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What's really in your baby's diapers and wipes: A caregiver's guide to nontoxic choices

The only things that get more skin-to-skin time with your baby than you do are their diapers and wipes. These products are your little one's most constant companions — always ready for whatever mess comes next. That's why you may be shocked to learn that there's almost no regulation as to what goes inside these essential products. This means the burden of vetting diapers and wipes and separating safer diapering options from marketing hype falls squarely on caregivers' shoulders. The good news is that there are plenty of diaper and wipe manufacturers dedicated to minimizing your child's exposure to potentially toxic ingredients. The bad news is you can't just assume the 'organic' or 'for sensitive skin' label slapped on your go-to baby supplies means anything. (Case in point, a 2023 study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that products with these seemingly safer labels don't necessarily have lower chemical levels.) To find the best nontoxic diapers and wipes for your little one, we consulted top environmental health and dermatology experts to help you cut through the confusion. Here's everything you need to know about your baby's closest companions — and how to choose the safest diapers and wipes that reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Table of contents Diapers and wipes: The regulation gap Babies are at a unique risk Diapers, wipes and skin sensitivities What's actually inside diapers and wipes? What to look for when buying nontoxic diapers and wipes Best nontoxic baby diapers to try Best nontoxic baby wipes to try Putting the risks in perspective FAQs Meet our experts Diapers and wipes: The regulation gap Baby diapers and wipes 'are surprisingly unregulated,' says Jilly Senk, a healthy living associate at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that tests consumer products for harmful chemicals. The regulatory maze works like this: Wipes 'fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which classifies them as cosmetics,' says Senk, so only color additives need approval. Diapers? They're not even on the FDA's radar. They fall to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which requires lead testing but doesn't demand ingredient disclosure, according to Sydney Swanson, a healthy living science analyst, also at the EWG. 'From a public health standpoint, we need a shift to a focus on prevention,' says Dr. Shalini Shah, a board-certified pediatrician and assistant director of the Boston Children's Hospital Pediatric Environmental Health Center. 'This means implementing stronger regulations that require comprehensive safety assessments before products like diapers and wipes are released into the market.' Babies are at a unique risk This no-one's-watching situation is especially problematic because, as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes, babies' skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin. 'This is compounded by the fact that their bodies are still developing, they have immature detoxification systems and their exposures are greater in amount relative to their body size compared to adults,' says Shah. Research confirms these aren't just hypothetical concerns. After analyzing 31 disposable diapers, scientists found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in every single product tested, including known carcinogens and solvents at levels that could irritate sensitive tissue. 'Babies sit in diapers all day and all night nonstop for years,' says Linda Kahn, PhD, assistant professor in the division of environmental pediatrics at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine. 'Their skin is thin, and anything they are exposed to on their skin will concentrate at a higher volume in them than in you or I, because they have a lot more skin and less body.' Plus, the diaper area stays warm and damp, which can make it easier for chemicals in diapers to seep into the skin. 'Even low-dose exposures from diapers and wipes, when used so frequently and over long periods, can become a cumulative risk,' Shah says. 'And because infancy is a critical developmental window, we should pay extra attention to minimizing unnecessary exposures during this time.' Substances like phthalates — known endocrine-disrupting compounds that interfere with the body's hormone system — are among the most scrutinized chemicals. Research shows that the majority of disposable diapers contain phthalates. The potential impact of these hormone disruptors becomes more significant in light of a little-known fact about infant development: According to Kahn, infants experience a 'mini puberty' during their first six months of life, when reproductive hormones surge to levels not seen again until actual puberty. 'This is a critical period that may shape reproductive tissue development and even neurodevelopment,' Kahn says. 'So chemical exposure during this window is especially concerning.' Diapers, wipes and skin sensitivities Some of the same ingredients that raise long-term health concerns — like preservatives, fragrances and 'soothing' botanical extracts — can also cause immediate skin irritation in babies. These exposures may lead to two types of diaper-area rashes: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. 'In my practice, I regularly see both,' says Dr. Erum Ilyas, a pediatric dermatologist and member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. 'Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and can happen from prolonged exposure to moisture cleansing agents in wipes that break down residue or from ingredients that weaken the skin barrier.' Allergic reactions, though less common, can be triggered by specific ingredients like fragrances, parabens, rubber chemicals, adhesives or plant-based extracts — even those found in so-called 'natural' products. 