8 Ingredients a Gynecologist Is Begging You To Keep Away From Your Vulva—Plus the Best Personal Washes To Try
You've likely heard from your health care provider by now that douching is a big "don't" since "a healthy vagina self-cleans," says Stacy Henigsman, DO, and a practicing OB/GYN at Allara. But the vulva, aka the area just outside of your vagina (which includes the clitoris and the labia) does not have a self-cleaning mechanism, points out Dr. Henigsman, so you can cleanse that area—especially after sex. You may also feel the need to freshen up after a particularly vigorous workout, hot day, or if you're on your period.
While some of us may experience vagina smells that are musty or sweaty, know that this is totally normal, and doesn't make us "dirty" (and still doesn't mean you should wash your vagina). Whatever you do with your vulva is your prerogative entirely, but if or when you do give your nether regions a little refreshing with wipes or washes, you'll want to make sure you're using safe and non-irritating products. That way, the next time you think to yourself, "I can smell myself through my pants," you'll know there are options out there to get fresh asap.
- Alexis May Kimble, DO, board-certified urogynecologist at the Kimble Center for Intimate Cosmetic Surgery
- Alyssa Dweck, MD, FACOG, board-certified OB/GYN and chief medical director at Bonafide Health
- Felice Gersh, MD, board-certified OB/GYN and founder of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine
- Stacy Henigsman, DO, board-certified OB/GYN and medical lead at Allara Health
- Wendy Goodall McDonald, MD, board-certified OB/GYN based in Chicago
What kinds of feminine washes are safe to use on your vulva?
When it comes to what you're washing with, it's generally wise to think twice about how to wash your vulva and whether you should lather up the area with whatever bar soap or shower gel you've got in the shower. In fact, many people wash their vulva with just warm water, which is normal and fine to do—you don't have to use a soap to cleanse the area. However, if you choose to use a soap, know that most regular soaps that are okay to use for your bod may not be suitable for your vulva.
"A [person with a vulva] would choose a feminine wash over regular soap because standard soap or shower gels are usually too harsh for the vulva," says Dr. Henigsman. One thing to note is that bar soap is alkaline, and because your vagina and vulva are slightly acidic, regular soap can throw things off balance and may even wipe out the good bacteria, leading to irritation or infections.
Alexis May Kimble, DO, a board-certified urogynecologist at the Kimble Center for Intimate Cosmetic Surgery, agrees, emphasizing that "any wash used in that area ideally should be compatible with the pH of the feminine genital skin to protect the acidity of it and deter unwanted bacteria from harboring or multiplying." Common ingredients in many products like silicone could be more harmful than beneficial.
"Lactobacilli are helpful bacteria that make the vaginal environment acidic and help prevent harmful bacteria from growing, says Dr. Henigsman. "The alkaline nature of regular soap can strip the vulvar skin and leave it irritated, but it also may kill the helpful Lactobacilli leaving the woman more prone to bacterial and yeast infections," explains Dr. Henigsman. With that, not all feminine washes are equally great, so Dr. Henigsman recommends checking out the ingredient list below and avoid using them on your V.
In addition, it's important that your feminine wash have a pH that is close to that of the vagina. "Even though the wash isn't not meant to go inside, there is no door or sealed barrier between the outside and the inside. A wash that isn't pH-balanced could, in theory, disrupt the acidic pH of the vagina," says Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald, a board-certified OB/GYN and author.
8 ingredients to skip in your feminine wash, according to an OBGYN
- Soaps: "Regular soaps are not pH friendly for the vulva area and they can cause dryness and irritation. Avoid regular soap altogether if you can," says Dr. Henigsman.
- Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate): "Sulfates are compounds that act as detergents and foaming agents. They are main ingredients in shampoo, body wash and intimate washes. These sulfates have been shown to irritate skin, especially delicate vulvar skin," she says.
- Parabens: "Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as artificial preservatives in cosmetic and body care products. They are known to cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in individuals with sensitive skin," says Dr. Henigsman.
