“Feminine care” is a phrase that used to be reserved for products needed during that time of the month, but today there are so many more vulva and vaginal-care products on the market that calm irritation, treat dryness and regulate pH balance, but it begs the question—do our lady parts really need skin care?
“You don’t clean, hydrate and moisturize your face with the same bar of soap that you use on your feet or on your arms, right?” notes Santa Monica, CA gynecologist Dr. Sherry Ross. “It’s sort of that same philosophy, it’s just giving the same sort of hygienic attention and love to the area that’s equally as sensitive.”
New York gynecologist Dr. Monica Grover agrees, “Although the vagina is a self-cleansing organ, it is important to tend to our vulvas. The vulva is the entryway to the vaginal opening, and it offers a protective barrier from bacteria or other microorganisms that can invade the vagina and disrupt its sensitive pH balance. Ideally, the vulva should be cleansed with just warm water, but if a wash is preferred, then it should be mild, have natural ingredients and be gynecologist-approved.”
“As women go through hormonal changes following childbirth and then also well into their late 30s through their 50s, the vaginal tissue starts to get thinned out as well as the vulva tissue, they’ll start to describe painful sex, vaginal irritation and discomfort related to hormone changes following different milestones in their life,” adds Santa Monica, CA gynecologist Dr. Shamsah Amersi. “The biggest complaint I see on a regular basis is vaginal infections and vulva irritation from hormone fluctuations. This is where soothing products that help maintain pH balance can help.”
What is a feminine wash?
According to gynecologist and founder of Lady Parts Doctor Dr. Stephanie Hack, “A feminine wash is a product designed to clean the vulva and other intimate parts, helping to remove sweat, bacteria and other impurities without disrupting the natural pH balance.” It’s like a body wash but intentionally formulated with gentle ingredients for sensitive skin and to keep pH balanced.
How do you use a feminine wash?
Similar to a body wash, a feminine wash is meant to be used in the shower to cleanse and rinse areas of intimate skin. “An intimate wash can be very beneficial in helping with restoring and maintaining vaginal pH,” says Dr. Grover “They can help with the prevention of vaginal odor, as well as recurrent yeast and bacterial infections,” she explains. If you do decide to use a feminine wash, Dr. Hack adds, “It should be mild, contain natural ingredients, and be gynecologist-approved.”
What do experts have to say about intimate skin care?
The market for intimate skin care has evolved over the last decade. Previously, products directed toward women were full of added fragrances, colors and harmful chemicals—which is why they’ve developed a bad rap amongst doctors. “Antiquated intimate skin-care products used to be heavily fragranced and filled with chemicals that can be hormone or pH disruptors, as well as not adequately researched,” says Dr. Grover. But, there is an emerging crop of trending products finding a new audience. Recently, she explains, “there has been more attention paid towards types of ingredients if they are clinically researched and proven.”
What about vulva moisturizers?
Vulva moisturizers are a newer product category in response to emerging research pertaining to vaginal dryness. “We’re learning more and more about genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a condition defined by vaginal dryness and irritation, which occurs as estrogen levels decrease after menopause,” explains Dr. Hack. She adds that lactation, oral contraception, smoking and diabetes can also be common causes of vaginal dryness. “Vulvar moisturizers and oils can be beneficial for maintaining hydration of the vulvar and vaginal skin,” says Dr. Grover. “As long as the moisturizers are non-fragrant, are paraben-free, and maintain the natural fatty oils and ceramides of the skin, these products can prevent dryness of the intimate areas, which may lead to irreversible hormonal related dryness in the future,” she adds.
What are the risks associated with feminine washes?
The main risk of using a feminine wash is throwing off your vaginal pH balance and other forms of irritation. “I think experts discourage the use of vaginal washes and douches due to the risk of chronic infections and upsetting the natural ecosystem of the vagina,” explains Sioux City, gynecologist Dr. Kevin Hamburger.
Of course, he adds, they can be helpful for women who suffer from chronic irritation or recurrent vaginitis. “It’s a good idea to talk to your gynecologist to make sure symptoms are not due to infections or chronic skin conditions that can occur in this region. If symptoms are due to chafing, rubbing, or irritation, these feminine products can help,” says Dr. Hamburger.
Are baby wipes and other hygiene wipes a good option?
Sure, keeping baby wipes in your tote for on-the-go refreshes can be convenient, but they may not be the best option. “A wash cloth and clean water is going to be better and will be unlikely to cause irritation or pH-change that certain wipes can,” explains Dr. Hack. “Furthermore,” she adds, “a washcloth is a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly option.”
