Ever checked the ingredients on your baby wipes? Yeah, I hadn’t either. The Cosmetics Database gives you a complete list and a hazard rating of the different brands of wipes. For instance:
Pampers Clean and Go Wipes Contain
Water, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic Triglyceride, PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Sodium Hydroxymethlyglycinate, Citric Acid, Fragrance
Clean and Go Wipes are given a 5 for hazard (out of 10) and warnings include possible allergies, immunotoxicity and organ system toxicity. No thanks!
Huggies Cucumber and Green Tea Wipes
Ingredients: Water, Potassium Laureth Phosphate, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, DMDM Hydantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Malic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Fragrance
These wipes have a hazard rating of 7 and ingredients have been linked to cancer, immunotoxicity, allergies, developmental problems, reproductive toxicity, organ dysfunction, endocrine disruption and cellular changes.
I used these wipes for years, figuring that if they were made for a newborn’s skin, they must be safe. Apparently not!
Are There Safe Alternatives?
My discovery of what was in baby wipes led to a search for healthier alternatives. I found out that there are natural alternatives, including wipes made from bamboo, but they are expensive! I stumbled on some recipes for homemade baby wipes, but they suggested using baby oil (mineral oil) and baby lotion- check those out on Cosmetics Database too.
I figured that if you could make your own with those ingredients, you could make a healthy version too! If the very idea of DIY makes you want to stop reading, there are some better brands of baby wipes out there like this one.
Homemade Baby Wipes Recipe
After much trial and error (mainly error), I finally have a great recipe for baby wipes that after using it on two kids for several weeks, has shown no irritation. A side benefit to my wipe making experiment is that homemade wipes are a lot cheaper. When I buy ingredients in bulk, the wipes end up costing less than one cent each, saving us almost $200 a year with two in diapers. Healthier and cheaper- I’ll take it!
Homemade Baby Wipe Ingredients
- 1 roll of heavy duty paper towels (Note: I use Bounty for wipes. I don’t use them in my kitchen, but cheap paper towels do not work for wipes… I’ve tried)
- Rubbermaid #6 or #8 container- (Old wipes containers, plastic shoe box containers, old plastic coffee containers or empty gallon plastic ice cream buckets also work. )
- 1 3/4 cups boiled water (or distilled)-cooled but still warm – (can just use regular water if you use them in less than a week like we do)
- 1 Tablespoon of pure aloe vera– check the ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon of pure Witch Hazel Extract
- 1 teaspoon of Liquid castile Soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s)
- 10 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract or 2 capsules of Vitamin E (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of Olive or Almond Oil (optional)
- Essential Oils of choice (optional- I use 6 drops each of orange and lavender)
How to Make Homemade Natural Baby Wipes
- Cut the roll of paper towels in half using a sharp knife
- If using a plastic shoe box or old wipe container, accordion fold the wipes into the container. If using a Rubbermaid #6 container (I highly recommend), place the wipes, cut side down in container.
- In bowl or quart size jar mix the water, aloe, witch hazel, castile soap, GSE/Vitamin E and oil and stir.
- Add essential oils if desired and stir.
- Pour over paper towels in container and let absorb- this takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Flip the container over to make sure wipes are well soaked.
- If using Rubbermaid container, pull the cardboard roll out from the inside This should also pull the innermost wipe out and start them for you. Depending on the brand of paper towels you use, you might have to experiment with the amount of water to get the right amount.
- Use as you would regular wipes, and smile, knowing you are not causing your beautiful child any future health problems!
- Note: If your child has extremely sensitive skin, you may need to leave out the essential oils or use calendula or chamomile.
Reusable Homemade Wipes
If you like the disposable wipes you make, you can make reusable ones also. Just cut up old receiving blankets and t-shirts into 8×8 squares. fold them into old wipes containers and pour the same mixture (above) onto them or spray on each wipe with a spray bottle before using. These are an even cheaper option, and I am working on using these all the time.
