If there’s one product we should expect to be free of nasty chemicals, it’s baby wipes. As parents and carers, we use anything up to 50 wipes a day (or more!) on our babies’ delicate skin. So you’d think that baby wipes would be natural, right?
Unfortunately, much like disposable baby diapers, wipes often contain hidden chemicals. Most brands don’t shout about the toxins they use in their products, and for a very good reason – they wouldn’t sell any!
Luckily, there are plenty of natural and organic baby wipes on the market that are great for your baby and the planet. But which are the best?
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Editor’s Choice:
Best Organic and Natural Baby Wipes
✔ 100% compostable and biodegradable
✔ All natural and organic ingredients
✔ No fragrancies
✔ No harmful chemicals
What does ‘natural baby wipes’ mean?
‘Natural’, ‘organic’, ‘plant-based’ – so many products use these labels. But beware of ‘greenwashing’: when a company uses ‘eco’ terms to sell products, but the product itself is anything but.
To be truly natural, baby wipes should avoid harsh chemicals and use as many plant-based materials as possible. Biodegradable wipes are the piece de resistance; they’ll break down back into the soil in a matter of a few months or years, rather than the hundreds of years it takes for plastics to break down. And some never do.
What are disposable baby wipes made from?
The majority of disposable baby wipes are made from plastic and cloth materials. Lotions and cleansers are added, along with a bunch of added nasties that have no business in a baby product!
Some baby wipes are plant-based and even biodegradable. These are heaps better than plastic disposable wipes as they’re way more sustainable. Bamboo is a popular material for baby wipes, as it’s soft, strong and absorbent. It’s also a super popular choice for eco diapers!
Read Next: The Best Bamboo Diapers: Join The Eco-Friendly Diaper Revolution!
Do baby wipes have chemicals?
It’s pretty horrible to think that products we use every day on our babies’ delicate skin contain chemicals. But, unfortunately, this is often the case. All sorts of toxins with hard-to-pronounce names make their way into baby wipes, making it super confusing for anyone without a chemistry phD.
As a general rule, you’ll find the following in standard baby wipes:
The problem arises when chemicals and toxins added to make an effective wipe are potentially harmful to babies’ skin. This is just not necessary. Brands can choose to use natural alternatives, but, as a general rule, making natural, organic wipes is more expensive than using cheap and readily available chemicals.
So how do we know which wipes are the best natural organic baby wipes?
Luckily, the Environmental Working Group, an organization formed to help us make better choices about products when it comes to our health, offers a comprehensive guide to which baby wipes should be avoided, and which truly are natural.
Their scale of best to worst ranks the top baby wipes in the US, and gives a comprehensive overview of the chemicals found in each pack, along with the health risks associated with them. ‘EWG Verified’ is saved for the best non-toxic wipes, up to ‘10’ for the worst.
Some of the best wipes will contain no potentially harmful toxins at all and are EWG verified, like Attitude wipes and Healthynest baby wipes, while some do contain chemicals we should avoid, like Good Sense wipes and Rite Aid.
Ingredients to avoid in disposable baby wipes
Reading the ingredients on a baby wipes pack might seem complex (because it is), but there are certain toxins you should avoid if you can.
Each has a ‘function’, but there are always natural alternatives that brands could choose to use instead.
- Fragrances
‘Fragrances’ are often used in baby products like wipes and diapers. This might seem like a good thing initially, considering the job they’re doing, but the term isn’t regulated by the FDA. This means it can be used to hide nasty chemicals in products, can easily irritate babies’ skin, and even cause more serious issues. In fact, the International Fragrance Association discusses evidence linking fragrances to allergies, sensitivities, reproductive toxicity, and even cancer.
- Parabens
Parabens prevent the growth of mold. They’re preservatives often added to products to make them last longer and used in everything from cosmetics to baby products.
Studies have linked them with the disruption of hormones, as well as fertility and reproductive organs. Perhaps most shockingly, evidence suggests they can affect birth outcomes and even increase the risk of getting cancer.
You can avoid parabens by avoiding any chemicals that have ‘paraben’ in the name, like ethylparaben and propylparaben.