- Perfumes or Synthetic Fragrances: "Synthetic fragrances and perfume can contain hundreds of chemicals. These chemicals can cause severe skin irritation and can alter the pH of the vulvar and vaginal area which can make a woman more prone to vaginal infections," says Dr. Henigsman. But whil you should avoid fragrance, adds Dr. Goodall McDonald, "That does not mean it can't have a scent or contain essential oils in the ingredients."
- Preservatives like Formaldehyde: "These preservatives can irritate the delicate vulvar area."
- Glycerin: "Glycerin is a sugar product that may increase yeast production and make you prone to yeast infections."
- Mineral Oil: "This can alter vaginal pH and infections can occur," says Dr. Henigsman.
- Dyes: "Dyes can be irritating to delicate vulvar skin."
If you located more ingredients on this list in your shower than you'd like to admit, then keep scrolling for some doc-approved feminine washes that you can rest-easy that they won't disturb your nether regions. (And just FYI: These soaps are only meant for your vulva—to be used externally—not your vagina).
It’s preferred that the ingredients of a feminine wash consist predominantly of organic and natural ingredients and avoid harsh antibacterial agents that can change the area’s microbiome, says Felice Gersh, MD, OB/GYN and founder/director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, and the author of Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know. "The goal of a feminine wash is to remove residual vaginal discharge, semen, menstrual blood, urine, any fecal matter, and sweat. It is not an agent designed to sterilize the tissues. Antimicrobial washes are to be avoided!"
One additional thing to note: Dr. Kimble says that as a urogynecologist, she's often asked by patients what she recommend for products in the genital region, and has had a difficult time recommending a single product. "So, the general advice I would give would be to use a product that makes you feel good while and after you use it and be wary of aforementioned ingredients listed. The safest and very effective washes have been with items readily available in one's kitchen like a quarter size amount of coconut or olive oil and oatmeal."
Best feminine washes
This wash (which is cool to use on your entire body) is approved by Dr. Henigsman, since it’s pH-balanced and contains none of the ingredients she called out above. If you’d rather have a do-it-all body and vulva wash, this one is your best bet. What we love most about it is that it cleans the areas you want clean without completely stripping natural oils, leaving your skin cleansed, but still soft. Ingredients include: naturally-derived coconut surfactants (which gently scrub away at impurities and irritants), shea butter and emollient oils (for hydration), and aloe vera and sunflower oil (which are high in antioxidants and help protect skin).
Pros
- Unscented
- Clean ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say it has a medicinal smell
The Love Wellness pH Balancing cleanser has zero sulfates, fragrances, or other irritating agents and recommended by OB/GYNs—including Dr. Henigsman. Lo Bosworth (yes, that Lo Bosworth) is the founder and CEO behind this supplement and personal care brand, ICYWW.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- pH-balanced
- Good for sensitive skin
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say it has a slight scent
If the idea of shelling out more than a few dollars on a wash makes you cringe, you can rest assured that you’ll squeeze every last dollar out of this one (which the brand claims will last at least 2 months), and it can double as a body wash and shave cream. Once you add up the costs of separate products for shaving, your body, and a feminine wash you’ll find the price tag doesn’t sting after all. It’s also formulated by an OB/GYN and has the stamp of approval from Dr. Henigsman. Plant-based and icky ingredient-free, the ingredients include pomegranate extract, french green clay, and aloe vera to clean and hydrate.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Natural and organic ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say it doesn’t foam
Lola, which also makes period products like tampons and pads with organic cotton, developed this cleansing wash to be non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin. The foamy cleanser is also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and supports pH balance.
Pros
- Free of synthetic fragrances, additives, and harsh chemicals
- Clean ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Gynecologist-approved
Cons
- Small bottle
Dr. Goodall McDonald says she likes The Honey Pot washes. This foaming wash is plant-derived, and includes ingredients like lavender, organic apple cider vinegar, and calendula. It’s hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-approved.
Pros
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Dermatologist-approved
- pH-balanced
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say the pump is hard to use
For those with more sensitive skin, The Honey Pot also has a sensitive wash, which similar to the normal version, is plant-derived and designed to help balance the pH in your vagina, as well as soothe and moisturize.
