Wet Wipes are a convenient way to stay clean—especially when changing Baby’s diaper or when a kinder, gentler toilet tissue is needed. When I was growing up, a simple wash cloth was all that was needed, but nowadays, the convenience of pre-moistened wipes is hard to deny! But, have you ever thought about what the “wetness” is made of? Or what the material of the wipe is?
Most commercial wet wipes include ingredients that are antifungal, antibacterial and preservative. Sounds about right?! However, some brands contain harmful chemicals that may pose risks to health, In fact, some of these ingredients are often hidden or listed under other names so are easy to miss! Below is a list of the most offensive:
FORMALDEHYDE is used as an antifungal and antibacterial additive. Long term contact with this chemical can cause skin issues such as dry, rough, itchy and red skin, blisters, peeling, cracking. The ingredient list may not contain “formaldehyde” per se, but may be included under the name:
- Diazolidinyl urea
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Quternium-15
- Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
- 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (Bronopol)
- Polyoxymethylene urea
- 5-Bromo-5-Nitro-1,3 Dioxane
- Methenamine
- Glyoxal
ETHYLENE OXIDE &1,4-DIOXANE is a chemical that can reduce almost all viruses, bacteria, fungi and prevents them from replicating. It is widely used for sterilizing medical, pharmaceutical and veterinary supplies. Wipes manufacturers use harsh petrochemicals as raw materials then add Ethylene Oxide to make them less irritating. A by-product of this process is 1,4 Dioxane which is a skin irritant. Also recognized by these other names:
- Alkene Oxide
- Dimethylene
- EO
- ETO
- Oxane
- Dihydroxy Irene
- Ola cyclopropane
- Oxirane
PHTHALATES I have written about phthalates before! A common ingredient in cosmetic, hygiene, and home cleansers. Phthalate is used as a fragrance ingredient and may be seen on the ingredient list as “perfume” or “fragrance”. Also may be listed as:
- DEP (Diethyl phthalate)
- DMP (DiMethyl phthalate)
- DBP (Dibutyl phthalate)
- DINP (Diisononyl phthalate)
- DNOP (Di-N-Octyl phthalate)
- BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate)
PARABENS I have written previously about the dangers of parabens as well! They are chemical preservatives in many products, and they inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and other pathogens. Parabens have been associated with health hazards such as cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity and neurotoxicity parabens are dangerous for everyone, but especially infants. They may be listed under other names:
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE OR PERFUME As mentioned under phthalates, these synthetic fragrances are classified as allergens and hormone disruptors. Because fragrances are considered “proprietary” the ingredients are not required to be listed. However, it is best to avoid ingredients such as “fragrance”, perfume, perfume/aroma, linalool, citronellol, cinnamal, limonene.
METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE (MIT)/METHYLCHLOROISOTHIZOLINONE (MCI) Are common preservative found in mostly water based products. Although significant harm to skin can be caused by MIT and/or MCI, because they are inexpensive, many manufacturers continue to use them. They may also be listed as:
- 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one
- 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one hydrochloride 5-chloro-2-methylisothizolin-3-one
- 5-chloro-N-mehtylisothiazolone
- Kathon CG 5243
- Methylchloro-isothiazolinone
- Methylchlorosiothiazolinone
SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE (SLS) Another common ingredient I have written about previously. SLS can be extremely harmful to skin especially if you have eczema or acne. SLS can also be listed as:
- Sodium salt sulfuric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Monododecyl ester
- Sodim salt
- Monododecyl ester sodium salt
- Sulfuric acid
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate
- Aquarexme or aquarex methyl
TRICLOSAN is used as an antibacterial and preservative. When applied topically, it can penetrate the skin and disrupt hormones. There are also concerns that Triclosan is linked to birth defects and cancer—especially when it breaks down.
IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE (IPBC) is used as a preservative in many cosmetic and personal care products to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Long term use below 0.1% is generally considered safe, however, IPBC may permeate the skin causing irritation and adverse effects on the immune system.
The actual wipe itself, if it isn’t disclosed that it is comprised of 100% organic matter, is made of a spunlace fabric. This fabric is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [see the word phthalate in it?!] and polypropylene which are plastics. These plastics are melted down as pellets and then forced through a tiny mesh to create sheets of “fabric”. If flushed, this material can block sewer lines and/or contaminate our waterways (and fish, animals and vegetation within and around the waterway) with microplastics. In a landfill, this material breaks down into microplastics that can contaminate drinking water. Although PET and polypropylene are not technically forever chemicals, they can take a very long time to decompose so they are considered a persistent pollutant that can accumulate in our bodies over time. And although polypropylene is considered generally safe, it is always good to eliminate plastic use where you can!
WOW! It is important to use products that are the safest possible, and especially crucial for babies whose bodies are so much smaller, their systems more delicate and sensitive and they are growing and developing at a rapid rate.
The diaper change solution I offer contains no harsh or toxic chemicals. In fact, you will be able to read and know each ingredient! Paired with 100% cotton reuseable wipes, you can be sure you are using an effective, safe product for your baby (and yourself!) in a world full of toxins that some we can’t avoid.