Disposable Wipes

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-273DTKB5QW"></script> <meta name="description" content="Disposable wipes are made for baby care, hand washing, feminine and other personal cleansing, removing makeup, and applying products such as deodorants and sunless tanners, among other uses. Many wipes, but not all, are regulated as cosmetics." /> <meta name="dcterms.title" content="Disposable Wipes" /> <meta name="dcterms.creator" content="Office of the Commissioner" /> <meta name="dcterms.description" content="Disposable wipes are made for baby care, hand washing, feminine and other personal cleansing, removing makeup, and applying products such as deodorants and sunless tanners, among other uses. Many wipes, but not all, are regulated as cosmetics." /> <meta name="dcterms.publisher" content="FDA" /> <meta name="dcterms.type" content="Article" /> <meta name="dcterms.source" content="FDA" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="U.S. Food and Drug Administration" /> <meta property="og:type" content="Article" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/disposable-wipes" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Disposable Wipes" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Disposable wipes are made for baby care, hand washing, feminine and other personal cleansing, removing makeup, and applying products such as deodorants and sunl" /> <meta property="og:updated_time" content="Tue, 10/15/2024 - 12:00" /> <meta property="article:publisher" content="FDA" /> <meta property="article:published_time" content="Mon, 10/28/2024 - 11:17" /> <meta property="article:modified_time" content="Tue, 10/15/2024 - 12:00" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="tWxlDhm4ANdksJZPj7TBmHgNoMqZCnecPp0Aa2vC9XA" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@US_FDA" /> <meta property="twitter:description" content="Disposable wipes are made for baby care, hand washing, feminine and other personal cleansing, removing makeup, and applying products such as deodorants and sunl" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Disposable Wipes" /> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@US_FDA" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Article", "headline": "Disposable Wipes", "name": "Disposable Wipes", "description": "Disposable wipes are made for baby care, hand washing, feminine and other personal cleansing, removing makeup, and applying products such as deodorants and sunless tanners, among other uses. Many wipes, but not all, are regulated as cosmetics.", "datePublished": "Mon, 10/28/2024 - 11:17", "dateModified": "Tue, 10/15/2024 - 12:00", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Office of the Commissioner" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "FDA" } } ] }</script> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.fda.gov/themes/custom/preview/img/FDA-Social-Graphic.png" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.fda.gov/themes/custom/preview/img/FDA-Social-Graphic.png" /> <link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/preview/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/disposable-wipes" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/disposable-wipes" /> <link rel="shortlink" href="https://www.fda.gov/node/367276" /> <script src="/files/google_tag/production/google_tag.script.js?spd7cd" defer></script> <title>Disposable Wipes | FDA</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/files/css/css_1reGTN8IJomDe9NNXuGLDghsOFcqPHURMZ3XKurXneU.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=preview&include=eJxlj1GOwjAMRC8UyP6sxG0i1zEhIslEsRdUTg8FUSr2xxqPpZlnPkvMhhFyi9JsKuCz32h3RDO6iqKK3-i9S0AqEqhRmS2z-m_D6awm1U-k4vqQS5arTwUTlZ3aXHJL_2weuZu6CTC1Qd13dFxkuGOkwG9WaSdqLPUBqZ6YMWJGC4a0AOgJwxhR3BKt_jn3FfGvyCsHtZe8JLxu4ffnsDEfL8MaTNSvagXlQbdZ0oc8Un92vfe1fbeC3QF5KozJ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/files/css/css_xLeUZALg1CD0YmiSIzZnqkwKfNF_g3TkAjkxBt_uccA.css?delta=1&language=en&theme=preview&include=eJxlj1GOwjAMRC8UyP6sxG0i1zEhIslEsRdUTg8FUSr2xxqPpZlnPkvMhhFyi9JsKuCz32h3RDO6iqKK3-i9S0AqEqhRmS2z-m_D6awm1U-k4vqQS5arTwUTlZ3aXHJL_2weuZu6CTC1Qd13dFxkuGOkwG9WaSdqLPUBqZ6YMWJGC4a0AOgJwxhR3BKt_jn3FfGvyCsHtZe8JLxu4ffnsDEfL8MaTNSvagXlQbdZ0oc8Un92vfe1fbeC3QF5KozJ" /> <script src="https://script.crazyegg.com/pages/scripts/0024/3700.js" async></script> <script