Let's Talk about Skin Health with Dr. Katja

Dr. Katja Lerner joined DYPER as Chief Product Officer in 2022.  She holds both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry and has built an international career spanning Europe and the United States.

With more than 25 years of experience in consumer goods product development, Katja has held executive leadership roles across Baby Care, Consumer Tissue, Women’s Health, and Beauty Care. She has worked with leading Fortune 500 companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Kimberly-Clark, contributing to iconic brands including Johnson’s Baby, Neutrogena, Huggies, and Kleenex.

Over the course of her career, Katja has served in key leadership roles including Vice President of Research, Development & Engineering for Kimberly-Clark’s Consumer Tissue sector, Global Innovation Leader for Huggies diapers and wipes, and Worldwide Director of Research & Development for Neutrogena Beauty Care at Johnson & Johnson.

What does it mean to have plant-based materials in a disposable diaper? Can you explain this in light of the diaper composition?

A disposable diaper is made of multiple layers and components, each serving a specific function. These include the inner layer that touches the baby’s skin, the absorbent core, the outer layer, as well as other elements like adhesives, elastics, and fastening systems that contribute to the diaper’s overall fit and functionality.

Traditionally, both the inner and outer layers are made from plastic-based materials. The outer layer also includes a waterproof film that prevents leaks, which is usually made from plastic such as polyethylene. This means that in a typical disposable diaper, a baby’s skin is in constant contact with plastic throughout their diaper-wearing years.

The absorbent core is designed to lock in moisture using a combination of super absorbent powders and plant-based fibers. In most disposable diapers, this core is also wrapped in an additional plastic layer. 

In total, approximately 80% of a typical diaper is made of plastic—a surprising fact many parents may not be aware of. We wanted to do something different. Our goal was to create a diaper with key materials made from plants instead of petroleum based plastics—without sacrificing fit or performance.

After years of research, we developed a diaper with multiple plant-based layers, including the soft inner layer, the absorbent core wrap, and the outer layer. Our diaper is 55% certified USDA BioPreferred, clinically tested, and carries safety seals from Dermatest® and OEKO-TEX®. It also has a compostable outer layer, making it suitable for industrial composting through our REDYPER™ service. And just as importantly, DYPER™ diapers provide a secure fit and exceptional absorbency, making them one of the best-performing options in the baby category.

What are some of the key demands you are hearing from consumers of baby diapers? How is DYPER™ meeting these needs?

Parents are looking for more transparency, safety, and reassurance, especially when it comes to what touches their baby’s skin. This commitment to ingredient awareness is deeply rooted in our brand’s mission.

We believe in full transparency, which is why we list all our diaper materials on our website—so parents know exactly what’s in them. Beyond that, we rely on independent safety certifications. Our diapers are Standard 100 certified by OEKO-TEX®, a globally recognized safety label, and clinically tested by Dermatest®, a leading dermatological institute. These third-party tests ensure our diapers are gentle and safe for delicate skin.

We also make sure our ingredients come from responsibly sourced materials, including FSC-certified wood pulp, which supports sustainable forestry.

More parents are now demanding alternatives to plastic in diapers—and they have good reason. A standard disposable diaper is mostly plastic, derived from fossil fuels. Our DYPER™ diaper features multiple plant-based layers, including the soft inner lining, absorbent core wrap, and outer layer, and is certified 55% USDA BioPreferred.

And finally, parents are more aware of the environmental impact of disposable diapers, especially landfill waste. Our REDYPER™ service is the first of its kind, allowing diapers with a high plant-based content to be industrially composted instead of sent to landfills. We are currently the only diaper brand in the U.S. offering a home pickup service for responsible disposal.

What is Dermatest® and why does it matter?

Dermatest® is an independent dermatological testing institute based in Germany. It conducts scientific skin safety studies to verify that skincare products and materials are safe and gentle. The Dermatest® seal serves as a trusted quality mark, giving consumers confidence in the skin compatibility of baby products.

What does it mean if a product receives a 5-star Dermatest® rating?

The 5-star Dermatest® seal is awarded after long-term application tests that rule out potential skin reactions. To receive this rating, a product must undergo clinical testing for at least four weeks, applied to the intended skin areas of at least 20 volunteer participants, all under expert dermatological supervision.

The Original Dermatest® seal is appearing on more and more products as a consumer safety mark, reassuring parents that the product has met strict testing standards.

Why does independent testing matter?

Dermatest® operates independently, without influence from investors or brands. It works with companies of all sizes, providing scientific results validated by experts in dermatology, biology, and chemistry. Its findings are based on the latest skin safety research and ensure accuracy and reliability.

What is involved when testing baby products?

Baby products are tested on real families who voluntarily participate. The test items are evaluated for safety before any trials begin, ensuring they meet strict toxicology standards.

Throughout the testing process, dermatologists closely monitor the babies’ skin before, during, and after use, offering expert care and advice if any concerns arise.

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