Best Body Cleansing Wipes
When an active lifestyle sees you hitting the gym, hiking the backwoods, or wrapping up a game of tennis on a regular basis, you already know how tough it can be to maintain personal hygiene when you’re far from home (and a shower), right? And that’s where an easy-to-pack, disposable body cleansing wipe can instantly step up to deliver a quick refresh when you need it most. If you’re not familiar with this product, think of those tiny little wet-naps but in a much larger format and minus that antiseptic smell and feel. They’re the perfect little pick-me-up when hot days call for a quick blot of your face, neck, and shoulders, or even for a full-body cleanse when you’re engaged in off-the-grid camping and backpacking.
What Are the Benefits to Using a Body Cleansing Wipe?
Unlike a fabric washcloth that requires soap and water, cleansing towels are typically pre-moistened and ready to go. Packed individually or in convenient dispenser-style packaging, they’re a discreet solution to dealing with sweat and body odor, when showers just aren’t available. And with today’s environmentally conscious consumers, most wipes are biodegradable so they can be flushed, buried, or tossed into the garbage, with no worries for the environment.
What to Look for When Buying Body Cleansing Wipes
Packaging
Consider the frequency of use. If a camping excursion means you’ll be working through several towels within a few days, consider going with a volume-style dispenser that can be tucked in with your outdoor gear. (Note that if not re-sealed properly, this format can dry out quickly if you aren’t using them). But if it’s for those one-off moments where a quick and easy refresh is required, you may prefer the individually-sealed packets that offer discreet access and are slim enough to slide into the pocket of your running shorts or backpack.
Sizing
The key benefit to a body cleansing wipe over a wet-nap or standard baby wipe is the large size followed by the more durable material. When your intent is a full-body refresh with the cleansing properties of a shower – whether camping or down to illness and restricted mobility – always opt for a size that can get the job done quickly and efficiently. That means better coverage, with fewer strokes, and a wipe that won’t bunch, break down or lose moisture as you bathe.
Top 6 Body Cleansing Wipes
Surviveware 32-pack Biodegradable Body Cleansing Wipes with Aloe Vera
Best for a Full-Body Cleanse
When that away-from-home clean-up requires a little more fire-power than just a lightweight, pre-moistened towelette, this generously sized cleansing wipe is exactly what you’re looking for. Made from 100% viscose, this 8-inch by 12-inch biodegradable cloth is perfect for outdoor excursions where the nearest shower is miles away but you don’t’ want to wait to enjoy a thorough wash. In fact, this cleansing towel is large enough for use as a full-body wipe that will effectively cleanse away dirt and perspiration while also eliminating that stale sweat odor. Or, stash a pack in your car for a quick face, neck, and shoulder refresh after the gym, run, or even garden work. Because the thick, viscose material is unscented and alcohol-free, you can use it on your face without worry that it could irritate sensitive skins. Best of all, it’s totally bio-degradable so just bury or compost after use.
Who Should Buy This Body Cleansing Wipe?
This is a great option for those who camp or hike and need a cleansing towel that can do a complete head-to-toe refresh, without drying out or breaking down.
Pros:
- Extra-large size
- Fully bio-degradable
- Non-scented and alcohol-free
- Thick, viscose material
Cons:
- Not individually packaged
Specs for Comparison:
Material: 100% Viscose
Wipe Size: 8-inches x 12-inches
Pack Size: 32
Scented: No
Bio-Degradable: Yes
Bliss 30-pack Paraben-free Body Cleansing Wipes with Lemon-Sage Scent
Best for a Light Refresh
When that trickle of sweat requires something a little more refreshing than a blot from a tissue, these lemon and sage-scented wipes are the way you want to go. Not only are these pre-moistened cleansing towels perfect for instantly removing dirt and sweat while neutralizing body odors through the use of non-toxic enzymes, but they’re also plant-based and paraben-free making them safe for use on any part of your body. And whether you’ve built up a sweat from hiking in the wild, walking your dog in the park, or are simply heading home from your workout at the gym, this body wipe’s infusion of aloe vera leaf juice will help to cool and hydrate your skin without leaving a sticky, oily residue. The soothing lemon scent of these ultra-soft cleansing towels is lightly refreshing, and neutral enough for use by women, men, teens, and kids.
Who Should Buy This Body Cleansing Wipe?
The light scent and aloe-infusion of this pre-moistened wipe make it a natural for those who want a quick neck, arm, and shoulder refresh on a hot day.
Pros:
- Refreshing, lemon-sage scent
- Cools and hydrates
- Aloe-infused
- Paraben-free
Cons:
- Too small for full body use
Specs for Comparison:
Material: n/a
Wipe Size: 7-inches x 6-inches
Pack Size: 30
Scented: Yes
Bio-Degradable: No
Combat 25-pack Biodegradable Body Cleansing Wipes with Aloe and Vitamin E
Best Eco-Friendly Face and Body Wipe
Let’s face it, sweat happens. And whether it’s from a last-minute run with a group of friends or setting up an off-grid campsite that’s miles away from other humans, no one enjoys the clammy feeling and funky smell of stale sweat, right? At times like these, you need a larger-sized cleansing wipe that in mere minutes can deliver the shower-worthy refresh you want but without the need to add water. That’s why this is the wet-towel you’re looking for. The thicker weight and textured finish of this biodegradable cloth mean it’s ideal for a more thorough wash and won’t shred or dry out. And because it’s made using pure viscose material with an alcohol-free cleansing formula that’s been infused with aloe and vitamin E, you have a towel that’s both soft and safe enough to use on any part of your body – including delicate facial skin.
