Two-ingredient diaper wipes gentle on skin affected by eczema

Wipes formulated with purified water plus fruit extract for sensitive skin are safe to use on babies with eczema-prone skin or active eczema, according to a study.

In a small cohort of babies who successfully completed the 2-week study, use of the wipes was associated with a 46-percent improvement in skin dryness and 46-percent improvement in tactile and visual roughness from baseline, as assessed by the investigators. [AAD 2025, poster 60427]

Additionally, flakiness decreased by 40 percent and redness by 29 percent, with a 45-percent overall improvement in skin health.

The babies’ guardians also noted a similarly significant improvement (p<0.001). All of them found the wipes to be beneficial for their child’s skin comfort and managing eczema. They reported feeling more comfortable using the wipes due to its water-based formulation and lack of synthetic ingredients or fragrance.

The analysis included 27 diaper-wearing babies with eczema-prone skin or active eczema. The babies were between 3 months and 3 years of age and had Fitzpatrick skin types. For 2 weeks, the babies’ diaper area and hands were cleaned using the study wipes as needed but at least with every diaper change.

Grading for the skin dryness, skin texture/roughness (tactile and visual), desquamation/flakiness, erythema, and overall appearance of skin health were conducted at baseline and at 2 weeks by a dermatologist investigator and the babies’ guardians.

Low surface tension benefits

“The improvement in skin health and associated signs of eczema is likely due in part to the uniquely blended water technology, which provides an effective [hand and diaper area cleansing] with minimal residue,” the investigators said.

A purified water, in combination with fruit extract, was used to wet the rayon base sheet. Because of its low surface tension, the water easily penetrates the pores and crevices of the skin, allowing for a deep clean without the use of surfactants, the investigators explained.

In contrast, tap water—due to its higher surface tension—does not facilitate the same level of spreading and wetting, which can negatively affect the thoroughness of the cleaning, they added.

Maintaining the skin’s protective lipid barrier around the diaper area while removing faecal matter is important, according to the investigators. For these reasons, low surface tension water technology is increasingly vital.

“Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and itching. It is a chronic condition that can affect people of all ages but is often seen in infants and children,” the investigators said.  

“Skin wipes are important in the hygiene of diaper-wearing babies who possess eczema-prone and skin with active eczema,” and the findings suggest that wipes formulated for sensitive skin are suitable for skin cleansing in this population, they added.