Are Hand Wipes Effective? What to Know About Antibacterial Wipes
Hand wipes can be an effective way to clean your hands when soap and water aren't readily available, but different hand wipes are designed to do different things.
Some hand wipes contain an antibacterial active ingredient and are tested for specific antibacterial claims. Others are designed to remove dirt and everyday messes without an antibacterial active ingredient.
Wet Ones® makes both types. Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes contain benzalkonium chloride as their active ingredient, while Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes do not contain an antibacterial active ingredient.
Understanding what a product's specific claim means can help you choose the right hand wipe for your needs.
Do antibacterial hand wipes actually work?
Yes. Antibacterial hand wipes can reduce bacteria when used as directed.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes are effective at killing 99.99% of many common harmful bacteria in as little as 15 seconds, according to the product's labeled claim.
That claim is specific to the bacteria, testing conditions and directions associated with the product. It does not mean the wipes kill every type of microorganism or every germ that could be found on your hands.
How effective are Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes?
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes are labeled as effective at killing 99.99% of many common harmful bacteria in as little as 15 seconds.
There are three important parts to that claim:
- 99.99% refers to the percentage of the tested bacteria killed under the test conditions.
- Many common harmful bacteria defines the microorganisms covered by the claim.
- In as little as 15 seconds describes the time associated with the product's antibacterial efficacy claim.
The claim should not be interpreted as saying the product eliminates 99.99% of every type of germ.
What does "kills 99.99%" mean?
"99.99%" is a measure of bacterial reduction under specified test conditions.
For example, if a test begins with 100,000 organisms of a particular type and a product achieves a 99.99% reduction under the test conditions, approximately 10 organisms would remain.
The percentage is tied to the specific microorganisms, test conditions and product directions used to establish the claim.
So "kills 99.99%" does not mean:
- It kills every type of germ.
- It kills every virus.
- It sterilizes your hands.
- It removes every substance from your hands.
- It provides 100% protection from illness.
For Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes, the claim specifically refers to many common harmful bacteria.
How quickly do antibacterial hand wipes work?
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes are effective at killing 99.99% of many common harmful bacteria in as little as 15 seconds.
The product should be used according to its label directions.
When using a hand wipe, thoroughly wipe the surfaces of your hands, including:
- Palms
- Backs of hands
- Between fingers
- Other areas that need cleaning
Thorough coverage matters. Simply touching your hands with a wipe for a moment is different from thoroughly wiping the surfaces of your hands.
Do antibacterial hand wipes kill viruses?
You should not assume that an antibacterial hand wipe kills viruses.
"Antibacterial" specifically describes activity against bacteria. Viruses are different types of microorganisms, so an antibacterial claim does not automatically include viruses.
Wet Ones® states that its Antibacterial Hand Wipes are not labeled with claims about effectiveness against viruses, including COVID-19. The products are OTC drug products subject to FDA regulation, and Wet Ones explains that the FDA does not allow hand wipe products in this category to make claims about effectiveness against viruses.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes have antibacterial claims, not antiviral claims.
Does "antibacterial" mean it kills all germs?
No.
Antibacterial means that the product is intended to act against bacteria.
A product labeled antibacterial should not automatically be described as:
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- A disinfectant
- A sterilizer
- Effective against every type of germ
Different microorganisms can respond differently to different active ingredients. Use the specific claims on the product label rather than treating "kills germs" as a description of everything the product can do.
What is the active ingredient in Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes?
The active ingredient is benzalkonium chloride, also known as BZK.
Benzalkonium chloride is an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent recognized by the FDA for use in hand wipes.
The presence of an active ingredient is one of the key differences between Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes and Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes.
Are all hand wipes antibacterial?
No.
"Hand wipe" describes the product format. It does not automatically mean that the wipe contains an antibacterial active ingredient.
There are several types of hand wipes:
- Antibacterial hand wipes contain an active ingredient intended to provide antibacterial action.
- Cleansing hand wipes are designed to clean dirt and everyday messes without an antibacterial active ingredient.
- Sensitive skin wipes are formulated for gentle cleansing and refreshing.
- Body wipes are designed for cleaning and refreshing areas of the body.
Always check the product label to understand what a particular wipe is designed to do.
Are Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Wipes antibacterial?
No.
Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes do not contain antibacterial ingredients.
They are formulated with ingredients including witch hazel, cucumber, chamomile and aloe and are designed to remove dirt and messes while providing an extra-gentle clean.
Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes and Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes are designed for different purposes, so they should not be treated as interchangeable products.
The difference at a glance
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Product
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Antibacterial active ingredient?
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Primary purpose
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Yes, benzalkonium chloride
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Antibacterial hand cleaning
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
No
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Gentle cleaning and refreshing
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Wet Ones® Body Wipes
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
No active ingredient
| Product | Antibacterial active ingredient? | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Yes, benzalkonium chloride | Antibacterial hand cleaning |
| Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes | No | Gentle cleaning and refreshing |
| Wet Ones® Body Wipes | No active ingredient | Body cleaning and refreshing |
Body cleaning and refreshing
The exact ingredients and claims can vary by product, so check the package for the most current information.
What's the difference between antibacterial and regular hand wipes?
The key difference is whether the product contains an antibacterial active ingredient and makes an antibacterial claim.
A regular cleansing wipe can physically remove dirt, residue and everyday messes from your hands.
An antibacterial wipe contains an active ingredient intended to provide antibacterial action and is labeled accordingly.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes contain benzalkonium chloride. Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes do not contain an antibacterial active ingredient.
Choose based on what you want the product to do.
Do hand wipes remove germs?
It depends on the type of wipe.
Antibacterial hand wipes are designed to provide antibacterial action. Other cleansing wipes can physically remove dirt and some microorganisms from the skin without making an antibacterial claim.