src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=HHS&subagency=FDA&sdor=fda.gov&dclink=true" language="javascript" id="_fed_an_ua_tag"></script> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments)};gtag("js", new Date());gtag("set", "developer_id.dMDhkMT", true);gtag("config", "G-273DTKB5QW", {"groups":"default","page_placeholder":"PLACEHOLDER_page_location","allow_ad_personalization_signals":false});</script> </head> <body class="role-anonymous path-node page-node-type-article has-glyphicons"> <div id="quicklinks" class="sr-only"> <ul> <li><a href="#main-content" class="sr-only sr-only-focusable" tabindex="1">Skip to main content</a></li> <li><a href="#search-form" class="sr-only sr-only-focusable" tabindex="1">Skip to FDA Search</a></li> <li><a href="#section-nav" class="sr-only sr-only-focusable" tabindex="1">Skip to in this section menu</a></li> <li><a href="#footer-heading" class="sr-only sr-only-focusable" tabindex="1">Skip to footer links</a></li> </ul> </div> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-M95XGZW" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <div class="main-container container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <header class="lcds-header container-fluid" role="heading" aria-level="1"> <div class="row us-masthead"> <div class="usa-banner col-xs-12"> <img class="usa-banner__us-flag" src="/themes/custom/preview/assets/images/US_Flag.png" alt="U.S. flag" /> <span>An official website of the United States government</span> <a id="USMenuButton" class="collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#USABannerMenu" aria-controls="USABannerMenu">Here’s how you know <span class="toggle-indicator"> </span></a> <div class="col-xs-12 collapse usa-banner__menu" id="USABannerMenu" aria-labelledby="USMenuButton"> <div id="gov-banner" class="row usa-banner-content usa-grid usa-accordion-content" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-3"> <img class="usa-banner-icon usa-media_block-img" src="/themes/custom/preview/assets/images/icon-dot-gov.svg" alt="Dot gov" style="width:3em;"> <div class="usa-media_block-body"> <p><strong>The .gov means it’s official.</strong><br>Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.</p> </div> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-3"> <img class="usa-banner-icon usa-media_block-img" src="/themes/custom/preview/assets/images/icon-https.svg" alt="SSL" style="width:3em;"> <div class="usa-media_block-body"> <p><strong>The site is secure.</strong><br> The <strong>https://</strong> ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="alert alert-warning margin-left-neg-2 margin-right-neg-2 margin-top-3 margin-bottom-1"> <p>On Oct. 1, 2024, the FDA began implementing a <a href="/about-fda/fda-organization/fda-modernization-efforts-establishing-unified-human-foods-program-new-model-field-operations-and" title="FDA Modernization Efforts for Establishing a Unified Human Foods Program, New Model for Field Operations and More">reorganization</a> impacting many parts of the agency. We are in the process of updating FDA.gov content to reflect these changes.</p> </div> <div class="row fda-masthead"> <div class="col-xs-4 col-md-8"> <a href="/" title="FDA Homepage"> <h1 class="fda-masthead__fda-logo">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</h1> </a> </div> <div class="col-xs-8 col-md-4"> <ul class='fda-masthead__item-list'> <li><a title="" id="btn-search" class="btn btn-default btn-sm fda-masthead__btn-search"> <span class="fa fa-search" aria-hidden="true"> </span> <span class="fda-masthead__btn-label">Search</span> </a></li> <li><a id="menu-btn" class="btn btn-default btn-sm fda-masthead__btn-menu collapsed" href="#primary-nav" data-toggle="collapse" aria-expanded="true"> <span class="fa fa-bars" aria-hidden="true"> </span> <span class='fda-masthead__btn-label'>Menu</span> </a></li> </ul> </div> <form class="fda-masthead__search sr-only" role="search" action="/search" method="GET" name="searchForm" id="search-form" accept-charset="UTF-8" > <div class="search-popover" id="search-popover"> <div class="input-group pull-right" id="search-group"> <label class="sr-only" for="search-query">Search FDA</label> <input class="form-control search-input" id="search-query" name="s" aria-autocomplete="list" aria-haspopup="true" title="Enter the terms you wish to search for." placeholder="Search FDA" type="text" /> <span class="input-group-btn" id="input-group-btn"> <button