Colors in Disposable Diapers: Addressing Myths
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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Colorimetric Detection of Bacteria Using Litmus Test
Published on: September 17, 2016
Eric B Evans1, C Tucker Helmes2, Taryn Kirsch3
1Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Roswell, GA USA.
Abstract:
Colors are frequently added to disposable diapers to enhance the diapering experience. The colors in the interior of diapers are composed of nonsensitizing pigments that are bound during the fiber-making process into the fibers of the nonwoven that covers the absorbent core materials. In the past, the use of color in diapers has been called into question based on the presumed use of disperse dyes, known sensitizers in the textile industry, and erroneous reports in literature. In fact, disperse dyes are not used in leading disposable diapers; the colors used in these disposable diapers are nonsensitizing pigments with favorable safety profiles. Numerous safety tests, such as skin patch tests with pigments used on diaper backsheets, have found no evidence of skin irritation or sensitization.
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