The 12 Best Intimate Care Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

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We have accepted that the skin on our scalps and under our eyes should be treated just as delicately as we treat our faces, but what about our vulvas? I’m not talking about investing in a 10-step skin care routine for down there. However, swapping out your regular body cleanser for one of the best doctor-recommended feminine washes–also known as “intimate washes," or “vulva cleansers," if we’re getting specific–can make a huge difference in your daily comfort. “While some women get away with using the same products they use on other body parts, it is not the case for most. Soaps that you use elsewhere may very likely be too harsh for the delicate skin of the vulva. The vulva has its own pH and healthy biome; disrupting this balance with the wrong product can result in discomfort or even infection. Show yourself the love! Treat your vulva right!” says Dr. Bertucio, the CEO of Medicine Mama.

Let’s get one thing clear: the purpose of intimate washes is to safely treat a sensitive area of our bodies with gentle products. Feminine washes are not supposed to be little bottles of shame that try to tell us that our genitals are dirty or should smell like perfume. Furthermore, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, absolutely no products should enter your vagina–feminine washes are for external use only.

Whether your go-to body wash contains fragrance, is too harsh for your intimates, or you want to prevent yeast infections, switching to a feminine wash can do the trick. Here, we rounded up the 12 best intimate washes that are doctor-recommended and safe for your most intimate areas.

VMAGIC Vulva Wash

This fragrance-free cleanser was created to soothe and hydrate and is free of any irritating ingredients that could cause an adverse reaction. With soothing vitamin E and glycerin, this wash uses natural ingredients to keep the intimate area clean and healthy.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, collagen, vitamin E

Is fragrance-free: Yes

Medicine Mama rating: 5/5 stars

A Medicine Mama reviewer says: “I’ve been using this wash for several years now and I love it so so so much. I’m thrilled they're making it in a bigger size now! It’s gentle, has a very neutral smell, and a little goes a long way. I really can’t speak highly enough about it, I recommend it to everyone I know. I’m so grateful I found this company and their products, I will be a lifelong user!”

Boric Acid Foam Wash

Boric acid is a common ingredient that treats yeast infections and prevents itchiness or burning. This gentle foam was created to cleanse sensitive skin and prevent any future discomfort.

Key ingredients: Boric acid, lactic acid, vitamin C

Is fragrance-free: No added perfume, but contains lavender essential oil

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Works amazingly, definitely helps with any odor and maintaining a good pH balance. Foaming of the product helps it Last a long time. One pump goes a long way.”

Daily Feminine Wash

VH Essentials' Daily Feminine Wash has over 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, for good reason. Not only is it anti-bacterial, but it works to maintain the natural pH balance needed for optimum vaginal health. However, this product does contain perfume, so it may not be suited for anyone with sensitivities.

Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, probiotics

Is fragrance-free: No

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Very gentle! Leaves you feeling fresh and confident all day. A little goes a long way and let’s not forget the cost! A big plus.”

Barrier Rescue Intimate & Body Cleanser

Itchy, dry skin in the nether regions can be incredibly uncomfortable. This cleanser works for both the body and intimate areas, and is packed with soothing ingredients like aloe and oatmeal.

Key ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, colloidal oatmeal, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil

Is fragrance-free: Yes

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “Love this product! Soothing, not drying and non-irritating, has replaced my old feminine wash. Would repurchase over and over again.”

Sensitive Wash

The Honey Pot always strives to make natural, skin-loving products, but this product takes it a step further. Created specifically for even very sensitive skin, this cleanser uses gentle ingredients to keep intimate areas clean.

Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, sunflower seed oil, lactic acid, calendula

Is fragrance-free: No added perfume, but contains essential oils

Honey Pot rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Honey Pot reviewer says: “I love this feminine wash. I have super sensitive skin and finding a product that doesn’t irritate me has been a struggle until now. It feels great and leaves me fresh all day even after working out or long travel days.”

