Cellulose pulp, non-woven fabric, and plastics: The material layers of a disposable diaper

A disposable diaper looks surprisingly simple from the outside.

Soft. White. Thin. Absorbent.

But inside, it's a complex technical system of various fibers, plastics, adhesives, and functional layers.

Each of these layers serves a specific purpose:

• Wicking liquid away from the skin
• Distributing urine within the diaper
• Absorbing large amounts of liquid
• Retaining wetness inside
• Protecting clothing from leaks
• Keeping the diaper flexible and close to the body

This is important for parents. Because their baby's skin doesn't just come into contact with "a diaper."

It lies against an entire material system for many hours a day.

At Mata Origin, we therefore want to take a closer look:

What is actually in a disposable diaper - and do all excretions have to end up in such a disposable product?

What layers does a disposable diaper consist of?

The exact structure varies depending on the manufacturer, diaper size, and product line.

Typically, a modern disposable diaper consists of the following areas:

1. a skin-contacting inner layer
2. an acquisition and distribution layer
3. a core wrap
4. an absorbent core of pulp and superabsorbents
5. an outer waterproof layer
6. side leak barriers
7. elastic cuffs
8. adhesives, fasteners, and side panels

Depending on the product, additional components may be included:

• wetness indicators
• dyes and prints
• lotions
• fragrances
• odor absorbers
• other surface treatments

Not every disposable diaper contains all of these additives. The materials and material proportions can also differ significantly.

Precisely for this reason, a transparent and easily understandable material declaration would be so valuable for parents.

The inner layer: What is directly against the baby's skin?

The skin-contacting inner layer is often referred to as the topsheet.

It touches your baby's bottom, genital area, groin, and partly the belly. Its task is to feel soft and to quickly transfer liquid to the layers below.

This layer often consists of a nonwoven material.

Typical raw materials can be:

• polypropylene
• polyethylene
• polyester
• viscose
• cellulose-based fibers
• mixtures of different fibers

A diaper can feel soft, textile-like, or almost cotton-like on the surface, and yet predominantly consist of synthetic fibers.

The soft feel alone therefore says little about what material is actually against the skin.

What is nonwoven fabric actually?

The term nonwoven fabric does not primarily describe a specific fiber.

Nonwoven fabric is a manufacturing method.

Unlike woven or knitted fabrics, the fibers are not processed into threads and then woven together. They are directly bonded to form a surface - for example, by heat, pressure, water jets, or binders.

A nonwoven fabric can therefore consist of very different materials.

It can be entirely synthetic. It can contain cellulose-based fibers. Or it can be made from a mix of materials.

The statement "The diaper contains soft nonwoven fabric" therefore does not yet answer:

• What fiber does the nonwoven fabric consist of?
• Is the fiber petroleum-based or plant-based?
• Were different fibers combined?
• Were binders or surface treatments used?
• Is there an additional lotion on the surface?

For parents, therefore, not only the term nonwoven fabric is important, but also its specific composition.

Why are so many nonwovens used in diapers?

Nonwovens are lightweight, moldable, and relatively inexpensive to produce.

Depending on their construction, they can:

• allow liquid to pass through quickly
• distribute liquid within a surface
• hold the absorbent core together
• form a soft surface
• serve as a side leak barrier
• make a film appear textile and pleasant

Therefore, a single disposable diaper can contain several different types of nonwoven fabrics.

Nonwoven fabric may be found:

• directly against the skin
• in the acquisition and distribution layer
• around the absorbent core
• on the side cuffs
• in the fastening areas
• on the outside of the diaper

This makes the diaper appear like a soft textile product. In fact, however, it is often a composite product made of several technically manufactured fiber layers.

The acquisition and distribution layer

Directly beneath the skin-contacting surface, many diapers have another functional layer.

It is often referred to as the acquisition and distribution layer. In English, terms like Acquisition Layer or Acquisition Distribution Layer are used.

This layer is designed to quickly absorb urine and distribute it over a larger area.

