Can phthalates in baby wet wipes get absorbed through your infant's skin?

What's actually in it

Baby wet wipes contain water, cleansing agents, preservatives, and fragrance. The wipe material itself is usually a nonwoven fabric made from polyester or polypropylene. The chemicals used to make these wipes feel soft and stay moist can include phthalates, which are used as solvents and fragrance carriers.

What the research says

A 2026 study in J Environ Sci Health A tested commercial baby wet wipes using sensitive lab methods and found phthalate compounds in multiple brands. The study used LC-MS/MS and LC-QTOF/MS techniques to identify specific phthalates present.

Baby skin is thinner than adult skin and absorbs chemicals more easily. Wet wipes are used on the diaper area, which is warm and moist, conditions that increase absorption. Parents use thousands of wipes in a baby's first years, making the cumulative exposure add up fast.

Choose wipes labeled "fragrance-free" and "phthalate-free". Water-based wipes with minimal ingredients are the safest option. For diaper changes at home, plain water with a soft cloth works just as well.