type="submit" class="btn btn-danger search-btn" id="search-btn" title="Search"><span class="fa fa-search" aria-hidden="true"><span class="sr-only">Submit search</span></span></button> </span> </div> </div> </form> </div> <nav id="primary-nav" class="lcds-primary-nav row collapse"> <div class="col-md-5 col-lg-4"> <section class="lcds-primary-nav__group lcds-primary-nav__group--bordered"> <h2 class="lcds-primary-nav__group-heading">Featured</h2> <ul class="lcds-primary-nav__list lcds-primary-nav__list--featured"> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/smarthub#/" title="Report a Problem with an FDA Regulated Product">Report a Product Problem</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/about-fda/contact-fda">Contact FDA</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents">FDA Guidance Documents</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts">Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/news-events/newsroom/press-announcements">Press Announcements</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/compliance-actions-and-activities/warning-letters">Warning Letters</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/advisory-committees">Advisory Committees</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/fda-en-espanol">En Espa&#241ol</a></li> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="col-md-7 col-lg-8"> <section class="lcds-primary-nav__group lcds-primary-nav__group--bordered"> <h2 class="lcds-primary-nav__group-heading">Products</h2> <ul class="lcds-primary-nav__list"> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/food">Food</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/drugs">Drugs</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/medical-devices">Medical Devices</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/radiation-emitting-products">Radiation-Emitting Products</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/vaccines-blood-biologics">Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/animal-veterinary">Animal and Veterinary</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/cosmetics">Cosmetics</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/tobacco-products">Tobacco Products</a></li> </ul> </section> <section class="lcds-primary-nav__group lcds-primary-nav__group--bordered"> <h2 class="lcds-primary-nav__group-heading">Topics</h2> <ul class="lcds-primary-nav__list"> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/about-fda">About FDA</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/combination-products">Combination Products</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/regulatory-information">Regulatory Information</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/safety">Safety</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/emergency-preparedness-and-response">Emergency Preparedness</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/international-programs">International Programs</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/news-events">News and Events</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/training-and-continuing-education">Training and Continuing Education</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations">Inspections and Compliance</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/science-research">Science and Research</a></li> </ul> </section> <section class="lcds-primary-nav__group lcds-primary-nav__group--bordered"> <h2 class="lcds-primary-nav__group-heading">Information For</h2> <ul class="lcds-primary-nav__list"> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/consumers">Consumers</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/patients">Patients</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/industry">Industry</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/health-professionals">Health Professionals</a></li> <li class="lcds-primary-nav__list-item"><a href="/federal-state-local-tribal-and-territorial-officials">Federal, State and Local Officials</a></li> </ul> </section> </div> </nav> </header> <div class="col-xs-12"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> <section id="block-entityviewcontent" data-block-plugin-id="entity_view:node" class="block block-ctools block-entity-viewnode clearfix"> <a class="lcds-button--expandable collapsed hidden-md hidden-lg" data-toggle="collapse" href="#section-nav" >In