
Wet wipes are a useful, quick, and convenient way to clean on the go. They’re hygiene must-haves for people of various ages. Check out our picks below to see what works best for you.
Buying Guide for Wet Wipes

Why buy wet wipes?
Wet wipes are made to remove dirt and germs, making them a great option for wiping off your face and/or hands in a pinch. And since many wet wipes disinfect, people like to keep wet wipes on them when they’re out and about to clean and wipe down tabletops, toilet seats, doorknobs, and other surfaces to prevent the spread of germs and increase their personal hygiene. Some people keep them in their homes as well in case of spills or messes that only require quick wipe-downs. There are many benefits to keeping disposable wet wipes on hand, whether in your home, car, or purse.
What should you consider in wet wipes?
- Hypoallergenic: Since wet wipes are often used on the skin, you’ll want to make sure that they won’t cause irritation or an allergic reaction on your or your family’s skin. If you or any of your loved ones have sensitive skin or allergies, investing in hypoallergenic wet wipes is a wise choice. If you plan to use the wet wipes on your baby when you change their diaper, be sure to look for hypoallergenic or baby-designed wet wipes since infants have much more sensitive and delicate skin than adults or older children.
- Eco-Friendly: Wet wipes are disposable rather than reusable, so they can make your garbage pile up quickly. If you’re striving to live a greener, more environmentally friendly lifestyle, disposable wipes may seem counterproductive to that way of life. However, there are environmentally friendly and biodegradable wet wipes available. These are made of organic, sustainable ingredients and will break down naturally rather than filling up landfills and causing pollution.
- Quantity: How often do you use wet wipes? Since they’re meant to be disposed of after one use, most people tend to go through them fairly quickly, especially if they use them daily. The odds are good that you’ll want to order in larger rather than smaller quantities, especially since ordering them in bulk can be more cost-efficient. However, if you tend to use them infrequently, a pack with fewer wipes should serve you just fine.
How long will wet wipes last?
If you’re looking to stock up, wet wipes are a great sundry item to have on hand. They can last up to 3 years if they remain sealed and stored in a temperate indoor storage area. Once you open them, they can last up to 4 weeks. But be sure to seal the package each time you use them so that they don’t dry out.
Our Picks for the Best Wet Wipes
Pampers Sensitive Water-Based Baby Diaper Wipes
These pediatrician-recommended wipes are gentle and soothing on your baby's sensitive skin.
Pros: These baby wipes are nice and thick, keeping your hands out of messes. They clean and absorb messes well, too. Plus, there are no loose bits of lint in these wipes that can cause frustration when cleaning your baby. They’re water-based, so they’re gentle on your baby’s skin, and they come from a trusted brand in baby products. You get 576 total wipes in this box of eight packages.
Cons: The plastic cover can break easily, and they’re not the wettest baby wipes on the market.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a solid baby wipe option that won’t break the bank, these are a great go-to. They’re available with a subscription, so you don’t even have to think about re-ordering. Best of all, they’re hypoallergenic and completely safe to use on your baby.
Pros: These wipes are made with climate-friendly, carbon-neutral manufacturing practices. They have soothing aloe that refreshes irritated skin, and they remove makeup remarkably well. They come from Burt’s Bees, a trusted brand for personal care products.
Cons: The packaging isn’t the most user-friendly; it can be difficult to pull out one wipe at a time. They also tend to dry out quickly.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for great facial wipes that will work with most skin types, try these ones from Burt’s Bees. They feel soft on your skin and won’t dry you out. Plus, they’re perfect for tossing in an overnight bag on the go.
Cottonelle FreshFeel Flushable Wet Wipes
These wastewater utility-approved wipes will leave you feeling fresh and clean after using the loo.
Pros: These wipes are Climate Pledge friendly. You get eight full packs, saving time and money. They’re also made with plant-based fibers and no plastic or chemicals.
Cons: It can be difficult to grab one wipe at a time out of the package. They also tend to rip.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for great wipes to use in the restroom, try these. You get a lot of bang for your buck with these wipes. Plus, they stay wet better than some other brands.
DUDE Flushable Wipes
These extra-large freshening wipes are made from plant-based materials.
Pros: These wipes clean very well and don’t tear easily. They’re super soft and comfortable to use. They’re also made from pure ingredients—no plastic fibers, parabens, or alcohol. Plus, they have aloe vera and vitamin E in them for a soothing clean.
Cons: Because these are larger than traditional wipes, they won’t fit in most wipe dispensers. The moisture tends to drip down, leaving the top tier of wipes a little dry.
Bottom Line: If you’d like an extra-large wipe to help you feel fresh, these may be a great selection for you. They have clean, hypoallergenic ingredients.
Pros: They contain witch hazel which is soothing on your skin. If the package remains properly sealed, the wipes will remain wet for a long time. And the individual packages are small enough to fit into a purse or diaper bag.
Cons: While these are antibacterial, they are not antiviral. The packaging is not environmentally friendly.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for antibacterial wipes you can easily take on the go, these are a classic choice. They’re compact and virtually mess-free. Plus, they contain aloe to help soothe the skin.
Final Thoughts
Wet wipes are perfect for gently removing dirt, germs, and other undesirables from your skin. They’re compact enough to carry along in the car, on a trip, in a diaper bag, or in your purse. They’re a staple hygiene product for people of almost all ages, and because they’re packaged for convenience, they’re made to make your life easier. Check out our suggestions for wet wipes to help you stay clean.