Why You Should Stop Using Wet Wipes, According to an Anal Surgeon

Wet wipes have become a staple in many bathrooms, offering a seemingly cleaner, more luxurious alternative to toilet paper. But while they might leave you feeling fresh, doctors and particularly anal surgeons are warning that they may be doing more harm than good.

According to Evan Goldstein, DO, anal surgeon and founder of Future Method, wet wipes may be secretly sabotaging both your health and your home. From disrupting your skin's delicate microbiome to damaging plumbing systems and polluting oceans, these seemingly harmless wipes come with serious consequences.

What Are Wet Wipes Made Of?

Most wet wipes are made from a blend of synthetic and natural fibers like polyester, polypropylene, and cotton. They’re moistened with water, moisturizers like glycerin, and sometimes antiseptics or perfumes. Even those labeled as "fragrance-free" can still contain ingredients that alter your skin’s balance.

“People assume that if something is safe for babies, it’s safe for adults,” says Dr. Goldstein. “But the skin around the anus is delicate and contains a balanced microbiome that wet wipes can easily disrupt.”

Why Wet Wipes Aren’t Great for Your Skin

Just like your face or gut, the skin around your anus is home to good and bad bacteria that help keep it healthy. Wipes can strip away beneficial bacteria and introduce moisture that lingers long after you've pulled your pants back up.

“When you alter the homeostasis of the skin’s microbiome, you increase the risk of fungal infections, irritation, and even bacterial overgrowth,” Dr. Goldstein explains. Moisture left behind by wet wipes can lead to chronic redness, itching, and conditions that mimic hemorrhoids or fissures.

The Environmental Cost of Wipes

If skin health isn’t enough to sway you, consider what wipes do once they’re flushed. Despite being marketed as “flushable,” wet wipes are one of the biggest contributors to sewer blockages, known as “fatbergs,” when combined with grease and other waste.

They also contain plastics that don’t biodegrade, leading to microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems. A 2023 study found that flushed wipes transport harmful, antibiotic-resistant bacteria like E. coli directly into oceans and onto beaches. Even biodegradable versions don’t break down fast enough to be considered safe for sewage systems.

What You Should Use Instead

Dr. Goldstein’s top recommendation? Skip the wipes altogether. Instead, choose between these gentler, more sustainable options:

• Toilet paper: Choose soft, eco-conscious brands made from recycled materials or bamboo to reduce environmental impact.

• Bidets: A favorite in many parts of the world, bidets offer a hygienic, water-based cleanse that reduces irritation and toilet paper use. Bonus: Some studies show they may reduce UTIs by decreasing bacteria in the area.

• Portable bidets: Ideal for travel or small bathrooms, these affordable handheld options give you the benefits of a bidet without complicated installation.

While bidets are an investment and may not be feasible for everyone, they're often worth it for sensitive skin and long-term comfort.

How to Wipe Properly With Toilet Paper

Even without wipes, you can achieve a thorough clean with these simple expert-backed steps:

1. Fold or crumple a few squares of toilet paper.

2. Reach behind and wipe from front to back to prevent introducing bacteria to the genital area.

3. Repeat with clean paper until there’s no residue left.

4. Avoid excessive wiping, which can cause irritation.

5. Pat dry if moisture remains.

The Bottom Line

Despite their appeal, wet wipes are not your bum’s best friend. They can disrupt your microbiome, irritate your skin, clog your pipes, and pollute the environment. Instead, stick to toilet paper or explore bidet options for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable routine.

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