Is It Okay for Adults to Use Baby Wipes?

Using baby wipes instead of toilet paper may seem appealing, but are they actually any better as far as keeping your private parts clean? In other words, should anyone over the age of 2 be using baby wipes after going to the bathroom?

We spoke with Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, to find out whether it's a good idea for grown-ups to use baby wipes on their nether regions.

3 Ways That Baby Wipes Can Cause Problems

1. They Can Irritate Your Skin

While you might think baby wipes can leave your skin as squeaky clean and smooth as a newborn's bottom, they can actually cause severe skin irritation in some people.

Dr. Zeichner says the fragrances and preservatives used in wipes may be a source of skin allergies. These irritating ingredients can disrupt the delicate skin in the genital area and cause unpleasant (or painful) symptoms such as dryness, itching, redness, burning, stinging, and peeling of the skin.

2. They Can Worsen Dry Skin or Eczema

If you have a history of skin conditions like eczema, baby wipes can worsen the problem. In people with sensitive skin, the preservatives found in many brands of baby wipes may aggravate skin reactions, Zeichner says.

“I don't recommend using them at all in people who have baseline dry skin or conditions like eczema,” Zeichner says. “Even the fragrance-free wipes may lead to irritation.”

3. They Can Cause Vaginitis

Baby wipes can also bring on a bout of vaginitis (irritation/inflammation of the vagina or vulva).

Vaginitis occurs whenever there's a disturbance to your vaginal flora, according to Planned Parenthood. This imbalance can happen if you have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to a product like baby wipes.

And because the vagina is self-cleaning, attempting to wash inside of it may only create more irritation. That means if you choose to use baby wipes, only use them on your outside parts, not inside the genitals or anus, Zeichner says.

Furthermore, choose wipes that are unscented and free of alcohol, harsh chemicals, and additives‌ like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic dyes, which can strip away your skin's natural moisture and further irritate dry skin.

Finally, if you choose to use wipes, even if they’re labeled “flushable,” do not flush them down the toilet. According to Consumer Reports, flushing wipes down the toilet pollutes the waterways, is hazardous to wildlife, and creates a nightmare for plumbers. Instead, wrap used wipes in toilet paper and put them in a trash can.

Wiping Alternatives

You don't need to use baby wipes to keep your privates pristine. Try these simple, nonchemical, wipe-free alternatives to dry toilet paper:

• Toilet paper and water:‌ Unscented, undyed toilet paper is best, Zeichner says. Wet it with water and wipe the area gently.
• A bidet:‌ A little splash of water will do the trick. A bidet — a toilet fixture that sprays water — or a hand shower can sufficiently cleanse the area, Zeichner says.