Are WaterWipes Safe? Complete Ingredient List & Safety Review
Written by Irina Webb
When you search for “water wipes ingredients,” you want a simple answer. The package says “99.9% water.” That sounds perfect for your baby, right?
Not so fast. WaterWipes are simpler than most baby wipes. But they’re not just water. And that’s actually a good thing. Any product with water needs something to stop bacteria and mold from growing.
I’ve been researching baby wipes since 2012, and I’ve talked directly with the WaterWipes company throughout these years. This blog post gives you the facts about what’s really inside these wipes and whether they’re right for your baby.
WaterWipes Complete Ingredient List (What’s Actually Inside)
To start with, WaterWipes makes several types of wipes. As of 2026, the ingredients in WaterWipes NEW Sensitive+ Newborn & Baby Wipes are as follows:
When I first researched WaterWipes in 2014, benzalkonium chloride wasn’t mentioned anywhere on their packaging or website. The company claimed their wipes contained only water and grapefruit seed extract (GSE).
I asked extensive questions about their preservation system, specifically bringing up scientific research showing that commercial GSE products contain synthetic preservatives. They told me their GSE was made from dried grapefruit seed and pulp, vegetable glycerin, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – no synthetic chemicals.
Now, years later, WaterWipes discloses “trace” of benzalkonium chloride in the grapefruit seed extract under the asterisk.
While I appreciate this disclosure now, the initial lack of transparency when directly questioned makes trust harder. When you’re choosing products for your baby’s health, you need complete honesty from the start, especially when it comes to such ingredients as benzalkonium chloride and grapefruit seed extract. Here is why.
Benzalkonium Chloride In Water Wipes
To begin with, benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound (quat). It’s a disinfectant and preservative. WaterWipes need it because water can’t stay sterile once you open the package.
Research on benzalkonium chloride safety shows the following:
- It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, even at concentrations as low as 0.1% (source).
- It decreased fertility in mice when used to clean their cages (source). While the doses used were higher than baby wipe exposure, it raises questions about repeated daily use on babies.
A few years ago, WaterWipes disclosed a concentration of 0.002% for benzalkonium chloride. This is 50 times lower than the 0.1% limit set by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel for use on healthy adult skin.
At 0.002%, many babies may tolerate this preservative without obvious problems. But baby skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin. Ingredients absorb more easily. Therefore, if your baby develops redness, rash, or irritation, this preservative could be the culprit.
However, WaterWipes no longer publishes this concentration on their website. When I reached out to them to confirm the number in February 2026, they replied that they had decided to remove this information because “ingredient trace percentages are not required to be labelled.” So, we don’t know for sure if the percentage is still the same.
The Grapefruit Seed Extract Controversy
Initially, WaterWipes marketed their product as containing only “99.9% water and a drop of grapefruit seed extract” for preservation. This sounded natural, pure, and safe.
But here’s the reality: pure grapefruit seed extract (GSE) doesn’t usually preserve products. Multiple scientific studies have proven this:
- A study examining six commercial GSE products found their antibacterial properties came from synthetic preservatives added during manufacturing—specifically benzethonium chloride.
- Another study identified benzalkonium chloride in commercial GSE.
- Research published in the US National Library of Medicine found benzethonium chloride, methylparaben, and triclosan in products labeled simply as “grapefruit seed extract.”
Although nowadays WaterWipes discloses benzalkonium chloride in their wipes, they still do it after an asterisk instead of listing it as a separate ingredient. To me, it feels like they’re still trying to hide it.
Plus, the initial lack of transparency when directly questioned raises concerns. I find it hard to fully trust ingredient claims when the company wasn’t upfront from the beginning.
Are WaterWipes Safe And Non-Toxic For Babies?
Whether WaterWipes are safe for your baby is a decision you’ll need to make based on the complete picture.
On the one hand, the WaterWipes ingredients list is short and doesn’t contain many of the ingredients that commonly worry parents.
On the other hand, the wipes contain benzalkonium chloride that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, even at concentrations as low as 0.1%. Additionally, despite my extensive questions about the wipes’ preservation system several years ago, the company did not disclose the presence of benzalkonium chloride. This lack of transparency is concerning to me and undermines trust in the product.
