Best Baby Wipes Guide 2025

With research provided by Michael Hopkins, PhD

When I became a mother, I didn’t intend to use baby wipes at all. I assumed that in addition to exclusive cloth diaper usage, I’d be employing a washcloth and warm water at changing time.

Um, yeah. As soon as I experienced the convenience of the disposable wipe, wringing out poopy rags was a thing of the past. So I set out to find the best non-toxic baby wipes on the market.

It's important to find the cleanest baby wipe for several reasons:

  • The frequency with which we use baby wipes--multiples times a day, every day, for years!
  • Baby wipes are used on the most delicate area of a baby, and we don't wash the area off after use, so all ingredients are absorbed into baby's skin.
  • Baby wipes represent a huge environmental burden, even forming a reef in the river Thames! We owe it to our planet to choose the most environmentally friendly wipe possible.

The good news is that the ingredients in baby wipes are definitely much better now than when I wrote the first version of this guide ten years ago. Back then, fragrance and parabens were in most brands of wipes. Those ingredients are now much less common. And more and more brands are moving away from plastic and toward plant-based materials. This is good news for babies and for the Earth!

Ingredients to Avoid in Organic Baby Wipes

If you are like me and have a hard time depriving yourself of the convenience of disposable baby wipes, you'll want to avoid wipes with the the following ingredients:

  • "Fragrance” or “parfum,” since these almost always means pthlalates (which are known endocrine disruptors).
  • Phenoxyethanol, a suspected carcinogen. This is hard to avoid in "natural" wipes, so this ingredient alone won't land a brand in Sneaky Stuff in our rankings below. But we give extra points to the brands that skip this preservative.
  • PEG ingredients, which are petroleum-based compounds that are used as moisture-carriers and are known developmental toxins.

You'll notice that many natural baby wipes contain sodium benzoate as a preservative. This is a food-grade ingredient that I try to avoid in food, as it can create carcinogenic benzene when combined with vitamin C. However, all wet wipes do require a preservation system in order to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, and I am not worried about a small amount of sodium benzoate. In our list of Best, Good, and Okay Stuff below, we will indicate which brands of non-toxic wipes include sodium benzoate in case some of you are trying to avoid it.

Best Stuff

Coterie Baby Wipes

  • Made with 99% purified water and 1% skincare ingredients
  • Contains vitamin E, glycerin, and food-grade preservatives
  • Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested
  • Pediatrician approved
  • Cruelty-free and free of 200+ chemicals
  • Biodegradable, plant-based fibers
  • Uses VEOCEL Lyocell derived from renewable wood sources
  • EWG Certified
  • Holds the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance

Cost per wipe: $0.13

Ingredients: Purified water, Tocopherol acetate (form of Vitamin E), Decyl glucoside (plant-derived surfactant), Glycerin (natural moisturizer), Sodium benzoate (food-grade preservative), Hydroxyacetophenone (skin conditioner), Citric acid (pH balance adjuster), Silicone quaternium-17, laureth-9 (skin conditioners)

Coterie Baby Wipes

Healthybaby Wet Wipes

  • EWG-verified and non-toxic baby wipes
  • Made from wood pulp
  • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified for responsibly sourced materials
  • Preserved with sodium benzoate and citric acid
  • All other ingredients are natural and safe
  • Also Made Safe certified
  • Healthybaby is a certified B Corp
  • Thick, embossed texture for effective cleaning
  • Just the right amount of moisture
  • Excellent performance—one of the top favorites for wet wipes

Cost per wipe: $0.11

Use code GIMME15 for 15% off, including subscriptions.

(Healthybaby also makes an organic cotton dry wipe that you can use with just water, too.)

Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice†, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Glycerin (Vegetable-derived), Tocopherol (Vegetable-derived), Gluconic Acid (Plant-derived), Sodium Benzoate (Plant-derived), Citric Acid (Plant-derived) †Certified Organic Ingredient

Healthybaby Wet Wipes

Kudos Baby Wipes

  • Made with 99% purified water
  • 100% cellulosic fibers from sustainably managed trees
  • Hypoallergenic and gentle for sensitive skin
  • EWG (Environmental Working Group) verified
  • Sustainable, compostable, and biodegradable
  • Made with VEOCEL Lyocell fibers
  • Extra thick with a raised pattern
  • Performance grip for more efficient cleaning

