What is in a disposable wipe?

What you put on your baby's skin matters.  It is surprising what companies put into products that are used on a baby's sensitive skin.  Here are some common ingredients found in disposable wipes, and why it should worry you.



Methylisothiazolinone: Also called MI or MIT, is a biocide, meaning that is is a chemical that control or kill harmful microorganisms.  It is what helps disposable wipes have a long shelf life.  The Enviromental Working Group states that MI is a skin sensitizer and irritant, which means that it can cause contact allergies. A 2012 study found that even brief exposure to MI is toxic in low concentrations during neural development, increasing the risk of seizures and visual abnormalities.

A study from May 2013 found that out of 653 patients who were tested for an MI allergy, 43 showed reactions.  Seven of the patientents were parents of young children who had a reaction to baby wipes.

Most recently, a study was published in the medical journal Pediatrics in January 2014.  The study found that MI in baby wipes are leaving children with an itchy, scaly, and red rash that is often misdiagnosed as a more serious skin condition such as eczema, impetigo, and psoriasis.

MI has been banned for use in cosmetics in Canada, but not in the United States, so our wipes still contain it.

Iodopropynyl butylcarbanate: Also called IPBC is a water-based preservatiate that was originally used in the wood and paint industries.  A 2002 study found that as the use of this seemingly safe preservative becomes vast, an increased number of cases of IPBC-induced contact allergy is likely.  This means that your baby may have a contact allergy from wipes containing IPBC.  Typical symptoms of an allegery to IPBC include redness, swelling, itching, and fluid-filled blusters.  It is important to be aware that symptoms may not present for several days after exposure.  If you are concerned about an allergy to IPBC, a doctor can preform a patch test to confirm the allergy.  The cosmetic industry (includes baby wipes) industry admits that this ingredient is toxic and most counties have either banned or put heavy restrictions on it.  The US has restrictions on it, but not nearly as strict as other countries.

Dioxins: Disposable wipes that are made from paper or other fiber that has been bleached will contain dioxin.  Dioxin is highly toxic and has been linked to cancer and fertility problems.

Want more reasons to switch to cloth wipes?  Check out this post.

Switching to cloth wipes will help you avoid these chemicals on your baby.  Watch for more posts coming soon about cloth wipes.