Are WaterWipes Safe For Newborns?
Specifically, newborn skin is extremely delicate. The skin barrier isn’t fully developed in the first few weeks of life. Many pediatricians recommend using plain water and soft washcloths during this vulnerable period.
WaterWipes are marketed for newborns, but they still contain a chemical preservative.
Personally, I would not use these wipes on my baby out of precaution. The combination of the preservative concerns and the company’s history of not being forthcoming about ingredients when I asked makes me uncomfortable trusting this brand with my child’s delicate skin. There are other options with better transparency and safer preservative systems (see my Baby Wipes Rating List).
Why Baby Wipes Need Preservatives (The Science Explained)
You might wonder: why can’t baby wipes just be water?
Because water is the perfect environment for bacteria and mold. They grow fast. Once you open a package of wet wipes, microorganisms from the air, your hands, and the diaper area can contaminate the product.
Without preservatives, dangerous bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas could multiply rapidly. You’d then be wiping those pathogens directly onto your baby’s skin—especially in the warm, moist diaper area where bacteria thrive.
This isn’t theoretical. Medical research documents real cases of babies getting sick from contaminated personal care products:
- The Journal of Hospital Infection reported on 14 babies who developed serious infections from contaminated baby shampoo. The infections included urinary tract infections, meningitis, and septicemia. One baby died.
- The American Journal of Infection Control documented an outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit from contaminated hand lotion.
So yes, preservatives are necessary. The question isn’t whether baby wipes need preservation—they absolutely do. The question is which preservation system is safest and what companies are honest about what they’re using.
Do WaterWipes Actually Clean? (The Effectiveness Question)
Here’s an honest assessment of the WaterWipes NEW Sensitive+ Newborn & Baby Wipes: it depends on what you’re cleaning.
The wipes consist of only three ingredients and do not include any soap or cleansing agents. For urine-only diaper changes, these wipes work fine. Water alone can handle simple wetness.
But for bowel movements? That’s where these wipes struggle. Stool contains fats, oils, and proteins. These don’t dissolve easily in plain water. Without soap or surfactants (cleaning agents), you need to use many more wipes and scrub harder to remove all the residue.
This creates two problems:
- First, you’ll use more wipes per change. That gets expensive fast.
- Second, leftover stool on skin can cause diaper rash.
So, ironically, using “gentler” wipes might lead to more skin irritation if they don’t clean thoroughly enough. Residual fecal matter sitting on delicate skin is a recipe for redness and breakdown.
WaterWipes does make another version: NEW Sensitive+ Baby & Toddler wipes. These contain an additional ingredient—Sapindus Trifoliatus (Soapberry) Fruit Extract. This natural surfactant should help with cleaning power, especially for messier changes. However, it adds a fourth ingredient, which moves these wipes away from the “just water” simplicity some parents want.
Do WaterWipes Have Alcohol?
No, WaterWipes do not have alcohol. But I can’t call this an advantageous characteristic of WaterWipes alone.
In fact, out of more than 70 baby wipes assessed for safety in my Baby Wipes Rating List, none contains astringent alcohol.
It’s true that astringent alcohol can dry out and irritate baby skin. But here’s something to know: some ingredients have “alcohol” in their names but aren’t astringent alcohols.
For example, cetyl alcohol is an emulsifier that helps mix water with oils. Benzyl alcohol and phenethyl alcohol are preservatives and fragrance components. None of these dry out your baby’s skin like astringent alcohols do.
Are WaterWipes Antibacterial?
Not really. WaterWipes are not antibacterial.
The benzalkonium chloride in WaterWipes preserves the wipes themselves—it prevents bacteria from growing inside the package. But the concentration is too low to kill bacteria on your baby’s skin.
WaterWipes clean by physically wiping away dirt, urine, and bacteria. They don’t disinfect. They’re not meant to.
For normal diaper changes, you don’t need antibacterial wipes. Regular cleaning is sufficient.
