The Best Non-Toxic & Safe Baby Wipes (40+ Brands Ranked)

Over the past 2 weeks we researched 40+ of the most popular baby wet wipes to find the best non-toxic choices for your little one’s sensitive skin.

Because baby wipes are used on our children’s most sensitive areas, it’s extremely important to ensure that they’re free of toxic chemicals and irritants.

In our research, we found that many of the top brands available have ingredients that are potentially toxic and dangerous. Many of them are made with polyester fibers which are non-toxic on the skin but are derived from non-renewable petroleum sources. 

However, there are several brands available that offer a baby wipe that’s as free of toxic chemicals as possible, and some are even made from natural materials like chlorine-free wood pulp.

While it’s true that baby wipes aren’t an absolute necessity, many parents find them far too convenient to give them up.

If baby wipes are an indispensable part of your parenting repertoire, we’ll arm you with the knowledge you need to buy the best non-toxic and safe wipe.

Our Methodology: Analysis of Top Baby Wipe Brands

At Better Goods, our mission is to empower consumers by providing thoroughly researched, evidence-based information on the ingredients and potential health impacts of everyday household products. Here is an overview of our rigorous methodology:

Step #1: Compiling the Most Popular Baby Wipes

We conducted extensive research to identify the most popular baby wipes purchased by consumers today. Our rigorous methodology included analyzing internet search trends, reviewing sales data from major online retailers, and monitoring social media mentions and reviews. From this process, we compiled a definitive list of the top dry shampoo brands on the market.

Step #2: Thoroughly Evaluating Ingredients for Safety

For this baby wipe report, our team of experts thoroughly reviewed every ingredient in each leading brand. We consulted authoritative sources such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), the EU CosIng database, and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Evaluating Ingredient Safety

Our experts carefully evaluate each ingredient for potential health risks based on the latest studies and regulations. We look at factors like:

• Toxicity
• Irritation
• Allergies
• Hormone disruption
• Absorption and exposure levels

Step #3: Rating Products Based on Ingredient Safety

After completing our ingredient analysis, we assign an internal safety rating to each product.

Ratings are determined based on the number and severity of concerning ingredients identified during research. Products with no concerning ingredients receive our highest safety rating. As potentially problematic ingredients increase, the product’s rating declines accordingly.

Our ratings reflect solely ingredient safety and are not influenced by brand reputation or marketing claims.

Non-Toxic Baby Wipes Rated: Best

These baby wipes earned our top ratings. Any of these are a safe choice for you and your family, with all-natural and safe ingredients.

The baby wipes that received our best rating include:

• Jackson Reece Kinder By Nature Wipes
• Attitude 100% Biodegradable Baby Wipes

Non-Toxic Baby Wipes Rated: Good

While these baby wipes didn’t quite earn our top rating, these non-toxic wipes are still a safe choice.

The baby wipes that received our good rating include:

• Cloud Island (Target) Sensitive Care Ultra-Thick Baby Wipes
• Babyganics Unscented Diaper Wipes
• Earth’s Best TenderCare Unscented Chlorine-Free Baby Wipes
• Bloom Baby Banana Milk Moisturizing Baby Wipes
• The Honest Company Clean Conscious Wipes
• Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Chlorine-Free Wipes
• Eco by Naty Lightly Scented Wipes

Non-Toxic Baby Wipes Rated: Iffy

These baby wipes we analyzed received a rating of Iffy. These wipes contain ingredients that some experts believe may be unsafe, so they cannot be recommended.

Non-Toxic Baby Wipes Rated: Avoid

These baby wipes we analyzed received our worst rating. These wipes contain ingredients we strongly recommend avoiding.

The Scoop On Biodegradable Baby Wipes

Some modern brands offer “compostable” baby wipes that are typically made out of more eco-friendly materials, like cotton or bamboo rayon.

The truth is this: much like “biodegradable” baby diapers, wipes thrown into the trash won’t decompose in any reasonable amount of time. The European Union’s standard for compostable products is three months, while biodegradable is six.

