stress and chemicals for knowledge, choice, and confidence.