this section<span class="visible-sm-inline-block">: Cosmetic Products </span> </a> <nav id="section-nav" class="lcds-card lcds-section-nav lcds-section-nav hidden-md hidden-lg collapse"> <ul class="lcds-section-nav__list"> <li> <a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products-ingredients/cosmetic-products" title="Cosmetic Products" class="lcds-section-nav__section-link lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav__parent-link visible-xs-block visible-sm-block"> Cosmetic Products </a> <div class="views-element-container form-group"><div class="view view-in-this-section view-id-in_this_section view-display-id-block_5 js-view-dom-id-511bc1504ce7b106ed99ec54443f7141afbbc8ea93abb4dd0b1cbe55a9ba2479"> <div> <ul class="lcds-section-nav__section-link__active lcds-section-nav__list"> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy" class="lcds-section-nav__link">Aromatherapy</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/cosmetic-tanning-products" class="lcds-section-nav__link">Cosmetic Tanning Products</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/disposable-wipes" class="lcds-section-nav__link">Disposable Wipes</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/hair-products" class="lcds-section-nav__link">Hair Products</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/makeup" class="lcds-section-nav__link">Makeup</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/nail-care-products" class="lcds-section-nav__link">Nail Care Products</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/soaps-lotions" class="lcds-section-nav__link">Soaps & Lotions</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/tattoos-temporary-tattoos-permanent-makeup" class="lcds-section-nav__link">Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos & Permanent Makeup</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container form-group"><div class="view view-in-this-section-sub view-id-in_this_section_sub view-display-id-block_2 js-view-dom-id-d82c5334322d0c5d1f97678fe9bd63c2844ceccaca7ba7f9a86787456be5dcae"> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </nav> </section> <section id="block-entityviewcontent-15" data-block-plugin-id="entity_view:node" class="block block-ctools block-entity-viewnode clearfix"> <ol class="lcds-breadcrumb visible-md visible-lg"> <li > <a href="/">Home</a> </li> <li > <a href="/cosmetics">Cosmetics</a> </li> <li > <a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products-ingredients">Cosmetic Products & Ingredients</a> </li> <li > <a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products-ingredients/cosmetic-products">Cosmetic Products</a> </li> <li > <a class="current-link">Disposable Wipes</a> </li> </ol> <ol class="lcds-breadcrumb visible-sm visible-xs"> <li> <a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products-ingredients/cosmetic-products" title="Cosmetic Products"> Cosmetic Products </a> </li> </ol> </section> <main> <article id="main-content" class="article main-content container-fluid" role="article"> <header class="row content-header" role="heading" aria-level="1"> <section id="block-entityviewcontent-2" data-block-plugin-id="entity_view:node" class="block block-ctools block-entity-viewnode clearfix"> <div class="col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-md-offset-2"> <h1 class="content-title text-center">Disposable Wipes</h1> <div class="lcds-toolbar lcds-toolbar--social"> <ul class="lcds-share lcds-share--default"> <li class="lcds-share__item"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.fda.gov%2Fcosmetics%2Fcosmetic-products%2Fdisposable-wipes" class="lcds-share__btn lcds-share--default__btn-facebook js-share" id="fb-share" target="_blank"><span class="fa icon-facebook" aria-hidden="true"></span>Share</a> </li> <li class="lcds-share__item"> <a href="https://x.com/intent/tweet/?text=Disposable%20Wipes&url=https://www.fda.gov%2Fcosmetics%2Fcosmetic-products%2Fdisposable-wipes" target="_blank" class="lcds-share__btn lcds-share--default__btn-x-twitter js-share" id="twitter-share"> <svg class="icon-svg-inline" aria-hidden="true"> <use href="/themes/custom/preview/assets/images/fa-icons.svg#icon-x-twitter"> </svg> Post </a> </li> <li class="lcds-share__item hidden-xs"> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.fda.gov%2Fcosmetics%2Fcosmetic-products%2Fdisposable-wipes&title=Disposable%20Wipes&source=FDA" class="lcds-share__btn