Öko-Test-Studie perfumes and preservatives in baby wipes

Tester: perfumes and preservatives in baby wipes
Many parents rely on wet wipes to care for their babies. Because these are practical, can be taken anywhere with and need no laundry after use. But the quality of the towels is often not as good as it should be. According to a recent study by the magazine "Öko-Test" of 43 products, a good third are not recommended.
Towels as an alternative to water and washcloths
They are quick to hand, require no water and are easy to dispose of: packaged baby wipes have been experiencing a boom among parents for years. In addition to the well-known companies, almost every supermarket and drugstore chain now offers the popular shawls under their own brands, even natural cosmetics are available in this area. In view of the great offer and the supposed advantages, they are for many a welcome alternative to washcloths and water.

Testers find perfumes in baby wipes. Image: JenkoAtaman - fotolia

But quite so "clean" this variant is obviously not. As the magazine "Öko-Test" could determine by a recent investigation, more than a third of the products are not recommended. The reason: Some wipes contain a variety of additives besides water, which make the wipes more durable - but have lost nothing on the baby's skin. According to "Ökotest", the main criticism is the preservative polyaminopropyl buguanide (PHMB), which was found in eight products - although the EU has already banned this substance in cosmetics. this is considered a hazardous substance (CMR2) and accordingly represents one of those substances "which are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and / or toxic for reproduction", according to the journal. In addition, there is a suspicion that PHMB is "toxic by inhalation". However, the manufacturers concerned had announced that they would no longer use the substance or would do without it in future, explains Ökotest.

The inscription "sensitive" offers no guarantee
In 35 of the 43 products tested, the experts also found the preservative phenoxyethanol. This did not cause a devaluation in the current investigation, but this could change soon. This is because the preservative is currently being investigated for possible toxic effects by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Even products labeled "sensitive" therefore do not protect the consumer from chemical ingredients. Although these contain no perfume, but are also not free of problematic substances.

So parents should think carefully about whether the benefits outweigh these. "Öko-Test" recommends parents to use water and washcloths instead of wet wipes. This is "more skin-friendly and also does not pollute the environment". The working chamber Upper Austria (AKOÖ), which cooperates with Ökotest, also advises to stay at least at home with the well-tried cleaning method and to use wet wipes when traveling. Consumers should also pay attention to polyaminopropyl when purchasing and return already purchased packages containing this ingredient to the manufacturer. (No)