Some estimates say it takes over 100 years for a typical wipe to decompose in the landfill.

This also applies to flushing them down the toilet, it still takes time for biodegradable and compostable products to breakdown

However, some baby wipes can be composted.

Such brands include Jackson Reece, who claim their wipes will degrade in just 6 weeks in a compost pile.

Our ratings list indicates which brands are compostable—there are very few.

Why You Should Never Flush Baby Wipes

Flushing baby wipes, even those labelled as “flushable,” can cause significant problems for your home’s plumbing, your community’s sewage system, and the environment. 

Baby wipes clogging sewers may sound harmless, but these lurking “fatbergs” are a growing environmental nightmare below our feet.

If you’re desperate to know what a fatberg is—and we know you are—here’s what it is.

When flushed, wipes don’t break down as toilet paper does. Instead, they snag on pipes and entwine with other debris like hair, dental floss, and paper towels that also shouldn’t be flushed. Over time, a mammoth mass emerges—the dreaded fatberg.

Recent years have seen fatbergs reach monstrous proportions. In 2021, workers in London battled a 330-ton horror over half a mile long. It took specialized high-pressure jets and months of labor to dismantle the blockage. In 2019, a 19-ton glob of garbage and waste clogged a southeast Michigan sewer system. The fatberg was caused by wipes flushed in toilets.

Other cities like Bangkok, Melbourne and New York have faced their own fatberg foes, some spanning multiple city blocks underground. And you likely have a mini-fatberg brewing in your own pipes.

The solution is simple—never flush wipes, even if labels claim they are flushable. Wipes can’t break down fast enough to avoid harming sewer systems. By trashing rather than flushing wipes, you’ll help avoid creating a repulsive fatberg mess. Our pipes and planet thank you.

Beware of the Material Used In The Wipes

All wet baby wipes are made out of cloth. The tricky part is this: the composition of the cloth doesn’t need to be disclosed.

Wipes are typically made of either viscose, polyester, polypropylene or in newer and more eco-friendly brands, cotton.

The main materials wipes are made of are:

• Polypropylene is essentially plastic—the same plastic used in most disposable diapers.
• Polyester is also plastic.
• Viscose is made from wood pulp. This wood pulp is highly processed and often bleached, but is better than polypropylene and polyester.
• Cotton has started to find its way into the baby wipes market with newer brands. Some brands even use organic cotton.
• Bamboo is a natural, sustainable and biodegradable material. Very soft on baby’s skin.

While many companies disclose the materials used in their wipes—especially if they’re using cotton—many do not.

If you’re looking for the safest non-toxic wipes, those that use cotton, or better yet organic cotton, are the best choice. Additionally, cotton is one of the most degradable materials, making it more environmentally friendly.

Ingredients of Concern In Baby Wipes

Conventional baby wipes can contain a variety of potentially harmful ingredients. Be sure to look out for the following.

Methylisothiazolinone

A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that rates of allergic reaction to methylisothiazolinone (MI) have risen from less than 4% to 11% in two years. 

Not only that, but a 2013 study made a link between the ingredient and hand dermatitis in the parents using them. The study found 43 out of 653 (or ~7%) of patients had an MI reaction, while only 7 were patients who used baby wipes. 

Finally, another 2013 report linked methylisothiazolinone to allergic contact dermatitis in six children. So be sure to know that those with sensitive skin could be more susceptible to contact dermatitis from products that include MI.

Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

You’re not going to find this extremely toxic chemical listed on the back of the wipes, but it can be in there. A 2019 study showed that out of 51 popular baby wipes tested, 12 had released mild to moderate amounts of formaldehyde.

The amount of formaldehyde in wipes is very small but can result in allergic reactions on the skin.

Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals are as follows:

• Benzylhemiformal
• Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin
• 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
• 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Glyoxal
• 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (or DMDM hydantoin)
• Methenamine
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
• Quaternium-15
• DMDM Hydantoin
• Polyoxymethylene Urea

Parabens

Baby wipes contain moisture that allows for rapid microbial growth. Without proper preservation, the wipes could become contaminated with harmful bacteria. 