Boric Acid Feminine Cleanser

If you’ve ever experienced a yeast infection, you know that Monistat is one of the most trusted drugstore brands to help treat it. This boric acid cleanser can be used every day to prevent future infections and help resolve ongoing issues.

Key ingredients: Boric acid, lactic acid

Is fragrance-free: Yes

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Not scented which is a huge plus and it doesn’t irritate me. It suds up nicely and the quality is exactly as described.”

Period Care Foaming Wash

When it’s that time of the month, this foaming, pH-balancing wash is a great product to choose. It has soothing and hydrating ingredients, formulated to be gentle even on extremely sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, lactic acid

Is fragrance-free: Yes

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “My vulva is incredibly sensitive to most feminine hygiene products so to not experience any adverse reaction was wonderful.”

pH Balancing Cleanser

Many soaps have a basic pH, which can disrupt healthy vaginal bacteria. This one, on the other hand, matches the acidic levels of intimate areas. With calming, non-irritating ingredients, this cleanser also helps combat itchiness and discomfort.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, calendula

Is fragrance-free: Yes

Ulta rating: 4.9/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I was having so much trouble with UTIs and general itching and that has completely stopped since I started using this cleanser!”

Cooka Cleansing Wash For Pubic Hair And Skin

If you suffer from uncomfortable ingrown hairs or breakouts in the nether regions, this cleanser can tackle them gently. Though this product is gentle enough to use in intimate areas, it also contains salicylic acid, which helps reduce the rate of ingrowns.

Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, salicylic acid, aloe leaf juice, niacinamide

Is fragrance-free: No added perfume but contains fragrant essential oils

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “Please never stop making this body wash. It is an absolute game changer! I’m on my second bottle. I have sensitive skin prone to ingrowns and razor bumps. This body wash prevents those issues.”

Wash No. 0

Maude wants you to romanticize your life, and their feminine wash is the perfect way to do that. Doubling as a bubble bath, you can choose to either get the unscented version for maximum safety or one of their yummy scented washes for a luxurious experience.

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B5, glycerin, aloe leaf juice

Is fragrance-free: Yes

Maude rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Maude reviewer says: “First and foremost, wash as a product is phenomenal. I love the pH balance, omega enriched body wash. My skin feels super smooth, never dry, and totally clean.”

V Wash

Skin care lovers are already familiar with Dr. Barbara Sturm. The cult-favorite brand's V Wash uses skin care ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, to add hydration to intimate areas without any irritating ingredients.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, probiotics, prebiotics

Is fragrance-free: Yes

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “This is a seriously effective product if you have frequent urinary tract infections or are very sensitive to using soap and water or body washes in your intimate areas. For those of us who have the kind of sensitivities and medical problems that I described, it makes an important difference. There is no fragrance, yet it cleans well, lathers great and leaves you fresh and clean.”

Intimately Yours Wash

Inspired by beautiful gardens, this body wash is packed with antibacterial natural ingredients. With prebiotics and pH-balancing properties, this silky cleanser can be used from head to toe.

Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, lactic acid, prebiotics

Is fragrance free: No added perfumes, but contains fragrant essential oils

Lavido rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Lavido reviewer says: “This is a silky and lightweight wash specifically for the private area which is also my most sensitive area. It gives a nice gentle cleanse that doesn't irritate my lady parts like other washes have in the past. It’s so refreshing coming out of the shower! I feel clean, fresh and confident all day. I’m so glad to have this as part of my cleansing routine! A must-have in the shower.”

Meet the Experts

Dr. Clare Bertucio is an oncologist, CEO, and Chief Medical Officer of Medicine Mama.

Dr. Erica Montes is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Tamika Cross is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist based in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Karan Lal is a double-board certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Why might someone want a feminine wash?