This has been one of my most fun homemade discoveries. These wipes are definitely kid approved. Every time I change the baby, the older two hover around the wipes to smell them, and usually try to steal one, which they use to clean things. (Guess I’ve instilled this a little too well). We inadvertently discovered that these wipes also clean tile, counters, leather, and flooring well, but they leave residue on stainless steel.
I now make a lavender or tea tree version to use for all purpose disinfecting when we’re traveling and reusable make up removing wipes for me (stay tuned for that recipe).
Please try making your own wipes. It really takes very little time and is a great alternative to store bought wipes.
Willing to try it? Maybe you already make your own… please tell me about it below!
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
After my wipes warmer stopped working, I started just wetting my reusable wipes with warm water from the sink. I keep a small bottle of coconut oil next to the cloth diaper/cloth wipes stash. After I wet the wipes I pour a few drops of coconut oil on them. It works wonders! I helps remove the poo, soothes and moisturizes irritated skin, and I think it’s the antibacterial properties that seem to even prevent diaper rash! Water and coconut oil…who knew? HAHA! For those who are worried, I don’t have any build up issues on my diapers…never have stripped them and I am very careful not to do anything that will cause me to need to.
Could I use a silicone ziplock for my disposal wipes? I don’t have anything plastic to carry them in.
Thank you for this “recipe”! Trying it out!
So, I have been making this since my son was born 5 months ago. It works great! Only problem is that the aloe vers gel doesn’t mix in and therefore feels gooey-slimy and settles on the top of the wipes; not a pleasant sensation because it feels like you are getting poo on your hands while changing a diaper! I’ve tried using very hot water and even using the blender to emulsify… no difference. Any recommendations?
I made these the other day and I just love love love them! Althought not a baby anymore, after-toilet wipes are still necessary for younger children, and my daughter thinks these are great! I have used them to clean my face as well and it leave you feeling so refreshed! I bought all the ingredients at Whole Foods. Be prepared to spend a bit, but this will make many many wipes! Thank you so much for the recipe!
I made this recipe but the oil sets on the top and when I made my cloth wipes the soap made them feel exceptionally sticky. I am wondering if I did something wrong. I am also concerned with washing them with my FuzziBunz diapers because of all the soap on the wipes.
You can actually leave out the oil with cloth wipes. I’ve used this without the oil on cloth wipes and never had a problem (though I have mostly bum Genius) but you can reduce the soap and up the witch hazel a little. Most of it will evaporate off before it is washed.
Hi Katie!
I remember researching this tip long ago & unfortunately gave up when I couldn’t find discriptions of Rubbermaid #6 or #8 storage containers online.
I am disabled and do most of my shopping online. I really want to follow through with making the homemade baby wipes since our new baby granddaughter is 2 months & has such sensitive skin.
I enjoy your newsletter and tips every week! Thank you for all you do.
JacksNana
(And now)
Jamie’s Nana? too
Hi Kelly! You can also use a wide-mouth glass jar as well to avoid plastic completely. (You may have to use some of the paper towel to get it to fit.) The numbers are the types of plastic that are usually in tiny font on the bottom. Some call them to recycle reference numbers. Hope that helps!
Great idea!
I have saved and washed all the wipes from the packs. I just use these with vinegar and water.
If I have time, maybe I’ll remember to try yours out. 🙂
Very cool! I really want to try to make these. 🙂
Is the recipe for 1 half of the paper towel roll or both halfs of the cut roll? Thanks!
For 1/2 of the roll.
Is there a different idea that doesn’t use Castile soap? It is derived from coconut and my daughter is allergic.
Thanks very much for your time and effort and for sharing this…Every time I wipe my grandson’s face with a commercial baby wipe, I’m uncomfortably aware of their ingredients, few of which even sound safe. I just made some using your recipe. Again, thanks.
you are very welcome! I use them on my face too, especially to remove
make up!
