The Best Eco-friendly Baby Wipes 2022 – Say Goodbye To Plastic, For Good!

‘Eco-friendly’ products are popping up everywhere, from clothing to dinnerware to everyday baby items, like wipes and diapers. But what does ‘eco-friendly’ really mean, and how can we be sure a product lives up to its promises? 

If there’s an industry that needs to up its green credentials, it’s the baby industry. Disposable wipes and disposable diapers have a huge impact on the planet, with millions of tonnes of plastic heading for landfills every year in the US alone. 

Making the switch to truly eco-friendly baby wipes is a small act that can make a huge difference. But how do you know which to go for? So many brands are guilty of greenwashing (suggesting they’re good for the planet, when they’re anything but), so it’s important not to get sucked in by clever marketing and the use of unregulated buzzwords like ‘eco’, ‘natural’, and ‘plant-based’. 

I’ve searched high and low for the best of the best when it comes to eco baby wipes. Choose any of my top picks below, and you’ll be making a truly green choice, protecting our planet for your little one’s future in the process. 

Not bad for a baby wipe.

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Table Of Contents

• How Bad Are Baby Wipes For The Environment?
• What Does Eco-Friendly Mean?
• Eco-Friendly Vs Biodegradable Vs Compostable: Know The Difference
• The Best Eco-Friendly Wipes of the Market
  • Natracare Baby Wipes
  • Eco Pea Wipes
  • RAWGANIC Baby Wipes
  • Kinder By Nature Baby Wipes By Jackson Reece
  • Eco By Naty Baby Wipes
  • Ecoriginals Baby Wipes
  • Healthynest Baby Wipes
  • Mum & You Baby Wipes
  • Bum Boosa Baby Wipes
  • Dyper Baby Wipes
  • Aleva Naturals Baby Wipes
• Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Wipes:
  1. Are There Biodegradable Baby Wipes?
  2. Are Biodegradable Baby Wipes Eco-Friendly?
  3. Are Water Wipes Eco-Friendly?
• Conclusion: How To Be More Eco-Friendly

How bad are baby wipes for the environment? 

It’s no surprise that most baby wipes are made with petroleum-based plastics. It’s cheap and it does the job. But what companies don’t list on their packaging is the environmental and health impact of using regular disposable baby wipes. If they did, they wouldn’t sell any…

Using just 20 wipes per day adds up to a whopping 22000 in just the first 3 years of your little one’s life. That’s a heck of a lot of plastic heading to landfill sites. We know that plastics take hundreds of years to decompose if they ever do. And if chemicals and toxins are used in the manufacture of wipes, those same chemicals and toxins will be released into the atmosphere and into the ground as they go. 

These chemicals, like chlorine, fragrances, and parabens, aren’t just bad for the environment; they’re potentially harmful to human health too. The Environmental Working Group has produced a Skin Deep database, letting consumers know exactly what’s in everyday products like cosmetics and baby wipes, and if these ingredients are safe for our skin. 

Read Next: Best Natural And Organic Baby Wipes, And The Chemicals You Need To Avoid

What does eco-friendly mean? 

Brands know that many of us are making the switch to ‘eco-friendly’ products. The problem is, the term ‘eco-friendly’ isn’t regulated. So it’s often used by companies to deceive consumers into thinking a product is green when it’s anything but. 

Merriam Webster defines ‘eco-friendly’ as ‘not environmentally harmful’. That means using renewable resources, like plants, rather than non-renewable resources, like plastics.

Be wary of wipes and diapers that claim to be ‘plant-based’. Sometimes, a small percentage of plant-based materials like bamboo and cotton are used in products that are mainly made of plastics. This allows a brand to claim that their product is ‘natural’ or ‘eco’ when it’s not environmentally friendly at all.

Another factor to consider is if a brand goes above and beyond to care for the world around us. Many truly eco-friendly companies purchase carbon offsets, support environmental groups, or plant trees with every purchase to give back to the environment. Bum Boosa plants trees for every pack of wipes bought, and Eco Pea supports groups helping to change the planet for the better. 

Being eco-friendly when it comes to baby products also means staying away from harsh chemicals like parabens and fragrances. They’re not only harmful to baby’s skin but they’re released into the atmosphere as wipes decompose in landfills. 

Another element many companies consider is their packaging. Mum & You baby wipes are not only biodegradable and compostable but they’re packed in recyclable packaging too, which adds up to way less waste overall than with the average disposable baby wipe. 

The main thing to consider when it comes to baby wipes is if they’re biodegradable and compostable. But what’s the difference?

