Are Feminine Wash Products Safe? I Asked Gynecologists What They *Really* Think About Them

From vajacials to probiotics, anything having to do with our most intimate parts are always up for debate. A big conversation starter is the concept and efficacy of feminine washes. I’ve noticed an uptick in new products popping up, but are they actually safe to use? I chatted with a few gynecologists to finally get to the bottom of it—plus, some product recommendations that they stand by. 

• Dr. Angela Wilson, MD, is a gynecologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. She specializes in various conditions such as pelvic pain, vaginal infections and menstrual issues. Dr. Wilson received her medical degree at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Lenox Hill Hospital. She is also board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 
• ​​Dr. Renita White, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her medical degree from The Ohio State University. She completed her residency in OB/GYN at Emory University. Alongside running her practice, she is a medical advisor for The Honey Pot and sits on their Pulse Panel of experts.
• Dr. Monica Grover, DO, is a double-board certified physician specializing in gynecology. She is also the chief medical officer at VSPOT MediSpa, a wellness space dedicated to women’s intimate health. She specializes in vulvar and vaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor and female sexual dysfunction. She received a medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and a fellowship at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center. 

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It really depends. According to Dr. Wilson, you should always be cautious when deciding to use a feminine wash. As mentioned, there are a ton on the market, but not all of them are created with gentle and care in mind. Per Dr. Grover, “Although feminine washes are not a necessity, there are those that still prefer using one. Feminine washes can be safe depending upon formulation and as long as they are used on the vulva and not within the vaginal canal. Plus, attention has to be made towards the overall quality of the wash as well as minimizing the number of ingredients such as fragrances and dyes or any other chemical additives.” 

All signs point to no, not really. “A separate wash is not needed for most, especially if you are using a product with limited scents and dyes and rinsing the genital well after use,” Dr. Wilson tells me. “However, some may be particularly sensitive in the vulvar area to body washes, [which may] cause a problem. In those instances, trying a feminine wash may be warranted to see if less irritation is caused with that. But in my opinion, you don’t specifically need a feminine wash. If someone is having an odor, irritation or discharge that doesn’t seem to resolve with use of plain soap and water, they should seek consultation with their medical provider.”

Despite mixed reviews on feminine washes, there might be a bright side to the popular product. For one, a feminine wash may be the answer to balancing out your pH levels. As Dr. Wilson shares, “Most washes specifically market that their product is slightly more acidic than most soaps, which are primarily basic. Given the naturally acidic nature of the vagina, theoretically this would help keep the balance and prevent the development of pH imbalances.”

It can also help with gently cleansing and freshening up the vulvar area. “These washes can help to remove dirt and sweat without causing irritation,” shares Dr. White. “It can provide comfort and cleanliness for those who are active or prone to sweating. Just using a feminine wash can also support overall hygiene and confidence!” 

As mentioned, the vulva and vagina are sensitive, so a feminine wash might not be suitable for everyone. “The downside of using a feminine wash is that it may lead to irritation of the skin,” says Dr. White. “Also, excess use of one can strip the natural moisture and lubricants of the vulva and vagina, leading to dryness and a change of the pH. This can impact the normal bacterial environment, leading to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast. In addition, much of the marketing done around feminine washes suggest that the vagina is supposed to smell a certain way and ‘be cleaned.’ This can impact the way people view their bodies as if it is something that needs to be fixed.”

The experts agree that no one exactly need a feminine wash. However, Dr. Grover believes those who are experiencing chronic pH imbalances (which a standard pH is between 3.5 and 4.5) or dealing with vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis should consider using a feminine wash. 

There are plenty of feminine washes on the market, but the experts want you to take a closer look to find one that’s gentle for your intimate areas. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Find formulas free of fragrances, dyes and exfoliants. “These ingredients can irritate the sensitive vulvar tissue and disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, potentially leading to conditions like dermatitis or vaginitis,” adds Dr. White.
• Avoid harsh ingredients. Dr. Grover lists a few that you should avoid, such as parabens, phthalates, PEG ( a cosmetic surfactant), essential oils and glycerin. She notes that these can cause skin irritation, ingrown hairs or increase the risk of yeast infections. 
• Find water-based ingredients. These specific formulas are gentler, non-irritating and non-drying for the area. 
• Choose a was that matches the vaginal pH. “It’s best to choose a wash that matches the vaginal pH due to its close proximity to the vulva. The vagina is considered a more acidic environment, with the pH ranging from 3.8 to 5,” says Dr. White. 

Since you’re using a feminine wash on your delicate areas, the gynecologists can’t stress enough how vital it is to know how to use them. As Dr. White explains, “It’s important to remember that the vagina is self-cleaning and does not need to be washed. [If you] put feminine wash inside or too close to vaginal tissue it can lead to problems like irritation and increased risk of vaginal infection. It’s safer to use near the vulva skin.”

Now that you’re caught up on all things feminine wash, here are the four best feminine wash products that are backed by the experts.