Choosing baby wipes depends on a variety of factors. Some caregivers may be concerned only with how much of a plant-based material a wipe contains. Others may be more concerned with the texture and fragrance.
In choosing baby wipes, it is important to select the most natural, yet effective, ingredients. For example, phenoxyethanol is a commonly used preservative, but it has been linked to several health concerns.
Another preservative that is commonly used in baby wipes is parabens, which have been linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, and allergic reactions. Phenoxyethanol is considered a safer synthetic preservative than parabens.
Another ingredient to watch out for in baby wipes is phthalates, which are commonly used as fragrance ingredients. Phthalates are carcinogenic and reproductive toxins. They are not listed on the label, but they are often found in fragrance mixes.
Many baby wipes also contain propylene glycol, which is linked to organ system toxicity. Propylene glycol is used in detergents and cosmetics, but is not necessary for baby wipes.
Another ingredient to watch out for in baby wipes is sodium benzoate, which can cause irritation in babies. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative and high concentrations of it can cause toxicity to the organ systems.
Finally, a contaminant called 1,4-dioxane can be found in baby wipes. This is a byproduct of the ethoxylation process. This process attempts to make harsh petroleum-based ingredients less irritating. However, unreacted ethylene oxide can remain in the finished product.