My Final Take On WaterWipes
After years of research and direct communication with the company, here’s my honest assessment:
WaterWipes’ formulation is simpler than that of most baby wipes. They contain significantly fewer ingredients than conventional wipes. For parents who want to minimize ingredient exposure, this is appealing.
However, they’re not “just water,” and they never were. The “99.9% water” marketing is technically true but can be misleading. The remaining 0.1% matters significantly—it’s the preservation system that keeps the product from becoming a bacteria-filled hazard.
In my opinion, WaterWipes are definitely not the “world’s purest baby wipes” as the company claims. That statement ignores the preservative system entirely.
What bothers me most is the transparency issue. When I questioned the company directly in 2014 about their preservation system, they weren’t forthcoming about benzalkonium chloride. Even now they don’t disclose it as a separate ingredient.
If you’re already using WaterWipes and your baby shows no problems, you might choose to continue.
But if you’re shopping for baby wipes, you can see my findings on more than 70 wipes in my Baby Wipes Rating List. It will help you compare wipes based on actual ingredient safety, preservation systems, and company transparency—not marketing claims.
For guidance on making informed and confident product choices, you can get my free emails with exclusive insights, helpful savings, and ongoing support for your health goals.
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hi, interesting article..Came across it when googling ‘Curash water wipes and urinary tract infection’.
now my story..
I have recently been using water wipes as a freshen up between showers. My daughter uses them for her baby so thought they must be ok..
Anyway 1st time I used them they actually gave me a burning feeling down below ,regardless I have used them a few times more with same effect and thinking these aren’t just water!
Well now I have a fairly severe urinary tract infection.. Only put two and two together today when daughter asked me how I got the infection, and I said I’d been using the water wipes and they burn a bit. Then it was a light globe moment! OMG! I think it’s from the wipes! There’s no other risk factor.
Hi Joy!
Thank you for sharing your story! We hope it’ll help others to make informed decisions about selecting wet wipes!
We wish you a speedy recovery!
Hi there,
Is you eBook relevant to a UK purchaser. Are there any wipes in the UK you would highly recommend. I am currently using water wipes but if they are not the best and healthiest option i would like to change, but don’t want to spend money on the e-book if i cant readily purchase the recommended wipes.
Hi Laura,
Thank you for reaching out to I Read Labels For You! On our Baby Wipes Rating List E-Book sales page, we enumerate all the 63 baby wipes we rate in the e-book. Please, refer to the list here: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/ebooks/baby-wipes/
Hi, I bought some packs of waterwipes and the first one I opened smelled very strong, like maybe bleach? I opened another packet and the same thing. I then emailed the company and they said because the wipes are made in a very clean room they sometimes take on the smell of the disinfectant (or something) and that the smell should subside. It hasn’t. Through your research have you find it common that they smell like chemicals ?
Hi, Jaci! Thank you for the question! As it follows from our post, WaterWipes baby wipes contain benzalkonium chloride. The description of the properties of this chemical on INCHEM website (International Programme on Chemical Safety) says that it is “HYGROSCOPIC WHITE-TO-YELLOW POWDER WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR” and “Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including ammonia, chlorine and nitrogen oxides.” In other words, if a product contains chemicals, it is bound to smell like chemicals, unless there is fragrance masking the chemical odor. We hope this helps!
I have been using these on myself post c-section and could figure out what was making my vagina feel like I just applied peppermint. I wasn’t aware of the GSE until I read the package a second time after using them. I can’t imagine choosing these for my infant and never knowing that it would have such a strong tingling sensation and possibly cause him irritation. I’m glad I endured it and not him, but these are going in the trash.
Hi, I didn’t see the made of baby wipe brand on the list. Do you have any information on their?
Good suggestion! Thanks. ~Irina
What are your thoughts on using wipe warmers with Watervwipes?
Hi, Penelope: The warm environment creates more opportunities for bacteria and mold to grow. ~Irina
I have been using these WaterWipes for 18 months. I have seen every cash pay doctor, had 2 biopsies, ultrasounds, a pelvic MRI, and most recently had a Patch Testing on my back at Mayo Clinic. I found out all my burning pain may be related to the Benz Chloride that I am allergic to. I found this out by scanning WaterWipes in my SkinSafe app and reading the packaging. Unreal.