- Phenoxyethanol
The EWG group explains that phenoxyethanol is classified as toxic and can have adverse effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
The constituents of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (no idea how to pronounce that either) can impact immune function.
- Sodium Hydroxide
Exposure of the skin to sodium hydroxide should be minimized – this chemical is classified as ‘expected to be toxic or harmful’.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Research has found that sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can stay on a baby’s skin and ‘disrupt its natural protective fatty barrier’.
- Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is ‘suspected to be an environmental toxin’ and there’s strong evidence that this chemical is an allergen.
If you want to check whether your preferred brand uses any of these chemicals, check the packaging or their website. If this information isn’t made clear, it’s certainly worth contacting them.
- Triclosan
Triclosan can disrupt hormones and irritate the skin. The EWG even linked it to birth defects and cancer.
What are the best natural baby wipes?
My Top 10 disposable natural and organic baby wipes
Now we know what to avoid, which baby wipes come out top? Here are my top 10 natural and organic baby wipes – better for babies’ skin and better for the planet.
Ecoriginals baby wipes –
100% All Natural Bamboo Disposable Wipes
Ecoriginals is an Australian baby company that puts babies’ health first. They offer amazing plant-based diapers and make some seriously bold claims. In fact, they market their diapers as the ‘greenest diapers on earth’. But what about their wipes?
Read Next: Ecoriginals Diapers Review, 2023: The Greenest Diaper On The Market?
Ecoriginals wipes are made with ‘sustainably sourced bamboo fiber’ and five natural ingredients. And their eco-credentials don’t end there.
The brand manufactures their wipes in New Zealand using renewable energy and these bamboo wipes can even be home composted. They biodegrade in only 3 weeks.
You can choose from Purified Water wipes, Goat Milk wipes or Manuka Honey wipes. It’s worth noting that only the Purified Water wipes are vegan.
- Type: Disposable
- Made From: Bamboo
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- EWG score: Not verified
Ecoriginals Wipes Ingredients
Ecoriginals Wipes are Free From:
Reviews
Reviews of Ecoriginals wipes are pretty great. They average 4.8 out of 5, with users loving how soft they are. Parents say they’re great for keeping diaper rash at bay.
Where to buy
You can buy Ecoriginals wipes on the brand’s site and on Amazon. Six packs of wipes (any variety) on the Ecoriginals site will set you back about 47 bucks. That’s 420 wipes!
The bottom line
Ecoriginals know a thing or two about eco baby products. These biodegradable bamboo wipes steer clear of nasty chemicals and are available in three varieties. I’d recommend the water wipes, as these appear to be the most natural.
Healthynest wipes –
100% Plant-based and Natural Baby wipes
Healthynest offers epic plant-based diapers and other natural baby products, including wipes.
Healthynest’s wipes are completely plant-based, super soft, and biodegradable. They’re thick, so they can handle big messes and they’re made with Forest Stewardship Council certified fibers. If that wasn’t enough, they’re even verified by the Environmental Working Group.
If a product has been verified by the EWG, it means that that product avoids ingredients of concern – any that are associated with health concerns or ecotoxicity concerns. It also means that the company has been fully transparent about their ingredients and these are clearly stated on the label or packaging. Finally, it means that the manufacturer follows good practices to ensure their products are completely safe.
That’s enough for me.
- Type: Disposable
- Made From: Plant-Based Ingredients
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- EWG score: EWG verified!
Healthynest Wipes Ingredients
Healthynest Wipes are Free From:
Reviews
I couldn’t find many reviews of Healthynest wipes, but the very few I could find are very positive. In fact, the only reviews available say they’re the best wipes around – one parent says it’s the only brand she’s found that can handle big messes without needing to use a whole pack!
Where to buy and price
You can buy Healthynest wipes on the Healthynest website. Four packs of wipes (256 in total) will set you back $28, whilst an 8 pack (512 in total) will cost you $50.
The bottom line
Healthynest is one of my favorite baby brands. I love their diapers, and now I love their wipes too. They’re verified by the EWG, so you know you’re buying the very best for your baby and I love that they’re trying to make an impact in a pretty harmful industry.
