High-quality sanitary products are well worth their cost, but adult wipes deserve some scrutiny. That’s particularly true when purchasing for older adults. While the right wipes can improve hygiene while easing discomfort for seniors, some products certainly deliver better results than others.
The best adult wipes
Surviveware Biodegradable Large Wet Wipes
Surviveware wet wipes are designed for campers and hikers—but at the end of the day, a wipe is a wipe, regardless of where you’re using it. They’re also significantly larger than many other wipes on the market, which can make them ideal for cleaning older adults. While they’re usable as toilet wipes, they’re also ideal for keeping clean between full baths.
Each wipe measures 8 inches by 12 inches, so a single pack goes a long way. The large size might be overkill for some purposes, but they’re soft, durable, and could be used to wipe hands clean or deal with other messes. While these wipes are biodegradable, they do not claim to be flushable or septic-safe like some of our other choices, so we would not recommend flushing these.
Pros
- Completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Large size makes them ideal for full-body cleaning
- No fragrances, alcohol, or other irritating ingredients
Cons
- Large wipes might not be ideal for some users
- Packaging keeps wipes wet, but doesn’t fully reseal
Key Features
- Infused with aloe and vitamin E
- Hypoallergenic and pH-balanced
- Alcohol free
- Unscented
- Biodegradable within six months
- 32 wipes per pack
Specifications
- Brand: Surviveware
- Model: 4332455138
- Dimensions: 8 x 12 inches
TENDERProtect Adult Wipes With Aloe
TENDERProtect wipes are soft, gentle, and infused with aloe and lanolin, which help to soothe skin and prevent irritation. Unfortunately, the formula also includes propylene glycol, a common additive that can cause skin reactions in some users. While most people will be able to use these wipes without issue—propylene glycol sensitivities are relatively rare—buyers should patch-test these wipes before using them on sensitive skin.
A flip-up lid keeps the wipes soft and moist between uses. They are also quite large, so depending on the use case, may or may not be a good thing. Still, given their low cost and skin-friendly ingredients, TENDERProtect wipes are worthy of consideration, particularly in homes or facilities with multiple older adults.
Pros
- Inexpensive, but with added skin-friendly ingredients
- Plastic lid keeps the wipes moist
- No strong scent or added fragrances
Cons
- Contains propylene glycol, which could cause irritation for some users
- Not flushable
- Large size might not be ideal for all users
Key Features
- Hypoallergenic, unscented alcohol-free formula
- Added aloe and lanolin to soothe skin
- Slim packaging with flip-up lid
- 9 x 12 inches
- 50 wipes per pack
- Six packs for 600 wipes total
Specifications
- Brand: TENDERProtect
- Model: B07H8S6W63 (Amazon Serial Number)
- Dimensions: 9 x 12 inches
FitRight Aloe Personal Cleansing Cloth Wipes
This inexpensive option from FitRight works well for incontinence care or daily cleansing. Each wipe is infused with an aloe-based formula that cleans and moisturizes. The wipes are available in fragrance-free or scented options, depending on your preference.
Like most of the options on our list, the wipes are in a re-sealable plastic container that helps keep wipes moist between uses. The wipes are also pH balanced and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, especially if you choose the fragrance-free option.
Pros
- Infused with aloe for extra care
- Large size works well for daily cleanings
- Flip top keeps wipes contained and moist
Cons
- Not flushable
- Scented version could irritate some users
Key Features
- Available scented or fragrance-free
- 100 wipes per pack
- 6 packs per order, 600 wipes total
- Large 8 x 12 size
Specifications
- Brand: Medline
- Model: MSC263954
- Dimensions: 8 x 12 inches
Our Best Adult Wipes Guide
Flushability
Some brands claim that their adult wipes are fully biodegradable and safe for all sewer systems. Unfortunately, there’s no way to verify these claims, and many plumbers insist that wet wipes are much more likely to cause a clog than conventional toilet paper. After all, toilet paper breaks down when exposed to moisture, and obviously, that’s not the case for pre-moistened adult wipes. While they eventually biodegrade, that’s a comparatively slow process.
With that in mind, we can’t say definitively that flushable wipes are safe for all sewer systems or that they biodegrade quickly enough to prevent clogs. Buyers might want to avoid flushing any wipes, regardless of the claims on the products’ packaging. If you do flush, avoid flushing more than two wipes at a time.
Fragrances and Other Ingredients
Be aware of any skin sensitivities and read ingredient lists carefully when purchasing.
While most adult wipes are marketed as hypoallergenic, some chemicals can cause irritation over time, especially alcohols (used in some formulas as antibacterial agents), fragrances, and propylene glycol. Of course, adult wipes are designed to be used on sensitive skin, so these ingredients are usually added sparingly.
Many product formulas also contain skin-friendly ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. These additives may be helpful to some users, but ironically, they can also cause reactions for people with sensitivities. We recommend always spot testing wipes before using them on sensitive skin.
Size
Larger adult wipes are generally a better option if you’re purchasing adult wipes as a comprehensive hygiene solution, but they tend to be more expensive.
Consider the practical applications before making a decision; if you intend to use wipes to extend the time between full bathings, the larger options might make sense. As with any personal hygiene purchase, caretakers should work with older adults to find the best possible option.
Overall
Adult wipes are a safe, effective addition to a well-rounded hygiene regimen, and they’re practically essential when caring for older adults. By evaluating a few options, you can ensure the health and comfort of your loved one while making your caregiving tasks a little easier.
We researched the most popular adult wipes available online, paying special care to the factors that set them apart, and compiled our top picks. If you’re having trouble choosing, we also included a buying guide towards the end of this article to help older adults and their caregivers make well-informed decisions.