This has several technical advantages:

• The liquid does not collect in just one spot.
• The absorbent core can be utilized more effectively.
• The diaper swells more evenly.
• The surface feels dry again more quickly.
• The risk of immediate leaks is reduced.

This is convenient for families.

But precisely this performance also changes the perception of excretion.

The pee disappears from the visible and tactile area within a few moments. The diaper still appears dry, and the baby may show less clearly that they have excreted.

Technically, the excretion is successfully concealed. From a diaper-free perspective, however, important physical feedback is also lost.

Are highly absorbent diapers changed later?

A highly absorbent diaper can still appear dry and remain reliably leak-proof after several excretions.

This eliminates a natural indicator for a necessary change:

The diaper feels wet.

The theory is therefore:

The less visible, palpable, or noticeable an excretion is, the easier it is for the diaper to remain on the baby longer.

There is currently no clear evidence that parents generally change diapers later solely because of a specific material layer or superabsorbent.

However, the possible mechanism is plausible:

• The surface feels dry.
• Clothing remains clean.
• The diaper does not leak.
• A single pee is barely noticeable.
• The baby may feel the wetness less clearly.
• The high absorption capacity is easily confused with a reasonable wearing duration.

A pilot study published in 2025 showed that children not yet potty trained showed more recognizable excretion signals without a diaper than with a disposable diaper.

The study does not prove that the distribution layer or the superabsorbent are solely responsible for this. However, it supports the assumption that a disposable diaper can dampen physical and visible feedback related to urination.

Therefore, the technical absorption capacity should not determine how long a diaper stays on the body.

Just because a diaper can absorb more, it doesn't mean it has to be worn longer.

The absorbent core: pulp and superabsorbents

The absorbent core is the heart of the disposable diaper.

It often consists of a combination of:

• cellulose fibers
• superabsorbents
• a core wrap
• partially additional distribution or stabilization materials

The components fulfill different tasks.

Pulp absorbs liquid and distributes it.

Superabsorbents swell and retain a large part of the liquid as a gel.

Through this interaction, modern diapers can absorb a lot of liquid and still remain thin.

More about the function, possible residues, and critical questions can be found here:

Superabsorbents in diapers: Why disposable diapers absorb so much liquid

Pulp: natural raw material, industrially processed

Pulp is obtained from plant fibers, mostly from wood.

However, this does not automatically make it an unprocessed natural material.

For use in diapers, wood is broken down and processed into as pure cellulose fibers as possible. The pulp is then cleaned, dried, prepared, and often bleached.

Important questions are therefore:

• From which forests does the wood come?
• Is the forest demonstrably managed sustainably?
• How energy- and emission-intensive is the production?
• What process is used to bleach the pulp?
• Are optical brighteners used?
• What residues are controlled?

The German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) requires, among other things, pulp from demonstrably sustainably and naturally managed forests as well as energy-efficient and low-emission production for particularly environmentally friendly hygiene products.

The term pulp alone therefore says little about origin and processing.

What does "chlorine-free bleached" mean?

In diapers, statements such as "chlorine-free bleached" or "without elemental chlorine" are sometimes found.

These terms can describe different processes.

ECF means "elemental chlorine free". This means that no elemental chlorine is used. However, other chlorine-containing compounds such as chlorine dioxide may still be used.

TCF means "totally chlorine free". Here, no chlorine-containing bleaching chemicals are used. Instead, for example, oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide can be used.

ECF and TCF are therefore not the same.

This does not automatically mean that an ECF pulp is dangerous. However, for parents who prefer traceable and low-emission production processes, the distinction can still be relevant.

Superabsorbents: Plastic inside the absorbent core

Superabsorbents are synthetic, highly swelling polymers.

Often, it is cross-linked sodium polyacrylate.

When the superabsorbent comes into contact with urine, it absorbs the liquid and transforms into a gel-like mass.

This allows the diaper to:

• store large amounts of liquid
• remain comparatively thin
• retain some of the liquid even under pressure
• appear dry on the surface for longer

The superabsorbent normally does not lie openly against the skin. It is located inside the absorbent core and is surrounded by further layers.

