Diaper Rash is a common and uncomfortable problem that can be caused by a variety of factors.
But can scented wipes cause diaper rash? Baby wipes are great for easy cleaning. But scented baby wipe may cause diaper rash depending on the ingredients used. The delicate skins of most of the babies don’t take well to wipes that are scented or alcohol-based. If your baby’s skin is highly sensitive, the synthetic added fragrances could potentially cause irritation, and it might contribute to diaper rash.
Let me explain more.
What Causes Diaper Rash?
Nappy rash is a frustrating condition caused by various factors. Most diaper rashes are the result of an irritation, infection, or allergy.
Irritations:
The skin below the diapers gets irritated pretty easily if poop and urine rubbing against it repeatedly. This friction causes redness, itchiness, and even pus formation in some cases. If left unchecked, these irritations can lead to more serious issues down the line, such as infection or even worse – urinary tract problems.
Infection:
Urine (pee) changes the pH levels of skin, which can lead to bacterial and fungal growth. In addition, substances that are used in nappy to prevent it from leaking also prevents air circulation. This results in creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive, developing rash.
Allergies:
Certain chemicals of soaps, detergent, baby lotions, dyes from diaper and baby wipes can lead to irritation to your baby’s delicate skin. Scented wipes for babies will likely be more irritating to your baby’s sensitive skin than unscented ones.
What makes the scented baby wipes different from other types of wipes?
Perfumed baby wipes contain fragrance that smell great. Not only scented baby wipes, but also scented cleaning wipes or sanitizing wipes mask the odor and make people happy spreading a pleasing scent.
Some of the most popular scented baby wipes include Pampers Complete Clean wipes, Huggies Nourish & Care Baby Diaper Wipes.
All of these wipes are ideal for use during diaper changes.
What is the fragrance ingredient to a baby wipe?
Most baby wipe brands do not disclose fragrance ingredients to the consumers.
Phthalates is one of the hidden ingredients in wipes.
But you may not find the word “phthalates” on the ingredient list of baby wipes.
Find the product label for the words AROMA, FRAGRANCE, and PARFUM, which is the culprit of containing phthalate.
According to EWG (find the source here), the fragrance mix of wipe may contain various scent chemicals such as di-ethyle phthalate that have been associated with dermatitis, allergies and respiratory distress.
Some best baby wipes brands claim that their wipes contain “natural” fragrance.
Sounds good, but it can be tricky.
Because, there is no legal definition that clarifies “natural” is always “safe”. For example, crude oil is also a natural product.
Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes Vs. Unscented Baby Wipes
In general, baby wipes can be scented or fragrance-free. The only difference is whether or not a fragrance has been added.
However, there is a subtle difference.
As discussed above, fragranced wipes may contain hidden ingredients that may cause irritations to skin. The fragrance ingredients may mask the odor of other chemical ingredients of wipes.
On the other hand, unscented wipes mean there is no fragrance mixtures and thus potentially no hidden harmful ingredients.
I’ve used Pamper Sensitive Water Based Baby Diaper Wipes & WaterWipes Unscented Baby Wipes for my little angel. And I was overall satisfied with these two best unscented baby wipes.
Conclusion on Can Scented Baby Wipes Cause Diaper Rash
The hidden ingredients of added fragrance can potentially cause irritation to your baby’s sensitive skin.
So, first of all, you should carefully check the product label for the ingredients in the wipe. Choose toxic chemical free baby wipes.
If you’re doubted about the hidden ingredients of the baby wipes, contact the companies, and ask questions. It’s not wise rely on advertisement and marketing claims.
Even if you find “natural fragrance” on the ingredient list, be sure to contact the manufacturer about their product’s ingredients or safety.
In case, the company does not disclose a full list of ingredients, do not run the risk of hidden and harmful ingredients in the wipes you use on your little one.
If you’re concerned about the ingredients, it is always best to select hypoallergenic, fragrance-free wipes.
Unscented wipes are safer than scented ones.
I hope this blog has provided you with all the information you need to understand whether or not scented wipes cause rash.