From the Writer’s Desk:

Have you ever gotten ready for a date, then realized you needed to run to the store or run some errands right before? Have you ever been invited out and the meet-up time’s right after work? Ever want to do something wild and spur of the moment – but didn’t, because you weren’t sure if you were fresh “down there?”  

I’m sure it’s happened to some of us at least once, and now Playtex has brought out a new line of wipes that can prep us for any moment where we may want to “get it in.” If you’re a woman on the go like I am, sometimes you just want to stop and freshen up before you start the next part of your day.  I spotted these  on my last store run, and decided to give it a try for you gals and guys.

Let’s start with the scent: 

It’s fragrant, but not overbearing. I bought it and took it out to dinner with me; when I opened the pack – the entire bathroom stall smelled like fruit! I wasn’t afraid that it was too harsh, because I did read the ingredients before purchasing and there are a lot of botanicals infused in the wipes.

What’s in a Fresh + Sexy™ wipe?
Fresh + Sexy™ wipes contain the following: Water, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

• Are Fresh + Sexy™ wipes flushable?
  Yes, Fresh + Sexy™ wipes are flushable. However, for best flushability, please flush one at a time.
• Are Fresh + Sexy™ wipes hypoallergenic?
  Yes, Fresh + Sexy™ wipes are hypoallergenic.

They did leave me feeling clean, though they are no substitute for a good ol’ shower. The wipes were nice and thick, so there was no rippage or residue afterwards. I flushed it with no problem and went out on my dinner date, and one wipe was definitely enough.

The price point is a lot higher than most of the other feminine wipes available, but the ingredients are  considered safe, per my research, and the botanicals may prove beneficial to those with sensitive skin. I have included a chemical breakdown of those big-word ingredients to better understand what you’re buying.

The Verdict: I think $6 is a lot to spend on a pack of wipes that aren’t even considered “all natural.” The packaging is big and obvious if you’re trying to sneak in a quick fresh, and I’m pretty sure baby wipes will do the trick. I’ve got 18 more wipes to use, so we’ll see if they’re worth the money.

Propylene Glycol – It is a colorless, nearly odorless, clear, viscous liquid with a faintly sweet taste, hygroscopic andmiscible with water, acetone, and chloroform. The toxicity of this chemical is very low, and one would have to ingest a whole lot of it to have any toxic side effects. It would be nearly impossible to reach toxic levels by consuming foods or supplements, which contain at most 1 g/kg of PG. Cases of propylene glycol poisoning are usually related to either inappropriate intravenous administration or accidental ingestion of large quantities by children. The moral of the story is: don’t stick it in your vagina or eat it. 

Note: 

The ingredients suggest that it may add a slight flavor to the genitals when used, but I have not tested this out yet. A lot of the ingredient combinations are used in food flavorings, so there may be an added perk to these wipes!

What are all those chemical words? 

Polysorbate 20 – Polysorbate 20 is a polysorbate surfactant whose stability and relative non-toxicity allows it to be used as a detergent and emulsifier in a number of domestic, scientific, and pharmacological applications. Herbalists and natural fragrance makers use it to bind the ingredients together in perfumes.

Disodium cocoamphodiacetate (DSCADA) is a synthetic amphoteric surfactant routinely used in personal care products.  Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is a moderate foamer and is recommended for sensitive skin, baby skin, facial products. For use in shampoos and body wash where optimum foam is desired, combine with another surfactant such as decyl glucoside and/or cocamidopropyl betaine for a mild high-foaming blend.

Tocopheryl acetate: also known as vitamin E acetate, is a common vitamin supplement with the molecular formula C31H52O3. It is the ester of acetic acid and tocopherol. It is often used in dermatological products such as skin creams. Tocopherol acetate has many potential nutrition and health applications, and it is commonly found in oral supplements as well as dermatological creams that are applied to your skin.

Butylene Glycol: Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol and Dipropylene Glycol are clear, practically colorless, liquids. In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in the formulation of hair and bath products, eye and facial makeup, fragrances, personal cleanliness products, and shaving and skin care products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits Butylene Glycol to be used as a synthetic flavoring and adjuvant for direct addition to food.

Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (SHMG): is a preservative used in many commercially available products, including shampoos, conditioners, soaps, moisturizers, body sprays, baby wipes, room sprays, cleaning agents, and pesticides. It is in a class of chemicals known as formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Notably, members of this class have been associated with allergic contact dermatitis, possibly due to the agents themselves, the formaldehyde they release, or both. Studies on SHMG in animals have demonstrated potential for sensitization and dermatitis, and formaldehyde-allergic patients have been reported to improve when products containing SHMG are avoided. Patients and providers need to be aware of this preservative.

Potassium sorbate: is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, chemical formula C6H7KO2. Its primary use is as a food preservative. Potassium sorbate is effective in a variety of applications including food, wine, and personal care products.

Disodium EDTA: is frequently found in ingredients lists of personal care products, manufactured foods and beverages, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and skin care products. Disodium EDTA also has extensive industrial, medical and engineering applications and is one of the most important and widely used chemical compounds in modern human society. Disodium EDTA is commonly found in a wide range of personal care products, including contact solution, eye drops, shower and bath products, skin care preparations and cosmetics. It is also used as a preservative and stabilizer in many processed foods and beverages.

P.S. – this is not a paid advertisement. I actually spent $6 on these wipes at the supermarket. All reviews are unbiased and truthful from a writer’s perspective, and all ingredient information was researched by myself. 

Sources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol#Humans

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705137/POLYSORBATE-20/

http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/200858/baby_and_toddler/disodium_cocoamphodiacetate_.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/504637-what-are-the-potential-health-effects-of-tocopheryl-acetate/

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=477

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20233550

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5007478_what-disodium-edta.html