October 1, 2025

Dude, Wipes And Hormone Side Effects You Should Know About!

by Million Marker Staff

Are Dude Wipes safe for the body? While some Dude Wipes contain fragrance, you could be at a higher risk of disrupting your hormones. However, there is one low-tox Dude Wipe that we found.

Dude, thinking about wiping yourself with a wipe after using the bathroom? You might want to think twice about what you use in these areas.

Your genitals and anus are extremely vulnerable to chemicals in wipes, specifically male hygiene wipes that are scented [1][2][3]. Many male wet wipes may contain an ingredient listed as “fragrance.” This long-lasting fragrance on your genitals is kept there by a class of chemicals that mimic estrogen, known as phthalates [4]. The thin skin in these areas can absorb these estrogen-like chemicals throughout the day. Grooming your body shouldn’t mess up your hormones. Here’s what you need to know about low-tox men’s wipes.

The Rise of Male Toilet Wipes

Nature calls, and sometimes, it can be a little messy. Wipes have entered the chat as the go-to for many males. In fact, a 2013 survey conducted by the Dollar Shave Club found that 51% of men preferred wipes over toilet paper [5].

While no other research of this type has been conducted since then, the wet wipe market has seen a 12% increase in sales following the COVID-19 pandemic [6].

With wet towelettes becoming the new normal, many men find cleaning up more convenient with a Dude Wipe, or something similar. However, there’s nothing convenient about what these ingredients could be doing to your body.

Potential Male Wipe Health Effects

While it’s important to clean yourself after using the bathroom, you may want to avoid using a wet wipe. Many wet wipes contain the ingredient fragrance. Fragrance is a combination of various chemicals combined to create a scent that we might find “pleasant” or “clean.”

This cocktail of chemicals is what makes men’s products smell like pine, a waterfall, leather, or some other artificial scent. Phthalates are plasticizers used in fragrances that help the scents linger on our skin longer. However, the effects of phthalates linger even longer than the aroma does.

Our bodies confuse phthalates in fragrances for hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone. When this happens, it can lower or raise the normal hormone levels in your body..

Exposure to phthalates has been linked to reduced testosterone levels in men [7]. In addition, phthalates have been linked to low sperm counts [8]. Therefore, using wet wipes could wipe away your chances of starting a family. After all, 1 in 6 couples are currently struggling to conceive [9].

In addition, many hygiene wipes can disrupt the bacteria in these organs. Our body has microbes that help maintain our health and fight off infections. Many wipes have ingredients like alcohol, which can dry out the area and kill off beneficial bacteria [10].

Besides the hormonal effects of male wet wipes, there are also some concerns about damage to the thin skin in the anus. Anal surgeon Dr. Evan Goldstein explained that wet wipes and toilet paper can cause irritation to the area [11].

Repeated use of male wet wipes can lead to long-term skin damage. When you cut the skin, it leaves this vulnerable area open to absorb harmful chemicals. Therefore, you’re at even higher risk of absorbing estrogen-like chemicals in fragranced wet wipes.

What to Do Instead of Anal Wipes

When in doubt, wash it out. Consider installing a bidet on your toilet. This is an efficient way to ensure that the area is clean. If possible, try to take a shower after using the toilet.

If you must use a wipe or toilet paper, don’t wipe vigorously. Also, while we were taught to wipe front to back, Dr. Goldstein suggests using a circular motion.

Lastly, don’t sit all the way on the toilet as you go and wipe. This can cause strain on the body and a bigger mess for the #2 coming out. Try to squat over the toilet to allow an easier transition from body to bowl.

Dude Wipes Fragrance-Free Still Not the Safest Option

It’s always important to read ingredients labels. They answer a lot of questions about the potential safety of products. If you see “fragrance” listed as an ingredient, it’s not the right product for your grooming routine.

That said, we typically recommend shopping for products that say “fragrance-free.” However, just because a product is fragrance-free does not necessarily mean it is safe.

For example, Fragrance-Free Dude Wipes contain phenoxyethanol and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate. These ingredients are preservatives that have also been associated with hormone disruption [12][13]. While shopping for clean products can feel overwhelming, we have developed a list of Approved Products that can help you shop for safer products.

Learning about this can be frustrating, but don’t get your wipes in a twist just yet. There is a Dude Wipe that you could potentially use if you really can’t give them up.

Safest Dude Wipe Option

Clean up your grooming routine by eliminating wet wipes. However, if you must use one, opt for Dude Wipes: Medicated. The only ingredient that might cause some skin irritation is witch hazel. Otherwise, the product is fragrance-free.

In addition, Dude Wipes are made with plant-based fibers. Many wet wipes are made with PFAS or other synthetic chemicals. Therefore, Dude Wipes are one of the safer options out there.

Are Dude Wipes Flushable?

That said, Dude Wipes also markets itself as flushable. That remains to be seen. There are lawsuits against the company for their products clogging septic systems. In general, it is NOT recommended to flush any kind of wet wipe, or any material other than toilet paper, for that matter!

Test Yourself for Phthalates and Other Hormone Disruptors

Hygiene wipes are just some of the many products that contain phthalates and other chemicals that mess up your hormones. Phthalates are “everywhere chemicals” found in plastics and personal care products, and research shows these hidden toxicants can disrupt hormones, reduce sperm and egg quality, and raise the risk of infertility for both men and women.

With the Million Marker Test, you can easily find out the levels of phthalates and other harmful chemicals present in your body. That way, you can identify which products are causing trouble and receive practical, personalized steps to protect your health and improve fertility outcomes.