What Baby Wipes Are Safe? A Natural Parent’s Guide
As a mom, baby wipes have been one of those essential items I’ve purchased many times through the years. While my kids are well out of diapers, we still keep some in the car and they always come in handy! Whether it’s during diaper changes, wiping sticky hands, or even cleaning up messes in the car, baby wipes are a staple in many households. But even when I was a new mom, I realized not all wipes are created equal.
Wipes may not seem like a big deal but many contain potentially harmful ingredients that can have a negative impact on our health and the environment. Since wipes are often used in such small amounts but so frequently, the potential exposure to harsh chemicals really adds up over time.
Today, I’m sharing a guide to help you better understand what baby wipes are safe, which ingredients to avoid, and a list of plant-based, fragrance-free wipes with natural ingredients that are better for your baby’s skin, your home, and the environment.
What Baby Wipes Are Safe?
Before we dive into specific product recommendations, let’s explore what it really means for baby wipes to be “safe.” There’s no single definition, which is part of the problem. Many popular brands use marketing terms like “gentle” or “natural,” but those claims aren’t regulated by any independent organization. They also list things like 99.9% water to come across as pure (should I dive into that one later in the post? Hmmm). That’s why it’s important to be an informed consumer, as I always say.
Some wipes contain harmful chemicals that can irritate your baby’s delicate skin, disrupt their microbiome, or leave behind residues. Others are made with petroleum based materials that don’t easily break down in the environment, contributing to waste and pollution.
That’s why I wanted to create a clear and trustworthy resource. Below, we’ll look at the safety of baby wipes, common uses, ingredients to avoid, and finally, a list of baby wipes that meet a higher standard of safety and purity.
What Are Baby Wipes Used For?
Baby wipes are incredibly handy (as I found out after having kids). Here are just a few of the many ways they’re used:
- Diaper changes
- Wiping sticky hands and faces
- Cleaning surfaces while on the go
- Makeup removal (yes, really!)
- Freshening up during travel
- Cleaning minor scrapes or spills
- Wiping pets’ paws
- Removing deodorant marks from clothes
Because they’re so commonly used across the whole family, not just for babies, choosing a safe option matters even more.
Are Baby Wipes Safe?
The truth is, not all baby wipes are safe. Many contain harsh preservatives, fragrances, and other synthetic ingredients that can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or worse.
Here are a few concerns:
- Fragrances can contain phthalates and other allergens, which are especially risky for extra sensitive skin.
- Preservatives are necessary, but ones like phenoxyethanol or parabens may have hormone-disrupting effects.
- Alcohol in some wipes can strip the skin’s natural moisture, disrupting the pH balance and causing dryness or rashes.
- Some wipes are made of plastic-based fibers that don’t break down in the environment.
Even if these ingredients are present in small amounts, repeated exposure — especially on babies’ skin — is concerning.
Look for wipes that are fragrance-free, made with plant-based materials, and tested by an independent organization for safety.
What Ingredients To Avoid In Baby Wipes
Phenoxyethanol
Used as a preservative, this ingredient has been linked to allergic reactions and potential nervous system effects in infants.
To learn more, read “Is Phenoxyethanol Safe?“
Parabens
These synthetic preservatives may mimic estrogen in the body and have been associated with hormone disruption.
Fragrance / Parfum
This catch-all term can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Fragrance-free wipes are always a safer choice, especially for extra sensitive skin.
Formaldehyde Releasers (like DMDM Hydantoin or Quaternium-15)
These are slow-releasing preservatives that can cause irritation and are classified as potentially harmful.
Alcohol
Though it helps with quick drying, alcohol can be too drying and irritating, especially on delicate skin.
Propylene Glycol
Used to help retain moisture, but can cause skin irritation in babies and those with allergies or eczema.
(There’s more, of course- but these are some of the most commonly found)
Related: Our Favorite Nontoxic Bath Products For Kids
What Are The Safest Baby Wipes?
It’s easy to get lost in the baby aisle, staring at 15 brands of baby wipes and trying to figure out which are ok. Not to worry- here are my top picks that are better for baby and the planet. These picks are plant-based, fragrance-free, and free from harmful chemicals, while still being effective.
Best options:
1. Jackson Reece Kinder by Nature
- Made with organic aloe vera and vegetable extracts
- Biodegradable and fragrance-free
2. Doctor Butler’s Wipes
- Ideal for hands, face, and diaper changes
- Infused with essential oils and chamomile
3. Natracare Organic Cotton Baby Wipes
- Certified organic cotton and essential oils
- Made Safe certified (one of the few certifications I trust!)
Next to best options:
1. Caboo Wipes
- MADESAFE Verified, made with natural ingredients
- Ingredient sourcing and product verified for purity
- Safe for use on hands, face, and babies’ skin
2. Honest Company Clean Conscious Wipes
- Made with plant-based fibers
- With soothing aloe and chamomile
- Biodegradable and safe for the environment
But what about the popular brand with 99.9% water? Yeah, that other .1% though- Ay, there’s the rub. I’m not a fan of grapefruit extract. I did a deep dive on it years ago, and after reading the lab results and studies, I typically avoid it as it has major contamination issues. You can read this thorough write-up about it. It’s up to you what you feel comfortable using. While this brand’s not my top pick, that ingredient is used in a low amount, so go with what feels like the best choice for you and your family.
Choosing the right wipe is one small decision that can have a big impact — not just for your baby’s health, but for your peace of mind too. Whether you’re shopping for your newborn, toddler, or even for personal care use, I hope this guide helps you find a better option that fits your family’s values.
If you’ve tried any of these or have a favorite that I missed, let me know in the comments!
*Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are always 100% my own.