'With allergic contact dermatitis, the rash often outlines where the product touched the skin and doesn't respond to typical diaper rash treatments,' says Ilyas. These reactions to wipes often show up on caregivers' hands — a result of frequent use on both babies and household surfaces. 'Even ingredients added to soothe the skin can sometimes cause problems,' she says. 'Common culprits include lanolin, alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), propylene glycol and certain botanical extracts.' While these rashes are easy to spot, Shah cautions that lower-level chemical exposures, even without visible symptoms, can still matter. 'The frequency and duration of exposure make these products worth attention,' she says. One simple tool for reducing irritation and chemical exposure? A fragrance-free barrier cream. 'It creates a buffer between the skin and the diaper itself,' says Ilyas. What's actually inside diapers and wipes? When Kahn asked a graduate student to pulverize a bunch of diapers to find out what's inside, they discovered a 'whole bunch of chemicals you wouldn't expect,' she says. 'Some are concerning, and some we have no knowledge about because they haven't been studied yet.' Her findings reflect a broader issue: Diaper and wipe manufacturers aren't required to disclose all ingredients — so what's in them can be murky at best and concerning at worst. The most worrisome ingredients, according to Shah, include fragrances, dyes, alcohols, phthalates, parabens, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These can potentially cause skin irritation, endocrine disruption, respiratory issues and other health concerns. There's still a lot we don't know about how much — or how often — these chemicals leach out of diapers or wipes and into a baby's body. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be paying attention. 'I don't want to get parents unnecessarily concerned,' says Kahn. 'But we do need to figure that out.' It's important to note that the health effects listed below come from research on other products, not specifically diapers and wipes. Still, their presence in products used daily on infants' most sensitive skin warrants close scrutiny. Here are some of the potentially problematic ingredients the EWG and pediatric experts have identified: Phthalates are used to add fragrance and to make plastics more flexible — but they're also endocrine disruptors. (Phthalates are often a component of 'fragrance,' notes the AAP.) 'Fragrance' is an umbrella term, 'meaning it can hide up to 4,000 ingredients,' says Swanson. 'It can cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis and allergic reactions.' That's why the AAP urges caregivers to choose fragrance-free baby wipes. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that are released into the air, have been detected in multiple diaper brands and wipes, according to 2023 research published in Environmental Science and Technology. Research in other settings (not related to diapers and wipes) has found that 'short-term exposure can cause headaches and eye/nose/throat irritation, while long-term exposure to certain VOCs has been linked to liver, kidney and nervous system damage,' says Swanson. Bleaching agents are commonly used to whiten diapers; some contain chlorine derivatives, which can cause skin and respiratory irritation. There are methods of whitening diapers that do not use any chlorine, which is one of the things parents can look for when selecting baby products. Wetness indicators let caregivers know when a diaper is ready to be changed and can be made using substances called quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) and halogenated organic compounds. 'Quats are associated with respiratory issues, skin irritation and reproductive concerns,' says Swanson. Dyes and inks used for branding and patterns may be linked to allergic reactions. Pesticides can be found in natural fibers like cotton and 'may retain pesticide residue,' says Swanson. Until there is better oversight of what goes into diapers, EWG and other organizations offer certifications for products that are transparent about their ingredients, making it possible to identify and choose less toxic alternatives. What to look for when buying nontoxic diapers and wipes Your baby's delicate skin deserves the gentlest care possible. Here's how to choose safer diapers and wipes that protect your little one from potentially harmful chemicals while keeping them comfortable and dry. Choose "fragrance-free" products, but don't confuse that with 'unscented.' 'Unscented' is a term used to describe products that may still contain chemicals intended to neutralize or mask odors. Look for 99% water in baby wipes for the gentlest cleansing. Know that terms like 'gentle' or 'eco-friendly' aren't regulated — so they 'can be slapped on products that still contain questionable chemicals,' Senk says. 