The Science of WaterWipes
Clinical and Scientific Summary
Clinical and Scientific Summary
WaterWipes® was created by our founder, Edward McCloskey, after his newborn daughter developed a 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, but with the convenience of a baby wipe, WaterWipes® are purer than cotton wool and water. Healthcare professionals in 50 countries around the world are discovering the benefits of our gentle and effective WaterWipes® for their patients (babies, children, adults, and seniors) with sensitive skin. WaterWipes® are available in all major retailers and online.
Through scientific studies, publications, and expertise, WaterWipes® have been shown to be the world's purest wipes for sensitive skin.
Did you know that 71% of people identify as having sensitive skin*? 96% of Dermatologists agree that WaterWipes® is the #1 wipe choice for sensitive skin**
Tips when choosing skin wipes for those with sensitive skin:
*The State of Skin Sensitivity Report, Aveeno, 2022 **Source: 272 Dermatologists at AAD, USA, 2024
Effective cleaning helped reduce sensitive skin indicators, including dryness, redness, roughness, and flakiness.
Draelos Z, Sommerville J, Gilligan E. The tolerability of a Novel Wipe on Eczematous and Eczema Prone Baby Skin. [Manuscript submitted for consideration August 2025]
Cleans, Cares and Protects
WaterWipes® cleans 100% of the dirt applied to the skin
*** p < 0.0001 FecloneTM applied to skin 200,000 No. of bacterial cells (108) 150,000 100,000 50,000 400 200 20 0 Post-wipe **** Marisa A, Shadrach W, Holohan K, et al. An alternative approach to validate the cleaning efficiency of a skin cleansing wipe. Cosmetics. 2024;11(5):172
WaterWipes® is the first wipe brand to date to have received the microbiome-friendly certification, indicating that a product made from ultra-pure water and minimal ingredients respects the balance of the skin microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome is key for an intact skin barrier.
The pH of WaterWipes® is different from the pH of many other baby wipes. WaterWipes® formulation has a pH in the neutral range whilst many other baby wipes have a pH in the acidic range.
For individuals with sensitive skin it may be preferable to cleanse the skin with a wipe in the pH neutral range, that gently cleanses and soothes the skin.
WaterWipes and PH
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.
Incontinence-related irritation in aged skin can cause 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.
Sommerville J, Gilligan E, Schols J. Detergent free wipes for geriatric care. Presented at: 20th EuGMS Congress; September 18-20, 2024; Valencia, Spain.
Sommerville J, Gilligan E, Schols J. Detergent free wipes for geriatric care. Presented at: 20th EuGMS Congress; September 18-20, 2024; Valencia, Spain.
*Instrumental test, 10 participants, July 2023
Most widely accredited wipe brand in the world
External Affairs: November 2025
WaterWipes® are a cosmetic product and do not treat, cure or prevent any medical conditions
www.waterwipes.com