Read More: Healthynest Diapers Reviewed: The New (And Super Healthy) Kid On The Block
Eco Pea wipes
100% biodegradable Natural Bamboo Wipes
Eco Pea is another brand I love. Like Healthynest, they produce ethical, eco-friendly, skin-healthy baby products, including bamboo diapers and bamboo baby wipes. They contain 100% biodegradable bamboo and are super thick to deal with the messiest of messes.
Eco Pea’s wipes are hypoallergenic, so great for little ones with sensitive skin and they feature a special pearl textured grip for easy cleaning. They go a step further – their wipes are completely vegan and cruelty-free and, as an extra nod to the planet, their shipping process is carbon neutral.
- Type: Disposable
- Made From: Bamboo
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- EWG score: Not verified
Eco Pea Wipes Ingredients
Eco Pea Wipes are Free From:
I love the transparency of Eco Pea brand. On the company website you can find information about the ingredients used in the wipes, their purpose and their environmental effects. For example, it says that Gluconolactone is a gentle preservative with antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and Sodium Benzoate is a preservative that preserves the shelf life of wipes. It is used in place of potentially harmful chemicals like phenoxyethanol. Calcium gluconate is an effective skin-soothing agent. Coco-glucoside – a gentle surfactant, which supports the cleansing power of wipes. Citric acid – a mild acid, which regulates the pH balance in the wipes.
Reviews
Reviews of Eco Pea wipes, as expected, are fantastic. They average 4.7 out of 5 in over 450 reviews and parents say they love how soft Eco Pea wipes are, as well as the fact that they’re completely biodegradable.
Where to buy and Price
You can buy Eco Pea wipes on the brand’s site. You can buy their wipes individually at about 5 bucks each, or you can save money by buying a box instead. Eco Pea’s subscribe and save service is a great option for busy parents (aren’t we all!) and you’ll save 11 dollars by subscribing to a box compared to buying them individually. It’ll set you back just under 60 bucks for a box of 6 packs and you can choose to have these delivered to your door every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 months.
The bottom line
These eco companies are smashing healthy baby wipes out of the park! Completely biodegradable and free of nasties, this plant-first brand produces the gold standard of baby wipes. Subscribing is a great option – it saves you time and money!
Related Post: Eco Pea Diapers Review: Super Soft, Sustainable And Saving The Planet
Dyper Baby Wipes–
Plant-based Natural Biodegradable Disposable Wipes
Dyper makes one of my all-time favorite diapers, hence the name. They produce wipes that are just as good as their OG diapers – they’re gentle on the skin, plant-based and use as few ingredients as possible.
They’re made up of more than 99% water and contain zero perfumes or fragrances.
Related Post: Dyper Diapers Review: Eco-Friendly, Skin-Friendly And Bank Account-Friendly
- Type of Baby Wipes: Disposable
- Made From: Bamboo
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- Free from: Any harmful toxins
- EWG score: EWG verified: Score 2. Two ingredients Benzethonium Chloride and Tocopheryl Acetate raise concerns.
Dyper Wipes Ingredients
Dyper Wipes are Free From:
Reviews
Reviews of Dyper baby wipes aren’t quite as good as some others, but they’re still great. They average 4.3 out of 5 in over 80 reviews on Amazon, with users loving their durability and softness. Some parents say they’re not quite as absorbent as other brands, though.
Where to Buy and Price
Head over to Amazon or Dyper’s own site to buy Dyper baby wipes. A box of 320 wipes on Amazon will set you back just under 30 bucks. Or you can buy them on the brand’s site, but they’re a little more expensive – 320 wipes will cost you 32 bucks.
The bottom line
While the reviews aren’t quite as glowing as some similar brands, you can’t go wrong with Dyper wipes. And it’s certainly worth grabbing a pack of Dyper diapers while you’re there!
Attitude Baby Wipes
Made from Natural Plant-based Material
Attitude is a company dedicated to providing the best for our babies’ delicate skin. Their biodegradable, compostable baby wipes are completely vegan and cruelty-free (not tested on animals, as some wipes are), and they make their ingredients super clear on their site.
