20:27 / 06.09.2025

Convenient, but dangerous? The truth about wet wipes

Wet wipes are now present in almost every family, and this would not be an exaggeration. They are convenient, save time, and are considered an aid for hygiene. However, as with everything, they have both beneficial and potentially harmful aspects.

Beneficial aspects:

Convenient for babies – they help when changing diapers or keeping clean while on the road.
Useful for adults too – a good option for cleaning hands while traveling, in a restaurant, or at work.
Some are gentle on the skin – hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, and made with natural extracts, they do not irritate the skin.

Harmful aspects:

Ingredients – many wet wipes contain perfume, alcohol, as well as parabens, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, and other preservatives. They can penetrate the body through the skin and in some cases cause allergies or increase sensitivity, leading to skin redness.
Caution for babies’ skin – pediatricians do not always recommend the use of wet wipes for infants. In general, clean water and soft cloth are better. Frequent use may cause skin dryness or rashes. Wet wipes are best used only while traveling or in emergency situations.
Impact on the environment – many wet wipes are non-biodegradable, do not decompose, and increase the amount of waste. Some wet wipes, when flushed into sewage, can block pipes. In 2017 in London, wet wipes accumulated and formed a giant blockage in the pipes weighing 130 tons. Therefore, in European countries the issue of restricting non-biodegradable wipes is being raised.
Skin problems – in some people, constant use of wet wipes may lead to eczema, rashes, dryness.

Rules of use:

A wipe should be used only once.
It is always necessary to let the skin “breathe” with air after using a wipe.
At home it is better to use water and soap.

Wet wipes make our lives easier, but it is important to use them in moderation and under the right conditions. Especially for infants, it is recommended to choose hypoallergenic types that do not contain alcohol and strong fragrances.