Feminine Wash Safety: Light Fragrance, Safe Choice?

Feminine hygiene is a broad category that includes products designed for the vulva and vagina. While the vagina is self-cleaning, with discharge indicating vaginal health, the vulva, which includes the external bits, requires special attention when it comes to cleansing. Feminine washes are mild cleaning formulas designed for the vulva. However, it is important to note that these washes should not be used inside the vagina as it can disrupt the healthy pH balance, leading to issues like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Instead, gynecologists recommend using gentle, unscented soap and water for cleansing the vulva, and choosing feminine washes with pH-balanced formulas that are free from irritants like SLS, soap, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

Feminine washes are not necessary

Firstly, feminine washes can be harmful. The active cleaning ingredients in most washes can upset the healthy vaginal discharge and pH balance, leaving the vagina vulnerable to viruses, yeast, and an overgrowth of bacteria, which can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. According to the Office on Women's Health, those who douche often (once a week) are five times more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis. If you already have a vaginal infection, using a vaginal wash can push the bacteria causing the infection up into the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes, which can lead to a range of other problems. Feminine washes may also increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) as they can irritate the lining of the urethra. Studies also link douching with an increased risk of cervical cancer and pregnancy complications.

Secondly, feminine washes are not necessary because they can be replaced with simpler, healthier alternatives. The best way to keep your vulva clean is to use plain water, which is non-acidic and does not contain ingredients that could disrupt the pH balance inside your body or kill off good bacteria. Using a gentle soap during your regular bathing is also fine, and if you are self-conscious about your smell, try a splash of cool water and then gently dry off.

Thirdly, feminine washes are not necessary because they can be counterproductive. While they are marketed as a way to keep your delicate areas clean, they can actually harmfully disrupt the ongoing cleansing process that your vagina does all by itself. Airflow and avoiding dampness are two ways to keep your vagina fresh without touching a bar of soap. Breathable cotton underwear will also give everything down there a breath of fresh air.

Finally, feminine washes are not necessary because they can be replaced with specialised skincare products. During pregnancy, for example, hormonal changes can lead to breakouts, stretch marks, itchy skin, and changes in sweat. Picking the right skincare products that are safe for pregnancy and great for your skin is a better option than using feminine washes.

They can disrupt the natural pH balance

The vagina is a "self-cleaning oven" that has its natural way of clearing out potentially harmful bacteria. The vagina doesn't need help doing its job. In fact, internal cleansing can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, which should be around 3.5 to 4.5. The vulva, on the other hand, does need to be washed.

The vulva includes all the outer bits and needs a little special attention when it comes to cleansing. But, just like your face, you want to avoid harsh bar soaps and body washes, since both can cause irritation. The vulva is home to sweat glands, so it makes sense that you might feel a little less than fresh down there at times.

The skin of the vulva is delicate. Even before pregnancy, normal daily activities like going to the gym, using feminine hygiene products, intimacy or shaving can cause changes and irritation in your pH balance. The hormonal changes during pregnancy amp that up even more!

The vagina is even more acidic, with a pH of about 3.5 to 4.5, and cannot be regulated by products made for external use. Regular exposure to a pH of 7.5 or higher can damage the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to microtrauma. This is especially true as we age and lose estrogen, causing our skin barrier to become weaker and therefore even more susceptible.

Soaps often have a high pH of 8 to 10, and when mixed with water, can increase the skin pH to 10 to 11, throwing healthy vulvar skin (which is more acidic, around 5.3 to 5.6) completely off-balance.

That's why it's important to use a feminine wash that is pH-balanced and won't disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina.

They can cause irritation and infection

Lightly fragranced feminine washes can cause irritation and infection. While feminine washes are intended for the vulva and not the vagina, the two areas are very close, and the products used on the vulva can easily enter the vaginal canal.

The vulva has a natural pH of 5.3–5.6, but soap, which often has a pH of 8–10, can increase the skin's pH to 10–11 when mixed with water. This throws the healthy vulvar skin completely off balance. Regular exposure to a pH of 7.5 or higher can damage the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to microtrauma.

The vagina has an even more acidic pH of 3.5–4.5, which cannot be regulated by products made for external use. Using feminine washes can disrupt this natural balance, leading to bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections.

Artificial fragrances are always a no-go for the vulva. They can irritate sensitive skin and cause dryness and irritation, increasing the risk of infection.

Even natural fragrances can be problematic. Essential oils, for example, can be irritating, and coconut oil can lead to ingrown hairs.

Gynecologists recommend avoiding feminine washes altogether and instead suggest using warm water and a washcloth to keep the vulva clean.

The vagina is self-cleaning

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that does not require special cleaning products. In fact, it doesn't even need any cleaning products at all. The vagina cleans itself naturally by producing mucus, which washes away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge. This mucus also helps to maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance, which is crucial for preventing infections and irritation.

However, this self-cleaning mechanism can be disrupted by various factors, such as menstruation, intercourse, and normal hormone fluctuations. As a result, some women may experience vaginal issues like itching, irritation, odour, or infections. While feminine washes and deodorant sprays are often marketed as solutions to these problems, they can actually do more harm than good. The chemicals and perfumes in these products can alter the vaginal pH and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria, leading to infections and unpleasant odours.

Instead of relying on feminine washes, it is generally recommended to simply wash the external vulva with warm water. If desired, a mild, unscented soap can be used, but it is important to avoid putting soap inside the vagina. This is because the vagina has its own mechanisms to maintain a healthy pH balance, and introducing foreign substances can upset this delicate balance.

To maintain vaginal health, it is also important to keep the area dry, change out of wet or sweaty clothing, and practice safe sexual habits, such as using barrier methods and urinating after intercourse. By following these simple steps and trusting in the vagina's self-cleaning abilities, women can avoid potential issues caused by disruptive cleansing products.

The vulva is not self-cleaning

While the vagina is a self-cleaning organ, the vulva is not. The vulva is the external portion of the genitals that surrounds the entrance to the vagina. It includes the clitoris, the labia majora and labia minora, and the vaginal opening.

The labia are the inner and outer folds of the vulva, located on either side of the vagina. The inner folds are called the labia minora, and the outer folds are called the labia majora. They protect the opening of the urethra and the vagina.

To keep the vulva clean, it is important to wash the external area with warm water. If desired, a mild, unscented soap can be used. It is important to avoid using soap inside the vagina, as this can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. After washing, the vulva should be rinsed thoroughly and patted dry with a soft towel.

Excessive cleaning of the vulva should be avoided, as it can have negative effects. It is also important to refrain from using feminine deodorant sprays, scented soaps, or douches, as these can irritate the delicate skin of the vulva and alter the vaginal pH. Instead, opt for natural, unscented soaps or cleansers to clean the vulva and labia.

In addition to proper hygiene, there are other ways to maintain vulvar health:

• Use natural, unscented soaps or cleansers.
• Wash your vulva with warm water.
• Gently separate the labia and let the warm soapy water run through the folds.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat your vulva dry with a soft towel.
• Change pads/tampons frequently during your period.
• Wash all new underwear before wearing and use a mild detergent.
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing and thongs.
• Avoid douching or using feminine deodorant sprays, wipes, bath oils, or other scented products on your vulva or in your vagina. These can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or disrupt the natural fluid balance that keeps your vagina clean.

Frequently asked questions