At a glance

QUICK SUMMARY

01 Type of medicine
02 Generic
03 Active ingredient
04 Effective within
05 Works by
06 Side effects

Medication details

Description

Water Wipes (60 wipes)

Water Wipes are ultra pure baby wipes containing water and a drop of fruit extract, with no added fragrance, alcohol or detergents. The pack contains 60 wipes and they are used for nappy changes, hands, faces and general cleaning up, including from birth.

How they work

Most of the cleaning a baby needs is done by water alone. The point of a wipe like this is what it leaves out: fragrance, alcohol and detergents are the ingredients most likely to irritate newborn skin, which is thinner and more permeable than adult skin and more easily stripped of its natural oils. Keeping the formulation close to plain water means the skin barrier is disturbed as little as possible.

How to use them

Pull one wipe from the pack and reseal the lid afterwards so the remainder do not dry out. Wipe gently rather than scrubbing, front to back for girls, and let the skin dry fully before putting on a clean nappy, since trapped moisture is what makes nappy rash worse. A barrier cream can be applied afterwards if the skin is already sore.

Who they are for

They are suitable for babies from birth, including premature babies, and for children and adults wanting a simple wipe without added fragrance. They are also handy for travel, changing bags and anyone with sensitive skin.

Safety and when to get advice

Do not flush wipes down the toilet, whatever the pack of any brand says, as they cause blockages. See a pharmacist or GP if a nappy rash is bright red with small spots spreading beyond the main area, which suggests a fungal infection needing treatment, if there are blisters, broken skin or pus, if the rash is not improving after a few days of barrier care, or if your baby seems distressed or has a temperature. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product before you buy.

Common questions

Can I use them on a newborn?
Yes, they are suitable from birth, including for premature babies.

Do I still need a barrier cream?
Wipes clean; a barrier cream protects. Many parents use both, especially at bedtime.

Can I flush them?
No. Wipes should go in the bin, not the toilet.

Always read the information supplied with the pack before use.

Medically reviewed and published

  • This page was medically reviewed by Dr Sohaib Imtiaz, Clinical Lead on

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

What are WaterWipes made from?

They contain 99.9% purified water and a drop of fruit extract. There are no added fragrances, alcohol, parabens or other common irritants, which is why they are often recommended for sensitive or newborn skin.

Are they suitable for adults as well as babies?

Yes. They are gentle enough for newborns but equally useful for adults with sensitive skin, for cleaning around injection sites before use, or as a general skin cleanser when water is not available.

Do they need to be used within a certain time after opening?

Yes. Because they contain minimal preservatives, use them within a month of opening and keep the pack resealed between uses to stop them drying out. Check the packaging for the exact guidance.

Can I use them to clean around an injection site?

They can be used to gently clean the skin, but they are not a substitute for an alcohol swab if your prescriber has specifically asked you to use one before injecting. For general skin cleaning before a subcutaneous injection, they are a convenient option.

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