Honest Company · Cleaning Wipes
The Honest Company Wipes
Lower-concern option; brand claims PFAS-free and holds MADE SAFE cert, but no independent lab confirmation published.
The Honest Company explicitly markets its wipes as PFAS-free and holds MADE SAFE certification, which screens for harmful chemicals including PFAS. Wipes are a low-risk category (no water repellency treatment needed), and the brand's stated formulation uses standard non-woven materials.
Brand says: “PFAS-free formulations; Honest Company markets wipes as free from PFAS and other harmful chemicals”
Material
Non-woven cellulose/viscose blend
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
Independently verified PFAS-free by a third party.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Honest Company wipes use a non-woven cellulose and viscose blend as the substrate, which is plant-derived and biodegradable compared to polyester or polypropylene alternatives. The formulation includes water, plant-based cleansing agents, and preservatives but excludes alcohol and synthetic fragrance in most variants. Cellulose/viscose blends do not off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) the way some plastics do, and they present no known microplastic shedding risk during normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
The Honest Company has built its reputation on transparency and safety claims, including PFAS-free declarations across its product line. The brand holds MADE SAFE certification for these wipes, which requires third-party verification of absence of harmful chemicals including heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other regulated toxins. However, no independent published lab data is publicly available to confirm the PFAS-free claim, so it rests on the company's proprietary testing and the certifying body's audit. The brand has not reported recalls or safety controversies specific to these wipes.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream wipes (Pampers, Huggies, generic store brands) use polyethylene or polypropylene nonwovens and often include parabens or synthetic fragrances; many are not certified PFAS-free or otherwise audited for chemical safety. Honest Company wipes sit at the premium, certification-backed end of the market. Plant-based cellulose formulations are rarer and typically cost more, but they eliminate concerns around microplastics and synthetic polymer degradation that persist with conventional options.
If you buy it
Store wipes in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and bacterial growth in the sealed package; discard wipes if the package is damaged or left open for extended periods. Use as directed on the packaging; do not flush wipes even though they are labeled flushable, as they do not break down quickly enough in municipal systems. Inspect the wipe for any visible deterioration or odor before use, which could indicate microbial contamination. If a child develops irritation or rash, discontinue use and patch-test on a small area of skin first with a fresh wipe.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Preservative allergens and irritation
Plant-based wipes still require preservatives to prevent bacterial and mold growth in the wet formulation. Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and other common preservatives are low-toxicity but can trigger contact irritation or allergic responses in sensitive individuals, especially on broken or inflamed skin.
Bacterial or mold contamination if package compromised
Non-woven cellulose wipes maintain moisture and provide a substrate for microbial growth if the sealed package is opened and left exposed, or if storage conditions are warm and humid. This is a use and storage issue rather than a manufacturing defect, but relevant to practical safety.
Heavy metals in pigments or added minerals
Honest Company wipes carry MADE SAFE certification, which tests for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.). No recalls or reports of contamination have been published for this product.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers in resin binders
Cellulose nonwovens do not require formaldehyde-based resin binders the way some synthetic fiber blends do. The MADE SAFE certification explicitly screens for formaldehyde, so its presence at toxic levels is unlikely.
Fragrance allergens (if scented variant)
Honest Company offers both fragrance-free and lightly scented wipe variants. Scented versions may include natural essential oils or synthetic fragrance compounds that can trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in prone individuals; fragrance-free versions eliminate this risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More cleaning wipes grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.