The Short Answer
If your priority is avoiding plastics and chemicals, WaterWipes is the clear winner. They are made from 100% viscose (plant fibers) and contain only water and a drop of fruit extract. They are the closest you can get to a cloth wipe and water.
If your priority is functionality and grip, Pampers Aqua Pure wins. They use a textured material that grabs mess better than the slippery WaterWipes, and their preservation system is more robust against mold. However, this comes at a cost: they contain polyester (plastic) and ethoxylated ingredients (PEG-40) that many crunchy parents try to avoid.
Why This Matters
Marketing for "pure" wipes is incredibly confusing. Both brands splash "99% Water" on the package, implying they are virtually identical. They are not.
The difference lies in the 1% you don't see.
For WaterWipes, that 1% is a simple fruit extract (though it has a history of trace benzalkonium chloride controversies). For Pampers, that 1% is a chemical cocktail of preservatives, buffers, and emulsifiers required to keep the wipe shelf-stable.
More importantly, the wipe material itself is a major differentiator. Are Baby Wipes Safe covers this generally, but specifically here: WaterWipes are compostable plant fibers. Pampers Aqua Pure contains non-biodegradable plastic. If you are trying to reduce your household's microplastic footprint, Pampers Pure is a "greenwashed" product.
What's Actually In Them
WaterWipes
Verdict: Clean
- Water (99.9%) — Purified water.
- Fruit Extract (0.1%) — Acts as a mild skin conditioner and preservative helper.
- Trace Benzalkonium Chloride — Note: While not listed as a main ingredient, the brand has previously disclosed trace amounts (0.002%) may be present as part of the fruit extract supply chain. Is Waterwipes Clean details this controversy.
- Material: 100% Viscose (Plant-based, plastic-free).
Pampers Aqua Pure
Verdict: Caution
- Water (99%) — Purified water.
- Citric Acid / Sodium Citrate — pH buffers to keep the wipe gentle on skin.
- Sodium Benzoate — A synthetic preservative. generally safe but can irritate broken skin.
- PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil — An emulsifier. As an ethoxylated ingredient, it carries a risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination (a probable carcinogen). Are There Chemicals In Baby Wipes explains why we avoid PEGs.
- Sorbitan Caprylate — Emulsifier.
- Disodium EDTA — Chelating agent (preservative booster).
- Material: Blend of Cotton, Regenerated Cellulose, and Polyester.
What to Look For
Green Flags (WaterWipes):
- Plastic-Free Material — Viscose is biodegradable.
- Minimal Ingredients — Less chance of allergic reaction for most babies.
- No Ethoxylation — No PEGs or Polysorbates.
Red Flags (Pampers Aqua Pure):
- Hidden Plastic — "Made with premium cotton" is marketing speak for "Cotton blended with plastic."
- PEG-40 — A "dirty" processing method is used to create this ingredient.
- Preservative Load — While necessary for shelf life, Sodium Benzoate can sting diaper rash.
The Best Options
If you are choosing between these two specifically, here is the breakdown. For a wider look at the market, check out Safest Baby Wipe.
| Feature | WaterWipes | Pampers Aqua Pure |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | ✅ Clean (2 ingredients) | ⚠️ Acceptable (7 ingredients) |
| Material | ✅ Viscose (Plastic-Free) | 🚫 Cotton/Poly Blend (Plastic) |
| Texture | ⚠️ Slippery / Smooth | ✅ Textured / Grippy |
| Dispensing | 🚫 Clumps / Hard to pull | ✅ Pop-top / Separates well |
| Preservatives | ⚠️ Weak (Mold risk if stored wrong) | ✅ Strong (Standard preservatives) |
| Verdict | Recommended | Acceptable |
The Bottom Line
1. Buy WaterWipes if you have a newborn or a baby with eczema. The lack of friction and chemicals is superior for delicate skin, provided you use the pack within 4 weeks to avoid mold issues.
2. Buy Pampers Aqua Pure if you hate when wipes stick together or if you are dealing with massive toddler messes that require "scrubbing" power. Just know you are using a plastic product.
3. Consider a Third Option like Coterie or Honest if you want the "plastic-free" benefit of WaterWipes but the "textured grip" of Pampers. See our full ranking in Safest Baby Wipe.
FAQ
Do WaterWipes really get moldy?
Yes, they can. Because they lack powerful synthetic preservatives like sodium benzoate, WaterWipes are more susceptible to mold if the package is left open or stored in a hot car. Always seal the sticker tightly and try to finish a pack within a month of opening.
Are Pampers Aqua Pure plastic-free?
No. While they advertise "premium cotton," the wipe is actually a blend of cotton, regenerated cellulose, and polyester. This means they are not biodegradable and contribute to microplastic pollution.
Why are WaterWipes so slippery?
They use a smooth viscose material and lack "surfactants" (soaps) that cut through grease. This makes them extremely gentle but means they often glide over messy poop rather than grabbing it. You may end up using more wipes per change compared to Pampers.
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