Purell Disinfecting Wipes · Cleaning Wipes
Purell Disinfecting Wipes Canister 110 ct Container Size Ready to Use Wipes Alcohol 6 PK
Lower concern; alcohol wipes are unlikely PFAS vectors, but brand transparency is absent.
Purell disinfecting wipes are primarily alcohol and nonwoven fabric, materials not commonly treated with PFAS. However, Purell (GOJO Industries) has not publicly disclosed PFAS testing or absence claims for this product.
Shop Purell Disinfecting Wipes on Amazon →Material
nonwoven wipe (cellulose/polypropylene blend), 70% ethyl alcohol formulation
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
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
Purell Disinfecting Wipes are a nonwoven blend of cellulose and polypropylene saturated with 70% ethyl alcohol (the same alcohol used in hand sanitizers). Ethanol is volatile and evaporates completely within seconds to minutes of application, leaving no residue on surfaces or skin. The nonwoven substrate itself is chemically inert and does not degrade or leach compounds during normal use. This formulation is fundamentally different from cloth wipes or those with quaternary ammonium compounds, which can accumulate on skin and surfaces.
The brand's record and disclosure
Purell (maker: GOJO Industries) has a long safety record with alcohol-based hand hygiene products and has not faced major recalls or safety controversies for the wipe line. The brand does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing, manufacturing standards, or independent third-party testing results for wipes. No certifications such as EPA approval for disinfection claims are prominently listed on consumer packaging. The silence on PFAS is consistent with the alcohol wipe category; testing by independent labs has not flagged PFAS contamination in leading brands, but Purell has not proactively addressed this.
How it compares in its category
Alcohol wipes (70% ethanol) are among the safest surface disinfectant wipes available because ethanol is volatile and leaves no bioaccumulative residue. They differ sharply from quaternary ammonium or bleach-based wipes, which persist on surfaces and can sensitize skin with repeated contact. Compared to cloth or reusable wipes, these single-use nonwovens eliminate concerns about detergent buildup and mold growth in storage. The 110-count canister format is standard and provides no additional safety advantage or concern over smaller packs.
If you buy it
Use wipes in well-ventilated spaces; ethanol vapors dissipate rapidly but inhalation of high concentrations is not recommended. Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin. Store the canister in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or flame (ethanol is flammable). Once opened, the canister should be used within a reasonable timeframe (typically 6-12 months) to prevent wipes from drying out; dried wipes are simply ineffective, not hazardous. No special precautions are needed for skin contact after use once the alcohol has evaporated (within 30 seconds).
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.”
Ethanol volatility and inhalation
Repeated use of alcohol wipes in confined spaces without ventilation may cause eye or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals, though the exposure is brief and disperses quickly. Not a concern in typical household or office use.
Skin sensitization from frequent contact
Ethanol can dry skin with repeated daily use over weeks; this is a cosmetic issue (dryness, cracking) rather than a toxicological hazard. Users with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation if wipes contact broken skin or are used excessively without hand moisturizer.
Nonwoven microfiber shedding
No documented reports of cellulose-polypropylene nonwoven wipes shedding microplastics during normal use. The fibers are bonded and do not degrade during typical wiping and evaporation cycles.
Heavy metals or pigments in substrate
Cellulose-polypropylene nonwovens used for cleaning wipes are not typically dyed or pigmented; no lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals are known to be present. Testing records are not publicly available, but the material class poses minimal risk.
Fragrance or allergen residue
Purell wipes contain fragrance compounds to mask ethanol odor; individuals with fragrance sensitivity may experience mild nasal or skin irritation. The fragrance evaporates with the ethanol and does not accumulate on surfaces.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Cleaning Wipes
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes
Disinfecting Wipes Seventh Generation
nonwoven fabric (polypropylene/polyester blend), quaternary ammonium disinfectant
Lower PFAS concern: Seventh Generation's transparent stance and third-party certifications support a safer choice for disinfecting wipes.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Better Life
All Purpose Wipes
nonwoven fabric blend (cellulose/polypropylene base)
Lower-concern choice; no known PFAS risk in basic all-purpose wipe formulations.
⚠Risky category by default
Ecos
EO Cleansing Hand Wipes Lavender 10 CT
nonwoven cellulose/plant-based wipe with water and plant extracts
Lower PFAS concern; routine hand wipes with no obvious treatment triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
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.