Efficacy and Safety Test of Baby Wipes Products
Baby wipes are essential products used to clean the sensitive skin of infants, especially in the diaper area. Optimal hygiene helps prevent diaper dermatitis, which is often caused by excess moisture and irritation from urine or feces. Therefore, efficacy and safety testing of the product must be conducted before commercialization to ensure its safety for use on the thinner and more sensitive skin of babies.
Baby Wet Wipes Laboratory Test Method
The efficacy and safety testing of baby wipes can be carried out through several methods, including:
Repeated Insult Patch Test (RIPT) and Cumulative Irritation Test (CIT)
First, dermatological tests such as the Repeated Insult Patch Test (RIPT) and Cumulative Irritation Test (CIT) are performed to ensure that the baby wipes do not cause irritation or allergies even when used repeatedly.
Microbiological Testing
Second, microbiological testing is necessary to ensure the product is free from microbial contamination during the manufacturing process as well as after use. This testing involves several microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
Challenge Testing
Additionally, challenge testing can be done to evaluate the effectiveness of preservatives in preventing microbial growth.
Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) Testing
Physical and chemical evaluations of the product can be done through pH and Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) testing. pH measurement is conducted to ensure that the pH of the baby wipe is in line with the natural slightly acidic pH of the baby's skin, which ranges between 5–5.5. The results of this test provide information on the product’s ability to maintain the skin’s pH balance. Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) testing is performed to measure the potential loss of water through the epidermis and aims to evaluate the product’s ability to maintain the moisture of the baby's skin. A low TEWL value indicates that the product provides good protection for the skin and helps maintain its natural moisture.
How do you know the effectiveness of wet wipes?
To compare the effectiveness of baby wipes with other cleansing materials, such as cloth and water, clinical evaluations can be done through comparative studies. During the evaluation, babies cleaned with baby wipes are compared to those cleaned with only water and cloth. Several parameters to be assessed include skin pH, erythema (redness) levels from each treatment, skin hydration, and the diversity of the skin microbiota. Additionally, observations can also be made on preterm infants, who are known to have more sensitive skin, to ensure that the product is safe and well-tolerated on more vulnerable skin.
With various efficacy and safety testing methods conducted in trusted laboratories, manufacturers can ensure that baby wipes are not only safe but also effective in maintaining the health of a baby’s skin. The evaluation parameters will provide an overview of the product's quality, offering benefits to consumers who prioritize safety, and enhancing market confidence in products used on the highly sensitive skin of infants.
Make sure your baby wipes are safe and effective for baby's sensitive skin! With comprehensive testing such as RIPT, CIT, microbiological tests, challenge tests, and TEWL, we at IML Testing and Research are ready to help you ensure your products meet the highest quality and safety standards. Don't compromise your consumers' health—test with us now!
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Author: Rahmidevi Alfiani
REFERENCE
Adam, R., Schnetz, B., Mathey, P., Pericoi, M., & De Prost, Y. (2009). Clinical demonstration of skin mildness and suitability for sensitive infant skin of a new baby wipe. Pediatric dermatology, 26(5), 506-513.
Rodriguez, K. J., Cunningham, C., Foxenberg, R., Hoffman, D., & Vongsa, R. (2020). The science behind wet wipes for infant skin: Ingredient review, safety, and efficacy. Pediatric Dermatology, 37(3), 447-454.