Who Should Buy This Body Cleansing Wipe?
The larger size and biodegradable nature of this pre-moistened wipe make it the perfect choice for those who camp, hike, or backpack and want the convenience of an instant refresh that can be buried on-site without concerns for the environment.
Pros:
- Aloe and Vitamin E infused
- Extra-thick viscose construction
- Safe for face and body
- Fully biodegradable
Cons:
- Not individually packaged
Specs for Comparison:
Material: 100% Viscose
Wipe Size: 7.1-inches x 8.3-inches
Pack Size: 25
Scented: No
Bio-Degradable: Yes
DUDE 2×10-pack Individually Wrapped Body Cleansing Wipes with Aloe
Best Individually-Packeted Cleansing Wipes
Don’t be fooled by the name, these heavy-duty cleansing wipes are gender-neutral and ideal for a quick freshen-up when you’re out camping, travelling, or shooting hoops with the girls. While the individually packeted format of these towels is ideal for tossing into a backpack, glove compartment, or gym bag for anytime-use, the extra-large size of this pre-moistened cloth means it’s perfect for a head-to-toe wipe down when showering isn’t an option. In fact, the larger size and heavier texture result in a towel that won’t shred or dry out when you need it most – like during a full body wash when it’s time to lose the dirt, sweat, and body odors. Best of all, these alcohol- and paraben-free viscose wipes have been infused with soothing aloe and vitamin E for a neutral scent and a towel that’s ideal for use on the most sensitive skins.
Who Should Buy This Body Cleansing Wipe?
For those on the go, this pre-moistened towel is a great option. It can be tossed into a gym bag, camping gear, or a backpack for instant access to a quick refresh, wherever you are.
Pros:
- Individually packaged
- Aloe and Vitamin E infused
- Alcohol- and paraben-free
- Eco-friendly production
Cons:
- Not flushable
Specs for Comparison:
Material: 100% Viscose
Wipe Size: 8-inches x 9-inches
Pack Size: 2 packs / 10 per
Scented: No
Bio-Degradable: Yes
Scrubzz 25-pack Sponge-Style Body Cleansing Wipes
Best for Cleansing with Suds
For those that need the help of a quality cleansing wipe from time to time, but worry that these pre-moistened towels may trigger a reaction from your sensitive skin, this pH-balanced cloth is your ideal solution. Unlike many of its sheet-style counterparts, this generously-sized sponge-like wipe is not wet but infused with a dry soap that can be activated into a sudsy lather with as little as 3-ounces of water to gently cleanse and moisturize skin. Take them to the gym or a family picnic when a quick refresh is needed or pack them in with your camping gear for when a day of hiking calls for a more thorough, head-to-toe cleansing. Each cloth is sized to deliver a full-body wipe-down and best of all, when you’re done there’s no need to rinse the suds off. Simply towel or air-dry and get on with your day.
Who Should Buy This Body Cleansing Wipe?
This is a great option for those who want that thorough clean that you can only get by lathering up with soap and water. And because they use a pH-balanced dry soap, they’re ideal for all skin types.
Pros:
- Sponge versus towelette
- Hypoallergenic and pH-balanced
- Produces full soapy lather
- No need to rinse off
Cons:
- Requires water to activate
Specs for Comparison:
Material: 100% Polyester
Wipe Size: 8-inches x 12-inches
Pack Size: 32
Scented: No
Bio-Degradable: No
Handybath 64-pack Extra-Large Body Cleansing Wipes with Aloe and Chamomile Infusion
Best for Extra-Large Cleansing Wipes
After a long day of hiking, biking, setting up camp, or just putting in overtime at the office, nothing beats jumping into a nice hot shower to wash away that sticky grime and sweat, right? But what to do when that’s not an option? Check out this generously sized, cleansing body wipe. Not only is this pre-moistened towel big enough for a total body wipe-down in just minutes, but it’s also infused with Aloe, vitamin E, chamomile, and even cucumber for a soft, refreshing scent that won’t dry or irritate sensitive skin. And it’s not just suited for the outdoor adventurer. This soothing wipe is perfect for a quick refresh at the gym, the office, or even to use as a modified bed bath for sick or elderly individuals. The thick, viscose material won’t deteriorate while in use and is soft enough to use on everyone from kids to seniors.
Who Should Buy This Body Cleansing Wipe?
While ideal for a quick refresh anytime and anywhere, this extra-large-sized cleansing wipe is perfect for when you need a total body wipe-down and a shower isn’t available.
Pros:
- Extra-large size
- Infused with aloe, vitamin E and chamomile
- Eco-friendly production
- Refreshing scent
Cons:
- Not individually packaged
Specs for Comparison:
Material: 100% Viscose
Wipe Size: 8-inches x 12-inches
Pack Size: 64
Scented: No
Bio-Degradable: No
Bottom Line
You don’t have to live off-the-grid to appreciate the need to have an effective cleansing backup plan for when a shower isn’t available. Moms with young kids, outdoor laborers, those active in warm-weather sports… the list goes on. All know just how important it is to have quick and easy access to an effective cleansing towel that can keep sticky grime, dirt, and body odor at bay. And for the elderly, bedridden, or those suffering from injuries that make personal hygiene a challenge, this type of pre-moistened towel is a perfect solution that has been formulated to deliver the level of clean you want, but with an eye toward sensitive or fragile skins.
Photo credit: yurakrasil/Shutterstock