Eco-friendly vs biodegradable vs compostable: know the difference

As we now know, clever marketing and the use of terms like ‘eco’ and ‘natural’, brands can very easily appear green. But the word you’re really looking for when finding truly eco-friendly baby wipes is ‘biodegradable’.

Biodegradable wipes are made from plant-based materials, like bamboo or wood pulp, and can break down in a matter of days or months. Brands like Offspring and Mum & You offer amazing biodegradable wipes, free of toxins and suitable for sensitive skin. 

These biodegradable wipes also happen to be compostable. While not all biodegradable wipes are compostable, many are. This means that, instead of throwing them in the trash after use, they can be composted with your veggie scraps, or by using a commercial facility. 

How quickly your biodegradable wipes take to break down really depends on the conditions they find themselves in. Compostable wipes disposed of in your backyard with veggie scraps should take days. But biodegradable wipes that end up in landfills will take longer. They need sun and air to break down, and this, of course, can’t be guaranteed in landfill sites!

If a wipe is made with plant-based ingredients, it might say ‘eco-friendly’. But unless it explicitly states that it’s biodegradable too, it’s not. Wipes like Honest and Seventh Generation make great claims, but these wipes aren’t biodegradable. It’s best to stick with brands that make their green credentials and ingredients clear. Check out my top biodegradable wipe picks here!

Which baby wipes are eco-friendly?

So now we know not to be fooled by clever marketing and unverified terms, which brands genuinely deliver on their eco promises? Here are my top ten eco-friendly wipes brands. Give any of the following brands a go, and feel like Greta herself.

Natracare Organic Cotton Baby Wipes
Best Eco-friendly and organic Baby Wipes

Natracare is one of my favorite brands. Not only are they certified organic by the soil association and Vegetarian Society approved, but they’re completely free of harsh chemicals like parabens and SLS. Most importantly, they’re biodegradable and compostable, which makes them gold medal winners when it comes to eco-friendliness. 

Natracare Wipes Reviews

Reviews of Natracare organic cotton wipes are glowing, averaging 4.8 out of 5 in over 40 reviews on Amazon. Parents and carers love them for their softness and, of course, how great they are for the planet compared to their plastic counterparts. 

The bottom line

There’s every reason to give Natracare wipes a go. It’s lovely to see brands delivering truly eco-conscious products – in other words, not just talking the talk, but walking the walk!

Eco Pea Wipes
100% Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Baby Wipes

Eco Pea’s luxuriously soft bamboo wipes are 100% biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals. So, as the name suggests, they really are eco-friendly! 

The wipes come in clever packaging, which ensures only one wipe is pulled out at a time – music to the ears of every parent, everywhere. 

This wonderful brand also lets us know that their wipes are cruelty-free and vegan, and that their shipping process is carbon neutral. They’re also part of ‘1% For The Planet’: an alliance of businesses that support grassroots environmental groups. 

I love them. 

Reviews 

And it’s not just me who’s a little bit in love. Eco Pea wipes score 4.7 out of 5 on average in over 450 reviews, and the vast majority of these rates the wipes 4 or 5 stars. Users love that they’re genuinely eco-friendly and kind to babies’ delicate skin, as do I!

The bottom line

It’s brilliant when companies not only offer eco-conscious products but go the extra mile when it comes to protecting our world. Eco Pea biodegradable wipes are heaps better for the planet than plastic disposable wipes, and, as a business, they also fund environmental causes. It’s a win-win.

​​RAWGANIC Baby Wipes
Eco-Friendly Gentle Organic Cotton Wipes

Made with 100% organic cotton, Rawganic wipes are another of my top eco-friendly picks. It’s another brand that walks the walk, offering plastic, chlorine, and fragrance-free wipes, which are completely biodegradable and compostable. 

They’re suitable for newborns and older and gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. 

Rawganics wipes are infused with organic aloe vera to soothe the skin, and, if that wasn’t enough, they’re vegan and cruelty-free too.

Reviews

Reviews of Rawganics wipes are pretty great, averaging 4.4 out of 5 in over 140 reviews on Amazon. One parent says they’re much more effective than Water Wipes, although some users have said they’re disappointed with the size of the wipes; it looks like they’re on the smaller side. 

The bottom line

Rawganics wipes might not be my favorite brand of the pack, but they’re a decent option for eco-conscious parents and genuinely kinder to the planet. It looks like they’re on the smaller side, so you might have to use a few more for big messes!

Kinder by Nature Baby Wipes by Jackson Reece
Best Eco-Friendly Compostable Wipes  

This British brand makes seriously big claims when it comes to its eco-credentials. In fact, the company claims to produce ‘the most eco-friendly wipes on the planet’. And it looks like they’re pretty accurate, with their wipes breaking down in as little as 60 days. 