The CDC specifically notes that hand-sanitizing wipes containing at least 60% alcohol can kill germs on hands. CDC does not recommend using baby wipes or similar products that are not designed to remove germs as a substitute for proper hand hygiene.
For any particular hand wipe, check the label for its intended use and claims.
Are antibacterial wipes the same as disinfecting wipes?
No.
Antibacterial hand wipes are formulated for use on the skin. Disinfecting wipes are generally designed for hard, nonporous surfaces.
Do not use a household disinfecting wipe on your skin unless the product label specifically says it is intended for skin. CDC warns that disinfecting wipes designed for surfaces may cause skin irritation.
A product's intended use matters as much as its active ingredient.
Are antibacterial hand wipes better than regular hand wipes?
There isn't a single answer because the products are designed to do different things.
If you want antibacterial action, look for a hand wipe with an antibacterial active ingredient and a corresponding product claim.
If you want to clean and refresh your hands without an antibacterial active ingredient, a cleansing or sensitive-skin wipe may be more appropriate.
Wet Ones® offers both types, including Antibacterial Hand Wipes and Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes.
Choose the product based on what you need rather than assuming every hand wipe has the same formulation or purpose.
How should you use antibacterial hand wipes?
Follow the directions on the individual product label.
In general:
- Remove a wipe from the package.
- Thoroughly wipe your hands.
- Cover the palms, backs of the hands and between the fingers.
- Follow the product's directions for the appropriate contact time.
- Dispose of the used wipe.
For Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes, the product's antibacterial efficacy claim is based on as little as 15 seconds.
Are hand wipes as effective as washing your hands?
Hand wipes and handwashing are different methods of hand hygiene.
CDC says washing your hands with soap and clean, running water is the best way to remove all types of germs and chemicals from your hands. When soap and water aren't readily available, CDC recommends an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
A hand wipe can be a convenient option when you're away from a sink, but it shouldn't be described as universally equivalent to washing with soap and water.
If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, washing with soap and water is particularly important.
Can antibacterial hand wipes replace handwashing?
No.
Soap and clean, running water remain the preferred way to clean your hands.
Hand wipes are useful when you're away from a sink, but they're a convenient alternative rather than a replacement for proper handwashing in every situation.
CDC recommends washing your hands at key times, including before eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, after handling animals or garbage, and when your hands are visibly dirty.
What should you look for in an antibacterial hand wipe?
If you're specifically looking for an antibacterial hand wipe, check three things.
1. The active ingredient
Look for an identified antibacterial active ingredient.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes use benzalkonium chloride.
2. The product's claims
Look for the specific bacteria and efficacy claims the manufacturer provides.
For Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes, the claim is 99.99% of many common harmful bacteria in as little as 15 seconds.
3. The intended use
Make sure the product is specifically designed and labeled for use on hands.
Don't substitute household surface disinfecting wipes for products intended for skin.
What does "effective" mean for antibacterial wipes?
"Effective" should always be understood in the context of a specific claim.
For Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes, the relevant claim is effectiveness against 99.99% of many common harmful bacteria in as little as 15 seconds.
That claim does not establish effectiveness against every microorganism or every virus.
When evaluating an antibacterial product, look for:
- The active ingredient
- The microorganisms covered by the claim
- The percentage reduction claimed
- The amount of time associated with the claim
- The product's directions for use
Antibacterial hand wipes: quick answers
Do antibacterial hand wipes actually work?
Yes. Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes are effective at killing 99.99% of many common harmful bacteria in as little as 15 seconds, according to the product's claim.
How effective are Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes?
They are effective at killing 99.99% of many common harmful bacteria in as little as 15 seconds.
What does "kills 99.99%" mean?
It refers to a 99.99% reduction of the specified bacteria under the conditions associated with the product's efficacy testing. It does not mean the product kills 99.99% of every type of germ.
How quickly do Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes work?
Their labeled antibacterial efficacy claim is achieved in as little as 15 seconds.
Do Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes kill viruses?
Wet Ones® does not make antiviral claims for its Antibacterial Hand Wipes. The product's claim is specifically antibacterial.
Are all hand wipes antibacterial?
No. Some hand wipes contain antibacterial active ingredients, while others are designed simply to clean and refresh.
Are Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Wipes antibacterial?
No. They do not contain antibacterial ingredients.
What is the active ingredient in Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes?
Benzalkonium chloride.
What's the difference between antibacterial and regular wipes?
Antibacterial wipes contain an active ingredient intended to provide antibacterial action. Regular cleansing wipes may clean and refresh without an antibacterial active ingredient.
Are antibacterial wipes the same as disinfecting wipes?
No. Antibacterial hand wipes are designed for use on skin, while disinfecting wipes are generally designed for hard surfaces.
Can antibacterial hand wipes replace handwashing?
No. Soap and clean, running water are the preferred way to clean your hands when available.
Are hand wipes effective when hands are visibly dirty?
A hand wipe can help physically clean hands, but when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, washing with soap and water is preferred when available.
Choosing an antibacterial hand wipe
Antibacterial hand wipes can work when used according to their directions, but the specific product claim matters. Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes use benzalkonium chloride as their active ingredient and are effective at killing 99.99% of many common harmful bacteria in as little as 15 seconds, according to the product's labeled claim.
That claim applies to the specified bacteria. It does not mean the wipes kill every type of germ or virus. "Antibacterial" refers to bacteria, and Wet Ones® does not make antiviral claims for these wipes.
Not all hand wipes are antibacterial. Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes, for example, do not contain an antibacterial active ingredient and are designed for gentle cleaning and refreshing.
When choosing a hand wipe, check the active ingredient, specific efficacy claim, intended use and directions on the label. That gives you a clear picture of what the product is designed to do.