This article was originally published in 2015, but as of Oct 23, 2021, there’s been a huge resurgence of interest in the topic… but we don’t know why. Would you mind telling us what led you here today? Please send us a note through our TipLine or email editor@consumer.press – thank you!
Are Huggies baby wipes safe to use?
That’s the question on a lot of parents’ minds after a social media firestorm erupted this weekend when a concerned mom posted a video claiming to show shards of glass in Huggies baby wipes.
You can see the video below, posted on YouTube by Melissa Estrella.
Following the video hundreds of parents started coming forward with similar stories and pictures; the problem seems to be with the natural care wipes.
Since then the company has responded, saying they will not be issuing a recall and that their product is safe to use – but are they really?
Even though Huggies says they are, as a consumer reporter and a parent I’m voting no.
Why?
Because while Huggies has tested the product and confirmed it is NOT glass, the fact remains that there are harsh “fibers” on some wipes that can irritate your child.
Huggies’ parent company, the Kimberly Clark Corp, explained in their statement that:”… NO glass or fiberglass was present… [but] in extremely rare occasions, the manufacturing process can cause tiny particles of microfiber to form on the wipe that can be felt, but do not present a safety risk. Based on the findings of the independent testing, we are confident that our product is safe.”
While I commend Huggies for addressing the issue quickly and efficiently, that is far from a satisfactory answer.
To start, the company says these fibers occur in rare instances, but if even half of the claims being reported are true then that statement is a bit of a stretch.
There are various pictures online showing the shiny, translucent fibers, too many to be as rare as the company claims.
Secondly, no matter how often they are found the fact remains the fibers are there.
These wipes are used on delicate skin, so their presence, or the threat of their existence, automatically makes the product not safe.
What parent would want to wipe their child down with a product that could scratch their skin?
None, which is why Huggies should issue a recall and look into their manufacturing process to eliminate the issue.
Until that happens, consumers should be vigilant if they do choose to use the product.
Do you think Huggies should issue a recall?
Tell us your thoughts and ideas on this matter and be sure to follow all my latest consumer news reports on Twitter!
https://youtu.be/T0rDoXHBoVo
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