While many of us already use a body cleanser in the shower, “feminine washes” or “intimate washes” are specifically formulated to be used on or near the vulva. “Most women have a daily skin and face care routine; your beautiful, delicate vulva needs the same love and care! Just as you would only use a cleanser designed specifically for your face, you should only use a product that is created to support and nourish the unique biome of the vulva,” says Dr. Bertucio.

The skin on the vulva can be very sensitive and prone to irritation, which is why investing in a product specifically formulated for that area is important. “It can be difficult to find a wash that is safe and gentle enough to use for sensitive skin like on the vulva. Fragrances or alcohol can dry the skin and cause unwanted irritation or inflammation. I think most women want to find a wash that can leave them feeling fresh and one that they are confident will not cause any problems. The vulvar skin is the most permeable skin on the body due to the high concentration of sweat glands, hair follicles, and increased blood vessels, and this composition makes it more sensitive,” adds Dr. Montes.

However, it should be clear that the point of intimate washes is not to make your vulva smell perfumed. “Feminine washes are specifically made to have a pH that is optimal for cleansing the vaginal and intimate areas. The vaginal area has specific flora that can be disturbed by regular body washes that have a different pH. Messing up the pH or drying the vaginal area could put one at risk of yeast infections, foul odor, and irritant dermatitis. These washes are not meant for the internal vaginal canal. These cleansers are for surface cleaning,” continues Dr. Lal.

Are feminine washes safe?

Because the genital area is so sensitive, considering the safety of any products you put near or on it is very important. However, if you are using a safe product correctly, feminine washes shouldn't cause any issues. But what exactly is a “safe” product?

“Most [feminine washes] are safe and specifically formulated for the area. Some are better than others depending on the ingredients,” says Dr. Cross. Make sure that you are only using these products on the exterior of your body, and that you avoid ingredients that could cause a negative reaction.

“Feminine washes should strictly be used for the vulva area, not in the vagina,” reminds Dr. Bertucio. She continues, “Unfortunately, many women do not understand that the vagina and the vulva are separate organs; our mission is to change this! Using vague language like feminine wash can lead to misuse. For example, cleansing the vagina can actually be harmful. The vagina is considered self-cleaning and has its own unique protective pH and biome, which can be altered or affected by washing or douching—this can result in discomfort or even an infection. So unless specifically directed by your physician, only use a feminine wash on the skin of the vulva–i.e.: externally!”

What are the best ingredients in a feminine wash?

Because the vulva can be very sensitive, it’s important to know which products to use and which to avoid. Dr. Bertucio recommends “[making] sure that the wash is formulated to specifically support the pH and biome of the vulvar area. When washing the vulva, it is important to use something with a gentle surfactant, so as not to strip moisture. Hydrating ingredients like camellia, vitamin E, and chamomile that we use at Medicine Mama are clinically proven to moisturize intimate skin while being gentle enough for daily use.”

However, Dr. Cross says, “It’s really not about what ingredients to look for, but more so about which ingredients to avoid.”

What are the ingredients to avoid feminine wash?

“So many washes have ingredients that are triggers for vaginal infections like essential oils, fragrances, and other yeast triggers,” says Dr. Cross. Generally speaking, products that tout their ability to make genitals “smell good” should be regarded with caution.

“Avoid fragrances, perfumes, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Sulfates can produce foaming agents that can cause irritation, parabens can also be irritating, and fragrances or perfumes can have chemicals that can also cause dryness or irritation,” says Dr. Montes.

While some people may be able to use scented feminine washes without issue, medical professionals agree that they are unnecessary and can lead to irritation or even infections, especially for anyone with sensitive skin.

How often should you use a feminine wash?

“If you are using a correctly formulated product, you may use the product daily when bathing,” says Dr. Bertucio. Dr. Montes reminds us, “Using these products one to two times per day when you shower is safe. Remember to wash externally only. No washes should go inside the vagina since the vagina has bacteria that will keep it healthy. If you are noticing odor, more discharge, or something that is different, see your physician or healthcare provider.”

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