Hi Irina,
Yes, I was forwarded the U.S. Patent application #20110203946 by someone who had worked in the industry. I can send to you privately if you like so you can read the whole patent if you can’t find it online?
Hi Irina,
while researching Water Wipes, I found out not only about the Benzalkonium Chloride (which WW now acknowledge but still don’t put on the packaging) but also that the water they use is activated. Did you know about this? The result of electrolysing water with a saline solution is sodium hydroxide and hypochlorous acid. This is process is patented by WW and likely to be the preservative I should think. Wish they would be honest with the process – some kids react to even small amounts of chlorine.
I’m leaning more and more to the water wipes that at least acknowledge their preservative such as phenoxyethanol as I feel they’re actually more honest than all these companies targeting the ‘natural’ market and only disclosing what sounds good to concerned parents. I also want to be sure that the wipes will remain safe after opening as, after all, bacteria which is unseen can be so dangerous. Really appreciate your thoughts on this and love your info.
Hi, Kate: may I ask what is the source of your information? I would love to know more. ~Irina
This is good to know, i came across this as i was trying to do my own research on the waterwipes brand. I had gotten a free sample and tried to use them on my 8 week old daughter and she screamed in pain like it hurt her, she has no rash and has never cried while getting a diaper change. Makes me wonder why it irritated her so badly. I most definitely will not be using these again.
Water Wipes are the ONLY ones that don’t cause a rash on my daughter. We even tried Viva paper towels and pure water and she got a rash. Washcloths and pure water give her a rash too. We use them for poopy diapers only as they’re expensive but we love them.
Hi, do you know if the Honest baby wipes are ok? Thank you!
Hi, Natalie: every year I decipher each ingredient of numerous baby wipes including Honest wipes: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/ebooks/baby-wipes/ Thank you for asking. ~Irina
Hi great article I like how it’s not entirely opinionated and pretty objective however I’m leaning towards the wipes being unhygienic… my 3 week old infant has developed a bad chapped( red, raw, inflamed looking) baby bum and I feel awful wiping her as she cries hysterically; it looks painful. I’ve been using the weleda diaper cream and it doesn’t seem to be working. I’m wondering if it’s the wipes?!
Hi Angelina: I would refrain from using any baby wipes for now. Using soft organic cotton, water, and castile soap is always a safer choice, in my opinion. You might look into downloading my Baby Wipes Rating List as well: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/ebooks/baby-wipes/ ~Irina
Just came back to your blog to see if there was any update about the wipes and I’m really happy (and relieved) to see that there is nothing bad in these wipes! I have been using them for more than 3 years now and really love them and don’t know which other one I would have used if they were proved to be nasty as well! Never had any mold or bacteria problem and no rash. It’s true though that it’s a bit of a hassle to get just one out…
I have been using water wipes for over 2 years with no problem. I didnt like how hard they were to get out of their package so I bought a Huggies wipe box and threw out their wipes and put the water wipes in there. Neither of my kids had problems with diaper rash with these. No mold problems on the wipes. Keep in mind that in general, healthy people are used to their own bacteria including what is in their poop and don’t get sick from it, aside from it entering the urinary tract. The poop being rubbed around the urethra in the diaper or with a wipe is much more of a risk than a non preserved wipe.
My daughter started getting some mild red rash on her down there. We never noticed mould till I opened the underside lid of my nappy change bin and it was covered in black mould. It was full of nappies and waster wipes and I’m assuming they are too wet and also maybe in there longer than a week as it’s a big bin…. really scared me!
I’ve been using WaterWipes since shortly after we brought my little guy home from the hospital. We were in the NICU for 3.5 months and there they use dry wipes wet with tap water. We never had a single problem with diaper rash until I brought him home and started using store-bought wipes; even with the sensitive skin ones it was just awful. These wipes were the closest thing I could find to what they used in the hospital and I absolutely love them. We haven’t had a single problem since we started using them. They are wonderful and I personally wouldn’t be concerned about any of the potential issues mentioned here. And they do clean up poopy bums just fine. I figure, if the hospital uses only water on micro preemies, it must be the best thing. And who doesn’t use a pack of baby wipes up within 4 weeks? I think anyone who had moldy packs, they must have been shipped poorly in too high a temperature. I would very highly recommend these to anybody.
