Can wipes cause diaper rash?

Wipes: the convenience king of diaper changes. But when your baby comes out with red bumps or irritated skin, you start wondering: can wipes actually cause diaper rash?

Short answer: yes, under certain conditions.

But it’s not that wipes are evil. It’s how they’re made, how they’re used, and what other factors are in the mix.

Let’s break it down…

1. How diaper rash happens (so you can see where wipes fit in)

Diaper rash, or irritant diaper dermatitis, is usually caused by prolonged exposure of skin to wetness, friction, and acidic irritants from urine and stool. When the skin barrier is weakened, anything mild can tip it over.

So in that fragile balance, a harsh wipe can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

2. When wipes can contribute to rash

Here are common ways that wipes might trigger or worsen rash:

• Harsh ingredients: Fragrance, alcohol, certain preservatives (like methylisothiazolinone) are known irritants or allergens.
  

• pH imbalance: Baby skin is mildly acidic. If wipes are formulated poorly, they can disrupt skin’s pH and weaken the barrier.
  

• Overuse + friction: If you scrub or use too many wipes, you can mechanically irritate skin.
  

• Preservatives / allergens: Wipes stay moist, so they have to contain preservatives (which can provoke allergic contact dermatitis in some babies.)
  

• Delayed changing: If wipes are your only defense and diaper changes are infrequent, irritants linger regardless of how gentle the wipe is.
  

One review looked at 21 studies: wipes, on the whole, were often “superior” to water and cloth. But many of those wipes were carefully formulated and free from irritants. The trouble comes when wipes are poorly made or misused.

So yes, in some cases, wipes can aggravate or even cause a diaper rash.

3. What to watch out for (so wipes don’t turn villain)

If you’re going to use wipes, here’s how to reduce the risk:

 

Because even a well-intentioned wipe can become harmful in the wrong hands.

4. Why our wiping lotion changes the game

Let’s be honest, all wipes do is try to clean the skin.

Ours goes a step further: it cleans (properly), protects, and restores in one step.

Instead of stripping the skin and then sealing it back up with a second product, La Petite Crème’s Wiping Lotion does it all at once. One swipe, one product, zero drama.

And that’s because of what’s inside (and what’s not).

Our formula is made from just six simple, organic ingredients - each one there for a reason:

• Organic Olive Oil – Protects and nourishes delicate skin with natural fatty acids.
  

• Organic Beeswax – Soothes irritation and creates a breathable barrier against moisture.
  

• Water – Cleanses gently without drying or stripping the skin.
  

• Organic Glycerin – Helps maintain hydration and softness after every change.
  

• Vitamin E – Nourishes, calms, and supports skin repair.
  

• Limestone – Naturally disinfects and helps balance skin’s pH.
  

That’s it. No fragrance, no preservatives, no mystery ingredients you can’t pronounce.

Because knowing what you’re putting on your baby’s skin shouldn’t require a chemistry degree (or 14 different diaper creams).

5. The bigger picture: habits matter

Even the gentlest wipe can’t make up for a few sneaky habits that keep diaper rash coming back.

Because diaper care isn’t just about what you use, it’s also how you use it.

Here’s what really makes a difference:

1. Change often (even when it’s “just a little”).

It’s tempting to wait until the diaper’s full, but moisture plus friction is a fast track to redness. Frequent changes mean less time for irritants to do their thing.

2. Give the skin some breathing room.

A few minutes of diaper-free time every day can work wonders. Let your baby kick around on a towel or waterproof mat - fresh air helps calm irritation and strengthens the skin’s barrier naturally.

3. Skip the over-scrubbing.

If a wipe or cloth is rubbing more than cleaning, it’s doing too much. Gentle, gliding motions (especially with a protective lotion) are all you need.

4. Watch the diaper fit.

Tight diapers trap heat and moisture. If you’re noticing red marks around the legs or waist, size up. A little extra wiggle room helps everything breathe better.

5. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

The more products you pile on, the more ingredients you’re introducing, and the higher the risk of irritation. One clean, protective formula is enough.

Caring for your baby’s skin doesn’t have to be complicated. A few mindful swaps and habits can make the biggest difference. And your future self (and your baby’s bum) will thank you.

6. The CPR method: your new diaper routine

If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ve probably heard us talk about the CPR method (our favorite three-step system for happy, rash-free diaper changes.)

(And no, there’s no mouth-to-mouth involved.)

CPR stands for Cleanse, Protect, Restore, the three things your baby’s skin needs at every diaper change.Here’s why each one matters:

C - Cleanse

Babies pee a lot (and poop in record time), which is why gentle but thorough cleansing is key.

Harsh wipes can strip away natural oils and leave skin vulnerable. The goal isn’t “squeaky clean”, it’s clean enough to protect the skin barrier.

P - Protect

Once the skin is clean, it needs a shield from what’s coming next: moisture, friction, and acidity.

A breathable barrier keeps all of that from sitting directly on the skin.

R - Restore

Even with perfect diapering habits, skin gets irritated sometimes. The restore step nourishes and helps the skin bounce back faster, so irritation doesn’t spiral into rash.

Usually, this means juggling three separate products - a cleanser, a barrier cream, and a soothing balm.

But we like things simple.

Our Organic French Diapering Lotion does all three in one easy step.

It cleans with water, protects with organic beeswax and olive oil, and restores softness with vitamin E and glycerin.

No harsh wipes, no extra ointments, no 10-step routines - just one swipe and done.

The result?

A faster, gentler diaper change that keeps your baby’s skin balanced and your changing table beautifully uncluttered.

Petites pensées

Wipes don’t always cause diaper rash, but sometimes they tip a sensitive balance. The trick is to understand how they can help or hurt.

Switching to a gentle wiping lotion is one way to lean into helping your baby’s skin. Use fewer products, gentler formulas, and more intention. That’s how you keep baby’s skin calm, happy, and rash-free.