Vaginal moisturizers offer an over-the-counter, nonhormonal approach to combat dryness during menopause and beyond. By binding water and simulating natural secretions produced by your body, they rehydrate the vulva to restore hydration levels in its entirety.
Choose products containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera that hydrate, as well as those free from common irritants and fragrances for optimal results.
1. Replens(tm) Silky Smooth Personal Lubricant and Replens(tm) Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
Replens Silky Smooth personal lubricant is an estrogen-free way to ease vaginal dryness and make sexual activity more pleasurable. Simply apply directly onto skin before or during sex activity for best results; be mindful as certain fabrics (like bedsheets) may stain with this application! Remember the directions closely when using this product!
Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer is a gel intended for internal use that comes complete with its own applicator for easy application. The Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer coats cells while also lubricating to help reduce friction as the body sheds older, dry tissue. Odorless and free from preservatives, it makes this gentle product suitable for sensitive skin as it sheds older tissue more easily than other alternatives; plus its compatibility extends to natural rubber latex condoms as well.
2. Ah! Yes Vaginal Moisturizer
Vaginal dryness can affect women of any age, but is most prevalent during perimenopause and menopause. Decreasing estrogen levels may result in vaginal walls thinned out from lack of lubrication resulting in pain during sexual intercourse and itching or irritation during sexual contact.
These products can come in the form of gel, cream or vulva melt suppositories (vulva melts). Jackson says the Good Clean Love line features fragrance-free moisturizers made with safe organic ingredients such as aloe vera gel, jojoba oil and shea butter; furthermore they contain hyaluronic acid and bioadhesives as bioadhesives to provide maximum adhesion for maximum performance.
She emphasizes the importance of selecting products with osmolality and pH that correspond with vaginal tissues and fluids, particularly moisturizers which maintain contact with sensitive vulvae longer than intimate lubricants.
3. Revaree Plus Vaginal Moisturizer
Revaree stands out from other vaginal moisturizers by employing the same form of hyaluronic acid found in skin creams to increase natural moisture. Dr. Dweck notes that this ingredient holds up to one thousand times its weight in water, providing an efficient means to hydrate vaginal tissue and soothe irritation.
Bonafide Health offers a nine-day trial at just the cost of shipping (after which, you automatically enroll in their monthly subscription service). One-time purchases tend to be slightly cheaper; however, subscription services give subscribers more freedom in pausing or cancelling service when desired.
Revaree has excellent reviews from its customer base on its website; however, as it has not been clinically studied on pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, before using Revaree in those groups it would be prudent to consult your physician first. Also like other glyceride and oil-based lubricants such as Hyalo Gyn and Wisp’s Vulva Coco Cream it may cause condoms to break down as the various oils can break them down over time.
4. Hyalo Gyn Vaginal Hydrating Gel
While lubes provide temporary relief from friction, moisturizers help the tissues to retain moisture more effectively by being applied regularly as per recommendation. Therefore, it’s essential to use moisturizers on an ongoing basis if possible for maximum effectiveness.
These products are hormone-free and paraben-free, coming in either gel or suppository (suh-PREE-toh). When applied directly into the vagina, an applicator shaped like a tampon applies it for easy application. Hyaluronic acid content helps increase water retention and increase muscle elasticity.
Polycarbophil is a weak acid which works to lower the pH level in your mucosa to between 3 and 4.5, helping repopulate healthy lactobacilli that are proven to alleviate vaginal dryness symptoms. Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A, who makes this product, and Bonafide are responsible for its distribution; each pack of 10 suppositories.
5. Capsule Suspension
A capsule suspension formulation typically comprises of clomazone in polymer shells suspended in water with dispersants and rheology modifiers such as xanthan gum or clay for optimal results. Rheology modifiers help increase plasticity of shell walls to help minimize breakage on spray application and possibly decrease volatility. Furthermore, the formulation includes water-immiscible carriers such as emulsified mineral oil, naphthaline-free mineral oil, caprylic or capric triglycerides and neutral vegetable oils as carriers while meeting identity tests and release rate standards if required by customers. Finally, freeze/thaw stability testing cycles of 18 hours of freezing and 6 hours melting).