Cost per wipe: $0.10

Ingredients: Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Levulinic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Citrate

Kudos Baby Wipes

Natracare Baby Wipes

  • EWG certified
  • Non-toxic and contain no concerning ingredients
  • Made with organic cotton
  • Free of sodium benzoate
  • One of the more expensive baby wipes reviewed

Cost per wipe: $0.16

Ingredients: Aqua, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil (Rapeseed), Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-2-dipolyhydroxystearate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil (Apricot)*, Levulinic Acid, Parfum (Citrus Dulcis Extract (Orange), Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil (Coriander), Juniperus Virginiana (Red Cedar), Citrus Bergamia Peel Oil Expressed (Bergamot Orange), Citrus Amara (Bitter Orange), Piper Nigrum Oil (Black Pepper)), Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Chloride, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract (Chamomile)*, Maltodextrin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond)*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower), Potassium Sorbate, Glyceryl Oleate, Dicapryl Carbonate, Sodium Phytate, Limonene**, Linalool**

Natracare Baby Wipes

Terra Wipes

  • Made of Oeko-Tex certified bamboo fiber (not viscose).
  • Completely free of all plastic.

Cost per wipe: $0.17

Ingredients: 99.7% Pure New Zealand Purified Water, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein.

Terra Wipes

The Most Certified Non-Toxic Baby Wipes

If you're looking for a brand of non-toxic baby wipes that has a lot of third-party verification of their safety, consider healthybaby. Not only are they a B Corp, but their wet wipes received EWG and MADE SAFE certifications, and the wood pulp they use in their wipes is verified by the Forest Stewardship Council. You'll read more about these wipes below, under the Best Stuff.

Good Stuff

Dyper Baby Wipes

  • From the makers of one of our favorite diaper brands (Dyper)
  • Contain benzethonium chloride as a preservative (reason they are not labeled Best Stuff)
  • Made of 100% bamboo viscose—the best disposable wipe material found
  • Do not contain sodium benzoate

Cost per wipe: $0.08

Ingredients: Water (99%), Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Benzethonium Chloride, Citric Acid.

Dyper Baby Wipes

Eco by Naty Wipes

  • Non-toxic baby wipes
  • Made from 100% plant-based fibers
  • TÜV Austria “OK Compost” certified
  • Preserved with sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate

Cost per wipe: $0.06

Ingredients: Aqua/water, Gluconolacton, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Chamomila Recutita Flower Water, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate

Eco by Naty Wipes

Jackson Reece Biodegradable Wipes

  • Made from wood pulp
  • Short, clean ingredient list
  • Available in scented (with essential oils) or unscented options
  • Large and thick wipes
  • Ideal level of moisture
  • Preserved with potassium sorbate

Cost per wipe: $0.07

Ingredients: Aqua (purified and deionized water), Betaine (humectant derived from vegetable, to help moisturize the skin), Glycerin (vegetable based preservative carrier), Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (derived from vegetable, gentle cleansing agent to solubilize oils), Levulinic Acid (vegetable derived preservative), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Sodium Levulinate (vegetable derived preservative), Chamomile Recutita Flower Extract (Chamomile derived from plant to help soothe skin), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera derived from plant to moisturizer and cleanse skin), Sodium Citrate (pH adjuster derived from sugar beet).

Buy from Amazon
Jackson Reece Biodegradable Wipes

Joonya Natural Baby Wipes

  • Great for cleaning hands and faces
  • Ideal level of wetness without any soapy suds
  • Uses decyl glucoside as a gentle surfactant
  • Preserved with silver hydrogen citrate (EWG score of 1)
  • Free of sodium benzoate
  • Made from 100% wood pulp
  • FSC-certified material

Cost per wipe: $0.07

Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Silver Dihydrogen Citrate, Citric Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Citrate.

