Is There Phenoxyethanol in Baby Wipes?

The Short Answer

Phenoxyethanol is a Caution ingredient. While it is better than the parabens and formaldehyde releasers it replaced, it is not "clean."

It is a synthetic preservative used to prevent mold and bacteria growth. For adults, it's generally considered safe in low concentrations (under 1%). However, for infants, newborns, and babies with eczema, the risks are higher. The FDA has warned about its toxicity when ingested, and French regulators have pushed to ban it from diaper-area products entirely.

If your baby has healthy skin, it’s an acceptable budget trade-off. If your baby is a newborn or has diaper rash, avoid it.

Why This Matters

It’s a nervous system depressant.

In 2008, the FDA issued a warning regarding nipple creams containing phenoxyethanol, stating it could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system (CNS) depression in nursing infants. While wipes aren't food, babies constantly put their hands (and sometimes feet) in their mouths. A chemical unsafe to ingest should not be on your baby's hands.

It penetrates the skin easily.

Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether, a class of chemicals known for their ability to absorb through skin. A baby’s skin is 30% thinner than an adult’s, making them far more susceptible to systemic absorption—especially in the diaper area, where occlusion (trapped moisture under a diaper) increases chemical absorption rates.

Regulators are split.

While the US allows it, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) assessed the risk and recommended that phenoxyethanol should not be used in cosmetic products intended for the diaper area of children under three years old. When a major European health agency says "don't put this on a baby's bum," we listen.

What's Actually In Baby Wipes?

If you pick up a pack of "Sensitive" or "Natural" wipes, you might still find these ingredients. Cross-check your labels against this list:

• Phenoxyethanol — Used as a preservative. Often found in store brands (like Kirkland and some Up & Up formulations) to keep costs down. Safest Baby Wipe
• Sodium Benzoate — The most common replacement for phenoxyethanol. It is generally safer but can still be a mild irritant for some babies. Found in Pampers Pure and Huggies Natural.
• Polysorbate 20 — An emulsifier often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a likely carcinogen. Found in many standard wipes. Are There Chemicals In Baby Wipes
• Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) — A harsh preservative and known allergen. Avoid completely. Most major brands have removed this, but check dollar-store brands.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Short Ingredient Lists — WaterWipes has 2 ingredients. Honest has about 7. Less is more.
• Physical Processing — "Steam processed" or "sterilized" wipes rely less on heavy chemical preservatives.

Red Flags:

• "Parfum" or Fragrance — Legally hides hundreds of chemicals. Never buy scented wipes. Is Fragrance In Baby Wipes Harmful
• Phenoxyethanol — Especially if you see it in the top 5 ingredients.
• "Unscented" — This is a trick. It means chemicals were added to mask the smell. Look for "Fragrance-Free" instead.

The Best Options

Most major "conventional" brands (Pampers, Huggies) have moved away from phenoxyethanol in their sensitive lines, replacing it with Sodium Benzoate. However, store brands like Kirkland (Costco) still use it.

The Bottom Line

1. Check the back, not the front. "Hypoallergenic" is a marketing term with no legal definition.

2. Avoid Phenoxyethanol for newborns. Their skin barrier is too permeable, and the nervous system risks—however slight from wipes—aren't worth it.

3. Use water for the first month. If you can, stick to organic cotton balls and warm water for the first few weeks of life to let the skin barrier develop.

FAQ

Is phenoxyethanol safe for newborns?

No. We recommend avoiding it for children under 3 years old, especially for use in the diaper area. The absorption rate is too high, and the potential for nervous system depression (though rare from wipes) is a documented risk.

Do Huggies or Pampers contain phenoxyethanol?

Mostly no. Current formulations of Huggies Natural Care and Pampers Sensitive/Pure use Sodium Benzoate instead. However, always double-check the label, as formulations change and older stock may still be on shelves.

Is phenoxyethanol a carcinogen?

No. Current research does not classify phenoxyethanol as a carcinogen. The primary concerns are neurotoxicity (nervous system effects) and skin irritation (eczema/contact dermatitis).

Why do Costco/Kirkland wipes use it?

It is an effective, cheap preservative. Kirkland Signature wipes are a cult favorite for their price and durability, but they achieve that price point by using synthetic preservatives like phenoxyethanol. They are an "okay" choice for older toddlers with tough skin, but not for sensitive newborns.

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