The best adult wipes

If you’re looking for no-frills flushable wipes with basic features, Cottonelle delivers. Each wipe has a lightly textured surface that cleans effectively, but they’re still soft enough for everyday use. The manufacturer claims that they’re safe for sewers and septic systems (be sure to see our buying guide for more information on flushability), and each pack is resealable thanks to its easy to use flip-top lid.

Overall, these wipes are inexpensive, effective, and simple—pretty much everything you’d expect from one of the top personal hygiene brands.

Key Features

• Sewer safe and septic safe
• Lightly textured for better cleansing
• Hypoallergenic - alcohol-free, paraben-free, dye-free

<strong>Brand</strong>: Cottonelle | <strong>Wipe size</strong>: 5.5 in x 3.75 in | <strong>Quantity</strong>: 8 packs, 42 wipes per pack, 336 wipes total

DUDE Wipes have unnecessarily gendered branding, which might cause some buyers to immediately discount them. That’s unfortunate, as they’ve got some nice features that make them one of the better adult wipe options on the market (regardless of whether or not you’re a “dude”).

They’re made with plant-sourced fibers, which are both biodegradable and flushable. Vitamin E and aloe provide some skin-friendly benefits, and the soft, thick sheets are about 25 percent larger than average wet wipes. DUDE Wipes are fragrance free, a definite plus for some.

Key Features

• Unscented wipes are hypoallergenic and paraben-free
• Resealable flip-top keeps wipes fresh
• Plant sourced fiber is septic and sewer safe

<strong>Brand</strong>: Dude Products | <strong>Wipe size</strong>: 7.8 in x 5.7 in | <strong>Quantity</strong>: 3 packs, 48 wipes per pack, 144 wipes total

Surviveware wet wipes are designed for campers and hikers—but at the end of the day, a wipe is a wipe, regardless of where you’re using it. They’re also significantly larger than many other wipes on the market, which can make them ideal your whole body. While they’re usable as toilet wipes, they’re also ideal for keeping clean between full baths.

Each wipe measures 8 in by 12 in, so a single pack goes a long way. The large size might be overkill for some purposes, but they’re soft, durable, and biodegradable. We couldn’t find any information on whether they’re plumbing friendly, but given their size, we wouldn’t flush these.

Key Features

• Infused with aloe and Vitamin E
• Hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, and alcohol-free
• Unscented

<strong>Brand</strong>: Surviveware | <strong>Wipe size</strong>: 8 in x 12 in | <strong>Quantity</strong>: 1 pack, 32 wipes per pack

While most packages of wipes are easy to pack, there is something to be said about a wipe that can be discretely carried in a purse or jean pocket. Each individually wrapped wipe measures 3 in x 3 in, so it's easy to store just about anywhere.

Made with aloe, cucumber, and chamomile, these unscented wipes are also infused with Vitamin E and aloe for added softness and comfort. Stall Mates is also dedicated to improving the environment as they create the wipes using renewable solar energy, and have partnered with Trees for the Future to plant one tree for every package sold.

Key Features

• Hypoallergenic wipes are alcohol-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free
• Created with 100% biodegradable materials
• Good for use up to two years

<strong>Brand</strong>: Stall Mates | <strong>Wipe Size</strong>: 6 in x 8 in | <strong>Quantity</strong>: 30 on-the-go individually packaged wipes

Before buying, be sure to consider the following to ensure you get the best adult wipe for your needs.

Flushability

Some brands claim that their adult wipes are fully biodegradable and safe for all sewer systems. Unfortunately, there’s no way to verify these claims, and many plumbers insist that wet wipes are much more likely to cause a clog than conventional toilet paper. After all, toilet paper breaks down when exposed to moisture, and obviously, that’s not the case for pre-moistened adult wipes. While they eventually biodegrade, that’s a comparatively slow process.

With that in mind, we can’t say definitively that flushable wipes are safe for all sewer systems or that they biodegrade quickly enough to prevent clogs. Buyers might want to avoid flushing any wipes, regardless of the claims on the products’ packaging. If you do flush, avoid flushing more than two wipes at a time.

Fragrances and other ingredients

Be aware of any skin sensitivities and read ingredient lists carefully when purchasing.

While most adult wipes are marketed as hypoallergenic, some chemicals can cause irritation over time, especially alcohols (used in some formulas as antibacterial agents), fragrances, and propylene glycol. Of course, adult wipes are designed to be used on sensitive skin, so these ingredients are usually added sparingly.

Many product formulas also contain skin-friendly ingredients like aloe vera and Vitamin E. These additives may be helpful to some users, but ironically, they can also cause reactions for people with sensitivities. Always spot test wipes before using them on sensitive skin.

Size

Larger wipes are generally a better option if you’re purchasing adult wipes as a comprehensive hygiene solution, but they tend to be more expensive.

Consider the practical applications before making a decision; if you intend to use wipes to extend the time between full bathings, the larger options might make sense. If you're looking to use in conjunction with toilet paper, a smaller wipe is probably a better bet.