Buy from Amazon
Joonya Natural Baby Wipes

Kirkland Baby Wipes

  • Contain phenoxyethanol as a preservative
  • Better than many conventional brands
  • Made of wood pulp instead of plastic
  • Contain sodium benzoate

Cost per wipe: $0.04

Ingredients: Purified water, Coco Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate,
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate

Kirkland Baby Wipes

Pipette Baby Wipes

  • EWG-verified baby wipes
  • Free of sodium benzoate
  • Very clean ingredient list
  • Made of 100% plant-based materials
  • Not personally tested (inviting feedback from users)

Discount code: THEGOODSTUFF

Cost per wipe: $0.07

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Caprylate,, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid

Pipette Baby Wipes

Okay Stuff

Attitude Baby Wipes

  • Made of “chlorine-free cellulose,” a plant-based biodegradable fiber
  • Clean, unconcerning ingredient list
  • Contain sodium benzoate

Cost per wipe: $0.18

Ingredients: Water (solvent), Glycerin (humectant), Citric acid (pH adjuster), Sodium benzoate (natural preservative), Potassium sorbate (natural preservative), Sodium citrate (chelating agent), Sodium cocoamphoacetate (surfactant), Avena sativa (oat) kernel flour (soothing agent), Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract (soothing agent).

Attitude Baby Wipes

BabyGanics Face, Hand, and Baby Wipes

  • BabyGanics is often categorized as “Sneaky Stuff”
  • Wipes formula is relatively clean overall
  • Sodium benzoate is the only questionable ingredient, but not highly concerning
  • Made of plastic (polyester), which is harmful to the environment
  • Use of plastic is especially disappointing from a brand with “ganic” in the name
  • Overall performance is decent but environmentally unfriendly, making these “Sneaky”

Cost per wipe: $0.04

Ingredients: purified water, glyceryl oleate citrate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, decyl glucoside, olea europaea (olive) oil†, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, chamomile recutita (matricaria) lower extract†, calendula oicinalis lower extract†, aloe barbadensis extract†, solanum lycopersicum (tomato) seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunlower) seed oil†, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil, nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil†, rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil, citric acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate Soft wipe material: polyester, viscose †Certified Organic Ingredient

BabyGanics Face, Hand, and Baby Wipes

Caboo Bamboo Baby Wipes

  • Made from bamboo for a softer, sturdier wipe
  • Unscented and 99%+ naturally derived
  • No plastic or tree fibers
  • MADE SAFE certified
  • Better for baby and the planet
  • Contain sodium benzoate

Cost per wipe: $0.11

Ingredients: Organic Bamboo Spunlace, Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Vitamin E, Aloe Fragrance.

Caboo Bamboo Baby Wipes

Dapple All Purpose Wipes

  • Contain phenoxyethanol
  • Also contain sodium benzoate
  • Do not qualify as Good Stuff

Cost per wipe: $0.18

Ingredients: Water, glycerin (emollient derived from vegetables), decyl glucoside (mild cleaner derived from sugar), malic acid (pH adjuster derived from apples), potassium sorbate, gluconolactone, and sodium benzoate (preservative).

Dapple All Purpose Wipes

Hello Bello Wipes

  • Made of plant fibers
  • Very clean ingredient list
  • Preserved with sodium benzoate
  • Non-toxic formula
  • Produced in the USA

Cost per wipe: $0.05

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Aloe Vera Extract (Organic), Chamomile Extract (Organic), Decyl Glucoside, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Hello Bello Wipes

Honest Wipes

  • Honest has both Good Stuff and not-so-clean products
  • The wipe ingredients themselves qualify as Good Stuff
  • Made of plant-based fibers
  • Specific plant sources not disclosed, so biodegradability is uncertain
  • A 2019 study found formaldehyde contamination in one batch (may have been isolated)
  • Due to uncertainty, these wipes are rated as “Okay Stuff” instead of Best Stuff

Cost per wipe: $0.07

Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid

Honest Wipes

up&up Baby Fresh & Clean Baby Wipes

  • Made of plant-based fibers
  • Contain synthetic fragrance (concern for the scented version)
  • Update: Fragrance-free version is acceptable
  • Overall rating depends on the version used

Cost per wipe: $0.06

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Citric Acid.' '


WaterWipes

  • Marketed as biodegradable
  • Will biodegrade within 12 weeks under the right conditions (not guaranteed in typical disposal environments)
  • Made from unspecified “bio-based” materials
  • Contain trace amounts of benzalkonium chloride (a highly toxic preservative)
  • Amount is low enough to still rate these as “Okay Stuff”
  • Found to contain formaldehyde in a 2019 study
  • Overall: Biodegradable claims are conditional, ingredients raise some concerns

Cost per wipe: $0.07

Ingredients: Water (Aqua) 99.9%, Citrus Grandis (grapefruit) seed extract**Contains trace of Benzalkonium Chloride

