Parents use baby wipes multiple times a day against some of baby's most sensitive skin. In addition to diaper changes, families use wipes to clean runny noses, sticky faces, grubby hands, and more. Even after the diaper years are over.
Baby wipes may all look similar, but their ingredients and materials can vary greatly. These differences can have major consequences for skin health. Keep reading to learn what parents of babies with sensitive, eczema-prone skin should look for in a baby wipe.
1. A short, readable ingredient list
When you're caring for sensitive, eczema-prone skin, fewer ingredients means fewer chances for a reaction. It also makes it easier to pinpoint a trigger or possible allergen, if your baby's skin reacts.
Look for wipes that are mostly water and plant-derived. Keep in mind that wipes that contain water need a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. A preservative-free wet wipe isn't realistic or healthy. What you want is a wipe with a mild, skin-safe preservative, like sodium levulinate and/or potassium sorbate. These are widely used in natural skincare products.
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2. Fragrance-free
Fragrance is one of the most common triggers of skin irritation, eczema, and contact allergies. It's usually listed as one ingredient, but can actually contain several nasty chemicals. Even "unscented" wipes often contain masking fragrances, so look for wipes that are labeled "fragrance-free."
3. No alcohol or harsh drying agents
Some baby wipes include alcohol and drying agents, so liquid quickly evaporates from skin without leaving a residue. These synthetic additives can strip natural moisture and leave sensitive, eczema-prone skin feeling tight and itchy. Soothing, plant-derived ingredients like the organic aloe, calendula, and chamomile in HealthyBaby wet wipes clean skin without irritation.
4. Soft, plant-derived materials
The wipe material matters as much as the liquid ingredients. Friction irritates sensitive skin, so you want to avoid rough materials or thin wipes that will require more rubbing during clean-up. HealthyBaby wet wipes are thick, soft, and embossed, so you can clean more with fewer wipes. They're also plastic-free and biodegradable.
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5. Real testing and third-party verification
Words like "natural" and "gentle" aren't regulated. Look for baby wipes that are hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and third-party tested for safety. EWG VERIFIED® HealthyBaby wet wipes meet the strictest standards for ingredient safety and transparency. They're made without parabens, phthalates, PFAS (forever chemicals), fragrance, chlorine, lotions, and other common chemicals linked to potential health harm. Many conventional wipes and other babycare products still include these chemicals, which can be especially irritating to eczema-prone babies.
Over the years, HealthyBaby has launched an entire family of EWG VERIFIED® essentials for baby, including diapers, diaper cream, shampoo and body wash, and other skincare products. By using HealthyBaby essentials, parents can trust that every product in their baby's diapering and bathing routine is skin-friendly.
