Fragrance free wet wipes: what to choose and how to use them

Does fragrance free mean the same as unscented?

Unscented usually means no noticeable smell and can include masking fragrance. Fragrance free should mean no added fragrance ingredients, although other ingredients can still have a smell. The FDA does not have regulations specifically governing these terms, but cosmetic labels must be truthful. Read the ingredients rather than relying on scent alone.1

Can fragrance free wipes still cause a reaction?

Yes. Fragrance is not the only ingredient that can cause contact dermatitis, a skin reaction after contact with an irritant or allergen. Methylisothiazolinone, often shortened to MI, is a preservative used in some moist wipes and other personal care products. MI can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Reactions can affect the hands, face, eyelids, diaper area, or skin around the anus and vulva. A fragrance free claim is therefore not enough when you already know you have a preservative allergy.4

If MI or methylchloroisothiazolinone and MI allergy has been confirmed, avoid cosmetics containing those preservatives. Related preservatives in the isothiazolinone group can cross react. Read each product's ingredients: similar packaging and products from the same brand can contain different preservatives. Avoid unlabelled products, and ask a pharmacist or dermatologist for a suitable alternative if the ingredients are unclear. Other preservatives can also cause contact allergy, so avoiding MI alone is not a complete answer to every reaction.4

A dermatologist can investigate suspected MI allergy using your history and patch testing. A positive result can reflect an earlier exposure rather than the cause of the current rash. Do not start a home test with cleansing wipes to diagnose yourself: cleansers can irritate tender test areas, and product self testing should first be discussed with a dermatologist.4

What fragrance free wet wipes can adults use?

Choose wipes labelled for the job: hand cleansing, makeup removal, or body cleansing when bathing is impractical. Body cleansing wipes offer convenience without requiring a bathroom to fit inside the packet. Household surface wipes are a different category; do not substitute them for personal cleansing wipes.1

What fragrance free wipes can babies use?

Mustela Home Compostable Fragrance Free Wipes are marketed for cleaning the face, hands and diaper area from birth. Mustela describes six ingredients, plant based fibers and a resealable pack of 60 wipes. However, Mustela also includes a conflicting description of a baby safe fragrance. Confirm the fragrance status on the current pack before choosing these specifically to avoid fragrance.5

For a baby or child with eczema, avoid baby wipes even when they are fragrance free. Wipe ingredients and rubbing can trigger eczema. Use a clean, soft cotton cloth with warm water instead. Fragrance avoidance removes one possible trigger, but it does not remove the friction involved in wiping or every ingredient that could bother eczema prone skin.2

When choosing other cleansing products for a child with eczema, select fragrance free rather than unscented products and use a mild cleanser. A child's dermatologist can suggest suitable products; the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance is another selection aid. If preservatives seem to trigger reactions, ask the dermatologist about allergy testing rather than repeatedly switching between similar packets.2

Premature babies need a separate approach because their skin barrier is less developed and more vulnerable to injury and absorption of substances. Premature infant wipe guidance calls for avoiding perfume and preservatives, particularly MI, and avoiding alcohol other than mild benzyl alcohol. Dry wipes moistened with sterile water are an alternative, although they lack the acidifying benefits of some commercial wipes.6

For a baby receiving neonatal care, follow the neonatal team's cleansing plan rather than treating a general baby wipe claim as sufficient. Skin should be checked regularly, including at diaper changes. Frequent diaper changes, gentle cleansing and barrier care help manage diaper irritation. Premature skin can look more mature before its barrier has fully matured, so appearance alone is not a reason to change the care plan.6

What fragrance free wipes can women use?

For hands, makeup removal and ordinary body cleansing, choose wipes by their intended use. For intimate cleansing, distinguish the vulva, the visible external genital area, from the vagina, the internal canal. The vagina cleans itself. Prepackaged wipes, harsh chemicals and douching can disrupt that process, so fragrance free does not make a wipe suitable for use inside the vagina.3

Use water for genital cleansing; a gentle soap is an option for external genital skin if needed. Products marketed to make the area smell or feel cleaner generally lack scientific backing and can cause problems. Sensitive skin can also react to soaps, shampoos, laundry products and lubricants, so replacing a scented intimate wipe is not always the only change needed.3

Seek medical care for vaginal redness or itching, a change in discharge color, odor or amount, pain during intercourse, or unusual bleeding. Do not try to cover a new odor or discharge change with repeated wiping. Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause also warrants assessment rather than a cleansing product.3

How to use and store wet wipes

1. 1Read the directions and ingredients, especially if you have allergies.
2. 2Use only on intact skin and for the labelled purpose. Rinse if directed.
3. 3Let the skin dry thoroughly.
4. 4Discard the used wipe immediately as directed, and tightly close the pack.

Avoid storage in a hot or cold car: temperature extremes can dry wipes out or affect their preservatives. Stop using wipes and contact a healthcare provider right away if contact causes rash, redness, irritation or burning.1

For Mustela's compostable wipes, gently clean the intended area and reseal the package. Do not flush them. Home composting requires suitable conditions and a proper composter. Wipes used on fecal matter or heavily soiled wipes belong in household trash, as do these wipes when you have no home composter. The home compost certification does not apply after use as a diaper wipe.5