Compostable Wet Wipes: What They Are, How They Compare, and How to Use Them Responsibly

Plastic free wet wipes really do exist, but honestly, I didn’t even think about this before. We all use wet wipes because they’re easy and practical. I used them all the time, without questioning what they’re actually made of. They feel soft and gentle, so you automatically think they’re harmless. I never thought that inside them there could be tiny plastic fibers. When you think about how many wipes we use every day, it really adds up. And when I think about it, when we were kids, wet wipes didn’t even exist. So how did people function back then? It just shows that we can function without them. That’s why I now think that plastic-free wet wipes should always be a second option, not the first. At home, a simple cotton cloth and water can do the job. Wipes are useful in certain situations, like traveling or when you really need them, but they don’t have to be something we use every day.

Primary uses and materials

Wet wipes are primary use for four purposes in daily life: personal hygiene, household cleaning, industrial cleaning, and in the medical sector. Oil / grease Removing Wipes (i.e. Pre-moistened Wipes). Wipes can be made of synthetic fibers, natural or plant-based, or semi-natural fibers. Many wipes are a blend (i.e. I have to admit, when I bought them, I really cared about how nice they smelled… It made them feel soft and pleasant on my skin. I even always chose wipes that were mostly water-based, thinking that would be better for my skin, until I realized that the issue was the plastic inside them. It doesn’t really break down. Instead, it slowly turns into tiny plastic pieces.

Recent research shows that nonwoven materials, including those used in wet wipes, can shed microfibers into aquatic and air environments. Many of us use wet wipes every day without thinking much about the impact. I used to throw wet wipes in the toilet all the time… The packaging said “flushable”, so I never thought twice about it. It was just easier and cleaner at the moment. But then I found out that a lot of these “flushable” wipes are not plastic-free and still contain polyester or polypropylene plastic fibers, which do not break down. When we use wet wipes to clean our face or wipe a surface, we usually don’t think about what happens next. As we rub them on the skin or on a table, the material slowly wears down. Because many wipes contain plastic fibres, tiny particles can start to come off during this process. Later, when the wipes are thrown away or flushed, those small plastic pieces can enter the wastewater system.

At I’m Plastic Free we help you eliminate the issue at the source. For all the reasons outlined above, we provide our readers with alternative solutions that do not release microplastics. This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please Note: Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.

Alternatives and specific products

As a first choice, we’d like to recommend an alternative to wet wipes! This eco kitchen towel roll is a perfect way to reduce waste at home and it’s very practical too. They’re made from 100% organic cotton, which makes them soft and easy to use. It’s very simple! You just wash them and use them again, which means no waste. Before first use, it’s recommended to wash them to improve absorbency.

BIOM wet wipes have been formulated by doctors to promote health and clean-up the wipes industry. They are made from 100% plant based materials, made from sustainably grown wood fiber, 65% fruit-derived alcohol, moisturized with aloe, and scented with plant-derived essential oils. They do not contain microplastics, synthetic fragrances, nor Quats! They also designed a patented refillable wipes dispenser with a special spout that provides a clean tear each and every time it’s used.

If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly wipes option, Caboo wet wipes can be a better alternative to regular ones! They are designed to be flushable and are more suitable for situations when you really need wipes, like traveling or going out with a baby.

Healthybaby premium water wipes are another eco-friendly option for everyday use. These wipes are made of 100% water and a few natural plant extracts, which makes them a perfect choice for parents who carefully choose products for their little ones.

Sometimes we simply do not have much time, and a product like this feels like an easy solution. The Honest Company flushable wipes are made from plant-based material and contain over 99% water. They are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and designed for sensitive skin. Honest flushable wipes are also gynecologically tested, pH-balanced, and safe for intimate areas!

CleanLIFE wet wipes are made of 100% plant-based fibers and water with ingredients that are safe and gentle for sensitive skin. All CleanLIFE flushable products have been certified to the AS/NZS 5328 Global Mark standard. They also meet the EN13432 (EU) and ASTSMD6400 (USA) standards for industrial composting.