lcds-share--default__btn-linkedin js-share" id="linkedin-share" target="_blank"><span class="fa icon-linkedin" aria-hidden="true"></span>Linkedin</a> </li> <li class="lcds-share__item"> <a href="mailto:?subject=Disposable%20Wipes&body=https://www.fda.gov%2Fcosmetics%2Fcosmetic-products%2Fdisposable-wipes" class="lcds-share__btn lcds-share--default__btn-mail"><span class="fa icon-envelope" aria-hidden="true"></span>Email</a> </li> <li class=" lcds-share__item hidden-xs"> <a href="javascript:window.print();" title="Print this page" class="lcds-share__btn lcds-share--default__btn-print"><span class="fa icon-print" aria-hidden="true"></span>Print</a> </li> </ul> <div class="form-group"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </header> <div class="col-md-8 col-md-push-2" role="main"> <p>Disposable wipes are made for baby care, hand washing, feminine and other personal cleansing, removing makeup, and applying products such as deodorants and sunless tanners, among other uses.  Many wipes, but not all, are regulated as cosmetics.</p> <p>While these products are convenient, consumers need to know what’s in them, how to use them safely, and how to report problems:</p> <ul> <li><a href="#regulates">Who Regulates Wipes, and How?</a></li> <li><a href="#wipe">What’s in a Wipe?</a></li> <li><a href="#safely">Using Wipes Safely: Tips for Consumers</a></li> <li><a href="#reporting">Reporting a Problem</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Related Resources</a></li> </ul> <p><strong><a name="regulates"></a>Who Regulates Wipes, and How?</strong></p> <p>This depends on their intended use:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Wipes intended for cleansing or moisturizing the skin, such as those for baby care, hand washing, makeup removal, washing the body when bathing is not practical, or feminine or other personal cleansing, are regulated as cosmetics. So are wipes intended for applying products such as sunless tanners or deodorants. <p>The law doesn’t require cosmetic products or ingredients, other than color additives, to have FDA approval before they go on the market.</p> <p>But cosmetics must be safe when people use them as directed on the label, or in the customary or usual way. To learn more, see “<a href="/cosmetics/laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated" target>FDA Authority Over Cosmetics</a>.”</p> </li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li>Wipes intended for a therapeutic purpose, such as killing germs on the skin, or treating acne, diaper rash, or other skin conditions, are drugs under the law. Drugs must meet requirements for FDA approval for safety and effectiveness before they go on the market. Drugs are regulated by FDA’s <a href="/drugs" target>Center for Drug Evaluation and Research</a>.</li> <li>Wipes intended to control germs on inanimate surfaces (disinfect or sanitize) and wipes containing  insect repellents are regulated by the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank">Environmental Protection Agency</a>.</li> <li>Wipes intended for cleansing objects in our homes, at work, the gym, and in public places are regulated by the <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/" target="_blank">Consumer Product Safety Commission</a>.</li> </ul> <p>The information below is about wipes that are regulated as cosmetics:</p> <p><strong><a name="wipe"></a>What’s in a Wipe? </strong></p> <p>Cleansing wipes are made of materials such as polyester, polypropylene, cotton, wood pulp, or rayon fibers formed into sheets. They may be packaged individually, or in small or bulk packaging. They are moistened with water and other ingredients, such as cleansing and moisturizing agents that help them work. They may contain other ingredients, such as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.</p> <p>Wipes are sometimes labeled as scented, unscented, or fragrance-free. FDA doesn’t have regulations governing the use of these terms. But cosmetic labeling is required to be truthful and not misleading.</p> <p>Typically, the word “unscented” on a cosmetic label means that the product doesn’t have a noticeable scent. But it may actually contain “masking” fragrance ingredients to hide the smell of ingredients whose scent may be unpleasant.