- Type of Baby Wipes: Disposable
- Made From: Cotton
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- Free from: Fragrances and harmful toxins
- EWG score: EWG Verified!
Attitude Wipes Ingredients
Attitude Wipes are Free From
Reviews
Like Dyper wipes, reviews of Attitude wipes aren’t quite as glowing as some, but they’re still positive. They average 4.2 out of 5 in over 130 reviews on Amazon. Most parents and carers say that Attitude wipes are soft and durable, but some say they’re quite thin and have a powerful scent.
Where to Buy and Price
For just over 17 bucks, you can buy 216 Attitude baby wipes on Amazon. That’s pretty good value compared to some similar brands. Or you can buy them individually on the brand’s site, for just under 7 bucks each (for 72 wipes). It certainly works out cheaper to buy them on Amazon.
The bottom line
The reviews of Attitude’s natural wipes aren’t as glowing as some others, but they’re a great eco-friendly wipe for the price. Plus, they’re EWG-verified. It can’t get better than that!
Natracare Baby Wipes
100% Organic Cotton Natural Wipes
Natracare might not be a brand you’ve heard of before, but they should definitely be on your radar. These biodegradable wet wipes use organic cotton cloth and chlorine-free paper and are specially made for sensitive skin.
They feature a gentle cleanser and can even be composted. And their certification list is pretty impressive – they’re certified by the Vegan Society, the Soil Association and EWG!
- Type of Baby Wipes: Disposable
- Made From: 100% Organic Cotton
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- EWG score: EWG Verified!
Natracare Wipes Ingredients
Natracare Wipes are Free From
Reviews
You won’t find heaps of reviews on Amazon of Natracare baby wipes, but the ones you will find are pretty great. They average 4.8 out of 5 in over 45 reviews, with the vast majority of users rating them 5 out of 5.
They’re loved for how good they are on sensitive skin, their softness and their gentle, pleasant scent.
Where to Buy and Price
Natracare wipes are available in some grocery stores and on Amazon. 250 wipes will set you back just under 30 dollars.
The bottom line
Natracare baby wipes are certainly worth giving a go. They have wonderful reviews and are certified by the Soil Association, the EWG and even the Vegan Society!
Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Wipes
Okay, first of all, I love the name. Made from soft, renewable bamboo, Bum Boosa absorbent wipes are naturally scented with sweet orange and lavender essential oils.
The brand says it wants to care for consumers and the planet by offering truly eco-friendly products, made with the best ingredients. And, for each pack sold, the company plants a tree with Trees for the Future. Not only that, but they purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions! While their packaging isn’t recyclable, they do reclaim it to prevent it from heading straight to landfill.
It all sounds pretty great, although the EWG does warn us about a few ingredients that could irritate the skin, so they might not fare as well as other wipes in the health stakes.
- Type of Baby Wipes: Disposable
- Wipe Material: Bamboo
- Biodegradable: No
- Scented: Naturally scented with mild blend of Sweet Orange and Lavender
- EWG score: 3 – Fair. Three ingredients POLYSORBATE-20, SODIUM BENZOATE, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) OIL raise concerns:
- Orange oil – could irritate the skin
- Sodium Benzoate – Although this chemical has ‘limited evidence of sense organ toxicity’ it’s actually not expected to be harmful or toxic.
- Polysorbate-20 – Although this chemical has ‘limited evidence of sense organ toxicity’ it’s actually not expected to be harmful or toxic.
Bum Boosa Wipes Ingredients
Bum Boosa Wipes are Free From
Reviews
Reviews of Bum Boosa bamboo baby wipes are very positive, averaging 4.7 out of 5 in over 305 reviews.
Where to Buy and Price
Amazon seems to be the best place to get your Bum Boosa baby wipes and you’ll pay just under 10 bucks for a pack of 80.
The bottom line
Bum Boosa seems like a company that genuinely wants to make a difference. They contain a couple of ingredients flagged up by the EWG, but after some further digging, they’re not expected to be toxic or harmful. If you want to be on the super-safe side though, it might be worth sticking with EWG-verified wipes like Healthynest and Attitude.