What ingredients should you look for in intimate products?
The list of ingredients to stay away from is long but can be summed up by avoiding artificial fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, according to Dr. Hack. And in terms of ingredients to seek out? She says, “Look for natural, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil and vitamin E. Many of the new feminine care products on the market are formulated with natural, pH-balanced ingredients that aim to be free from harsh chemicals.”
“Witch hazel on the vulva, as well as mineral oil, is safe to use as well as water-based wipes,” explains Dr. Grover. “If there is vulvar irritation, products that are based on natural ingredients like extra virgin oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, squalene and vitamin E are best.”
What do doctors suggest instead?
In most cases where a chronic condition or specific vaginal infection is not present, OBGYN recommendations are very simple—in fact: the simpler, the better. “Warm water and a mild soap work well for most women,” says Dr. Hamburger. “The old advice still rings true,” adds Dr. Hack. “Water is really all you need to clean your vulva, and is the best way to do so while maintaining your pH balance.”
Products to try
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V Spot Good Sex Vaginal Moisturizer ($125)
“This is a clinically proven product to prevent vaginal dryness by using the science of growth factors,” says Dr. Grover. These suppository treatments are designed to hydrate the vaginal wall to relieve irritation and dryness while calming and restoring tissue to create a tightening effect.
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Say La V Refreshing Veauty Mist ($10)
A better on-the-go option than a hygiene wipe, this “Veauty” mist neutralizes odors, dries quickly, and leaves you refreshed. “A pH-friendly mist with bacteria-balancing prebiotics, aloe, and rosewater. It can be used anywhere on the body in a pinch,” says Dr. Grover.
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Ina Balancing Cleanser ($24)
Though we don’t endorse most washes on the market, this one is formulated by an OBGYN with microbiome and pH-balancing ingredients. The wash is designed to reduce UTIs and yeast infections. Recommended by Dr. Grover, the brand uses natural ingredients and makes a variety of products that address common feminine concerns.
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Rosebud Honor Everyday Balm ($90)
This luxurious hormone-free balm is formulated with anti-irritant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Another Dr. Grover recommendation, the balm is intended to bring nourishment and hydration to those experiencing vulvar or vaginal dryness—common symptoms associated with pregnancy, post-partum, perimenopause or menopause.
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Medicine Mama VMagic Vulva Balm ($30)
“Moisturizers like Medicine Mama can be very helpful, especially for conditions that occur during lower estrogen states, like lactation,” says Dr. Hack. This Vulva Balm also contains soothing ingredients that can be reparative for irritated intimate skin after sexual activity or grooming.
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Say La V Prebiotic Wash ($10)
Another rare gynecologist-approved wash, Dr. Grover says this cleanser, “uses clean ingredients, is fragrance-free, and incorporates vitamin E to reinforce the vulva’s skin barrier to prevent moisture loss, while also helping to soothe sensitive skin.”
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BushBalm Roller Rescue Soothing Serum ($19)
A personal favorite for soothing intimate skin post-shave. I rely on this roller-formulated serum with skin-nourishing ingredients like glycolic acid and aloe vera to calm irritation and relieve ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
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RepHresh Vaginal Cooling Relief Spray ($12)
Feeling itchy down there? Dr. Hamburger recommends RepHresh products for patients with recurrent vaginal bacterial infections. Consult your gynecologist if your symptoms are persistent, but this soothing blend of chamomile and aloe will provide instant relief.
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SweetSpot Labs Rescue Balm ($25)
Feeling dryness, flakiness, irritation or discomfort? This lipid replenishing balm locks in moisture with clean ingredients like sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter and squalene.
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Momotaro Apotheca Salve ($37)
Soothing, cooling and made of a coconut and jojoba oil base, this anti-inflammatory salve has natural ingredients like goldenseal, echinacea and calendula, which help treat symptoms of yeast and bacterial infections.
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The Honey Pot Sensitive Wash ($10)
Easily irritated by clothing, detergents or physical activity? This herbal-infused sensitive-skin formula—it features lavender, grapefruit seed extract and apple cider vinegar—is made especially for you.
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VMagic Feminine Lips Stick ($20)
For a moisturizing, comforting, and nourishing fix, this on-the-go stick is convenient to use throughout the day and provides instant relief during the most drying times.
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Good Clean Love Rebalance pH-Balanced Wipes ($8)
Not feeling so fresh after a workout or long day? These pH- balancing wipes are individually packaged, biodegradable, and made of aloe and soothing botanicals to clean, refresh and rebalance the vaginal ecosystem any time, any place.