I came across these Water wipes a few weeks ago when my 2 year old had a severe diaper rash that we could not get cleared up. If we even mentioned the word diaper he would run screaming at the top of his lungs. He would fight us so much when it was time to change his diaper, even if it was just wet, because his bottom hurt so bad. He would scream and cry and hold on to us as tight as he could. I was desperate for something to give him some relief and I found these. They were like MAGIC! The first time I used them on him, he didn’t cry at all! We used them for several weeks while we waited for his fungal infection to clear up. I have even taken them to daycare for them to use on him. I absolutely LOVE these wipes!!!
We have been using water wipes for about a year now and we have not had any problems or infections as a result of using them on our children. It is also true that our wipes never last more than a week so we haven’t noticed mold or change in the wipes because we use them quickly.
So thus far we continue to use them.
I have used WaterWipes on my baby since he was born, that was 16 months ago. I found them to be amazing, I would never use another product. You must respect the instructions on the packet and you will have no problem, even on sensitive skin. They easily clean poo off the skin without effort and I’m impressed that they don’t come fragaranced. What a truly wonderful product, I strongly recommend to all mothers, pleas try them!
When my baby was 3 weeks old and she had a really really bad diaper rash i had no idea what happened because we kept up on every diaper change and made sure i put cream right when i saw a red spot. Anyways i was looking up each and every way to cure it ASAP because i didnt want to see my babygirl in pain. First time mommy so i was freaking out and internet doesnt really help. So i asked my sister and she said use max strength desitin and change your wipes and diapers. I chose the waterwipes because i figured they were the most pure and simple. And i have sensitive skin myself so i knew that the waterwipes would most likely be best. I chose the 60 pack so that i wouldnt waste any money. Once i started using them it made a big big biiigg difference. And your right you really have to be careful to keep them clean especially with a fussy baby thats pooped or peed. But if i touch one under the first that i grabbed i grab it and use it immediately just to be sure shes getting the cleanest wipe next. Anyway been using them ever since and they have really been a godsend make sure you use them as directed and you’ll be fine.
I swear by these when baby has a diaper rash. She doesn’t scream like other wipes with a rash, and I noticed doesn’t get as red. Packaging feels different so I believe packaging helps preserve them I never put them in my dispenser for this reason. My doctor said was a great move to use these while she still has a rash. I understand what writer means about bacteria but realistically grabbing a napkin and wetting it woukd produce just
Thanks for your information. We have been using these wipes for almost 2 years with our son, and they have been great for us. I prefer a cotton cloth, but sometimes I need a disposable wipe. My daughters had diaper infections at least a couple, but I am happy to say my son has never had one. I liked the ingredients of these, and that they lacked the usual preservatives. I have been really happy so far, and haven’t had any issues.
Hi, I’m amazed they can say the wipes are 99 percent water as the tissues themselves aren’t woven from water and they are the main constituent surely? These really worry me as by the time you can see mould it’s already infested everything.
I’m interested to see if any microbial tests over time after opening have been carried out? Surely those should be done before they are for sale but, like you I’m worried about harmful bacteria and fungi growing on them.
Very worried.
I found your post after googling water wipes reactions; I used them for the first time tonight and my face is burning and covered in a rash; needless to say I will stop using these on my toddler x
We just discovered that my baby has a citrus allergy – I had just identified it after scrutinizing my diet (I nurse), and that night my husband unknowingly used the first water wipe in a package we just bought to clean my baby’s neck and he got hives. So – just a caution to spot test these first if your infant has not yet been exposed to citrus.
Hi, do you know if the Jackson Reece wipes are ok? Thank you!