However, gel particles can escape from a heavily filled, damaged, or torn diaper. In such cases, the diaper should be changed, and the skin carefully cleaned.

For the finished sodium polyacrylate, no direct hormonal effect has been proven when the diaper is used as intended.

The critical question therefore concerns not only the finished polymer, but also:

• possible residual monomers from manufacturing
• water-soluble polymer components
• impurities
• other plastics and adhesives
• optional additives of the overall product

The absorbent core wrap

Pulp and superabsorbents must remain in place inside the diaper.

Therefore, the absorbent core is enclosed by thin nonwoven or woven layers.

This core wrap stabilizes the absorbent core and prevents the material from shifting uncontrollably during movement.

It can consist of:

• cellulose-based tissue
• synthetic nonwoven fabric
• a combination of different fibers

be composed.

From the outside, this layer is barely visible. Nevertheless, it is another element of the complex material composite.

The outer layer: dry on the outside, sealed on the inside

The outer layer is often referred to as the backsheet.

It prevents urine from getting onto clothing, bedding, carriers, or strollers.

Typically, it consists of:

• a thin plastic film
• an outer nonwoven fabric
• or a composite of film and nonwoven fabric

Commonly used plastics are polyethylene and polypropylene.

The outer nonwoven fabric makes the diaper feel soft and textile-like. However, the actual moisture protection can still be provided by an underlying plastic barrier.

A paper-like surface is therefore no proof that the diaper is made of paper on the outside.

What does "breathable" outer layer mean?

Many diapers are advertised with a breathable outer layer.

This usually means that a microporous film allows a limited exchange of water vapor, while liquid water is supposed to be retained.

This is not the same as freely ventilated skin.

The diaper remains:

• a snug barrier
• multi-layered
• designed for leak protection
• closed over a large part of the genital and gluteal area

"Breathable" therefore does not automatically mean that the same climate prevails under the diaper as without a diaper.

Warmth under the diaper

A multi-layered and moisture-protected diaper system also influences the microclimate on the body.

Under the diaper, the following factors meet:

• body heat
• humidity
• little direct air circulation
• movement and friction
• urine and possibly stool

The question of temperature is particularly discussed for boys.

One study found higher scrotal temperatures under plastic-lined disposable diapers than under simple cotton diapers.

A later study, however, found no significant difference between disposable diapers and reusable diapers with waterproof covers. Only the cotton diaper without a waterproof cover was cooler.

Therefore, a later impairment of fertility due to diapers has not been proven.

However, the studies show an important connection:

It is not only decisive whether a diaper is called a disposable or cloth diaper. How strongly the area is covered and sealed is also relevant.

Regular air breaks and individual elimination communication moments can relieve the area, regardless of the system otherwise used.

Elastic cuffs and leak barriers

A diaper must be able to move and at the same time remain leak-proof.

For this purpose, elastic materials are used:

• on the legs
• at the back
• at the belly
• in the side leak barriers
• in the fastening tabs

Depending on the product, these may contain elastane, polyurethane, or other elastic plastics.

These materials ensure a secure fit. However, they can also cause rubbing or pressure marks.

If you regularly notice red marks on the belly, groin, or thighs, it's worth checking the following:

• Is the diaper size appropriate?
• Are the cuffs too tight?
• Were the leak cuffs aligned correctly?
• Is the diaper very wide between the legs?
• Do the red marks only appear with a certain brand?

Not every skin reaction is caused by a harmful substance.

Sometimes fit, pressure, and friction are the decisive factors.

Adhesives hold the system together

The different layers of a disposable diaper must be bonded together.

Hot-melt adhesives are often used for this purpose.

They can contain various components, such as:

• synthetic polymers
• resins
• waxes
• stabilizers
• other technical auxiliaries

The exact formulation is usually not fully stated on the packaging.

Adhesives usually do not lie exposed on the baby's skin. Nevertheless, they are part of the overall product and can be relevant for possible residues or emissions.

This is precisely why more demanding eco-labels also include specifications for adhesives and certain undesirable substances.

