The Science of WaterWipes - Adult Range

Clinical and Scientific study

History

WaterWipes™ are the world’s purest wipes for sensitive skin
 

WaterWipes™ was created by our founder, Edward McCloskey, after his newborn daughter developed diaper rash on her sensitive skin. After an extensive search, he couldn’t find a baby wipe that didn’t contain numerous ingredients, so he decided to make his own. Many years later, after a lot of hard work, testing, and scientific research, WaterWipes™ was born. 

Pure and gentle for the most delicate skin, WaterWipes™ are purer than cotton wool and water. Healthcare professionals around the world are discovering the benefits of our gentle and effective WaterWipes™ for their patients (babies, children, adults, and seniors) with sensitive skin. 

The WaterWipes team have extended their range to include an Adult range. The Adult range is suitable for full‑body use, including gentle intimate cleansing, and ideal for individuals managing incontinence.

 

 

 

 

Through scientific studies, publications, and expertise, WaterWipes™ have been shown to be both suitable and gentle for sensitive skin.

Incontinence

Incontinence
 

Incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine or faecal matter, is not a condition that anyone should have to “just live with.” It’s not something you need to accept as you get older, or an inevitable consequence of childbirth or surgery. 
Urinary and faecal incontinence affects a significant portion of the population. While reported incidence rates vary widely, incontinence tends to increase with age and becomes a relatively common affliction in those over 50.

Use a minimal ingredient wipe such as WaterWipes™ Adult Range to ensure the skin is cleaned after every episode.

 

Bladder Incontinence


Treatment for bladder incontinence will depend on the type and cause, 
however help is available from your health care professional but will 
likely include some or a combination of the below*

  • Behavioural techniques
  • Pelvic floor muscle exercises 
  • Medications
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Medical devices
  • Interventional therapies
  • Surgery
  • Absorbent pads and catheter
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Excellent patient support websites for incontinence include:


Bladder & Bowel Community (bladderandbowel.org) 
National Association for Continence (NAFC) (nafc.org) 
Continence Foundation of Ireland (continence.ie) 
International Continence Society (ics.org)

* https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352814 accessed Jan 2025

Incontinence

Fecal Incontinence

 

Fecal incontinence is the term describing the inability to control the 
bowels. It can affect women, men and children.
Although it is common, people are embarrassed to bring up the issue 
with their health care provider and suffer in silence, constantly worried 
about odour and leakage. Skin that is not cleaned frequently and 
effectively may result in skin issues.

Causes of fecal incontinence include:

  • Childbirth 
  • Anal sphincter damage
  • Congenital malformations
  • Chronic constipation
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Neurological disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Aging
  • Other factors

 

Help prevent skin damage with good cleaning practices*


Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) occurs as a result of prolonged exposure of the skin to feces or urine, either from incontinence or an inability to cleanse and dry the skin adequately after toileting.

Healthcare professionals recommend:

  • Gently cleanse : after every episode of incontinence using pH-friendly, gentle cleansers e.g. WaterWipes™ Adult Range
  • Avoid soap, antiseptics & wipes with fragrance : use wipes formulated for gentle cleansing after incontinence episodes e.g. WaterWipes™ Adult Range 
  • Dry skin carefully : no vigorous rubbing
  • Apply a barrier product : (spray, cream or wipe) sparingly to protect at-risk areas
  • Avoid talcum powder and excessive use of zinc products : that may trap moisture

Skin Changes

Incontinence and Skin Risk

Incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD)

IAD is an inflammatory skin condition caused by prolonged contact with urine and/or feces. 

It is a form of irritant contact dermatitis that leads to redness, pain, and skin barier breakdown, most commonly in the perineal area, buttocks, groin, and inner thighs.

 

 

Urine and fecal incontinence can damage skin by:
 

  • Excess skin moisture (leading to skin softening and breakdown)
  • Ammonia in urine and enzymes in feces alter the skin pH and irritate the barrier.
  • Friction from movement & pad

Unique Vulnerabilities 
 

As shown in the above diagram, senior skin is vulnerable due to :
 

  • Higher skin permeability
  • Thinner stratum corneum
  • Occlusion
  • Other comorbidities

Adult Range

Why has WaterWipes™created an Adult Range 


Good cleansing of incontinence affected skin is essential because it helps remove the causes of irritation, helping to protect the skin barrier. When urine or stool stays on the skin, even briefly, it disrupts the skin’s natural defences, leading to possible inflammation, breakdown, and painful incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD)*.

