Should I Make My Own Wipe?

Wipes, wipes and more wipes!  
Convenient. Disposable. Available.

Let's take a close look at commercial wipes. While each may have its specific goal, all products need scrutinizing. Wipes for... 

- Cleaning babies
- Removing Makeup
- Acne
- Eliminating stains
- Freshening up
- Cooling down

But what exactly are ‘wipes’?  We know they are supposed to clean.  But do they? Are they healthy? 

High concentrations of surfactants, stabilizers and emulsifiers can be left behind on the skin after using a wipe, which can then cause skin drying and irritations. If alcohol is present, stinging may result.  Let’s not forget the added preservative. Wipes do hang around in pocket or purse or drawer until needed so something has been added to allow this shelf life. The favourite preservative is, of course, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing chemicals such as: 

Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (Bronopol), Polyoxymethylene Urea, Bromo-5-Nitro-1,3 Dioxane, Methenamine, Glyoxal, Benzylhemiformal

Does this get any easier?  No, it does not.  Tricky manufactures will use other terms for formaldehyde: 

Formalin, Methanal, Oxymethylene, Urea, 1,3-Dioxetane, Quaternium 15, Methylaldehyde, Methylene Oxide, Formic Aldehyde, Oxomethane Formalin, Phenol Formaldehyde.

Dangerous ingredients in wipes can include:

Parabens, pthalates, Phenoxyethanol, Triclosan, SLS,  Propylene Glycol, PEG’S.  

Toss in a fragrance or perfume, which means you have no idea what you are really getting.  These ingredients can be found in baby wipes! 

Unless one is adept in the study of chemistry, how can one purpose to swim successfully through all the mumbo jumbo presented in labels?  If a product contains say, formaldehyde, then that ONE word should be on the label, not an alias. By law, it may be there. But as a consumer, I say WHERE? Elmo is easier to find.

But if we understood the language, then we might choose NOT to buy the product because it contains a carcinogen.  We are smart enough for that.  But it is not easy for us to be smart, when we are constantly made to feel stupid.  

I would like to read a label that empowered me.  A label that reads: Formaldehyde (carcinogen), Propylene glycol (irritant), Phthalates (endocrine disruptor) etc… 

Find a manufacturer whom you trust.  Peruse the label ingredients online before shopping, especially if the label in person is so tiny, you find it hard to read.  Shopping is tiring enough without the frustration of dissecting a label in the store.  Online does it for you.  Call the store ahead of time to make sure they carry the brand you like.  Or, order online.

You can also make your own ‘wipes’.  There are recipes online that do not require a lot of work.  Fractionated coconut, organic liquid soap, essential oils’ are not hard to find at any health food store. In the meantime, if your activity can forgo the ‘wipe’ convenience, we have amazing homemade soaps.  Cut a small soap piece for travel (such as our Castile Coral Key Lime),  or use our Lavender Linen Spray or the All Purpose Sanitizer. All can ‘wipe’.  Or, make your own. DIY Homemade recipe inspired by Wellness Mama