Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
A Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization Method for the Gastropod Mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis
Published on: March 15, 2016
Allergenic Ingredients in Personal Hygiene Wet Wipes
Kelly A Aschenbeck1, Erin M Warshaw
1From the *University of Minnesota School of Medicine; †Department of Dermatology, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center; ‡HCMC Parkside Occupational and Contact Dermatitis Clinic; and §Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Background:
Wet wipes are a significant allergen source for anogenital allergic contact dermatitis.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to calculate the frequency of potentially allergenic ingredients in personal hygiene wet wipes.
Methods:
Ingredient lists from brand name and generic personal hygiene wet wipes from 4 large retailers were compiled.
Results:
In the 54 personal hygiene wet wipes evaluated, a total of 132 ingredients were identified (average of 11.9 ingredients per wipe). The most common ingredients were Aloe barbadensis (77.8%), citric acid (77.8%), fragrance (72.2%), sorbic acid derivatives (63.0%), tocopherol derivatives (63.0%), glycerin (59.3%), phenoxyethanol (55.6%), disodium cocoamphodiacetate (53.7%), disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (42.6%), propylene glycol (42.6%), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (40.7%), chamomile extracts (38.9%), sodium benzoate (35.2%), bronopol (22.2%), sodium citrate (22.2%), lanolin derivatives (20.4%), parabens (20.4%), polyethylene glycol derivatives (18.5%), disodium phosphate (16.7%), dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin (DMDM) (14.8%), and cocamidopropyl propylene glycol (PG)-dimonium chloride phosphate (11.1%). Of note, methylisothiazolinone (5.6%) was uncommon; methylchloroisothiazolinone was not identified in the personal hygiene wet wipes examined.
Conclusions:
There are many potential allergens in personal hygiene wet wipes, especially fragrance and preservatives.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis