Written by Declan Davey on Wed Jan 01 2025.
Cleansing wipes can soothe irritated skin and help maintain personal hygiene with ease. But not all wipes are created equal, there are both scented and unscented wipes available. Some wipes are flushable, while others are not. And you can find options with lotion or softening ingredients, like aloe. But where can you find the best cleansing wipes for your needs? Here at Carewell, we carry reliable brands for adult wipes including Attends, TENA, and ProCare. Take a look at the different features here and shop from our curated list of the 11 best cleansing wipes.
Cleansing wipes are designed for personal hygiene needs and are ideal for those who may have limited mobility or incontinence issues. Adult wipes can help provide gentle care while cleansing after using the restroom or while changing incontinence products.
Unlike antibacterial or facial wipes, cleansing wipes can be used to calm and soften skin across the body… and yes, that includes the sensitive bits. Facial wipes are built for wiping away things like makeup, sweat, and dirt from — you guessed it — the face! Though some people may use them for other parts of the body, it’s not recommended.
And as for antibacterial wipes? In some cases, you’ll be able to use these kinds of wipes for your hands. But if “disinfectant” is listed on the packaging, the wipes are intended to get rid of nasties like bacteria and mold… not for soothing skin.
But why is it so important to know the difference? Good question. Wipes that contain disinfectant (which is more effective for killing germs) can also irritate the skin, as harsh chemicals may cause itching, redness, or swelling. To top it off, there’s also the chance of allergic reactions.
So, what makes cleansing wipes so helpful? And how do people use them? For a start, they’re convenient for personal hygiene. You can travel with them and many of the products feature single-press, easy-open lids. And when you can’t access bathing facilities, a quick clean-up with a wipe makes for a great go-to strategy.
There’s also the mobility aspect to consider. Elderly or disabled people may struggle to get in and out of the shower. If this is the case, then a cleansing wipe makes for a great alternative. Caregivers — either family or paid — can find them useful, too. If you support a person who needs support with personal care but is at risk of falls or unlikely to cooperate with bathing, then cleansing wipes are often a nice workaround.
Low price is another advantage that cleansing wipes have in their favor. Plenty of packs are available for under $5 online.
Finally, the gentle ingredients featured in many cleansing wipes offer appeal. For example, some products come with Aloe Vera, Chamomile, or special kinds of lotion to keep skin moisturized.
Let’s take a look at how you can find the best cleansing wipe for you or your loved one’s needs:
You’d think that buying cleansing wipes would be a pretty straightforward endeavor, right?
Well, it isn’t hard to find these wipes online or in pharmacies. But there are a few factors to consider first:
A lot of cleansing wipes include a scent. That’s fine for many people, but those who are sensitive to chemical smells — particularly perfumes — may want to choose products without a scent. TENA Ultra Washcloths provide both scented and unscented options.
Who doesn’t love lotion? Soothing to apply, and it leaves a nice shimmery glow. If you tend to get dry skin, then choosing a wipe with lotion can help to keep skin moisturized for longer. Prevail’s Adult Wipes with Lotion is an excellent choice, here.
Wipes are notorious for causing plumbing problems and environmental damage, as they’re hard to break down. So if you or a loved one intend to flush wipes, it’s best to shop from flushable wipe choices.
Maybe you want to try out a smaller pack, first, to see if you like them? Or maybe you’ve already tested the wipe, and want to buy it in bulk for a discount? Both are valid. And, often, brands will give you a choice. Smaller packs may come with counts of 40 or 50, while larger packs may come in counts of 500+.
Skin-supportive ingredients like Aloe, Chamomile, and Vitamin E can be added to cleansing wipes to provide softening benefits. Check out the Attends Washcloths or ProCare Wipes with Aloe and Vitamin E. Or, if you’d like a product with Chamomile, there’s the Quilted Wipes from Prevail.
