Gynecologists Say Feminine Wipes Are Safe to Use — But You Don't Actually Need Them
- 1/17
Gynecologists Say Feminine Wipes Are Safe to Use — But You Don't Actually Need Them
Easy to stash in your gym bag or purse, feminine wipes help freshen up down there after a workout or sweaty day before you can shower. Many users also recommend using feminine wipes to help clean up any leakage from menstrual products like period underwear and tampons. Made with materials designed to prevent irritation, some people rely on feminine wipes for the refreshing, clean feel or for the light scent, but note that you don’t necessarily need feminine wipes to be clean as the vagina is self-cleansing.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab fiber scientists consulted with leading gynecologists to find the best feminine wipes that are safe to use and will keep you feeling fresh. These picks are based on brands with previous top performance and wipes with rave online reviews.
Are feminine wipes safe to use?
Alyssa Dweck M.D., a leading gynecologist in Westchester County, New York and author of The Complete A to Z for Your V, says that in most cases, feminine wipes are safe to use to freshen up “in a pinch,” such as after an intense workout or sweaty commute. However, “for super sensitive skin, they may wreak havoc.” If you are prone to vaginal infections, it may be best to avoid wipes altogether — particularly scented options.
Some feminine wipes claim to be "pH balancing," but there are many caveats, Dr. Dweck says. The external vulva and vagina each have their own normal pH range, so "if the wipe mirrors that pH, then applying them will maintain a normal pH." If a wipe contains alcohol, it may be called antibacterial, but "this property may not be long lasting and surely will not treat a bacterial infection," according to Dr. Dweck. Therefore, "pH balancing" or "antibacterial" claims on feminine wipes should not be the main reason for purchasing. Keep in mind that all feminine wipes are designed for external use and should never be used internally, "because the normal pH can be altered and thus infection can ensue," says Dr. Dweck.
Lastly, if you have a UTI, Dr. Dweck suggests using "plain water or a cotton washcloth with warm water" instead of feminine wipes . Whether feminine wipes could cause UTIs depends on the "individual and the ingredients of the wipes," as "some women are super sensitive or prone to UTIs," explains Dr. Dweck. What specifically caused the UTI can be tough to know, but it's best not to potentially irritate the region further.
Are baby wipes better than feminine wipes?
If you’re new to wipes, it’s best to stick with traditional feminine wipes before trying baby wipes as a replacement. Baby wipes and feminine wipes many times have similar ingredients, but some baby wipes may be irritating to use in your intimate area. When finding the best feminine wipe for you, Dr. Dweck says for many it can be “trial and error,” so it’s best to try a few different brands.
Do feminine wipes help with odor?
Feminine wipes are best suited to help with odors caused by sweat, and even so, “this is a Band-Aid effect,” according to Dr. Dweck. Every vagina has a natural odor that doesn't need to be masked, but if you’re experiencing unusual odors or any major irritation, Dr. Dweck suggests to consult with your gynecologist to rule out infection.
urbanoutfitters - 2/17
1) Wipes-to-Go
Always
amazon.com
$13.16
For easy use on the go, these feminine wipes from Always (Always Infinity Pads are a GH Seal holder!) are individually wrapped, perfect to toss in your everyday tote, gym bag, and even a clutch. They’re lightly scented with reviewers saying they smell “fresh and light.” Note that they’re not flushable.
Count: 20 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.39Always - 3/17
2) FreshFeel Flushable Wet Wipes for Adults
Cottonelle
target.com
$3.99
For a fresh feeling all over, Cottonelle, the makers of your favorite toilet paper, offers flushable wet wipes. Although not designed specifically as a feminine wipe, many reviewers say it's great to use as both a traditional wet wipe and a feminine wipe.
Count: 336 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.04Cottonelle - 4/17
3) Unscented On-The-Go Wipes
SweetSpot Labs
amazon.com
$10.00
Reviewers love that there’s no scent at all, perfect for sensitive skin. SweetSpot Labs also has popular body wash and exfoliating pads. If you prefer a scent, they also offer watermelon, vanilla, and coconut lime scented feminine wipes.
Count: 30 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.33SweetSpot - 5/17
4) Anti-Itch Medicated Feminine Vaginal Wipes
Vagisil
amazon.com
$17.82
These wipes from Vagisil are infused with anti-itch medication (pramoxine hydrochloride) and skin soothing Vitamin E, A and D. Reviewers say they help get rid of any itchy feelings while also removing odor.