Great Aussie wipes are plant-based, plastic-free wet wipes made in Australia. Ingredients: Plant-based fibres, Water, Aloe vera, Glycerin, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Mild cleansing agents.

Have you ever noticed the word “flushable” when you buy wet wipes? Recent research from 2026 indicates that many wipes marketed as biodegradable and flushable are made from a mix of cellulose and low-degradable synthetic fibres. As a result, they do not fully degrade in wastewater systems and can release persistent microfibers into the environment. Up to 50% of these wipes contain microplastic fibres and contribute to ongoing sewer and microplastic pollution.

“Quats” or quaternary ammonium compounds are chemicals that are often used in cleaning products, especially in disinfecting wet wipes. Because of this some companies like Biom decide not to use quats. Honestly, all of us, or at least most of us, have done this. When we come home late after a night out, the easiest thing is to remove our makeup with wet wipes. After that, our skin often feels sticky, and many times we may even feel a slight stinging. This stinging feeling we often ignore can be a sign that wet wipes contain ingredients that may irritate the skin and can be linked to allergic reactions, especially on the face.

Over time, special wet wipes designed specifically for the face and makeup removal were introduced. Not really… Once they dry out, all the ingredients are gone. They are ok to use, but not too often. Unless it is 100% flushable and 100% plastic-free, wipes need to be discarded into a garbage bin instead of being disposed of in the sink or toilet. Before single-use wipes were created, people used reusable cloths, and this is what we recommend using at home. Just use wipes for babies or if you’re out and about. If you care about the environment and low-waste living, wet wipes should not be your first choice. Reusable cotton cloths are a better and a more sustainable option for everyday use. Plastic-free wipes can be a helpful backup when needed, but they should be used carefully and responsibly.

Natalija Miloradovska Mafilovska is a Medical Doctor and Specialist in Public Health - Hygiene and Environmental Health, based in North Macedonia. She completed her specialization at the Institute of Public Health in Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University. Wipes make diaper changes and cleaning up messes a breeze, but at what cost? Traditional baby wipes are made of plastic fibers that don’t break down in landfills. They’re not great for the environment. Both types of wipes are more eco-friendly since they’re made from biodegradable materials. But what’s the difference between the two?

Compostable wipes and composting basics

Before we start the comparison between flushable and compostable wipes, it’s important to understand what composting is. Composting is a natural process of decomposition in which organic matter, like food scraps and shredded leaves, breaks down into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. By starting a compost pile, you decrease the waste that goes into landfills and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment. In order for the microorganisms to move in and work their magic, a compost pile needs the right ingredients. Do you ever throw food into your trash can? Most likely, the answer is yes. You can add certain household items to your compost pile along with kitchen waste. These include shredded newspapers, torn paper towels, compostable wipes, and cut-up cardboard.

The final ingredients for your compost pile come from nature itself. For your compost pile to thrive, it needs a balance of green and brown waste. While you can safely add most organic matter to your home compost pile, there are a few things you should never add. These items can attract pests and create unpleasant odors in your compost.

Compostable wipes are also made from biodegradable materials. But instead of throwing them away or flushing them down the toilet after you’ve used them, you add them to your compost pile, along with your other organic waste. Composting diverts waste from the landfills and produces a soil amendment that can help your garden grow. At Mustela, we believe in taking care of both your baby and the environment. Our wipes are made from 99% ingredients of natural origin per ISO 16128 standard and plant-based fibers. But what makes our wipes truly unique is that you can add them to your personal compost bin. After extensive research, we discovered that a compostable wipe could do both. This might sound obvious, but it’s worth stating. Only add compostable wipes to your compost pile. At first, composting wipes may seem awkward, but it’ll soon become second nature. The first thing you’ll want to do is add a balanced mixture to your composter. Be sure to add ingredients from the categories we discussed earlier. Once you’ve verified that your wipes are compostable, change your baby’s diaper like normal. When you’re out and about, keep the wipes in a compostable bag inside your diaper bag. Make sure your mixture is moist enough to activate decomposition (but not too moist or it will rot!). Each time you add more wipes (or other waste) to the compost pile, give it a good stir. Within six months, your wipes will have broken down completely and become rich compost.