Thanks! I am looking forward to trying this out asap as I am on my last container of wipes! I have been using the costco kirkland brand and will be making my own now after finding out two of the ingredients are formaldehyde releasing agents!!! Very disappointing as they boast to be natural! I have a large collection of essential oils as well and am looking forward to playing with this recipe!!! Thanks so very much!!!
Katie, this recipe is AWESOME!!! I’ve got a 1 month old with a terribly sensitive bottom. There isn’t a type of store bought wipe that doesn’t make him have raw skin. After searching the internet I came upon a few recipes. All but yours included baby soap, and I just didn’t like that, so I decided to give your’s a try. They not only smell wonderful but thus far have caused ZERO issues with his bottom and work way better than just ater and papertowels alone. THANKS!!!!
So glad its working well for you! Thanks for the comment!
Katie, could you please give a break down on what ingredients do. I just found this recipe but it’s much different all the other recipes online that I’ve found. How did you come these ingredients and how long does the roll last without going moldy? I know this post is a little old but I hope you can answer my questions. Thanks 🙂
We go through wipes pretty fast, but I’ve had them in the diaper bag
for several months without them going moldy. The ingredient breakdown
is:
Aloe vera is naturally moisturizing and also naturally antibacterial
and anti-odor.
Witch Hazel is antibacterial and soothing, and it preserves the wipes
longer (in place of alcohol in conventional wipes)
Liquid Castille Soap- is the actual cleaning part- its a natural soap
that cleans without drying or irritating and has no chemicals
Grapefruit Seed Extract- helps preserve the wipes longer and prevents
yeast growth on skin
Oil- helps moisturize baby’s skin and increases scent of the
essential oils
Essential oils- mainly for smell, though lavender, lemon and orange
all have anitbacterial and antiviral properties that make them good
for cleaning.
I decided on these ingredients after a lot of trial and error, and
I’ve been using this particular formula for almost a year now and
have had no problems with it. I’ve also noticed that in a pinch, you
don’t need the oil and grapefruit seed extract, they just help it
last longer.
Hope that helps!
Great! This helps me immensely 🙂
I am excited to try making my own wipes! Do you have recommendations on where to purchase the ingredients in bulk?
I’ve order witch hazel and aloe from Mountain Rose Herbs and order
Dr. Bronner’s online also.
Katie, thank you for this recipe. I was hesitant to make it because the two previous times I’ve used Dr. Bronner’s Hemp Unscented Baby-Mild Pure-Castile Soap, it totally dried out my skin. Just a few months ago I washed my little one with it & my hands cracked and bled right after. With reservation I made the wipes hoping maybe with the other ingredients it’d be fine. I made 4 containers today & used them for changing diapers Just twice. My hands look & feel bad & very dry. It seems to be common for a lot of the homemade soaps too…what else can I use? Thank you for your website, I tell everyone about it! The information is invaluable.God Bless You & Your Family!
For Heather….
Sounds like you need to use glycerin soaps for your sensitive skin. Castille soaps always dries out my skin too but it loves glycerin soap.
Hello,
Do you purchase this witch hazel with some alcohol? https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/witch-hazel-extract/profile
I have used that one before too 🙂 but most recently am using this one https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=40c2480e1e099ab536ae38f092270d81&language=en_US
How do you keep them from drying out?
This is why the recipe calls for adding oil – oil cuts down on Castile soap’s stripping quality.
Its only 1 tsp of the Castile soap.. I used Fractured Coconut oil.. and the Vit E will also add oil to the recipe.. it should be fine being diluted with water and all the essential oils etc.
Hello! Thank you for your recipes! I was just wondering if fresh home grown aloe vera will work just as well for the baby wipes recipe. Thank you!
I was wondering the same, and found: The good news is, aloe vera is a safe, natural remedy to relieve baby’s painful rash. … Applying cool aloe vera gel can provide quick relief for your baby’s irritated skin. You should use it a few times a day when changing diapers. It will be both healing and soothing to your newborn. (aloecure.com Mar 20, 2018)
I’ve made these twice now. I love them, but they’re extremely soapy. The first batch I followed to a T & the 2nd I reduced the water & soap, but still extremely soapy. Have to wipe w/ a wet washcloth after. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance, Taylor
You can reduce the soap by a lot and only add a few drops if you’d like.