WaterWipes

Bad Stuff

Huggies Wipes

  • Huggies wipes are among the worst options
  • Even the unscented version contains multiple questionable ingredients
  • Include parabens
  • Contain DMDM hydantoin, a known human immune system toxicant
  • “Natural-sounding” varieties (like Cucumber or Green Tea) are still problematic
  • Strong scent can be unpleasant
  • Overall: Not recommended due to toxic ingredients and misleading marketing


Lanisoh Clean & Condition Baby Wipes

  • Made of rayon and polyester (plastic-based fibers)
  • Contain multiple problematic ingredients, including:
  • PEG chemicals
  • Phenoxyethanol
  • Benzalkonium chloride
  • Overall: Synthetic materials and harsh ingredients make these a poor choice


Pampers Wipes 

  • Pampers does not make any truly safe baby wipes
  • Some varieties score moderate hazard on Skin Deep, but most are high hazard
  • Common problematic ingredients include:
  • Synthetic fragrance
  • PEG chemicals
  • Benzyl alcohol
  • Even the “Sensitive” version contains multiple PEG chemicals
  • Wipes are made from a plastic blend
  • Overall: All Pampers wipes should be avoided due to toxic ingredients and plastic materials


Rite Aid Tugaboos Fragrance Free Wipes

  • Contain synthetic fragrance
  • Include propylene glycol
  • Contain 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (formaldehyde releaser)
  • Contain DMDM hydantoin (another formaldehyde-releasing preservative)
  • Overall: Multiple harsh and potentially toxic ingredients

Sneaky Stuff

365 Wipes

  • Ingredients are generally low risk for babies
  • Do contain benzoic acid (not ideal)
  • Wipes are made of polypropylene (plastic)
  • Any wipe marketed as “eco” but made of plastic is considered Sneaky Stuff
  • Overall: Ingredients are okay, but the plastic material makes these misleading and not truly eco-friendly


Aleva Naturals Bamboo Baby Wipes

  • Made of bamboo and claimed to biodegrade within 21 days
  • Initially appears eco-friendly
  • However, the ingredients are problematic and include:
  • Cocamidopropyl betaine (can be irritating/allergenic)
  • Didecyldimonium chloride (toxic disinfectant/quaternary ammonium compound)
  • PEG chemicals
  • The “Sensitive” version is not any better
  • Overall: Eco-friendly material does not outweigh the harsh ingredients


Burt’s Bees Baby Wipes

  • Ingredients list is relatively clean
  • Contain phenoxyethanol, which disqualifies them from Good Stuff
  • Made of plant-based material
  • Not biodegradable despite plant-based fibers
  • Overall: Decent formula, but preservative choice and lack of biodegradability are drawbacks


Eco Pea Baby Wipes

  • Non-toxic and EWG-verified
  • Made of biodegradable bamboo
  • Preserved with sodium benzoate
  • All other ingredients are very clean
  • Not yet personally tested for performance


Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes

  • Huggies has removed parabens and methylisothiazolinone (a positive change driven by consumers)
  • Still contains fragrance
  • Includes PEG chemicals
  • Therefore remains in the Sneaky Stuff category
  • Made mostly of plastic fibers
  • Overall: Some improvements, but still not a clean or eco-friendly option


Mama Bear Baby Wipes

  • Previously considered Okay Stuff
  • Recently moved to the Sneaky Stuff category by Gimme the Good Stuff
  • Contain phenoxyethanol
  • Also contain sodium benzoate
  • Despite being popular, the preservatives make them less clean than they appear
  • Overall: No longer recommended as a clean option


Mustela Baby Cleansing Wipes

  • Brand is EWG-verified, which is confusing given the ingredients and materials
  • Some versions contain full synthetic fragrance
  • Even the unscented version is made mostly of polyester (plastic)
  • Using plastic for disposable wipes is unnecessary with so many plant-based alternatives available
  • Overall: EWG verification feels misleading due to material choice and fragrance in some versions


Parasol Wipes

  • Parasol wipes were found to contain formaldehyde in a past study (batch-specific, current status unknown)
  • Ingredient list is otherwise very clean
  • Wipes are plastic-based
  • In 2022, there is no reason to use plastic when plant-based options exist
  • Overall: Clean formula doesn’t outweigh the environmental concern of plastic wipes


