Is Honest Company Wipes Clean?

The Short Answer

Yes, Honest Company Clean Conscious Wipes are clean. They are one of the better options on the market, balancing safety with actual performance.

They are EWG Verified, hold the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, and are made from 100% plant-based compostable material. Unlike many "natural" wipes that still use plastic fibers, Honest wipes are truly plastic-free.

The formula is 99% water with a mild preservation system. While they aren't as ingredient-minimalist as Is Waterwipes Clean, they are significantly thicker and more textured, meaning you use fewer wipes per change.

Why This Matters

Baby wipes are used on your baby's most sensitive areas multiple times a day. That cumulative exposure adds up.

Plastic Pollution: Many conventional wipes are made of polypropylene (plastic). They don't biodegrade; they just break down into microplastics. Honest wipes are made from viscose (wood pulp), which is fully compostable.

Preservatives: Wipes are wet, which means they are a breeding ground for mold. Brands have to use preservatives. The key is using safe ones. Honest uses a system that avoids parabens, phenoxyethanol, and formaldehyde donors, opting for gentler food-grade preservatives instead.

What's Actually In Honest Wipes

Honest discloses all 7 ingredients clearly. Here is the breakdown:

• Water (99%+) — The main cleaning agent.
• Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate — A chelator that removes metal ions from water to boost preservative efficacy. Safe and biodegradable.
• Sodium Benzoate — A food-grade preservative. Note: Very rare cases of contact dermatitis can occur in hypersensitive babies, but it is generally considered safe and effective against mold.
• Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer — A plant-derived surfactant (sugar-based) that helps lift dirt off the skin.
• Caprylyl Glycol — A skin conditioner that also boosts antimicrobial activity.
• Ethylhexylglycerin — A mild preservative and skin conditioner.
• Citric Acid — Adjusts the pH to match your baby's skin (around 4.5-5.5).

The "Plant-Based" Controversy

You may have seen headlines about a lawsuit regarding Honest's "plant-based" claims.

The Gist: A lawsuit alleged that labeling the wipes "plant-based" was misleading because some ingredients (like preservatives) are synthetically processed, even if they start from plant sources.

The Reality: This is largely a marketing semantic issue, not a safety toxicity issue. The ingredients themselves are safe and standard for "clean" products. The wipe material itself is 100% plant-based viscose.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Medical Grade Cloth — The "cheek to cheek" texture actually grabs poop rather than smearing it.
• Plastic-Free — Verified compostable material.
• Transparency — Full ingredient list explained on the package.

Red Flags:

• Price — They are more expensive than bulk brands like bacteria-prone Kirkland or Huggies.
• Dispensing — While better than WaterWipes, the "pop-up" action can sometimes pull two wipes at once (though this is a universal wipe struggle).

The Best Options

How does Honest compare to the other top-tier clean wipes?

The Bottom Line

1. Buy Honest Wipes if you want a wipe that actually cleans messy diapers quickly without using 10 sheets. The texture is their superpower.

2. Trust the Safety — They are EWG Verified and free from the "nasties" (parabens, phenoxyethanol, plastic).

3. Watch for Irritation — If your baby has ultra-sensitive eczema and reacts, it might be the Sodium Benzoate. In that specific case, try Is Waterwipes Clean.

FAQ

Do Honest Wipes have mold issues?

Honest had a voluntary recall back in 2017 for mold concerns. Since then, they have updated their preservation system and manufacturing quality control. While sporadic complaints exist (as they do for all natural wipe brands), there have been no widespread recalls in recent years.

Are Honest Wipes biodegradable?

Yes. They are made from plant-based viscose and are certified OK compost HOME. They will break down in a composting environment, unlike polyester-based wipes like standard Huggies or Pampers.

Is Sodium Benzoate safe for babies?

Generally, yes. It is a food-grade preservative used in many "clean" baby products to prevent dangerous mold growth. However, a small percentage of babies with compromised skin barriers may find it stinging. If your baby cries during changes with these wipes, switch to water and cloth temporarily.

---

References (15)

1. 1. classaction.org
2. 2. classaction.org
3. 3. todaysparent.com
4. 4. gimmethegoodstuff.org
5. 5. coterie.com
6. 6. gimmethegoodstuff.org
7. 7. thereducereport.com
8. 8. babygearlab.com
9. 9. yeswellness.com
10. 10. thequalityedit.com
11. 11. reddit.com
12. 12. honest.com
13. 13. topclassactions.com
14. 14. skinsort.com
15. 15. krem.com