Group Warns Baby Wipes Containing Toxic Preservatives

The EcoWaste Coalition, an advocate for a zero waste and toxics-free society, once again raised concerns over selling baby wipes containing banned chemicals that can cause skin irritations.

The group notified the parents and nannies about a potential health hazard after purchasing unapproved baby wipes that contain methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone. These preservatives can result in skin redness, itching, and blistering and are prohibited in cosmetics left on the skin, including baby wipes.

Using wipes containing methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone can lead to contact dermatitis. This skin condition causes redness, itching, and the formation of small blisters on the skin. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this condition is caused by exposure to environmental substances that trigger an allergic or irritant response.

As part of its observance of Consumer Welfare Month, the group conducted test purchases on October 10, 2023. They purchased two baby wipes with banned ingredients, priced at PHP18 and PHP25 per pack of 80 wipes, respectively. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not notified these products.

The FDA Circular No. 2017-006 and FDA Advisory No. 2018-034 have prohibited using methylisothiazolinone in leave-on cosmetic products. The industry was given until August 31, 2018, to comply with the regulation. However, a recent report suggests that more than five years have passed since the deadline, and baby wipes containing the banned chemical are still available for sale. This is a cause of concern for advocates who believe that the safety of consumers should always be a top priority.

“To safeguard your baby against contact dermatitis and other skin disorders, please read product labels carefully and reject that listing methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone as ingredients. Also, don’t forget to properly dispose of used wipes to prevent blocking the drains, contaminating recyclables, and polluting the oceans,” said the EcoWaste Coalition.