Pura Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin

  • Made from biodegradable plant fibers
  • Sourced from FSC-certified sustainable materials
  • 100% plastic-free
  • Preserved with sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate
  • Overall: Clean, sustainable material but does include common preservatives


Thrive Market Baby Wipes

  • Made of plastic fibers
  • Contain benzyl alcohol
  • Overall: Not a clean or eco-friendly option

Author's Signature

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

Tags:Baby Skincare & Diapering

169 comments

Kim

What are your thoughts on the Amazon elements wipes? http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M4M314Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_5_a_it?qid=1456929907&sr=8-5&keywords=water wipes#rpdAPlus_1456929982239

Also, the reviewer comments suggest Costco has changed their wipes again. Are they any better? http://m.costco.com/Kirkland-Signatureâ„¢-Baby-Wipes-900Ct..product.11489346.html

Maia James

They look okay—the only once I’m not psyched about is phenoxyethanol.

Asmira

here is a link http://www.samsclub.com/sams/bloom-baby-premium-luxury-jumbo-wipes-for-sensitive-skin-640-ct-travel-clutch/prod19911342.ip

try to zoom in to see the ingredients.

Maia James

I haven’t used them and can’t find a place on their website where they list ingredients?

Asmira

What about Bloom Baby wipes – sensitive?
I recently saw them at Sam’s Club and was wondering whether they are natural and good as they claim to be. Also, I just stocked up on Honest wipes for my baby (after reading your blog), but these Bloom Baby Wipes seem good as well – Or am I mistaken?

Thanks much :)

Maia James

We’ve chosen not to carry Bambo wipes because I actually don’t like some of the ingredients they use:(

Kelly

Have you taken a look at Bambo wipes? We love their diapers but was wondering about the wipes. We are currently using Earth’s Bests but it seems like they changed the shape/material so you might want to also recheck their ingredients. The new shape material is more flimsy (in my opinion) and isn’t as nice as the bigger former version.

Maia James

Hi Natalia-
I would personally feel okay using Jackson Reece wipes in a warmer, but definitely it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for mold. I haven’t tried a warmer myself.

Maia James

Hi Natalia-
Unfortunately, no. We sell Bambo diapers, but have chosen not to carry their wipes as I don’t like some of the ingredients they use and think the wipes listed above are better.

Natalia

Are Bambo Nature wipes on the “good stuff” list? Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate, Laureth-10, sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Glycereth-17 Cocoate, Potassium Sorbate, Allantoin. Thanks for all your help!

Natalia

Hi, Which of the the Good Stuff wipes would you recommend if I am going to be using a wipe warmer?? I see a few reviews where a warmer dries them up quickly or they could start getting mold on them……thanks for your recommendation!

Maia James

Hi there! EWG considers ylang-ylang oil and potassium sorbate to be low-risk ingredients. My research leads me to believe that both are safe. Thanks for asking, and for your vigilance!

Zara

Hello,
I was wondering if I should be concerned of Jackson Reece Wipes scoring 2 on EWG website. Thank you for such great advices:)

Maia James

Melissa-
I’m so sorry for the delayed response! I only now noticed your comment. Those wipes don’t sound so bad—sodium benzoate is an ingredient that I lot of people worry about, but which I think is of relatively small risk. Overall, this sounds like a better bet than conventional Huggies!

Maia James

Hi Mella-
I’m not aware of a formula change. Have you tried Jackson Reece wipes? These are the only ones I’ve been really happy with.

Mella Bella

I’ve been using Earth’s Best sensitive wipes that I bought from Amazon and really like them (purple packaging, though sodium benzoate is in the ingredients). We ran out and and I found some in a Babies R Us but it was in different packaging a tan color with purple stripe. These are so different, the smell is funny to me (on packaging ingredients include polysorbate 20 and phenoxyethanol). Did they change their formula recently? Which one is the new one and which is the old? Which one is better? Just confused at this point.

Maia James

Thanks! We will look into it.

Christina

You should review Clearly Herbal.

melissa

Hi there! Thank you for being so thorough in your evaluations and guidance! I, too, am on the hunt for the good stuff, but I also do try to keep my budget in mind since we are a single family income. Could you advice me on the Huggies Frangrance free “one wipe and done” wipes? The ingredients are as follows: "water, aloe leaf extract, caprylyl glycol, sodium benzoate, coco-betaine, polysorabte 20, malic acid, sodium citrate, tocopheryl acetate.

Thank you! Melissa

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