Some baby wipe manufacturers use potentially-harmful preservatives called parabens. 

Commonly appearing on labels as variants like methyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, or propylparaben, these compounds serve as preservatives across a variety of personal care items. Their ability to moderately penetrate the skin has raised eyebrows, particularly with links to conditions such as hormonal imbalances which can result in reproductive complications. More worryingly, there is a growing body of research suggesting a tie between parabens and breast cancer.

It’s worth noting that the latest findings on their use in beauty products indicate that although paraben levels in individual items are typically low, the combined use of multiple products could pose potential health threats.

Highlighting the growing apprehension, the European Union took a firm stand by banning five specific parabens in personal care items from 2014 onwards. These include Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben, and Pentylparaben.

In baby wipes and other products, parabens might be mentioned as:

• Methylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Isopropylparaben
• Benzylparaben
• Phenylparaben
• Pentylparaben

Triclosan / Triclocarban

Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial agent that has been widely used in personal care products since 1972.

The European Union Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has assessed the safety of triclosan in cosmetic products, but this assessment does not include exposure of babies through wipes. It has been found that triclosan can be absorbed through the skin, but the extent at which that occurs via exposure through baby wipes is still uncertain. 

With its widespread use, concerns have been raised about triclosan contributing to antibiotic resistance, making some bacteria more resilient and harder to kill.

Triclosan has also been linked to potential thyroid function disruption as outlined in a 2009 study on male rats. Another 2015 study found a potential link between the chemical and potential endocrine-disrupting effects, and unsurprisingly, it has been found that triclosan exposure altered the skin microbiome in mice.

In 2017, the United States Food & Drug Administration banned the ingredient from handwashes and sanitizers, but it still remains legal to use in baby wipes. These days, however, you won’t find many baby wipe products with triclosan as an ingredient.

Fragrance

Seeing fragrance on a label is never a good thing. A lot of baby wipe manufacturers use fragrance to make their wipes smell nice. Who doesn’t like a pleasant scent on a wipe, right?

Concerns about undisclosed chemicals in scented baby wipes are gaining mainstream attention, with parents seeking transparency regarding their contents.

Thanks to loopholes like the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and Uniform Trade Secrets Act, companies can legally conceal these ingredients as “fragrance” without specifying the actual chemicals used. This enables brands to slip questionable compounds into their wipes without parents catching on.

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) oversees fragrance safety, but it’s bankrolled by industry giants, raising impartiality questions. IFRA’s research wing, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, hides its safety information, so who knows if we can trust it. 

IFRA’s 2023 ingredient list contained 3,619 potential fragrance elements obscured on labels. Some of these could be irritants, carcinogens, or worse. But we’re left guessing which exact chemicals lie within.

And IFRA compliance is voluntary anyway, so its rules don’t bind every company. Given all this, our wipe guide stresses the need for fragrance transparency and suggests caution with vague “fragrance” labels. Parents deserve to know what touches their baby’s skin.

Phthalates From Fragrance

You won’t find phthalates listed on the package either, but they are often added to the fragrance in wipes to make the scent more long-lasting.

Phthalates are endocrine disrupting  compounds linked to hormonal imbalances and birth defects, and even classified as a probable human carcinogen at high levels. Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin and detected in urine following use of phthalate-infused products.

Ethoxylated Ingredients

Ethoxylated ingredients, such as PEGs (polyethylene glycols) and some polysorbates, are used as conditioners’ emulsifiers, solvents, and stabilizers. 

The ethoxylation process can lead to contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a potential human carcinogen. While 1,4-dioxane is often present in trace amounts, long-term exposure may pose health risks.

