What Material Is Used To Make Wet Wipes?

Wet wipes are small-sized pieces of cloth that can be useful for different purposes, such as self-hygiene. These products are common in today’s world, as you can easily find them in most stores. There are tons of variations in the market, including the aroma and texture, that can vary from one manufacturer to another. 

Wet wipes have been around since 1963 after Arthur Julius presented them for the first time in 1960. 

Some people stay loyal to a particular brand of wet wipes due to one of the factors mentioned above. However, some people are pickier and like to use certain materials that feel “gentler” on their skin and have other personal preferences.

If you are unfamiliar with the material used to make wet wipes, here we will explain some of the most common materials and the differences between each one.

Production material for wet wipes

Most of the time, wet wipes are manufactured using non-woven fabrics based on polyester or propylene. Then, the wipes are moistened with a special solution made of water and different liquids, depending on the final use – a common example can be isopropyl alcohol.

Sometimes, wet wipes manufacturers may use extra compounds, like lotions or perfume, to strengthen their properties. Softeners are also a common option to make them gentler on the skin. Other materials for wet wipes include preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal growth from appearing in the package. The most common option is methylisothiazolinone. 

Once the manufacturing process is finished, the wipes are folded and put in a package that can vary in size, depending on the final use. Sometimes, a box dispenser is used for more convenience.

What are the most popular non-woven fabrics used to make wet wipes? 

If you want to know what material is used to make wet wipes, then the first thing you should know is that the main material is a non-woven fabric. It is possible to choose between synthetic and natural fabrics.

  • When it comes to synthetic fabrics, some of the most common options for synthetic fabrics include polyester, propylene, and even rayon. 
  • Natural fibers are also common and very popular due to how gentle they are on the skin. Cotton, wool, and bamboo are some of the most used choices in the world today, with bamboo being the most popular choice among consumers.

There is a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing the right material for your wet wipes. It all comes down to preference. It goes without saying that different materials may have different textures. That’s why it is important to read the labels and make sure that it is made of a substance that you find pleasant on your skin.

Most people prefer to use wet bamboo wipes. 

As mentioned, the majority of people go with wet bamboo wipes because it feels “softer” on their skin. However, there are many other reasons why people prefer them, including the following:

  • If you or your baby have extremely sensitive skin, you can choose organic bamboo wet wipes to prevent irritation, rashes, and other skin problems.
  • These towelettes are often moisturized with natural oils and other organic materials that will soothe and keep the skin smooth.
  • Bamboo wet wipes are a better option for the environment. They’re made of biodegradable material, and bamboo grows relatively fast and doesn’t need as much water as other plants. Most traditional wet wipes are made of cotton, but bamboo is a more environmentally-conscious option.

Bamboo wipes or cotton wipes?

Cotton is the traditional material used for the production of wet wipes. However, harvesting cotton is not exactly the best option for the environment. It takes huge quantities of water, chemicals, and human force to harvest cotton. 

On the other hand, bamboo has different advantages compared to cotton. It is easier to harvest as it doesn’t require replanting. Furthermore, bamboo is more resistant and durable. If you’ve used cotton wipes before, you probably know how easy it is for them to break apart. This problem won’t happen when you use bamboo wipes.

Another good reason to choose bamboo wipes is their hypoallergenic properties. Hence, these wipes are less likely to cause a bad reaction on your baby’s skin. You can be sure that using bamboo wipes instead of cotton will benefit you in the long run.

Conclusion

There are tons of materials used to make wet wipes in the market. It’s essential to choose wet wipes that feel good on your skin and don’t contain harmful materials that could cause you to damage in the long run. Bamboo is one of the few options that are better for your skin, as other organic materials often accompany it to keep you in the best shape possible.

Still, we recommend you explore different options until you find the material that works best for you.