Thank you. Are these ok to use as face wipes?
Where can I find these ingredients in the large jugs?
Thanks;)
https://wellnessmama.com/go/mountain-rose-herbs/ 🙂
I bought the ingredients for this recipe and just noticed I bought aloe Vera juice instead of gel–I threw away the recipt. Is it bad if I use the 100%aloe Vera juice instead of gel?
That should be fine!
Hi thank you for this. I have just returned some recalled baby wipes to a Sam’s Club store. After, I needed to buy wipes after I returned these wipes when I found out the wipes had a ‘pneumonia causing bacteria’ found in them back at home in this article.
How this all began with me is I had gone to buy diapers at Sam’s Club and the diapers were all gone. I asked a manager if they were done selling their brand of diapers and he said no. He replied the reason the diapers were recalled was because the wipes had been recalled and the company gave samples of wipes in the diaper’s to try them. They seem to be good diapers (I use to use Huggies) and the wipes seemed to be good also. I had no idea…
Anyways, my grand daughter kept complaining of irritation or “ouchy” when I changed her diaper. I looked but saw nothing red or irritated. Then she was coughing and gagging like she had something in the back of her throat hitting the gag reflex section of her throat. Her mom took her to the doctor and nothing was found. There is a cough and you can hear the fluid in her chest but nothing the doctor thought serious. I also have a cough with a very minor sore throat which has me taking Goldenseal root herb to help take away the infection that may be coming on. It works for me and usually keeps any bug from making me sick.
In the end I came home and a friend on FB shared this recipe with me when I had told the story of what happened and I wanted to thank you for your sharing of this.
I also was wondering where you would buy the grapefruit seed extract? I have tried to find a liquid not in a gel capsule but haven’t found it. I did find grapefruit essential oils. Is this what you were saying we should use?? Thanks
You can find GSE on vitacost.com for a great price.
I love this recipe I have been making them for months just for bathroom use and everyone that tries them out loves them. I’m due with my first today and plan on using them on baby too. Thank you for the great ideas. My Christmas list was as follows: arrowroot powder, shea butter, coconut butter, more vit E oil, more aloe, beeswax, and essential oils….
I wanted to leave an updated comment because we love these wipes so much. My husband will let me know if we are running short on wipes because these are the BEST! We have tried about 10 different brands and these wipes are number 1 hands down. They are smooth and clean extremely well. You can clean up a huge mess with just one wipe if you fold them correctly but they would so much better than store bought. I have kept them in the roll for round containers. I have also unrolled and folded to fit in a normal wipe container. I will NEVER use store bought again. I have the recipe memeorized and make them for our bathroom and Baby. I place in a ziplock bag for the diaper bag. TIP!!! When you are cutting your papertowel roll use a fish fillet knife. It will give you a nice smooth cut very easily.
Just a heads up Katie that although no issues have come forward within a year that both lavender and tee tree oil are estrogenics and there are studies by Dr. Williams linking them to hormonal issues in both boys and girls when used topically. In some studies baby boys have even been growing actual breast tissues by age 2 with prolonged exposure.
I wouldn’t suggesr using those 2 ingredients, I won’t use them on my boy and I know health is very important to you and you wouldn’t want to mislead your readers!
That claim is completey unfounded tara & the ‘studies’ you refer to are very misleading, containing too many variables & not enough peers.
Unfounded or not – the use of Lavender in soaps/lotions, etc. caused hormone issues in one of my friends children. He was having issues (breasts enlarged, etc.) that were found to be directly related to the lavender. After removing all lavender from any products touching her sons skin, the issues stopped and now, a couple years later, all is still well.
