What Chemicals Are Used in Wet Wipes?

Before you use wet wipes, you should know what chemicals they contain. The most common chemicals are Parabens, Propylene glycol, Benzalkonium chloride, and Tocopheryl acetate. The best way to avoid these chemicals is to look for wet wipe product lines that are made without them.

Parabens

Parabens are synthetic preservatives commonly found in wet wipes and other personal care products. They are linked to a range of health risks, including cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and skin irritation. Fortunately, many personal care manufacturers have taken steps to reduce the amount of parabens they use in their products.

When purchasing wet wipes, look for those with clear chemical names and ingredient notes. Manufacturers must also list the concentrations of their ingredients. If you can’t find such information, don’t buy the product. There are several reliable resources online that list ingredients and their permissible concentrations. Some websites are even affiliated with regulatory agencies, so you can read more about the safety of each ingredient.

In addition to parabens, other ingredients in wet wipes can harm your health. For example, ethylene oxide is a known carcinogen, and should never be used on a damaged skin. In addition, phenoxyethanol is a common preservative that can cause skin irritation. It is also not recommended for use around the mouth or around infants’ mouths.

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is a commonly used ingredient in wet wipes. This is a chemical solvent that can help to prevent bacterial growth and prolong the life of wet wipes. It also helps protect human health by preventing the spread of infections on wipes. This is especially important for feminine health products such as baby wipes.

Propylene glycol is not toxic to humans and can be converted to glycerin. It has a high viscosity and has hygroscopic and lubricating properties. It is a versatile ingredient that has many commercial uses, including wet wipes, food, medicine, and everyday items.

Benzalkonium chloride

Benzalkonium chloride is a widely used chemical in wet wipes. It is an antibacterial and broad-spectrum antiseptic. It is also used in some ophthalmic and pharmaceutical products. The chemical is used in wet wipes for a variety of purposes, including the prevention of skin and eye irritation. However, it is important to know that benzalkonium chloride has some adverse effects, particularly when exposed to it regularly. In particular, this chemical is especially hazardous to infants who have weaker immune systems than adults.

Benzalkonium chloride is a synthetic quaternary ammonium salt that has antimicrobial properties. It is used as a preservative, disinfectant, and antiseptic in many cleaning products. It has a long history of safe use and is generally nontoxic. It is classified as a Group IIB (Slightly hazardous) substance by the FDA.

Tocopheryl acetate

Tocopheryl acetate is a synthetic compound composed of acetic acid and a form of vitamin E called tocopherol. Tocopheryl acetate has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it is also known to cause skin rashes and cause allergic reactions. The Environmental Working Group has also raised concerns about the compound’s possible carcinogenic effects. Hence, it is important to avoid any cosmetic product containing tocopheryl acetate.

Moreover, it is a known endocrine disruptor. It is used in scented baby wipes. Many conventional wipes contain parabens, even those labeled as “natural”. Furthermore, the chemical polysorbate 20 is contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which releases formaldehyde when absorbed by the skin. Other common ingredients in wet wipes include tocotrienol and hydroquinone, which are both known skin irritants and potential carcinogens.

Phthalates

Phthalates are substances found in many products, including cosmetics and wet wipes. They are commonly used to make plastics softer, as gelling agents in beauty products, and to help lotions penetrate the skin. The compounds are suspected hormone disruptors and can enter the bloodstream. They have been linked to reproductive system issues, early puberty, and decreased testosterone and sperm levels. This has caused the United States Congress to ban certain levels of phthalates in toys.

The researchers studied 163 infants and found that their urine contained at least one phthalate metabolite. Moreover, they found that 80 percent of babies had detectable levels of at least seven types of phthalates. While these findings are alarming, these chemicals are also found in many household products, including wet wipes, diaper cream, and lotions. Some companies have stopped using phthalates in these products but their use is still widespread in personal care products.