Finding the right cleansing wipes is a key part of comfortably managing incontinence. Adult cleansing wipes provide a convenient way to gently and effectively clean skin and, if irritated, provide soothing relief.
There are a variety of wipes, washcloths, and towelettes available on the market today, and like most personal care items, personal preference will play a big part in your selection.
But how do you narrow down what type is right for your situation?
We’ve put together our roundup of top-rated wipes, washcloths, and towelettes for incontinence care to help you select the best product for your needs.
What to look for in an adult cleansing wipe
The staples of any adult cleansing wipe are:
Soothing ingredients: Most cleansing wipes are made with aloe, coconut oil, lanolin, or vitamin E to moisturize and soothe skin.
Scented or unscented: Cleansing wipes are available in both scented and unscented varieties. Most scented wipes have a subtle, neutral, fresh scent. Unscented wipes tend to be best for extra-sensitive skin or those sensitive to smell.
Dry or wet: Adult cleansing wipes come in two types - dry or wet. Wet wipes are pre-moistened and infused with moisturizing ingredients and sometimes antiseptic or antibacterial ingredients. Dry wipes are a disposable alternative to traditional fabric washcloths. They are more heavy-duty, quilted, and extra-large. Dry wipes are ideal for cleaning the sensitive perineal area and are often used with perineal creams, while wet wipes are usually more widely used for cleanup and hygiene.
How we chose our top 10 best adult cleansing wipes
The wipes, washcloths, and towelettes on this list are top-rated by verified Carewell customers. We closely looked at reviews and customer feedback for each product to select items that fit the specific needs of caregivers and adults managing incontinence.
We also thoroughly researched each product, paying special attention to materials, ingredients, and best use cases.
Best adult cleansing wipes quick roundup
Best adult cleansing wipes for incontinence care
Best overall:
1. Prevail Premium Washcloths Adult Personal Wipes
With over 1,000 positive reviews, Prevail Premium Washcloths are the gold standard for adult cleansing wipes. These wet wipes are ideal for adults who use underpads, adult diapers, or pull-ups and offer convenient and sanitary cleanup or full body cleansing while soothing and protecting skin.
Key Benefits & Features:
Moisturizing ingredients: lotion, aloe, & vitamin E
Size: 8” x 12”
Extra convenient single-hand dispensing - just press open the lid and dispense
Lightly scented
Number per pack: 48
Customer Review of Prevail Premium Washcloths Adult Personal Wipes: “The towels are soft and have a pleasant scent. I like the fact that they are sturdy enough to complete the job without tearing apart. Further, each cloth is just the right size, this minimizes my using more than is needed for the job.” - Otis S
Best for full body cleaning:
2. TENA ProSkin Unscented Disposable Bathing Glove Wipes
If your loved one is bedbound or a wheelchair user, getting them into the bath or shower isn’t always possible. These TENA ProSkin Unscented Disposable Bathing Glove Wipes provide an easier alternative. They’re enriched with soap and water and can be warmed for a more soothing experience.
Key Benefits & Features
Disposable quick and easy to use for fragile skin and convenient care
Premoistened with gentle cleansing lotion
No water is necessary; The wipes are ready to use straight from the package.
Best ultra-strong:
3. MoliCare Personal Wipe
MoliCare Personal Wipes are extra-large cleansing wet wipes made from soft, extra-durable, puncture-resistant materials. These wipes are perfect for larger messes or full-body cleansing.
Key Benefits & Features:
Moisturizing ingredients: aloe & lanolin
Puncture resistant material
Resealable pop-up dispenser
Size: 9” x 13”
Lightly scented
Number in a pack: 50
Customer Review of MoliCare Personal Wipe: “Work great! These wipes are huge, and perfect for wiping all over the body for cleanliness. The quality wipes stretch and will not break or tear.” - Patty H
Best flushable:
4. DynaCare Flush Away Flushable Wipes
There are many flushable wipe options that aren’t quite as flushable as advertised. Most of these “flushable” wipes don’t disintegrate quickly and can end up clogging pipes, but Dynarex has created these Flush Away wipes with new technology making them biodegradable and safe for sewers and septic systems.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best dry disposable washcloths:
5. TENA Dry Washcloths
TENA dry washcloths are a great disposable option to replace traditional washcloths. They are made of soft embossed cloth-like material and designed specifically with perineal care, but they can be used on the entire body or for cleaning up surfaces. Use with perineal cream and/or cleansers and conveniently dispose of after use.
Key Benefits & Features:
Soft, cloth-like material
Made with perineal care in mind
Disposable, which reduces laundering
Size: 10” x 13.25”
Unscented
Number in a pack: 50
Hear it from a caregiver
Customer Review of TENA Dry Washcloths: “Wonderful and very useful. These towels are handy for hands, body, and sensitive areas. When wet, I can use them to wash my face. They even make great guest towels. I have used wet ones to clean pelvic areas as well.” - Shirley A
Best for sensitive skin:
6. Prevail Adult Incontinence Washcloths with Lotion, Unscented
These Prevail adult cleansing wipes are unscented and hypoallergenic, making them exceptionally gentle for sensitive skin. Enriched with aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E, they help promote skin wellness while providing effective cleanup.