</p> <p>However, because the term “fragrance” refers to specific kinds of ingredients, cosmetics labeled as “fragrance free” should not contain any added fragrance ingredients. It’s possible that a product labeled as “fragrance free” may have a noticeable scent, either pleasant or unpleasant, resulting from other ingredients.</p> <p>If a product contains fragrance ingredients, the list of ingredients must say so. Fragrance ingredients may be identified by name or simply as “fragrance.” To learn more, see “Fragrances in Cosmetics.”</p> <p><strong><a name="safely"></a>Using Wipes Safely: Tips for Consumers</strong></p> <p>How consumers use and store wipes can affect their safety. Here are some safety tips:</p> <ul> <li>Use wipes only on unbroken, intact skin.</li> <li>Use wipes only for their intended use, following all directions on the label. For example, there may be a warning not to use the wipes on broken or irritated skin or the directions may recommend rinsing the skin after use.</li> <li>Make sure to let skin dry thoroughly after using wipes.</li> <li>Keep containers tightly closed to keep wipes from drying out.</li> <li>Discard used wipes immediately to prevent cross contamination, and as directed on the label. Some, but not all, are labeled as flushable.</li> <li>As with all cosmetics, store wipes properly. If they are exposed to temperature extremes, such as in a hot or cold car, they may dry out, or the temperature extremes can cause changes in the ingredients. For example, the preservatives that protect against bacteria and mold may break down and not be able to do their job. Also, bacteria and mold may grow faster in a warm place.</li> <li>If you have sensitive skin or certain allergies, check the list of ingredients on the label before using wipes. FDA requires this list for all cosmetics marketed on a retail basis to consumers. The list can help you to identify ingredients you want to avoid. Remember that not all people react to the same things. For example, some parents have suffered reactions to baby wipes that didn’t bother their babies.</li> <li>Stay informed. When FDA becomes aware of a health problem, we alert the public. For example, there have been <a href="/recalls-alerts" target>recalls</a> of some wipes that were contaminated with bacteria or mold. You can keep up with cosmetic safety information by checking our “<a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7da4442d-be2d-4276-b6e9-c99930847c95" href="/cosmetics/cosmetics-news-events" title="Cosmetics News & Events">What’s New</a>” page, <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6fd2451a-d3d5-459c-a8de-614a61a38040" href="/about-fda/contact-fda/get-email-updates" title="Get Email Updates">subscribing to email updates</a> or following <a href="https://twitter.com/FDACosmetics" target="_blank">FDA cosmetics news on Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/AboutThisWebsite/WebsitePolicies/Disclaimers/default.htm" title="Disclaimer Icon"><img alt="disclaimer icon" border="0" height="10" src="/[!--$wcmUrl('resource','groups/fdagov-public/@system/documents/system/img_fdagov_exitdisclaimer.png')--]" width="10" loading="lazy"></a>.  </li> </ul> <p><strong><a name="reporting"></a>Reporting a Problem</strong></p> <p>If you observe a rash, such as raised red bumps, either smooth or crusty, redness, irritation, or burning of the skin in the area(s) where wipes contact the skin, stop using the wipes and contact your healthcare provider right away.</p> <p>Also, please report the problem to FDA. Your report helps FDA determine whether or not we need to take action to protect public health. Even if all you notice is an “off” color or a bad smell, FDA wants to know.</p> <p>You can report a problem with a cosmetic product to FDA by using the contact information at <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="00cea585-e62b-433e-a1dd-e5162abf41ac" href="/cosmetics/cosmetics-compliance-enforcement/how-report-cosmetic-product-related-complaint" title="How to Report a Cosmetic Product Related Complaint">How to Report a Cosmetic Product Related Complaint | FDA</a>.