The science behind wet wipes for infant skin: Ingredient review, safety, and efficacy

Abstract

In the diapered area, the continuous exposure to excess moisture and irritants from urine and feces weakens the stratum corneum, making the skin more susceptible to irritation. The use of wet wipes for infants (baby wipes) is a common practice to clean skin after urine or a bowel movement, and this practice even extends to cleaning the hands and face, resulting in repeated daily use. Therefore, ensuring that baby wipes contain ingredients that are safe and mild on skin is important to help minimize skin irritation and discomfort. While disposable baby wipes have been shown to be effective and gentle at cleaning infant skin, even the skin of premature infants, there is growing public concern regarding their safety and tolerability. Not all products are made the same, as differences exist in manufacturing processes, ingredients, materials, safety, and quality testing. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals have accessible evidenced‐based information on the safety and tolerability of common ingredients found in baby wipes to optimally educate their patients and families. Herein, we provide a review on best practices for ingredient selection, safety, and efficacy of baby wipes.

Skin Barrier Function in Infants: Update and Outlook

“…Baby wipes comprise of a piece of non-woven cloth that has been impregnated with a water-based cleansing emulsion intended for skin cleansing. Clinical evidence has shown the safety and effectiveness of baby wipes for infants, including preterm infants during the first month after birth [101,102]. A number of studies have provided insights into the effects of baby wipes on infant skin physiology [98,[103][104][105][106][107].…”

New Trends in Non-Woven Wet Wipes

“…The detergents most commonly used are known as amphoteric surfactants, similar to those found in baby shampoos. Sodium di ampho acetate and coco phosphatidyl PG-diamonium chloride are primary surfactants used in wipes [14].…”

Baby wipes and nappy rash – what is the relationship? A review

“…Nappy rash, or diaper dermatitis, is a nonspecific term to describe a wider range of inflammatory, eroded or ulcerated skin lesions that affect the nappy area 9 . It is a common condition that affects up to 25% of infants in their first 4 weeks of life, with the highest incidence at 9–12 months of age 10,11 . Nappy rash as a contact dermatitis can be broken down into irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, or both.…”