When it comes to choosing baby wipes, parents want to pick the best option for their little one’s delicate skin.
Two popular brands, Water Wipes and Kirkland wipes, are frontrunners, but how do you decide which is right for your baby? Let’s dive into the key factors of each to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Water Wipes | Kirkland Wipes |
| Ingredients | 99.9% purified water + 0.1% fruit extract | Purified water + cleansing solution with chemicals like citric acid |
| Sensitive skin suitability | Hypoallergenic certified, very gentle | Hypoallergenic per brand, moderate gentleness |
| Eco-friendly | Plant-based materials, recyclable packaging | No eco-friendly certifications |
| Price | Moderate, but often on promotion | Very budget-friendly, especially in bulk |
| Performance | Thicker texture, durable | Decent quality |
| Scents | Light fruit extract scent | Light clean scent |
| Availability | Available at major retailers | Only at Costco |
Overview Of Water Wipes
Water Wipes were launched in the UK in 2007 and came to the US market in 2013. The wipes contain 99.9% purified water and a drop of fruit extract for a light clean scent. That’s it – no chemicals, soaps, alcohol or parabens. Water Wipes are hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. They are also certified as kosher, vegan and gluten free.
The wipes come in soft packs or more rigid flip-top packs for on-the-go use. They are thicker and more textured than many other brands, meaning each wipe can be used for multiple tasks. Water Wipes are made with plant-based materials and the packaging is recyclable.
Key features:
- 99.9% purified water
- 0.1% fruit extract
- No chemicals, alcohol, soap or parabens
- Hypoallergenic
- Kosher, vegan and gluten-free certified
- Soft or flip-top pack options
- Thick, textured wipes for multi-use
- Plant-based materials
- Recyclable packaging
Also Read: Comparison Between Pampers Sensitive Wipes And Aqua Pure.
Overview Of Kirkland Signature Wipes
Kirkland Signature wipes are the house brand of Costco wholesale stores. They contain mostly purified water along with a cleaning solution of citric acid, PEG-75, polysorbate 20 and some added botanical extracts. The wipes have a light clean scent and come in soft packs or tub formats.
Kirkland wipes are advertised as appropriate for all skin types including sensitive skin. They do contain a small number of chemicals in the cleaning solution. However, the brand states they are hypoallergenic, pH balanced and safe for everyday use. The wipes are not certified organic or eco-friendly but pricing is very affordable, especially in bulk packages.
Key features:
- Purified water plus cleaning solution
- Citric acid, PEG-75 and polysorbate 20
- Added botanical extracts
- Light clean scent
- Hypoallergenic per brand
- pH balanced
- Soft pack or tub options
- Budget-friendly, bulk pricing
Comparing Key Factors
Now let’s compare some of the key factors between these two popular baby wipe options.
- Ingredients
The biggest difference comes down to the ingredients. Water Wipes contain only purified water and fruit extract, nothing else. Kirkland wipes have a cleansing solution with a few chemicals like citric acid. If you want to avoid any chemicals or preservatives, Water Wipes are the cleaner choice.
- Sensitive Skin
Both brands state their wipes are safe and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. However, Water Wipes go further by being certified as hypoallergenic. Their super simple ingredients also mean less risk of reaction. For super sensitive skin, Water Wipes may be the safer choice.
- Eco-Friendly
Those looking for an eco-friendly wipe may prefer Water Wipes. Their plant-based materials and recyclable packaging make them a greener choice than the standard Kirkland wipes. Water Wipes are also certified vegan and cruelty-free.
- Price
When it comes to price, Kirkland wipes tend to be more budget-friendly, especially when purchasing bulk packages. Kirkland beats out Water Wipes for the cost-conscious parent. However, Water Wipes do frequently go on promotion for competitive deals.
- Performance
For wipe performance, reviews give Water Wipes a slight edge. Their thicker texture holds up better for messes and makes each wipe more versatile. However, Kirkland wipes provide decent cleaning power too. It comes down to personal preference on thickness and durability.
- Scents
Those sensitive to scents may prefer Water Wipes for their light fruit extract aroma over Kirkland’s light clean scent. But neither option has an overly strong fragrance.
- Availability
Kirkland wipes can only be purchased at Costco. So accessibility is more limited compared to Water Wipes which are now widely available at major retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart. Water Wipes’ growing distribution makes them easier to purchase.
Also Read: Differences Between Coterie And Water Wipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some other wallet-friendly, bulk wipe options that compare to Kirkland Signature wipes include:
Up & Up (Target brand)
Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club brand)
Amazon Basic Care
Huggies Natural Care
These all offer decent quality at a value price point like Kirkland. Up & Up and Member’s Mark come in similar bulk packaging.
Wipes with a higher water content and shorter ingredient list like Water Wipes are often gentler on a baby’s still-developing skin. They provide effective cleaning power without harsh chemicals. Many pediatricians recommend water-based wipes over those with cleansing additives.
WaterWipes stand out by containing 99.9% purified water and just a drop of fruit extract. Most standard wipes include a cleansing solution, preservatives and scents. WaterWipes use just two simple ingredients to minimize the risk of reactions.
Best is subjective, but some top wipe brands include WaterWipes, Pampers Aqua Pure, Seventh Generation, Huggies Natural Care and Kirkland Signature. Consider ingredients, price, performance, eco-friendliness and availability when comparing options. Test a few on your own baby’s skin to find the perfect fit.
No, WaterWipes (like most baby wipes) should be disposed of in the trash, not flushed. Their materials don’t break down quickly enough to be flushable and could clog pipes. This applies even to other “natural” wipes without chemicals. Always check labels, but trashing wipes is the safest option.
Also Read: Is Huggies Simply Clean Better Than Natural Care?
The Final Verdict
Now that we’ve compared factors, which brand wins out? Here are some quick takeaways:
- Water Wipes excel for their clean, simple recipe – just water and fruit extract. Kirkland has a few more chemicals in their solution.
- Those concerned with eco-friendly wipes may favor the plant-based Water Wipes with recyclable packaging.
- Water Wipes work well for extra sensitive skin needing the gentlest option.
- Kirkland beats Water Wipes on affordability, especially buying in bulk at Costco.
- Performance and thickness give Water Wipes a small edge in user reviews.
- Water Wipes’ wider availability makes them easier to purchase at major retailers.
In the end, if your top priority is pure, chemical-free ingredients, Water Wipes win out. If budget is your main factor, Kirkland is the wallet-friendly choice.
For most families, either brand can get the job done. Assess your priorities and try each to see which feels best for your little one’s delicate skin. With the right wipe, diapering time will be easier on both baby and parents!
Hopefully these wipe details help you decide whether Water Wipes or Kirkland wipes are right for your baby! Choose the brand that fits your priorities and feels best on your little one’s skin.