Closures and side panels

Even a simple hook-and-loop fastener consists of several materials.

These may include:

• nonwovens
• elastic films
• mechanical hook structures
• adhesives
• reinforced fastening areas

They allow the diaper to be adjusted and partially re-closed.

These components also show: A disposable diaper is not just made of cellulose and absorbent material.

Colors and prints

Many diapers feature animal motifs, size indications, logos, or decorative patterns.

Most of these prints are on the outside and have no direct skin contact.

Nevertheless, they are additional components of a product whose main task is actually to absorb excrement.

Those who want as few additives as possible can consciously look for simply designed and minimally printed products.

Wetness indicators

A wetness indicator changes color on contact with moisture.

This can be helpful, especially for newborns whose urine volume is still small.

At the same time, it is part of a diaper logic where waste first disappears into the product and then is made visible again via a technical color strip.

With EC, perception begins earlier:

• Is there a typical time?
• Does my baby suddenly become restless?
• Is it pushing or wriggling?
• Does it often need to go after waking up?

The wetness indicator shows that something has happened.

Elimination Communication gives your baby the opportunity to excrete outside the diaper before or during the act.

Lotions and fragrances

Some disposable diapers contain a lotion on the skin-contacting surface.

For example, it is intended to reduce friction or provide a well-cared-for skin feeling.

Other diapers contain fragrances to make the product smell fresh or to mask odors.

Neither of these additives is necessary for the actual absorbent function.

Fragrances and lotions are not automatically harmful. However, they increase the number of substances in an area that is already warm, moist, and sensitive.

The German Environment Agency therefore recommends excluding lotions and fragrances for particularly environmentally friendly hygiene products to reduce the risk of allergies.

The current EU Ecolabel criteria also exclude fragrances and lotions from certified baby diapers.

You can find more information here:

Fragrances, Lotions, and Dyes in Baby Diapers: Does Baby Skin Really Need Them?

Can hormonally active substances be present in diapers?

Neither cellulose nor a nonwoven fabric is generally hormonally active.

The hormonal question concerns possible additives, contaminants, and components of the entire material system.

Among others, the following are discussed:

• certain phthalates
• certain dioxins and furans
• dioxin-like PCBs
• some alkylphenol compounds
• parabens
• triclosan
• certain organotin compounds
• individual fragrance components

Not every diaper contains every one of these substances.

Some can be used as technical auxiliaries. Others can enter the product as unintentional residues from raw materials, dyes, adhesives, or production processes.

The French health authority ANSES found, among other things, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, and formaldehyde in its investigations of disposable diapers.

The authority subsequently called for stricter limits and EU-wide regulation of certain problematic substances.

The current EU Ecolabel criteria exclude, among other things, phthalates, formaldehyde, parabens, and identified or suspected hormonally active substances from certified products.

This does not mean that every diaper without an EU Ecolabel is contaminated with hormonal substances.

But it shows:

Concerns about hormonally relevant accompanying substances are taken seriously by government agencies and European regulatory bodies.

What does recent phthalate research show?

A study published in 2025 investigated disposable diapers and corresponding urine samples from infants.

The researchers found various phthalates in the tested diapers and corresponding metabolites in the children's urine.

The results suggested that dermal absorption from the diaper could be a relevant exposure pathway for certain substances.

Some measured phthalate metabolites were also associated with a marker for oxidative DNA damage.

The study has limitations:

• It only included a limited number of children and products.
• It cannot be automatically generalized to every brand and every country.
• It does not prove a specific hormonal disease caused by diapers.
• It cannot exclude every other exposure pathway.

However, the study refutes the general assumption that ingredients in a diaper could never be absorbed through the skin.

You can find out more about possible undesirable substances here:

Harmful Substances in Disposable Diapers: What Parents Should Know Factually

Why the entire material mix is crucial

It would be too simple to blame only a single layer.

Cellulose is not automatically good just because it is of plant origin.

Plastic is not automatically acutely toxic just because it is synthetic.

