How do I choose safe vaginal care products?

Bottom lineChoose safe vaginal care by keeping it minimal: water is enough to wash the vulva, or a plain unperfumed pH-friendly external wash, and avoid douches, perfumed soaps, sprays, deodorants, scented wipes, and anything that claims to freshen the vagina, since harsh products disrupt natural bacteria and pH and cause irritation or infection; see a clinician for odor, unusual discharge, or itching rather than buying more products.

When it comes to vaginal care, less is more. The vagina cleans itself, so the safest approach is to avoid harsh and perfumed products and keep external care gentle.

What to use

• Water is enough to wash the vulva (the outside)
• If you prefer a cleanser, choose a plain, unperfumed, pH-friendly wash for the external area only
• A plain emollient can soothe dry or sensitive skin

What to avoid

• Douches and any product designed to clean inside the vagina
• Perfumed soaps, bubble baths, "feminine hygiene" washes, sprays, deodorants, and scented wipes
• Scented pads, tampons, or liners if you're prone to irritation - choose unscented
• Anything that claims to "freshen" or deodorize the vagina - a healthy vagina doesn't need it

Why gentle is safer

Harsh and perfumed products disrupt the natural bacteria and pH, which can lead to irritation, bacterial vaginosis, or thrush. Marketing often suggests you need more products than you do.

When to see a clinician

If you have odor, unusual discharge, itching, or irritation, see a doctor rather than buying more products - these usually need specific treatment, not extra washing. Switch products and see a clinician if a particular one causes irritation.

See are feminine washes necessary for more.

Femora helps you track irritation and symptoms so you can spot which products or changes don't agree with you.