</p> <p><strong><a name="resources"></a>Related Resources</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="/cosmetics/ingredients/fragrances-cosmetics" target>Fragrances in Cosmetics</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/ingredients/parabens-cosmetics" target>Parabens</a></li> </ul>   </div> <aside class="col-md-2 col-md-push-2" role="complementary"> <section id="block-entityviewcontent-4" data-block-plugin-id="entity_view:node" class="block block-ctools block-entity-viewnode clearfix"> <div class="region region-"> <aside class="lcds-card lcds-card--border-top"> <ul role="menu" class="lcds-description-list"> <li role="menuitem" class="node-current-date lcds-description-list__item"> <div> <h2 class="lcds-description-list__item-heading">Content current as of:</h2> <p class="lcds-description-list__item-text"><time datetime="2024-10-15T12:00:00Z">10/15/2024</time> </p> </div> </li> <li role="menuitem" class="lcds-description-list__item"> <div> <h2 class="lcds-description-list__item-heading">Regulated Product(s)</h2> <ul role="menu" class="lcds-metadata-list"> <li role="menuitem">Cosmetics</li> </ul> </div> </li> </ul> </aside> </div> </section> </aside> <aside class="col-md-2 col-md-pull-10" role="complementary"> <section id="block-entityviewcontent-3" data-block-plugin-id="entity_view:node" class="block block-ctools block-entity-viewnode clearfix"> <div class="region region-"> <nav id="section-nav"class="lcds-card lcds-section-nav lcds-section-nav--side hidden-xs hidden-sm"> <ul class="lcds-section-nav__list lcds-section-nav--side__list"> <li> <a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products-ingredients/cosmetic-products" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link lcds-section-nav__parent-link lcds-section-nav--side__parent-link"> Cosmetic Products </a> <div class="views-element-container form-group"><div class="view view-in-this-section view-id-in_this_section view-display-id-block_4 js-view-dom-id-bd95833ec4d8c16f94e091ee2c59dd99f9f6cb0bc8de99bcb4ca56f9b40b584b"> <div class="item-list"> <ul class="lcds-section-nav__active lcds-section-nav__list lcds-section-nav--side__list"> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link">Aromatherapy</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/cosmetic-tanning-products" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link">Cosmetic Tanning Products</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/disposable-wipes" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link">Disposable Wipes</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/hair-products" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link">Hair Products</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/makeup" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link">Makeup</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/nail-care-products" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link">Nail Care Products</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/soaps-lotions" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link">Soaps & Lotions</a></li> <li><a href="/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/tattoos-temporary-tattoos-permanent-makeup" class="lcds-section-nav__link lcds-section-nav--side__link">Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos & Permanent Makeup</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container form-group"><div class="view view-in-this-section-sub view-id-in_this_section_sub view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-ecde42f8e1588335b79e1df6331acefa66fbc4463f86cb9dd7eb5bb2434e7118"> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </section> </aside> </article> </main> </div> </div> <div class="region region-subscribe"> <section id="block-entityviewcontent-5" data-block-plugin-id="entity_view:node" class="block block-ctools block-entity-viewnode clearfix"> </section> </div> <footer class="lcds-footer container-fluid"> <div class="row lcds-footer__primary"> <h2 id="footer-heading" class="sr-only">Footer Links</h2> <nav class="text-center"> <div class="col-sm-4"> <ul class="nav"> <li><a href="/about-fda/about-website/fdagov-archive" >FDA Archive</a></li> <li><a href="/about-fda" >About FDA</a></li> <li><a href="/about-fda/about-website/internet-accessibility" >Accessibility</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-sm-4"> <ul class="nav"> <li><a href="/about-fda/visitor-information" >Visitor Information</a> </li> <li><a href="/about-fda/about-website/website-policies" >Website Policies / Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="/about-fda/jobs-and-training-fda/no-fear-act" >No FEAR Act</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html" >Vulnerability Disclosure Policy</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-sm-4"> <ul