Hi Vicky, yes, Jackson Reece baby wipes are okay. Read more here and here. Thank you for asking! ~Irina
Hi I just came across your blog as I just opened a fresh pack of water wipes to find they are all mouldy! The pack is in date and there was no damage to the pack. I have sent pics and a message to the company via Facebook. It will be interesting to see what they come back with… free wipes for life?!:)
Hi Laura: this is awful. Thank you for sharing! This just proves my theory that their preservation system is not sufficient to be safe. And that just mold that we can detect with our eyes. The environment that is beneficial for mold to grow is also good for bad bacteria to grow, which we can’t see. Please keep us updated. If you are looking for different wipes to use, you might want to check my analysis and rating list of all major disposable baby wipes. Thank you again for stopping by.
Hi, ive just read your blog to see if anyone had experienced mould in the wipes like i have in the last packet i brought. The mould was there before i opened it and does not expire unitl 2016. Very concerning, i used a wipe on his face before realising Currently waiting on a response from them.
Hi Kate: I am so sorry to hear that. Let us know when you hear back from them. ~Irina
I do not trust this company , I emailed them directly because my baby broke out from wipes, they would not show me evidence of test results- something seems shady
Hi, I came across your post whilst wondering something about the safety of WaterWipes myself. However, I’m querying the water – if they are made with Irish public system water do they have fluoride in them??? This is a real issue for my as 98% of Irish tap water is flouridated and this is potentially a hazard for our children. Have you or anyone else queried this at all? Thanks. Otherwise love WaterWipes! Generally use cotton wool and water at home but the wipes are great for out and about!
Generally, in baby wipes purified or filtered water is used. I will contact WaterWipes about their water. Thank you for the question!
Are these wipes safe? have you heard anything else- been using for a few days now- but want to make sure they do not contain anything like parabens , synthetics or triclosan still!
I was convinced by the company that their GSE (the only ingredient besides water) has no additives such as triclosan. However, that fact gave me pause because the wipes might be prone to bacteria growth while they are used.
Hello,
Thanks for your useful website.
We have been using the WaterWipes since our son was born almost 2 years ago. At the time there seemed to be endocrine disruptor in every other brand! No problem with mould nor bacterial infections on his bottom, though I was always conscious of the lack of preservatives in these wipes so now that we’re using less of them we only have one pack opened at once and finish it well within 4 weeks. Nursery uses the Huggies wipes but we can ask for cotton wool and water instead, which is what I chose for our son. I really don’t think that any detergent is necessary considering he has a bath in the evening which clears it all out! For me it’s a no-brainer: WaterWipes are cotton+water without the fuss…
100%polyester
I have been using Water Wipes since my baby was born 9 months ago. We have never experienced any problems with them and I love that they are pure and simple. My sister has also used them for 3 years and loves them. We use them as the package directions indicate which has not been a problem for us.
It is good to know. Do you always use them within 4 weeks of opening?
We pretty much do use them within the 4 week time frame since we still do a lot of diaper changes and we use Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm afterwards, this has worked well for us along with using Bambo (for night use) and Earth’s Best (for day use) diapers.
I use these wipes to remove makeup, but have noticed that the ingredients list has changed and they now dry and irritate my skin.
They now contain grapefruit seed extract and soapberry extract.
Kristal: they make two kinds of wipes now: with soapberry extract and without. ~Irina
Great to know, thanks! While I don’t use these wipes, I do remember coming across them and considering them in my search for good disposable wipes (we use Jackson Reece unscented)!
Good choice! Thank you for letting me know!
I’ve just recently started to follow your blog. Would you be willing to make a list of say your top 10 or 20 brands you recommend. And include some more popular or easier to find ones as well? And rate them 1-10 or in an ordered list or better to worst? For diapers and wipes? I would just like to know what I should reach for next if my top pick isn’t available when I need it. Thanks.
Melissa
Great suggestion, Melissa! I will give some thought to it.
Hi my granddaughter had major surgery to hr bottom. She has extremely sensitive skin. She is rash prone and has gotten infection. I’m desperate to find a wipe that is ever so gentle but that will clean her bottom without having to wipe hard or irritate her in anyway. I feel there is no wipe lie this . Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you!
Hi, Jamie: Poor baby! For your baby, I recommend this. ~Irina