Identifying Ethoxylated Ingredients

Ethoxylated ingredients can be found in baby wipes but they’re not always obvious to see. Some examples of ethoxylated ingredients include:

• Ammonium Capryleth Sulfate
• Ammonium Pareth-25 Sulfate
• Ammonium Myreth Sulfate
• Ceteareth-20
• Polysorbate 20
• PEG-75 Lanolin

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a known skin irritant and sensitizer sometimes found in baby wipes. Because the skin of babies is so sensitive, we won’t recommend any baby wipes that contain this ingredient.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)

In baby wipes, this ingredient acts as a dual-purpose component: it cleans and produces foam. Originating from coconut oil, this organic compound is present in several natural baby wipes we’ve analyzed.

However, CAPB has been linked to skin irritations for some babies. Highlighting its potential risks, The American Contact Dermatitis Society recognized CAPB as its “Allergen of the Year” in 2004.

Interestingly, it’s not CAPB itself that’s problematic, but the remnants of chemicals utilized during its manufacture. While undiluted CAPB should ideally pose no irritation or dermatitis risks, it remains uncertain whether a baby wipe uses the pure form or not.

While the presence of CAPB doesn’t automatically lead us to give baby wipes a negative assessment, we emphasize all wipes containing it, allowing parents to make informed choices for their little ones.

A Note On Waterwipes & Their Hidden Ingredient

A popular brand of wipes are Waterwipes, which are advertised to contain only water and grapefruit seed extract (GSE). The GSE acts as a preservative—the moist environment inside the wipe container is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

However, as of 2020, the brand has changed their ingredients list to include “trace of benzalkonium chloride”. Benzalkonium chloride is used as a preservative and disinfectant in products.

While they don’t disclose the actual amount of benzalkonium chloride used in the wipes, the ingredient is a well-recognized irritant and contact allergen.

Because of this, and the fact that there are better wipes on the market, we don’t recommend them over other brands.

A Note On Preservatives

Because of the nature of baby wipes, they need some sort of preservative to keep them from developing bacteria and mold.

This is true for all wet baby wipes, but even more so for natural baby wipes. In fact, a 2021 study found that unlike PET (polyester) wipes, natural fibers like viscose provide a food source for microbes (that’s what makes them biodegradable).

While mold can often be visible to the eye, bacteria are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye. These contaminants can cause serious infections, especially for those with weak or compromised immune systems—this includes babies.

The problem that arises is that some baby wipes don’t disclose any type of preservative whatsoever.

This could only mean one of two things:

• They’re using an undisclosed preservative.
• They’re not using any preservative at all, meaning the product could contain contaminants.

Because of this reason, we must be cautious of wipes that don’t disclose any preservatives.

This could mean that they’re either using a preservative that could potentially be of concern, or the wipes could develop mold or bacteria if not used up quickly.

In our product ratings, we take a close look at the preservatives used—or the lack of preservatives used.

In Conclusion

When it comes to baby wipes, being diligent about reading labels and avoiding harmful ingredients is crucial. Many popular wipes contain concerning chemicals that could irritate your baby’s sensitive skin or pose other health risks.

The good news is that there are plenty of safer, non-toxic options available made with natural, biodegradable materials and free of harsh additives. Our research identified several excellent baby wipe brands that use safe, plant-based ingredients to gently clean your little one without any worry.

For quick recommendations for all non-toxic baby wipes we rated good or best:

• Jackson Reece Kinder By Nature Wipes
• Attitude 100% Biodegradable Baby Wipes
• Cloud Island (Target) Sensitive Care Ultra-Thick Baby Wipes
• Babyganics Unscented Diaper Wipes
• Earth’s Best TenderCare Unscented Chlorine-Free Baby Wipes
• Bloom Baby Banana Milk Moisturizing Baby Wipes
• The Honest Company Clean Conscious Wipes
• Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Chlorine-Free Wipes
• Eco by Naty Lightly Scented Wipes

No matter which brand you choose, be sure to avoid baby wipes containing chemicals like methylisothiazolinone, formaldehyde, parabens, triclosan, and synthetic fragrances. And never flush wipes or use brands with undisclosed ingredients.

With the right wipes made from safe, natural materials, cleaning your baby doesn’t have to expose their skin to questionable chemicals. Using our guide, you can find the ideal non-toxic wipes to care for your little one’s delicate skin.