Composting is an easy yet impactful way to reduce waste and create a sustainable future. Many people ask “can you flush biodegradable wipes?” The simple answer is - no. You shouldn’t flush any wipes! Biodegradable wipes made with organic cotton, viscose or bamboo simply don’t have enough time to break down. Wipes capable of breaking down naturally will contribute to fatbergs and blockages. Composting is a natural process which needs the right conditions and environment for things to biodegrade back into their natural building blocks. Natracare’s Safe to Flush moist tissues are the exception to this rule because they’re not a wipe. The Safe to Flush are a tissue made of robust paper moistened with a blend of organic and natural ingredients. Water UK recently announced that wet wipes account for a whopping 93% of the material blocking UK sewers!

The vast majority of wipes on the supermarket shelves are made from polypropylene, a type of plastic. Wipes can also be made of biodegradable materials which aren’t compostable, for example viscose. These types of wipes can eventually break down, but not easily. The solution is simple and cheap. Place two bins in the bathroom. Everything that can’t be recycled can go into the second bin. As an ethical and responsible manufacturer of wet wipes, it’s our mission to be offer solutions which help reduce environmental impact. No plastics! Not many people realise that wipes are usually made from polyester or a blend of plastic and viscose materials. These single-use plastic wipes are just adding to the increasing plastic burden in our oceans or on land.

A plant-based formula, with organic essential oils, all certified by the Soil Association. We already know that toxic chemicals can be aggressive for the skin, but what about the environmental footprint? The production and disposal of synthetic preservatives allows unwanted chemicals to enter our water system and therefore into the food chain. You’ll see on the supermarket shelves many types of wipe claim to be “flushable”. It’s important to note that water authorities don’t agree with these claims. The wipes might disappear from your sight, but sadly they don’t break down. At the time of writing, Natracare’s Safe to Flush Moist Tissues are the only product of its type in Europe to have passed stringent tests designed by the Water Research Council, which replicate the conditions in the sewers.

Wet wipes offer a convenience that people love. First things first -- what’s the definition of biodegradable? You may be asking, "what are biodegradable wet wipes?" Biodegradable wipes, unlike conventional wipes which may contain plastic, are made of plant-based natural materials that break down easier in the earth. Compostable materials are biodegradable only under specific conditions created by a person. This typically involves contributing the water, light, oxygen, and organic matter necessary to break down the material. Biodegradable wet wipes are made of only natural ingredients. Biodegradation is a naturally occurring process that can take as short as a few days to as long as multiple centuries. There are many environmental factors that affect the rate of biodegradation. If you're still on the fence, conventional baby wipes can take up to 100 years to break down. Similar to conventional wipes, the best way to dispose of biodegradable wipes is to discard them in the trash. Conventional wipes, such as baby wipes, hand wipes, and surface wipes, should never be flushed down the toilet. Always check the packaging to make sure the wet wipe is septic-safe. Biodegradable wipes are a great choice for the environment and your family. They break down much faster than conventional wipes and help reduce waste in our landfills.

Practical guidance for consumers

To minimize environmental impact, two bins in the bathroom is a simple, cheap solution. Not many people realise that wipes are usually made from polyester or a blend of plastic and viscose materials. These single-use plastic wipes are just adding to the increasing plastic burden in our oceans or on land. If you care about the environment and low-waste living, wet wipes should not be your first choice. Reusable cotton cloths are a better and a more sustainable option for everyday use. Plastic-free wipes can be a helpful backup when needed, but they should be used carefully and responsibly. Only add compostable wipes to your compost pile.

At the end of the day, a compostable wipe that can be safely added to a home compost bin is the ideal compromise between convenience and environmental responsibility. If a wipe is not clearly labeled as compostable and septic-safe, it should go into the trash rather than the toilet or sewer system.

Table: sample features of selected compostable/eco-friendly wipes

Water authorities generally do not agree with “flushable” claims, and many wipes marketed as biodegradable and flushable do not fully degrade. The solution is clear: educate at the source, separate bins, and prefer reusable or compostable options when possible.

tags: #compostable #wet #wipes