Count: 60 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.30Vagisil - 6/17
5) 100% Organic Cotton Intimate Wet Wipes
Organyc
amazon.com
$3.99
These feminine wipes from Organyc use 100% organic cotton as the base of the wipe. Infused with organic chamomile and calendula extracts, some reviewers note that the scent is a bit “perfume-y” but like how they feel on their skin.
Count: 20 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.15Organyc - 7/17
6) Night Time Cleansing Cloths
Summer's Eve
amazon.com
$5.12
With over 2,000 reviews on Amazon, Summer’s Eve is widely popular for its feminine wipes as well as cleansing washes and powders. This pick is lavender scented which reviewers love for nighttime, but the brand also offers unscented feminine wipes too.
Count: 32 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.16Summer's Eve - 8/17
7) Essential Oil Bamboo Feminine Wipes
Cora
amazon.com
$15.99
Cora created body wipes that can also be used as feminine wipes too. Because of the larger size, they’re great to freshen up after the gym. They’re available in three scents: Eucalyptus, rose, and lavender. We love that they're Leaping Bunny Certified, meaning there was no animal testing whatsoever.
Count: 36 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.44Cora - 9/17
8) Sensitive Feminine Hygiene Wipe Pack
The Honey Pot Company
urbanoutfitters.com
$8.00
Made with rayon fiber, these feminine wipes from Honey Pot have no fragrance added, but have acai, Aloe, and chamomile extract. These wipes are designed for sensitive skin, but the brand offers feminine wipes for people with normal skin too.
Count: 15 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.53Honey Pot - 10/17
9) Feminine Wipes with Natural Ingredients
Rael
amazon.com
$7.99
In convenient travel packs, these feminine wipes are biodegradable and can be flushed after use. They feature Hinoki and Plantago Asiatic extract moisturizers. With a light citrus scent, reviewers love the smell and recommend using them to also soothe an irritated bikini line.
Count: 20 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.40Rael - 11/17
10) Down There Feminine Flushable Wet Wipes for Women
goodwipes
amazon.com
$7.99
These wipes from Goodwipes are individually wrapped, so it's easy to always have some with you on the go. They can also be flushed down the toilet and are biodegradable for simple disposal. Reviewers like the slight lavender scent that's refreshing "but not overpowering."
Count: 30 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.27Goodwipes - 12/17
11) Feminine Wipe Cleansing Cloths
Genneve
amazon.com
$10.95
Popular on Amazon for being gentle on skin and having resealable packaging, these feminine wipes from Genneve are infused with Aloe, chamomile, and cucumber extract. These cleansing cloths can be used as feminine wipes and also to freshen up all over.
Count: 30 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.37Genneve - 13/17
12) Gentle Feminine Cleansing Cloths
Care4
amazon.com
If you like the smell of flowers, these feminine wipes are lightly scented with a sheer floral scent. These wipes are also enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E for a smooth, soft feel. Plus, they're only 11 cents per wipe!
Count: 64 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.11Care4 - 14/17
13) Travel Feminine Hygiene Wipes
La Fresh
amazon.com
$18.99
A feminine wipe that doesn't look like one. These individually wrapped wipes have colorful graphics and designs unlike most feminine wipes on the market. You can flush these wipes as they're biodegradable. They also have botanical extracts of Aloe, chamomile, cucumber, marshmallow, and vitamin E.
Count: 50 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.38La Fresh - 15/17
14) Individually Wrapped Feminine Wipes
healthy Hoohoo
amazon.com
$18.99
Healthy Hoohoo offers feminine wipes that are vegan with no animal testing. They're fragrance-free with all of the ingredients listed for easy shopping. Reviewers rave that these are ultra gentle wipes, but wish they were more affordable.
Count: 20 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.95healthy hoohoo - 16/17
15) Feminine Cleansing Wipes
LOLA
walmart.com
$8.98
Individually wrapped, these feminine wipes from LOLA are part of the brand’s subscription box with tampons and pads too. The wipe itself is made from 100% organic cotton that’s soaked in a “purified water solution” with a bit of honeysuckle flower extract added.
Count: 12 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.75Lola - 17/17
16) Body Wipes for Women
Ultra Compact
amazon.com
$11.99
These affordable wet wipes can be used to cleanse all over. They’re fragrance free and designed to be non-irritating whether used in as a feminine wipe or to freshen up after a workout. They're also sold in larger packs for a discount.
Count: 75 wipes
Price per wipe: ~$0.16Ultra Compact
Stash these wipes in your gym bag for a fresh feel post-workout.