Key Benefits & Features:
Feature a hypoallergenic fabric that contains aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E for skin wellness
Unscented, made with quilted fabric, non-sterile, and not made with natural rubber latex
Durable and soft for effective cleanup on sensitive skin
12" x 8"
Alcohol free, latex free and clinically tested
Best Antibacterial:
7. Medline ReadyBath Luxe Antibacterial Bathing Cloth
If you’re looking for an antibacterial cloth that helps kill tough odors, the Medline ReadyBath Luxe bathing cloth is the best option. This bathing cloth is pre-moistened with a gentle, no-rinse pH-balanced antibacterial cleanser that kills germs and eliminates odors.
Key Benefits & Features:
Made with BZK (Benzalkonium Chloride) antibacterial formula
Infused with moisturizing lotions
No-rinse cleansing
Can be warmed in the microwave for added comfort
Size: 8” x 8”
Lightly scented
Number in pack: 8
Customer Review of Medline ReadyBath Luxe Antibacterial Bathing Cloth: "These wipes are AWESOME! They are lightly scented, large in size and get the job done. You won't regret purchasing them.” - Rosa T
Best scented:
8. TENA UltraFlush Flushable Scented Washcloth
TENA UltraFlush® Washcloths are adult-sized pre-moistened washcloths that are strong enough for personal cleansing but gentle on pipes** in the event of accidental flushing. TENA UltraFlush Washcloths are designed to soothe fragile elderly skin.
Key Benefits & Features:
Gently cleanse and moisturize leaving skin feeling soft and smooth
Support toileting programs as well as resident independence and dignity
One-handed dispensing with a closable plastic lid
Mildly scented, dermatologically tested, alcohol free and enriched with aloe, chamomile and vitamin E to soothe delicate elderly skin
Over 99% biodegradable and sewer safe – will not clog pipes when used as directed*
Customer Review of TENA UltraFlush Flushable Scented Washcloth: “Work well pleasantly scented and really like the flushable feature. Size is excellent.” - Clarence V.
Best for the UTI prone:
9. Dynarex Castile Soap Towelettes
If you or someone you care for is prone to UTIs, adding a wipe with a pH-balanced, single-use moist towelette can be an essential step to add to your toileting and incontinence care routine. These hospital-grade towelettes gently cleanse the genital and perineal area to reduce bacterial contamination that can lead to UTIs. These towelettes are also highly recommended for caregivers managing catheter care.
Key Benefits & Features:
helpful in UTI prevention
individually wrapped for easy use on-the-go
pH-balanced 2% Castile and coconut oil-based soap solution
Best barrier wipe:
10. Sage Barrier Wipes
Barrier wipes contain special dimethicone barrier cream, which seals out wetness and protects skin from painful irritation due to incontinence. Sage Barrier Wipes are especially good for sensitive skin and help soothe and protect irritated skin. Use these wipes after cleanup or before changing a diaper for maximum comfort.
Key Benefits & Features:
Contains 3% dimethicone to provide a soothing barrier
Cleans, treats, and protects skin all in one
Size: 8.5” x 9”
Number in pack: 8
Hear it from a caregiver
Customer Review of Sage Barrier Wipes: I use these for my special needs daughter when she develops a rash. They're great on sensitive skin and treat and prevent diaper rash. Very durable and ultra soft.” - Verna S
Frequently asked questions about choosing the right adult cleansing wipe
Q: Should I choose a wet or dry wipe/washcloth?
A: Use a wet wipe or pre-moistened cleansing washcloth for wiping, diaper and incontinence cleanup, full body, and no-rinse bathing. Use a disposable dry washcloth with perineal cream, soap, and water, to dry after cleansing with a wet wipe or to clean up messes on surfaces.
Q: Why can’t I just use baby wipes?
A: Baby wipes can be helpful in a pinch or on the go, but adult cleansing wipes are designed with adult needs in mind. Baby wipes are much smaller and less durable than adult wipes and not formulated for the unique needs of elderly skin or skin irritated due to incontinence.
Q: Are adult cleansing wipes flushable?
A: Unless the package says “flushable” on it, you should not flush the wipes. Even then, caution is important, as many products listed as flushable products can still clog pipes. For answers about specific flushable wipes, reach out to the Carewell team and talk to a specialist. We are available to help!
Conclusion
Choosing the right wipes, washcloths, and towelettes is essential in managing adult incontinence care effectively. You may have to try a few different wipes to find what matches your needs best.
If you have questions or need help choosing the right product, talk to a Carewell specialist! We’ve spoken with thousands of caregivers managing incontinence care and would love to help you find what you need. Call 800-696-2273. We’re here to support you!