Fleece is not automatically skin-friendly just because it is soft.

And a superabsorbent is not automatically harmless just because it is not openly on the skin.

The overall situation is relevant:

• Which layer is directly against the skin?
• Which substances can migrate from the other layers?
• How warm and moist is the area?
• How long does the diaper stay on the body?
• How often is it changed?
• Does it contain urine or stool?
• What friction occurs?
• How sensitive is the individual baby's skin?

An honest assessment must therefore always consider the overall product and its actual use.

Why there is no complete ingredient list

For food and cosmetic products, consumers expect a detailed list of ingredients.

For diapers, however, parents often only find general material groups.

For example:

• cellulose
• polypropylene
• polyethylene
• superabsorbent
• elastic
• adhesive

The exact composition of adhesives, colors, lotions, and functional layers often remains unclear.

Quantity percentages are also generally not fully disclosed.

From a Mata-Origin perspective, it is therefore not enough for a manufacturer to merely advertise with terms such as "gentle," "pure," "natural," or "dermatologically tested."

Parents should be able to understand:

• which materials are used
• which additives are not included
• which independent tests have been carried out
• which limit values apply
• where the raw materials come from

Are eco- and organic diapers constructed differently?

Eco- or organic diapers also usually consist of several functional layers.

For example, they can:

• use cellulose from certified sustainable forestry
• be fragrance-free
• contain no lotion
• exclude certain problematic substances
• contain individual plant-based plastic components
• be certified with stricter eco-labels

Nevertheless, many of these diapers still contain:

• superabsorbents
• nonwoven plastics
• moisture barrier films
• adhesives
• elastic components

"Plant-based" also does not automatically mean plastic-free or biodegradable.

The term can merely mean that a portion of the plastic raw material comes from renewable rather than fossil sources.

You can find more information here:

Eco- and Organic Diapers: Are They Really More Skin-Friendly?

What parents can check when buying

You don't have to be a materials scientist to make more conscious choices.

The following questions can help:

• Is the diaper explicitly fragrance-free?
• Does it contain a lotion?
• Are the materials specifically named?
• Is the cellulose certified?
• What bleaching method is indicated?
• Is there an independent environmental or testing seal?
• Are phthalates and hormonally active substances excluded?
• How transparent is the manufacturer in responding to inquiries?
• Does the diaper fit without pressure and friction?
• How does your baby's skin react?

And most importantly:

• Check the diaper regularly.
• Don't wait for maximum absorbency.
• Change as soon as possible after a bowel movement.
• Give the diaper area air again and again.

How EC changes the material question

You can spend a long time thinking about which disposable diaper has the better material mix.

EC poses an even more fundamental question:

Does every excretion even have to end up in the diaper?

With EC, you give your baby the opportunity to relieve themselves outside the diaper – for example, over:

• a sink
• a potty
• a suitable bowl
• the toilet

You can observe signals or use typical everyday situations:

• after waking up
• during diaper changes
• around breastfeeding or feeding
• after being carried
• before going to bed

The diaper can still remain on the body as a backup.

Even individual EC moments can mean:

• fewer excretions in the diaper
• less time in a soiled diaper
• less diaper consumption or washing
• more air for the diaper area
• more awareness of natural bodily processes

Part-time Elimination Communication: Why Even Individual Moments Count

Why wool follows a different principle

Wool does not work like a highly absorbent disposable diaper.

It does not try to store as much liquid as invisibly as possible for as long as possible inside.

In a reusable diapering system, wool primarily takes on the outer protective function.

It is:

• breathable
• temperature-regulating
• moisture-regulating
• reusable
• more water-repellent with lanolin

The actual absorbency comes from the diaper insert.

The system follows a comprehensible structure:

• The insert absorbs.
• The wool protects.
• The lanolin supports moisture protection.
• EC relieves the backup.

Wool is not absolutely waterproof. It requires more awareness and timely insert changes.

Precisely this can contribute to a more conscious approach to excretions.