WaterWipes™ with over 99% purified water and minimal ingredients are suitable for gentle cleansing of sensitive skin, especially intimate areas. 
 

Prevalence of Incontinence-associated skin issues


Urinary and fecal incontinence affects a significant portion of the population. While reported incidence rates vary widely, incontinence tends to increase with age and becomes a relatively common affliction in those over 50.

*https://nafc.org/ Accessed January 2026

 

Impact of Incontinence

Incontinence in skin has the potential
to cause**

  • Chemical irritation
  • Mechanical injury
  • Dermatitis
  • Dermal infections (both fungal and bacterial)
  • Acid mantle imbalance
  • Psychosocial burdens
  • Physical discomfort

On a social level incontinence can affect***

  • Physical exercise
  • Work productivity
  • Sleep
  • Social interaction
  • Travel
  • Sexual health

Cleansing choice matters
 

WaterWipes™ Adult Range cleanse gently, without the need for excessive 
rubbing. With over 99% water and minimal ingredients, they are pH and 
microbiome friendly and are an ideal choice for skin. 

**M.A. Farage et al. (eds.), Textbook of Aging Skin, DOI 10.1007/978-3-662-47398-6_64 
*** Women and Incontinence in the EU - Policy Brief 2018 https://eurohealth.ie/women_and_incontinence_2018

Adult Range

WaterWipes™ Adult Range

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Minimal Ingredients

Aged skin is prone to:

  • Skin dryness
  • Itching
  • Thinner -easily irritated
  • Slow to heal 
  • Sensitivity

Science

Skin becomes thinner as we age and increasingly fragile. Using detergent-free wipes, such as WaterWipes™ Adult Range to cleanse skin has been shown to be effective in older adults. As skin ages and becomes more delicate WaterWipes™ believes cleaning should be done with a product containing minimal ingredients*.

WaterWipes™ has minimal ingredients


WaterWipes™ contains 2 ingredients, other wipes
contain on average 14 ingredients*

Cleansing

Skin becomes thinner as we age and increasingly fragile. 
Using detergent-free wipes, such as WaterWipes™ sensitive+ body & intimate, to cleanse skin has been shown to be effective in older adults*

IAD in aged skin

Incontinence-related irritation in aged skin can lead to mechanical injury and increased susceptibility to infection. Cleansing wipes for ageing skin should be formulated to help protect the skin barrier, with mild formulations that gently cleanse and support the acid mantle, preventing an increase in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and potential irritation.

Excessive use of harsh surfactants

*Sommerville J, Gilligan E, Schols J. Detergent free wipes for geriatric care. 
Presented at: 20th EuGMS Congress; September 18-20, 2024; Valencia, Spain

Science

Microbiome Friendly

  • The skin microbiome consists of millions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes. 
  • Certified microbiome friendly to support the 
    skin's natural ecosystem. 
  • Gentle on the skin's microbiome, helping preserve its natural defences.

Clinical Study *

WaterWipes™ Body & Intimate:

  • 27 Adults Sensitive skin 
  • Acne, eczema, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, cosmetic intolerance syndrome
  • All Fitzpatrick Skin Types
  • Cleansing face & body
  • 2-week study

Results:

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Conclusion:
 

This means people with skin disease who normally cannot use a wet wipe 
now have a convenient and hygienic option without aggravating their skin disease.
 

*Data on file, WaterWipes, 2025

Science

Consumer Testing

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Instrumental Testing

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*Instrumental test, 10 volunteers, 2023 ** In use study, after one use, 30 volunteers, 2025 *** In use study, over 2 weeks, 30 volunteers, 2025
++ Adult carer study, 7 days, 65 volunteers, 2024. + In use study, 2 weeks, 124 volunteers, 2023

FUTURE IS PROACTIVE CARE

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Accreditations

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External Affairs: April 2026
 

WaterWipes™ are a cosmetic product and do not treat, cure or prevent any medical conditions

www.waterwipes.com