class="nav"> <li><a href="/regulatory-information/freedom-information" title="Freedom of Information Act">FOIA</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/" title="Health and Human Services" target="_blank">HHS.gov</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.usa.gov/" target="_blank">USA.gov</a></li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> <div class="row lcds-footer__secondary"> <div class="col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4 lcds-footer__social-links"> <a href="/about-fda/contact-fda" class="btn btn-default btn-md">Contact FDA</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FDA" title="Follow FDA on Facebook" class="no-disclaimer"> <span class="fa fa-facebook fa-2x" aria-hidden="true"> <span class="sr-only">Follow FDA on Facebook</span> </span> </a> <a href="https://x.com/US_FDA" title="Follow FDA on X" class="no-disclaimer"> <svg class="icon-svg-inline fa-2x" aria-hidden="true"> <use href="/themes/custom/preview/assets/images/fa-icons.svg#icon-x-twitter"> </svg> <span class="sr-only">Follow FDA on X</span> </a> <a href="https://instagram.com/FDA" title="Follow FDA on Instagram" class="no-disclaimer"> <span class="fa fa-instagram fa-2x" aria-hidden="true"> <span class="sr-only">Follow FDA on Instagram</span> </span> </a> <br class='visible-xs-inline'/> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/fda/" title="Follow FDA on LinkedIn" class="no-disclaimer"> <span class="fa fa-linkedin fa-2x" aria-hidden="true"> <span class="sr-only">Follow FDA on LinkedIn</span> </span> </a> <a href="https://youtube.com/@US_FDA" title="View FDA videos on YouTube" class="no-disclaimer"> <span class="fa fa-youtube fa-2x" aria-hidden="true"> <span class="sr-only">View FDA videos on YouTube</span> </span> </a> <a href="/about-fda/contact-fda/subscribe-podcasts-and-news-feeds" title="Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds"> <span class="fa fa-rss fa-2x" aria-hidden="true"> <span class="sr-only">Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds</span> </span> </a> </div> <a href="/" title="FDA Homepage"> <div class="visible-lg-block col-lg-4 text-center lcds-footer__logo"> <span class="sr-only">FDA Homepage</span> </div> </a> <div class="col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4 text-center lcds-footer__contact-number"> <span class="fa fa-phone" aria-hidden="true"> </span> <span class="sr-only">Contact Number</span> 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) </div> </div>  </footer> <a href="" id="btn-top" class="btn btn-primary btn-top"><span class="sr-only">Back to </span>Top</a> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/367276","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"fda_ckeditor_enhancements":{"basePath":"modules\/custom\/fda_ckeditor_enhancements"},"google_analytics":{"account":"G-273DTKB5QW","trackOutbound":true,"trackMailto":true,"trackTel":true,"trackDownload":true,"trackDownloadExtensions":"7z|aac|arc|arj|asf|asx|avi|bin|csv|doc(x|m)?|dot(x|m)?|exe|flv|gif|gz|gzip|hqx|jar|jpe?g|js|mp(2|3|4|e?g)|mov(ie)?|msi|msp|pdf|phps|png|ppt(x|m)?|pot(x|m)?|pps(x|m)?|ppam|sld(x|m)?|thmx|qtm?|ra(m|r)?|sea|sit|tar|tgz|torrent|txt|wav|wma|wmv|wpd|xls(x|m|b)?|xlt(x|m)|xlam|xml|z|zip"},"bootstrap":{"forms_has_error_value_toggle":1,"modal_animation":1,"modal_backdrop":"true","modal_focus_input":1,"modal_keyboard":1,"modal_select_text":1,"modal_show":1,"modal_size":"","popover_enabled":1,"popover_animation":1,"popover_auto_close":1,"popover_container":"body","popover_content":"","popover_delay":"0","popover_html":0,"popover_placement":"right","popover_selector":"","popover_title":"","popover_trigger":"click"},"ajax":[],"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"3aef67b4ac7d861d8624bf1f7ab2bc9cfc56d3c25b7d709dc15466dfa996dfb0"}}</script> <script src="/files/js/js_KwaVrVDnb9vBN4UOzg4J4320oQW-EMMozpPhvFZziRU.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=preview&include=eJxlj1GOwjAMRC8UyP6sxG0i1zEhIslEsRdUTg8FUSr2xxqPpZlnPkvMhhFyi9JsKuCz32h3RDO6iqKK3-i9S0AqEqhRmS2z-m_D6awm1U-k4vqQS5arTwUTlZ3aXHJL_2weuZu6CTC1Qd13dFxkuGOkwG9WaSdqLPUBqZ6YMWJGC4a0AOgJwxhR3BKt_jn3FfGvyCsHtZe8JLxu4ffnsDEfL8MaTNSvagXlQbdZ0oc8Un92vfe1fbeC3QF5KozJ"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/z4AWJAR8FMJAZ0Gr8yxw/N9Q3czz0N2Jrp9ma/HRNLRk0/JG/ooezF2J3gB"></script></body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Disposable Wipes | FDA