Why Wool Is Ideal for Elimination Communication

Discover Elimination Communication Diapers made of Wool

Frequent questions about the material layers of a disposable diaper

Are disposable diapers mainly made of plastic?

Disposable diapers are made of a material mix. In addition to cellulose, they generally contain synthetic nonwovens, films, superabsorbents, elastic plastics, and adhesives. The exact proportion differs depending on the product.

Is fleece the same as cotton?

No. Fleece describes a manufacturing method and not a specific raw material. A fleece can be made of polypropylene, polyester, viscose, cellulose fibers, or material blends.

Which layer touches the skin?

Direct contact is primarily with the skin-friendly inner layer. This is often made of a synthetic or mixed nonwoven. For some diapers, a lotion is additionally applied to this surface.

Is cellulose in diapers natural?

Cellulose is obtained from plant raw materials but is industrially processed in a diaper. Origin, pulping, bleaching methods, and combination with other materials influence its ecological assessment.

Why are plastics included in disposable diapers?

Plastics make the diaper soft, elastic, dimensionally stable, and leak-proof. They are found in nonwovens, films, cuffs, closures, adhesives, and superabsorbents, among other things.

Are the plastics hormonally active?

Not every plastic is hormonally active. Hormonal concerns relate to certain additives and impurities, such as individual phthalates or other substances classified as endocrine disruptors. Not every diaper contains the same substances or concentrations.

What does a breathable diaper mean?

A breathable outer layer can allow limited water vapor exchange. However, it is still a moisture barrier and not comparable to freely ventilated skin.

Are eco-diapers plastic-free?

Mostly not. Even ecologically advertised disposable diapers often contain superabsorbents, plastic nonwovens, films, elastic, and adhesives. However, individual components can be more sustainable or plant-based.

Can high absorbency lead to later changes?

A direct causality has not been clearly proven. However, the dry surface and reliable liquid containment can make excretions less noticeable. Thus, it is plausible that the natural cue to change becomes weaker.

Do I have to completely give up disposable diapers?

No. You can continue to use disposable diapers and supplement with individual EC moments, wool, or reusable inserts. It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing approach.

Conclusion: A disposable diaper is a complex material system

A modern disposable diaper is practical and technically efficient.

However, it does not consist only of cellulose.

Its structure often includes:

• several nonwoven fabrics
• synthetic and cellulose-based fibers
• superabsorbents
• plastic films
• elastic materials
• adhesives
• Colors and wetness indicators
• partially lotions or fragrances

None of these terms automatically need to cause fear.

But parents have the right to expect transparency.

They are allowed to ask:

• What is directly on the skin?
• Which substances are contained in the product?
• Which residues are tested?
• How long does the diaper stay on the baby?
• How warm and enclosed is the area?
• Does every excretion really have to end up in this material system?

From a Mata-Origin perspective, a more conscious path does not begin with perfection.

It can start with a single change:

a fragrance-free diaper, an earlier change, an air break, a wool diaper, or a first elimination communication moment after waking up.

You don't have to change everything at once. But you have the right to know what your baby wears every day.

Independent sources for further reading

• German Environment Agency: Absorbent hygiene products
• ANSES: Recommendations for improving baby diaper safety
• ANSES: EU-wide restriction of hazardous chemicals in disposable diapers
• European Commission: EU Ecolabel criteria for absorbent hygiene products
• Study from 2025: Phthalate exposure from disposable diapers
• Study from 2025: Disposable diapers and elimination signals
• Study: Scrotal temperature under plastic-coated disposable diapers
• Counter-study: Scrotal temperature with different diaper systems

Read more

• What's in disposable diapers? Materials and layers explained simply
• Superabsorbers in diapers: Effects, risks, and open questions
• Harmful substances in disposable diapers: What parents should know factually
• Eco-diapers and organic diapers: Are they really more skin-friendly?
• Disposable diapers, cloth diapers, or elimination communication: What is gentler on baby's skin?

Elimination communication is new to you?

You don't have to change your entire diapering system immediately.

Start with a quiet moment – for example, after waking up or during the next diaper change.

Discover the free starter guide to elimination communication