I would not want readers to think that these studies are completely false as I have at least one example when lavender was proven to be the direct cause of the hormone issues. It DOES in fact, cause hormone issues in some cases – I’ve seen it happen.
Hello! I am looking into making these wipes but I had a question first. If I leave out the essential oils I wouldn’t need to replace with anything else, correct? I was just afraid of my son’s skin not agreeing with the oils. Thanks!
I’d like to thank you for sharing all of your diy all natural ideas! I’m interested in making the baby wipes but was wondering, since I have a lot of store bought Baby wipes on hand, if it would help to maybe rinse them out (would that be effective enough in washing out the harmful chemicals??) and then adding your recipe to them…your help is much appreciated!
I think that rinsing disposable wipes might cause them to deteriorate to the point where they cannot be used, but you could certainly test it. It’s unlikely that you will remove *all* the chemicals, but you might get a bunch out.
It does seem that that would be more trouble than starting fresh. 🙂 Sorry about the wasted wipes, though. (Sometimes it’s useful to have a few that pack more easily…I had to break down and buy diapers and wipes on an almost-week-long trip. So maybe leftover conventional wipes could be used for that?)
What are the brands you have in the picture for the witch hazel, allow be hell and the castle soap? I would like to be able to purchase in bulk like you have pictured
Thank you for sharing. I am determined to try it. Question tho.. the witch hazel link you send us to, is not pure. Its mixed with aloe. Is that still okay to use?
Katie I’m excited to try your recipe! Just wondering if these wipes could be made without the soap? I use water wipes and it’s just grape seed extract and water. I worry about the soap staying on the skin and drying it out? Let me know your thoughts! I am excited to save some money and keep my babies little bottoms safe!:) I love your blog so much and value your opinion! Please let me know asap!:)
You can omit the soap 🙂
Would grapefruit seed oil work in place if extract ? I can’t find it anywhere. I do love these wipes. Even my husband does and he wasn’t excited at first !!!
Could you use coconut oil instead of aloe?
I made these on cloth wipes without the witch hazel (bc I didn’t have it) and they began to smell like mildew within a few days. I’m going to try with witch hazel – think that will make the difference?
Hello Katie
Can you please let me know any other brands from which i can buy the Witch hazel extract and the Aloe vera gel
I’d check a local store or corner store like walgreens…
I was wondering if the amount of essential oils you use deteriorate the plastic container? I know that essential oils do deteriorate plastic, tin, etc.
I’ve never had a problem with this. Since it’s such a small amount of essential oil diluted in a large amount of liquid, it shouldn’t have too much of an effect.
Well, I don’t have a recipe to share and I am sure my wipes don’t smell that yummy, but I use cloths diapers and wipes and so I just use water on my wipes (cheap baby washcloths) in an old wipes container. I should try this recipe though because I do miss the smell of disposable wipes! Thanks for sharing!
I found them to be a little too soapy so I decreased the soap to 1 tablespoon.
The original recipe calls for one Tablespoon as well, Sheila. Did you mean that you reduced it to one teaspoon?
I was wondering if you can use foaming hand soap and baby lotion
Its only 1 tsp of Castile soap.. Not a Tbsp.. this soap is very concentrated.. I used the Lavender.. its smells heavenly. I loved this Recipe.. I went to Walmart and got two containers.. and this recipe is Awesome.. I am using them for myself as I am having lots of issues with my Hemorrhoids and I need some healing. I used many essential oils for healing. I love how these turned out.. and its so much cheaper and better for the body.
I agree – I cut up a bed sheet into wipe sized squares and just soak them in water or chamomile tea and a bit of olive oil. Easy! The latter fixes nappy rash.
Thank You! Yes, I have read the ingredients on wipes and despaired of every finding anything. Wish I had seen this when I was still being treated for colo/rectal cancer. I can still use this idea though as some days, I still need wipes. Here’s hoping for a no burn wipe.
Awesome recipe. My only concern paper towels they probably have some bad ingredients too.
This was my concern too because I know they bleach to make the paper towels white