Kinder By Nature Baby Wipes by Jackson Reece–
Biodegradable and Compostable Natural Baby Wipes
Jackson Reece offers two types of baby wipes – plant-based and water-based. The brand claims to produce ‘the most eco-friendly wipes on the planet’, so I’m expecting huge things!
Their award-winning plant-based wipes are made with a 99% water formula, with a touch of aloe vera and chamomile to soothe babies’ skin. They’re hypoallergenic, so completely fine for little ones with sensitive skin and they can be composted in just 60 days!
Their vegan-friendly water-based wipes were developed especially for eczema-prone skin and are made with 99% naturally derived materials from veggies and plants. Both varieties are completely plastic-free and made in the UK.
- Type of Baby Wipes: Disposable
- Wipe Material: 100% Biodegradable Wood Pulp
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- EWG score: Not verified
Kinder By Nature Plant-Based Wipes Ingredients:
Kinder By Nature Water-Based Wipes Ingredients:
Kinder By Nature Wipes are Free From
Reviews
Jackson Reece baby wipes are rated 4.6 out of 5 in over 180 reviews, so it’s safe to say they’re tried and tested. Parents agree that they’re amazing for sensitive skin, and are tough enough to handle the messiest of diapers!
Where to Buy and Price
You can buy Jackson Reece Kinder By Nature plant-based wipes on Amazon. They’ll set you back about 42 bucks for 672, which actually isn’t a bad price for such eco and health-friendly baby wipes. You can also buy them and their water-based wipes over on the brand’s own site.
The bottom line
Jackson Reece wipes were made with sensitive skin in mind. They’re on a mission to offer eco wipes that not only help babies’ skin, but our planet too.
Wotnot baby wipes–
Biodegradable Natural Baby Wipes
Wotnot produces award-winning, eco-friendly skincare for the whole family. And their baby products, according to users, are a must-try!
They offer Australia’s largest baby wipe, which happens to be biodegradable and compostable too. These extra-large baby wipes are made from certified organic ingredients and are gentle on your baby’s skin.
- Type of Baby Wipes: Disposable
- Made From: Bamboo
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- EWG score: Not verified
Wotnot Wipes Ingredients:
Wotnot Wipes are Free From
Reviews
Wotnot baby wipes average a whopping 4.9 out of 5 in over 270 reviews. Suffice to say, parents love them. Why? They’re kind to the environment, great for big messes and kind to babies’ delicate skin.
Where to Buy and Price
You can buy Wotnot wipes on their Amazon. A 6-pack of baby wipes – with 70 wipes in each pack- will set you back just under 32 bucks.
The bottom line
I love the size of Wotnot wipes. Handling big messes is so much easier with large, durable wipes. And the fact that they’re free of harmful toxins is the cherry on the cake.
Happy Little Camper Wipes–
Natural Cotton Baby Wipes
With a name like Happy Little Camper, you’d certainly expect these baby wipes to be all-natural. And they certainly deliver. These 100% natural cotton baby wipes are free of chemicals and toxins like fragrances and parabens, hypoallergenic and biodegradable and compostable too.
They’re made from GMO-free cotton and feature an aloe vera and vitamin E formula to soothe babies’ skin. Their packaging got a green makeover too – it’s made from 40% recycled materials.
- Type of Baby Wipes: Disposable
- Made From: Cotton
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Scented: No
- EWG score: Not verified
Happy Little Camper Wipes Ingredients:
Happy Little Camper Wipes are made of 100% natural cotton and natural lotion.
Happy Little Camper Wipes are Free From
Reviews
Happy Little Camper wipes average 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon. While most parents say they handle big misses easily and it’s great that they’re biodegradable, some say that they’re super hard to get out of the packet. If there’s anything more annoying than struggling for a wipe when you’re in the middle of cleaning a poop explosion, I don’t know about it.
Where to Buy and Price
Happy Little Camper wipes are available on Amazon. You can buy 72 wipes, 216 or 240. They’re about 8 bucks per pack, which isn’t cheap, but comparable to similar biodegradable brands.