Take a look at the 11 of the best cleansing wipes on the market, as voted for by Carewell customers and staff. We’ve ordered them by the number of reviews each product has. Still, we recommend that you scroll through the list to find which wipes have the features you’re looking for:
Price: $7.78 - $34.74
Pack Size: 96 or 576 (pack of 12)
Key features:
Built-in aloe and vitamin E to keep your skin soft, healthy, and clean
Quick, one-handed access by pressing an easy-open lid
FSA & HSA Eligible
Adult sized for plenty of protection, double the size of baby wipes
Price: $11.67 - $29.99
Pack Size: 48 or 96
Key features:
Soft yet strong wipes, which are pre-moistened and pleasantly fragranced
Clinically tested to be mild and gentle on skin
Convenient, easy-release dispensing lid
Free from alcohol
Price: $3.01 - $32.49
Pack Size: 50 or 96, and cases of 576 or 600
Key features:
Spun-lace fabric that is sturdy yet soft to the touch
Rinse-free and alcohol-free
Clinically tested for mildness on skin
Single hand dispensing, re-stick the lid with your finger
Price: $16.73 - $41.56
Pack Size: 48 or 576
Key features:
Unscented wipes, not made from rubber latex
Hypoallergenic fabric that contains aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E for skin wellness
Extremely effective, while also extremely soft on the skin
Press open lid and single-hand dispensing
Price: $18.00 - $46.95
Pack Size: 48 or 576
Key features:
Premium quilted fabric
Clean more effectively and with less waste
Tri-Form Fabric is soothing yet tough, with two outer layers for gentle cleansing with a thick inner layer that resists tearing and stretching
Skin Smart, hypoallergenic material that contains Aloe, Chamomile and Vitamin E
Single-hand dispensing for easy access
Price: $6.37 - $60.99
Pack Size: 56 or 672
Key features:
Cloth-like and latex-free multipurpose wipes that provide a soft clean for all body parts
Large enough to allow for a quick clean-up or bathing for those who are bedridden
Mildly scented and enriched with Aloe, Chamomile, and Vitamin E
Paraben-free, alcohol-free, hypoallergenic
Price: $2.77 - $68.95
Pack Size: 48 or 576
Key features:
Soothing, soft cream to calm chaffed or sore skin
Leaves your skin with a soothing layer of moisturizer
FSA & HSA Eligible
pH-balanced cleansing formula with Aloe and Vitamin E to help with preventing irritation
Gentle, alcohol-free cleansing formula
No rinsing necessary, soft pack with reclosable lid
Perfect for delicate or sensitive skin
Price: $9.49 - $78.58
Pack Size: 48 or 576
Key features:
Over 99% biodegradable and sewer safe – will not clog pipes when used as directed*
Pre-moistened, adult-sized washcloths
Blended with Aloe, Chamomile and Vitamin E to soothe delicate, elderly skin
Strong enough for personal cleansing but gentle on pipes in the event of accidental flushing
Mildly scented, dermatologically tested, and alcohol-free
Price: $7.99 - $80.78
Pack Size: 48 scented or unscented, 576 scented or unscented
Key features:
Premium emulsion (oil-in-water) formulation gently cleanses and conditions fragile skin
You can use it for no-rinse bathing of the entire body, including the delicate perineal area
Rich, luxurious feel available in mildly scented or unscented options
Extra soft, with a thick, cloth-like, quality texture
One-handed dispensing with a closable plastic lid for added convenience
Dermatologically tested, alcohol-free and enriched with Aloe, Chamomile and Vitamin E
Price: $9.53 - $27.98
Pack Size: 42
Key features:
Flushable wipes for practical use
Cleans and moisturizes your skin with ease
pH balanced and alcohol-free
Includes a touch of Aloe to aid irritated skin
Price: $8.05 - $302.02
Pack Size: Pack of 5 (Unscented), Pack of 30 (Scented)
Key features:
No-rinse, self-sudsing, disposable washcloth
Ideal for bathing, shampooing, and cleansing from incontinence
Free from alcohol, dyes, and preservatives
pH-balanced
CHG compatible
The Winner?
This will sound like we’re dodging a vote… but honestly, the best pick depends on your needs.
Here’s how we’d break it down:
Our picks:
Our picks:
Attends Personal Wipes with Aloe, Scented
Prevail Adult Wipes with Lotion
Our picks:
Prevail Adult Wipes with Lotion
Prevail Adult Wipes with Lotion, Unscented
Our picks:
McKesson StayDry Personal Wipes
ProCare Wipes with Aloe/Vitamin E
Our pick:
Prevail Quilted Wipes with Lotion
Our picks:
Bedside-Care EasiCleanse Bath Wipes
Prevail Adult Wipes with Lotion, Unscented
Thanks for reading!
If you need some help choosing the best cleansing wipes for you, please call the Carewell support team at (800) 696-2273.
Our lines are open 24/7!
Or, if email is easier for you, you can contact us at support@carewell.com.
Speak soon!
The Carewell Family
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Bowel incontinence affects about 1 in 3 adults, yet many people who suffer from the condition fail to seek treatment due to fear or stigma.
Download the checklist. >Declan Davey is a health and wellness copywriter from London, UK. His background includes roles as a psychological therapist for Islington Memory Service, where he worked with family caregivers, and as a rehab assistant at Camden Neurology & Stroke Service.