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Plant-derived ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say the pump is hard to use
With no harsh ingredients (and instead, formulated with soothing additions like aloe), this gentle cleanser is a good stand-in for your body wash or bar soap, and it’s way more moisturizing. One reviewer said, “This wash is great for keeping you clean down there! I have sensitive skin and am sensitive to scents, but have had zero problems using this in the shower. I apply it with my hand and it soaps up very well and quickly.”
Pros
- Free of fragrance and harsh soaps
- Formulated with botanicals
- pH-balanced
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say they don’t like the smell
If I’m going to use a new feminine product, I’d prefer it’s developed and approved by a doc—like this wash from Wisp. With aloe, lavender, and marigold (all three are great for moisturizing and anti-inflammation) the formula keeps things fresh without any strong fragrance (in fact, it’s fragrance-free), or disrupting pH levels.
Pros
- Free of fragrance dyes, silicones, and harsh exfoliants
- pH-balanced
- All natural formula
Cons
- Has mild lavender scent
A short ingredient list is a good thing in this case–there’s just less room for worrisome additives to sneak in. Rael’s feminine wash has only eight natural ingredients, such as basil and coconut, to help the vulvar skin maintain its optimal pH, says Dr. Gersh. There are also no fragrances, parabens, or dyes.
Pros
- Unscented
- Clean ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say it might irritate sensitive skin
If you, too, are obsessed with Osea skincare products, then allow me to introduce to the Osea V Cleanse that doubles as a face wash. Yes, really. Oh, and it’s tested by dermatologists and gynecologists, so yes, it’s really okay to use it both ways. “I’ve been on the hunt for a product like this for years. So happy I found it. I’m SUPER sensitive down there and most soap (even “sensitive” ***** soap from Whole Foods) stings really bad to the point of tears. This soap is amazing. No pain or residue. Highly recommend! Please never stop making this,” says a rave reviewer.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gynecologist and dermatologist-tested
- pH-balanced
- Contains a unique prebiotic complex
Cons
- Small bottle
Body wash, bubble bath, intimate-area cleanser—Is there anything this wash from Maude can’t do? It’s also pH balanced and contains a cocktail of good-for-your-skin vitamins. One reviewer said, “Cute bottle and very gentle formula! I’m sensitive to perfumes and harsh ingredients and this wash smells great [the formula is fragrance-free] with no irritation. Will be buying again and again.”
Pros
- Fragrance- and paraben-free
- Contains essential vitamins
- pH-balanced
- Can be used as a bubble bath
Cons
- More expensive
When you’re on your period, things can feel extra sensitive or just plain painful, which is why this wash is formulated without fragrance, sulfates, or parabens (as if you need to deal with another pain while on your period). Derm-tested and approved, this formula contains vitamin E and white tea essence for added moisture.
Pros
- Fragrance-, sulfate-, and paraben-free
- Clean ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Contains vitamin E
Cons
- Some reviewers say they don’t like the smell
This pH-balanced body wash is safe to use to wash the vulva, thanks to its natural ingredients (jojoba seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E are its stars) that hydrate, nourish, and gently cleanse. It’s unscented so it’s great for sensitive skin, and you can buy a single bottle or a pack of two.
Pros
- Unscented
- Naturally-derived ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Squeeze bottle may be harder to use
VeeGentle is infused with apple cider vinegar to help keep you clean and odor-free without throwing off your pH balance. “This vulvar wash is hypoallergenic, maintains a healthy pH, and is dye and fragrance free,” says Dr. Gersh.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Infused with apple cider vinegar
- pH-balanced
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s watery
Uqora’s Wash is comprised of just six ingredients and designed to mimic the natural chemistry of a healthy vagina and the balance of bacteria. “Wash includes ingredients such as Lactobacilli bacteria (the healthy bacteria) and hydrogen peroxide in the same concentrations they appear in a healthy vagina, to offer a way for users to cleanse the vulva without compromising vaginal or urinary health,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a gynecologist and Medical Advisor for Uqora.
Pros
- Unscented
- Only has 5 ingredients
- pH-balanced
Cons
- Small bottle
Editor's note: We use the term "feminine wash" several times in this article, since this is the most popular term searched, but we realize this is a bit of an outdated word that not everyone with a vulva identifies with. Whatever you call it (feminine wash, personal wash, vulva/vaginal wash), we're here to give you the most accurate, trustworthy information!
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