Good incontinence care is more than the brief or pad. Caregivers usually follow three steps after each change: clean the skin gently, pat it dry, and protect it with a barrier product when the skin is often exposed to moisture. This guide compares the supplies for each step: personal cleansing wipes, rinse-free bath wipes, disposable washcloths, rinse-free perineal wash, and skin protectant creams and ointments. Everything below is in our adult wipes and washcloths and perineal products collections, and the details come from the manufacturers' listings.
Cleansing options at a glance
| Type | How it is used | Good fit for | Examples we carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal cleansing wipe | Pre-moistened wipe from a resealable soft pack, used at each change | Everyday incontinence cleanup at home or in a facility | TENA ProSkin, Prevail, McKesson, ProCare, Cardinal Health Wings, Tranquility |
| Rinse-free bath wipe | Larger, heavier wipe used for a full-body wash without water | Bed baths and days when a shower is not possible | TENA ProSkin Classic and Ultra Soft Bath Wipes |
| Flushable personal wipe | Same as a personal wipe, labeled flushable by the maker | Users who manage their own toileting | TENA ProSkin UltraFlush |
| Disposable dry washcloth | Used dry or with your own cleanser and water | High-volume use with a separate perineal wash | McKesson 13 x 13 inch washcloths, case of 500 |
| Rinse-free perineal wash | Liquid cleanser from a pump bottle, applied and wiped off without rinsing | People who cannot bathe with water; facility perineal care | McKesson Rinse-Free Perineal Wash, fresh or herbal scent |
Personal and bath wipes compared
| Product | Per pack | Case | Scent and added ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| TENA ProSkin Classic Personal Wipes | 96 | 576 (6 packs) | Scented; aloe, vitamin E, chamomile |
| TENA ProSkin UltraFlush | 48 | 576 (12 packs) | Scented, flushable; aloe, vitamin E, chamomile |
| TENA ProSkin Classic Bath Wipes | 48 | 576 (12 packs) | Rinse-free, lightly scented; aloe, vitamin E, chamomile |
| TENA ProSkin Ultra Soft Bath Wipes | 48 | 576 (12 packs) | Rinse-free, lightly scented; aloe, vitamin E, chamomile |
| Prevail Personal Wipes | 48 | Sold by the pack | Scented; aloe, vitamin E, chamomile |
| McKesson Personal Cleansing Wipes, unscented | 96 | 576 (6 packs) | Unscented; flip-top dispenser lid |
| McKesson Personal Cleansing Wipes, scented | 48 | 576 (12 packs) | Lightly scented; flip-top dispenser lid |
| ProCare Personal Cleansing Wipes | 96 | 576 (6 packs) | Lightly scented; aloe, vitamin E |
| Cardinal Health Wings Personal Cleansing Wipes | 96 | 768 (8 packs) | Lightly scented; vitamin E, chamomile, aloe |
| Tranquility Personal Wipes | 56 | Sold by the bag | Scented; aloe, chamomile, vitamin E |
If the person has sensitive skin or dislikes fragrance, start with an unscented option such as the McKesson unscented wipes. Only flush wipes that the maker labels flushable, and check whether your plumbing or septic system can handle them. All other wipes go in the trash.
Rinse-free perineal wash
A perineal wash is a liquid cleanser made for the genital and rectal area. The McKesson Rinse-Free Perineal Wash, fresh scent comes in an 8 oz pump bottle by the case of 48, and the herbal scent version is sold as a single 8 oz bottle. Both are designed to be used without water, which makes them useful for bed-bound care. Pair a perineal wash with soft disposable washcloths so each change uses a fresh cloth.
Barrier creams and skin protectants
A barrier cream or ointment puts a protective layer on the skin so urine, stool and moisture sit on the barrier rather than on the skin. Most of the products we carry use zinc oxide, and some add menthol or calamine for a cooling feel.
| Product | Format | Key ingredients listed by the maker |
|---|---|---|
| Calmoseptine Skin Protectant Ointment | 2.5 oz jar, case of 12 | Zinc oxide and menthol; scented |
| CalaSoothe Skin Protectant Cream | 3.5 g packets or 4 oz tube | Zinc oxide 20.625%, menthol 0.44%, calamine, lanolin |
| Thera Calazinc Body Shield | 4 oz tube, case of 12 | Zinc oxide and calamine; scented |
| Dynarex Zinc Oxide Ointment | 1 oz and 2 oz tubes, 15 oz jar | Zinc oxide |
Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin. You do not need to scrub all of the old cream off at every change; gently clean away soiled cream and reapply as the product directions say. Single-use packets, like the CalaSoothe 3.5 g option, help keep a jar or tube from being contaminated in a shared facility.
A simple routine for each change
- Clean gently with a personal wipe or perineal wash, front to back, without scrubbing.
- Pat dry with a soft cloth, and make sure the skin is dry before putting on a fresh brief.
- Protect with a thin layer of barrier cream where the skin is often wet.
- Use the right absorbency. Choose a product rated for the amount of leakage. See our overnight incontinence guide and brief sizing guide.
- Check the skin at each change for redness that does not fade, or broken skin, and tell a clinician if you see it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a personal wipe and a bath wipe?
Personal wipes are sized for quick cleanup at each change. Bath wipes like the TENA ProSkin Classic and Ultra Soft Bath Wipes are rinse-free and meant for washing the whole body when a shower or tub bath is not practical.
Can I use baby wipes instead?
Adult personal wipes are made for adult care and come in larger packs and cases. Whichever you use, choose a gentle, unscented option if the skin is sensitive.
Do I need a barrier cream every time?
Not always. Many caregivers use it when the skin is exposed to moisture often, such as overnight or with stool incontinence. Ask a nurse or clinician if you are unsure.
Where are bed pads and briefs?
See our underpads guide and our briefs vs pull-ups guide.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, nurse or wound care clinician about skin that is broken, bleeding, or not getting better.