They offer 2 types of wipes – water-based and plant-based. Their water-based wipes are great for eczema-prone skin and their plant-based wipes are infused with aloe and chamomile to soothe babies’ skin. Both varieties are free of plastics and made in the UK.

Reviews

Jackson Reece wipes average 4.6 out of 5 in over 260 reviews. Parents love that they’re not only great for the planet, but durable enough to deal with big messes too! 

The bottom line

Jackson Reece eco wipes can break down in as little as 60 days. Compare that to the hundreds of years it takes for plastic to do the same, and you’re on to a winner.

Eco by Naty baby wipes
Unscented Eco-Friendly Wipes

You’ve probably heard of Eco by Naty. One of the better-known ‘eco’ brands out there, their diapers were a little underwhelming, but their wipes seem to tick all the boxes. 

The best thing is that they’re 100% compostable and biodegradable. 99.5% of their ingredients are from natural origins and they avoid potentially harmful toxins like parabens and fragrances. The wipes turn to soil in a home compost heap in just 12 weeks, which is pretty impressive!

Related Post: Eco By Naty Diapers Review 2022: The Number 1 Eco Diaper?

Reviews

Naty wipes are a big seller on Amazon and their reviews aren’t bad either. In over 1300 reviews, these eco wipes score an average of 4.3 out of 5 Most reviews are positive, but some users say that the wipes irritated their little one’s skin.

The bottom line

It’s wonderful that Eco by Naty wipes are biodegradable and compostable. When it comes to eco-friendliness, their wipes fare heaps better than their non-biodegradable diapers!

Ecoriginals baby wipes
100% All Natural Bamboo Eco-Friendly Wipes 

With a name like Ecoriginals, I’m expecting big things. These eco wipes are made with sustainably sourced bamboo fibers and are manufactured using renewable energy. Not only that, but they’re completely biodegradable and compostable. 

Reviews 

Ecoriginals average an impressive 4.8 out of 5 in reviews on Amazon. They’re loved for their softness and durability, as well as how gentle they are on babies’ delicate skin. 

The bottom line

Ecoriginals wipes are a great option. They’re biodegradable, compostable, and free from harsh toxins – everything you need for an eco-friendly wipe!

Healthynest baby wipes
EWG Verified Eco-Friendly Wipes

Healthynest wipes are completely biodegradable and soft on our little ones’ skin. They’re bigger than some other leading brands, which makes them well-equipped to handle big messes! 

They’re made with FSC-certified cotton and they’re even verified by the Environmental Working Group. The EWG is on a mission to let consumers which brands use potentially harmful chemicals in their products, and which avoid them completely. Healthynest diapers and their wipes are verified by the EWG, which means they’re super safe for the skin and avoid nasty chemicals and toxins. 

They’re not compostable, which is the only downside to Healthynest wipes. 

Read More: Healthynest Diapers Reviewed: The New (And Super Healthy) Kid On The Block

Reviews

The brand is quite new to the market, so it’s harder to find reviews for Healthynest wipes compared with similar brands. But the few I managed to find are super positive. Parents say they’re the best eco-friendly wipes on the market right now, and they work well, even with big messes.

The bottom line

I already loved the brand’s diapers, and now I love their wipes too! It’s great that they’re biodegradable, free from toxins, and even verified non-toxic by the Environmental Working Group.

Mum & You Baby Wipes
Biodegradable Plastic Free Wipes

If it wasn’t obvious, Mum & You is a British brand (this explains ‘Mum’!) that offers truly eco-friendly baby wipes.  Their biodegradable and compostable wipes are made with 99.4% water and are completely free of plastics. 

They go a step further when it comes to protecting the planet, using completely recyclable packaging for their vegan and cruelty-free wipes. They avoid harsh chemicals like fragrances and claim to stay ‘good as new’ even 3 months after opening.

Reviews

These Vegan-society-approved eco wipes average 4.6 out of 5 in over 3500 reviews, so it’s safe to say they’re tried and tested! Many parents say these are a great eco alternative to Water Wipes, and better value too.

The bottom line

Mum & You wipes are one of my favorites. When it comes to the best biodegradable wipes and the best eco wipes, they’re certainly up there on their eco-friendly pedestal. They can decompose in just 15 days and come in recyclable packaging. What’s not to love?

Bum Boosa Baby Wipes

If nothing else, the brand’s name is amazing. Bum Boosa certainly isn’t a well-known brand, but their wipes stack up with some of the best. 

They’re made from bamboo and naturally scented with lavender and sweet orange. Their packaging isn’t recyclable, which is a huge shame, but the company does plant a tree with Trees For The Future with every pack sold. 

