Baby wipes are an essential item that keeps our newborns and toddlers clean between diaper changes. And since diaper changes are frequent, all parents want to make sure that the wipes they're using are safe and even, in some cases, preventative for their precious little ones. Transparency matters, and that's why it's time for an honest ingredient breakdown in our natural baby wipes.
Though changes to harmful ingredients in baby wipes have been made in recent years, certain brands still don't quite fit the safety bill. And that's why it's important to know what ingredients to look for when searching for safety. A good rule of thumb in choosing a safe, sensitive baby wipe will always be natural ingredients. The more natural (especially on the skin), the better!
What's In A Wipe?
Generally speaking, wipes are needed to clean and, in some cases, moisturize the skin. So, you'll often find these ingredients listed below in your everyday run-of-the-mill wet wipe.
- Humectants, also known as moisturizing agents, typically consist of ingredients like glycerin and propylene glycol to leave the skin feeling moisturized and soft.
- Detergents, commonly known as surfactants: As we all know, the main reason for a wipe is to clean the skin, so surfactants or detergents act as a dirt remover.
- Water and Aloe vera: These ingredients help the surfactants and humectants activate.
- Preservatives: Preservatives are used to help prevent contamination.
- Fragrances or Perfumes: Fragrances and perfumes help give a good scent.
Ingredients You Should Avoid When Choosing A Baby Wipe
Although some ingredients in baby wipes aren't harmful, there are elements you want to avoid altogether. And since it can be tough to sift through the amount of elements that frequent most packaging, we’ve provided a list of things to avoid when you're in the market for a safe baby wipe.
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Peg's (Polyethylene Glycols)
- Triclosan
- Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
- Fragrance/Perfume
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Bronopol
- Propylene Glycol
- Alcohol
What's In Our Coconut Nourish Wipes?
Now that you've looked at some red-flag ingredients, it's time to discover what to search for to nourish your baby's skin and keep them safe from harmful components. We've already stated that your best choice by way of safety and sensitivity is natural ingredients, like BabyCozy's Coconut Nourish Wipe. So let's look at the elements, present in our wipes that will keep your baby's skin clean and well-nourished.
Aqua
Aqua is a much better, more fashionable way to say water. And as everyone knows, water is the source of life. And when used in sensitive baby wipes, it helps all of the good ingredients work together.
Glyceryl Stearate & PEG-100 Stearate
This element is called an emulsifier. It is used in tandem with cetyl alcohol as a thickener to make it more pliable for use in natural wipes. Simply put, it assists the other ingredients in staying well blended.
Parffinum Liquidum
Parffinum Liquidum is mineral oil, and contrary to what many believe, this oil is incredibly inert and pure. As a result, allergies to this ingredient are infrequent, and it can treat various skin conditions due to its ability to be a non-irritant.
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is one of the emulsifying agents derived from olives, palms, and corn. It is not a skin irritant like isopropyl alcohol, an ingredient often used in standard baby wipes. So, it keeps your baby’s skin safe from any dryness that can occur from regular alcohol.
Glycerin
Glycerin is one of the elements we mentioned earlier. It's a humectant whose main job is to seal in moisture. It's incredibly gentle on the skin and is non-toxic, especially in sensitive baby wipes.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a sticky and quite oily substance that helps prevent bacteria, fungi, and yeast from growing on products. In other words, this ingredient provides safety and prolongs the shelf-life. Without it, the skin could be subjected to harmful bacteria.
Capryl/Capylyl Glucoside
A surfactant, capryl/capylyl glucoside is an extremely gentle, natural cleanser. In addition to being a cleanser, it's commonly used in cosmetic formulations for people with skin sensitivities. This ingredient is derived from plants and is biodegradable.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is all-natural, fat-soluble, and acts as an antioxidant. It has countless benefits for the skin and immune system and protects cells from damage. The main pros are that it softens the skin and helps retain moisture. Formulated in a natural baby wipe helps keep your baby's skin soft and smooth.
Coconut Oil
There has been an influx of the use of coconut oil in recent years, and there are many reasons why. This natural, highly saturated oil can kill damaging microorganisms. And especially in skin care, it can fight various skin infections. In addition, it can also have anti-inflammatory effects. Out of all the ingredients to have in a sensitive baby wipe, this is one of the most important.
Hamamelis Viginiana Extract
Commonly known as Witch Hazel, Hamamelis Virginiana is a miracle extract with its fair share of benefits. And apart from the natural, fresh smell, it is a gentle skin cleanser that also assists in inflammation and skin irritations. In addition, when present in a natural baby wipe, it cleans and protects.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Extracted from the Chamomile plant's flowers and German chamomile, this flower extract has natural, soothing qualities. As you probably already know, chamomile is incredibly powerful and has been used medicinally for centuries. It has many benefits for skin and hair, but mainly, it can help calm and nourish.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is all about PH levels. It's an organic, mild citrus acid that helps level the wipe's PH and keeps your baby's skin PH balanced. Additionally, it can help stop diaper rash in its tracks.
Since baby wipes are frequently used and essential, it's vital to have some knowledge about their contents. Although it can seem overwhelming, it's equally important to be able to recognize the harmful elements so that you can keep your baby's skin safe and well-nourished.
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