GROWING DEMAND FOR NATURAL AND CHEMICAL-FREE WIPES – INFLUENCE THE WIPES MARKET GLOBALLY
Wipe is a small moist cloth that is used for cleaning surfaces. Various types of wipes are commercially available such as baby wipes, makeup removal wipes, cooling wipes, perfume wipes, body wipes, medical wipes, general cleaning wipes, pet wipes, intimate wipes, deodorant wipes, and nail polish removal wipes, antibacterial wipes, among others. These wipes are subjected to light rubbing or friction to remove dirt or liquid from the surface. The key advantage of wipes is convenience. Using wipes is quicker and easier than the alternative of dispensing a liquid and using another cloth or paper towel to clean or remove dust. Wipes serves a number of personal and household purposes.
As the skin of babies is very sensitive, it is necessary to ensure that the baby wipes are not made of toxic ingredients or chemicals. Various chemicals such as formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, preservatives, penetration enhancers, fragrance mixes, parabens, triclosan, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)/sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), polyethylene glycol (PEG), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), and iodopropynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC) are used in baby wipes and facial wipes. Consumers are unaware of all toxic ingredients as these are not listed on the product. These chemicals cause several health issues, and therefore its use in wipes should be avoided. For instance, formaldehyde that is used in wipes is a toxic chemical that is known to cause cancer, damage the central nervous system, and impact reproductive health. It can be absorbed into the body or skin by inhalation or ingestion. Sometimes, the products may not contain formaldehyde as an ingredient but will contain formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. Often baby wipes and facial wipes contain formaldehyde-releasing chemicals as preservatives.
Likewise, triclosan is an antibacterial agent, and it is used as a preservative in wipes. It can easily pass through the skin and disrupt hormone function or cause allergies. Due to rising awareness about the side effect of these chemicals, the demand for wipes produced from natural ingredients has increased over the past few years. The key players in the wipe market are focusing on developing innovative natural products to attract consumers in the market. For instance, in February 2018, Procter & Gamble Co. expanded its footprint in the natural category by launching Pampers Aqua Pure wipes. Aqua Pure wipes include 99% pure water and a touch of premium cotton. Therefore, the demand for natural and chemical-free wipes has surged over the past few years with the growing awareness about the side effects of the chemicals on the skin.