If that wasn’t enough, they also purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions.

Reviews 

There are not that many reviews available for this small brand, but they average 4.6 out of 5 in over 300 reviews on Amazon. One reviewer complained that Bum Boosa wipes are smaller than other brands, while other mentioned that they caused diaper rash. But overall, the reviews are positive. Bum Boosa is one of the brands my family has been using regularly, and we are very happy with the quality of the wipes. They are gentle yet effective.

The bottom line

They might not be perfect, but Bum Boosa does seem to want to make a difference when it comes to limiting our impact on the planet. It’s great to support smaller companies too, so they’re worth trying!

Dyper baby wipes
Eco-Friendly Bamboo Wipes

If you’ve seen my diaper reviews, you’ll probably know that I love Dyper. They make amazing biodegradable diapers and their wipes are just as good. Their wipes are made from more than 99% water.

Related Post: Dyper Diapers Review: Eco-Friendly, Skin-Friendly And Bank Account-Friendly

They’re made up of more than 99% water and contain zero perfumes or fragrances.

reviews

Dyper wipes average 4.3 out of 5 in over 195 reviews over on Amazon. This isn’t as great as some similar brands, with some users saying they’re not as absorbent as other wipes on the market. 

The bottom line

They might not be quite as absorbent as some other brands, but it’s worth giving Dyper wipes (and their diapers!) a go. The company offers genuinely eco-friendly products and they even provide a subscription service, for baby essentials delivered to your door.

Aleva Naturals Baby wipes

Aleva Naturals wipes are one of my favorite biodegradable wipe brands. They steer completely clear of any potentially harmful chemicals, are suitable for babies with sensitive skin and they’re soft on little bums. They can break down in as little as 21 days, which is pretty impressive!

Reviews

In over 1480 reviews on Amazon, Aleva wipes score an impressive 4.5 out of 5 on average. They’re loved for their nice scent and their soft texture.

The bottom line

Aleva Naturals outs skin health and planet health at the forefront. Their soft and durable wipes are a must for eco-conscious parents looking to make the best choices for their little one, and for the world around us. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Eco-friendly wipes:

1. Are there biodegradable baby wipes? 

Yes! Go back 20 years and the only biodegradable wipes you’d find were in the deep dark corners of specialist health shops. But now, biodegradable wipes are everywhere, with more choices for eco-conscious parents than ever before. 

Biodegradable baby wipes are typically made from bamboo or cotton and usually steer clear of potentially harmful toxins like fragrances, parabens, and SLS. Some of my favorite biodegradable baby wipes brands include Offspring and Mum & You, both of which happen to be compostable too. They’ll break down in a matter of days, and are available on Amazon. 

Read more about my top biodegradable baby wipe picks here!

2. Are biodegradable baby wipes eco-friendly?

Biodegradable baby wipes are undoubtedly the best eco-friendly wipes. They break down in a matter of days or months and don’t use as many non-renewable resources to manufacture. They’re heaps better than regular plastic disposables, which could take hundreds of years to break down. 

And don’t be fooled by a brand that uses some plant-based materials in their wipes. Terms like ‘natural’ and ‘plant-based’ aren’t regulated so a wipe could contain a small percentage of plant ingredients and not be biodegradable at all. 

Brands that offer biodegradable wipes will always make this clear – it’s a huge selling point after all. 

Read More: The Best Biodegradable Baby Wipes For 2022: The Future Of Eco-Friendly Diapering

3. Are water wipes eco-friendly?

I used Water Wipes for some time until I learned that the material they are made from was only 20% plant-based. The rest was polyester. But that’s how Water Wipes used to be!

The brand introduced new biodegradable Water Wipes made from 100% viscose, which is a renewable, plant-based material. They say that the new Water Wipes will biodegrade in 12 weeks.

Now they are back in my good books.

Conclusion: how to be more eco-friendly

 There are endless ways to be kinder to the world around us. And making seemingly small switches can add up to significant change. The 22,000+ disposable wipes we use as parents in the first few years of our little ones’ lives can make a devastating impact on the planet if we choose regular plastic wipes. Switching to biodegradable wipes means less plastic, less waste, and fewer toxins being released into the atmosphere in the process. 

Switching to biodegradable wipes, biodegradable diapers, eco-conscious cleaning products, and cruelty-free cosmetics are just a handful of changes that help us all to be more eco-friendly. Along with recycling, reusing, and making as many positive contributions to the environment as we possibly can, of course. 

Brands like Eco Pea and Natracare are helping us on our journey to protecting the world for our children’s future. One wipe at a time. 

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