Watchdog warns vs ‘harmful’ wet wipes

MANILA, Philippines — Consumers should refrain from using wet wipes with “harmful” ingredients, a group promoting zero waste and chemical safety said yesterday.

Wet wipes are regulated as cosmetics by the Food and Drug Administration, which requires sellers to register cosmetic products before they are sold in the market, according to Thony Dizon, chemical safety campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition.

Using unregistered cosmetics may “pose potential health hazards,” Dizon said.

Among the ingredients not allowed in wet wipes, based on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Cosmetic Directive, are preservatives such as benzylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, pentylparaben, phenylparaben, and methylisothiazolinone, according to Dizon.

He suggested using lukewarm water, mild soap and cotton balls for cleaning a baby’s bottom and only using wet wipes when water is not available.

“Read the product label carefully and shun those that include banned ingredients. Reject products that do not list their ingredients and do not have an expiry date,” Dizon said.