'It's always better to look at the actual ingredient list and certifications.' Choose undyed, plain or minimally designed diapers because fewer dyes and prints mean fewer chemicals against your baby's skin. Prioritize brands with full ingredient disclosure — manufacturers aren't required to list the ingredients on baby wipe packaging, so go for ones that choose to share. The exception? New York's Diaper Disclosure Act requires all diaper manufacturers to clearly list ingredients on packaging for any diapers sold in the state starting December 2025, with fines up to $1,000 per package for noncompliance. Look for third-party certifications like EWG Verified and Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which ensure products meet strict safety standards. Learn chemical 'code words' to avoid potentially harmful chemicals 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide in your baby wipes. While you won't find those chemical names on the label, terms like PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, -eth and -oxynol indicate they may be present. Choose compostable or biodegradable options when possible; these plastic-free products are better for the environment. The best nontoxic baby diapers to try We searched for products that deliver on the promise of low toxicity while still providing the high absorbency caregivers need across a range of price points. Yes, some of these options cost more than the diapers you'll find at every grocery store, but many brands offer subscription models that can bring the price per diaper down significantly. Our picks run the gamut from budget-friendly options with cleaner ingredient lists to premium brands that have earned rigorous third-party certifications. At the top of that certification ladder: EWG Verified, the gold standard for ingredient transparency and safety. EWG applies the strictest standards of third-party verification, so earning this certification means these diapers avoid ingredients on EWG's unacceptable list while maintaining full transparency about what goes into each product. Still, not every great diaper has an EWG label. Some brands may meet safety standards but haven't pursued formal certification — so ingredient disclosure and basic safety criteria (like no added fragrance or chlorine bleaching) are still key when determining which products to choose. According to Ilyas, reducing diaper-related irritation starts with avoiding unnecessary additives. 'Fragrance, dyes and certain preservatives are common culprits,' she says — and the products on our list avoid exactly those. Best nontoxic baby wipes to try When it comes to baby wipes, the ingredient list matters just as much as it does for diapers. There are actually more EWG Verified wipe options than there are diapers, giving parents plenty of safe choices. Every wipe we recommend below has earned this rigorous certification, which means full ingredient transparency and freedom from EWG's chemicals of concern. Putting the risks in perspective Shah emphasizes that parents shouldn't panic but should be informed: "Medical considerations are almost always about balancing risk versus benefits. The reality is that there are many benefits to using [diapers and wipes] — hygiene and infection prevention — but this must be balanced with reducing unnecessary chemical exposures for vulnerable infants and children where we can." Her advice? Focus on what's within your control — like choosing fragrance-free products, avoiding known irritants and being mindful about how often and how long diapers stay on your baby. Small choices can make a meaningful difference when chemical exposures are frequent and close to the skin. FAQs Will nontoxic diapers prevent diaper rash? Not necessarily. Babies in even the healthiest and most eco-friendly diapers can experience diaper rash if they're not changed frequently, their diaper is too tight or if their diaper doesn't effectively absorb urine. To further protect your baby, the AAP suggests using baby wipes that are alcohol- and fragrance-free — and regularly applying a thick layer of fragrance-free diaper cream (zinc oxide- or petrolatum-based). According to Ilyas, diaper creams can also reduce direct contact between the skin and irritating diaper components, which may help minimize both rash and chemical exposure. Can I flush nontoxic baby wipes? We know it's tempting, but please don't flush your baby wipes! According to the AAP, there are only a handful of baby wipes that won't wreak havoc on your plumbing. In fact, a 2023 report found that "most flushed biodegradable wet wipes do not really degrade." When possible, choose nontoxic baby wipes made with organic cotton or other plant-derived fibers, like viscose or Tencel, which are biodegradable. Just be sure to dispose of them in the trash — not the toilet. What specific ingredients should I avoid in diapers and wipes? "Quaternium" followed by a number Ingredients ending in -onium chloride PEG or polysorbate followed by a number, like PEG-40 Ingredients ending in "-eth" or "oxynol" For diapers, also watch for: Fragrances Wetness indicators (may include quats or halogenated compounds) Chlorine bleaching agents Latex (a common allergen) Dyes and colorants Are cloth diapers less toxic than disposable diapers? Organic cloth diapers can help reduce your baby's exposure to certain chemicals often found in disposables — and they're generally better for the environment, since they create less plastic waste, according to the EWG. That said, they're not perfect. As Ilyas points out: 'Residues from laundry detergents, soaps and incomplete rinsing can also cause irritation or rash.' How you wash and care for cloth diapers matters just as much as the materials themselves. If you choose cloth, use fragrance-free, baby-safe detergents and follow thorough washing routines to prevent buildup. Meet our experts Jilly Senk, a healthy living associate at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that evaluates consumer products for chemical safety Linda Kahn, PhD, assistant professor in the division of environmental pediatrics at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine Sydney Swanson, a healthy living science analyst at the EWG Shalini Shah, DO, board-certified pediatrician, environmental medicine physician and assistant director for the Boston Children's Hospital Pediatric Environmental Health Center Erum Ilyas, MD, board-certified dermatologist and member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.