The bottom line
Happy Little Camper wipes are free of harmful toxins and made with 100% non-GMO cotton that was never bleached with chlorine.
FAQ about natural baby wipes
1. What are the most eco-friendly baby wipes?
The most eco-friendly baby wipes are those which avoid harsh chemicals and toxins and which are also biodegradable and compostable. Most disposable baby wipes contain plastics, which, as we all know, are the enemy of the planet! Plant-based, natural baby wipes made without plastics will break down much easier than their plastic counterparts. As you probably already know, plastics hang around in landfill sites for anything up to 500 years or more, releasing toxins into the atmosphere as they go.
Plant fibers aren’t just better for the planet – they’re better for your baby too. Organic baby wipes that use soft and strong plant-based materials and steer clear of chemicals are much kinder to your baby’s very delicate skin. It’s a win-win all around.
Brands like Healthynest, Attitude and Natracare are some of the most eco-friendly baby wipes on the market.
2. What are the healthiest baby wipes?
The healthiest baby wipes are those that avoid harsh chemicals and anything that could irritate your baby’s young skin. Fragrances are one of the biggest culprits, so should be avoided as much as possible.
The most natural – and therefore healthiest – wipes are verified by the Environmental Working Group, an organization dedicated to educating consumers about healthy product choices. EWG-verified wipes include Attitude and Healthynest.
3. What are the least toxic baby wipes?
The least toxic baby wipes are truly natural and organic. It’s super easy for a brand to label itself ‘natural’, but taking a closer look at ingredients lists and certifications is a must. They should avoid parabens, fragrances and specific chemicals like sodium hydroxide and phenoxyethanol.
If you’re unsure about what’s in a brand’s baby wipes, the best thing to do is to email the brand and ask for a full list of materials and ingredients. Alternatively, check the EWG site to see if any ingredients raise concerns.
4. What about water wipes? Are they natural wipes?
Water Wipes are marketed as natural alternatives to regular disposable baby wipes. But, actually, they’re not that clean. And they are defiantly not biodegradable.
The company states that Water Wipes contain water (99.9%), grapefruit seed extract and traces of Benzalkonium Chloride. Doesn’t sound so natural, does it?
This chemical is a disinfectant and associated with skin and respiratory allergies, so it should definitely be avoided by those with eczema and asthma. It’s presumably used to preserve the wipes and ensure that they don’t grow mold. But there are heaps of truly natural ingredients that could serve this purpose. And there may only be ‘trace’ amounts of this disinfectant in Water Wipes, but that’s too much for me.
The material used in Water Wipes is made of 80% polyester and 20% viscose, so the most part of the wipe is not biodegradable.
What can I use instead of disposable baby wipes: Alternatives to disposable baby wipes
Biodegradable baby wipes are a great alternative to plastic ones. But what about going a step further…
Cloth wipes – or reusable wipes – are the perfect alternative to disposable baby wipes. And nowhere near as tricky to clean as you might think.
There are so many great cloth wipes on the market which are soft enough for your baby’s skin, but durable enough to deal with big messes. Most are made with no plastics and most avoid adding anything to their material at all (like fragrances, lotions, etc.). They’re more expensive than disposables but you’ll save a heap of money in the long run; you’ll only have to buy them once!
Charlie Banana and GroVia are some of my favorite reusable wipe brands. For more information on these wonder wipes, check out my complete guide to the best cloth wipes on the market!
Conclusion
Looking at the back of baby wipes and reading endless lists of ingredients can be overwhelming. But with so many potentially irritating and harmful toxins lurking in standard baby wipes, it’s more important than ever to make sure we avoid them.
The wipes reviewed in this article are some of the best natural baby wipes on the market – they’re great for your baby, and for the planet too. EWG verified wipes like Healthynest are the creme de la creme, so choose these completely non-toxic wipes if you can.
Cloth wipes are another great alternative to standard baby wipes – they’re soft, safe and brilliant value for money!
Whether you choose natural, biodegradable disposable wipes or reusable baby wipes, avoiding toxins and chemicals is the key to protecting our babies’ sensitive and delicate skin.