Feminine cleansers are specifically formulated and pH balanced for use on vulva skin, typically without fragrances and other common soap ingredients which could potentially irritate it.
Use of regular soap can disturb the vagina’s healthy pH balance and lead to complications like bacterial vaginosis; for this reason, using an intimate wash is vitally important.
pH-Balanced Cleansers
pH balanced cleansers are gentle enough for both your face and body, without disrupting its natural barrier – keeping your complexion soft, smooth, and vibrant!
Search for low-pH cleansers with gel or cream formulations and no foaming agent (the less bubbles, the better). Such products tend to be non-irritating – making them perfect for sensitive skin types.
Avoid acidic cleansers marketed towards dry skin as they can quickly dehydrate and irritate it, while potentially burning your eyes – an indicator of corneal damage. Aim for products with a low pH range between 4-4.2 for oily and combination skin, such as Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser which is both gentle and non-irritant or Neutrogena Healthy Skin Gentle Wash which has a pH level of 5.9. These options should work wonders in supporting your skincare routine at its best!
Odor Neutralizers
Feminine hygiene aisles are packed with sprays, wipes and foams promising to keep vulva fresh, yet these types of products should only be used if there’s an infection present; otherwise they could alter pH balance in intimate areas and flush out healthy bacteria that otherwise support immunity, leading to odor, inflammation or yeast infections.
However, if you decide to use feminine wash, be wary of products with sulfates, parabens and fragrance/perfumes as these ingredients can irritate delicate skin and lead to discomfort. Douching may help keep your vulva feeling clean and comfortable if that is something that interests you; consult your OB/GYN on its benefits and risks prior to trying it; dunching is not advised for women with high-risk pregnancies or previous urinary tract infections; therefore using an intimate cleanser daily is best advised.
Sensitive Skin
As the skin around your vulva has its own microbiome, using harsh cleansers could disturb that balance and trigger irritation (vulvar dermatitis). A gentle feminine wash that’s pH neutral and soap-free should help avoid dryness and itching while creating a healthy protective barrier against infections.
Sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis, but refers to reduced tolerance to applying cosmetic ingredients or having conditions which cause itching, redness, bumps or rashes – such as contact dermatitis, rosacea or eczema.
Search for feminine washes with skin barrier-nourishing niacinamide and soothing ingredients such as licorice, shea butter and aloe vera to soothe sensitive vulva areas. Sulfates, parabens and phthalates should be avoided to ensure a more soothing experience; look for products using natural organic and plant-derived ingredients instead of irritating chemicals such as sulfates parabens phthalates which can irritate delicate vulva regions. A non-irritating formula using natural organic and plant-derived ingredients can provide gentle cleansing without stripping moisture or irritation to nourish intimate areas; while providing much-needed hydration through ingredients such as aloe moisturization as shea butter calms and detoxifying french green clay can provide much-needed hydration.
Allergies
Feminine care products like tampons, pads, douches and wipes contain toxic chemicals that may lead to irritation and yeast infections in women. Furthermore, these products can exacerbate symptoms like itching, burning and redness by stimulating oil production from those areas of skin. Furthermore, many feminine washes contain ingredients like sulfates, parabens, perfumes and phthalates which may irritate vaginal walls as well as cause allergies or dryness in users.
Even though the skin in your vulva is highly delicate, it still may react adversely to certain feminine hygiene products. This is particularly true if they contain allergens. Researchers conducted an in-depth investigation of 34 top-selling feminine hygiene and intimate wipes sold across North America for 80 contact allergens identified by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. These studies revealed that all products analyzed contained potential allergens, typically fragrances and other scented botanicals as well as vitamin E (tocopherol). To avoid unnecessary irritation from feminine washes and feminine care products, make sure they list all ingredients and consider switching to more eco-friendly period solutions such as tampons, menstrual cups or cloth pad covers for periods.
