Showdown: Feminine Wash vs Soap

Which is better? – Edition 006

When it comes to what to cleanse your area down there with, it’s a battle of the ages: a showdown between your run-of-the-mill soap vs. a feminine wash. 

But before we go any further, let’s be clear - your vagina itself is self-cleaning and doesn’t need any additional help. It produces mucus that carries out any bacteria, semen, or sweat. Douching or washing your vagina is NOT needed and definitely not recommended as it unnecessarily messes with the delicate ecosystem that is you vag.

How to stay fresh down there all-day

With the inside of your vagina taken care of, let’s talk about the skin on the outside of it - otherwise known as the vulva. 

The skin there is thinner than the rest of your body and therefore more sensitive and susceptible to irritations, allergies, infections. All things that will have you itching in your seat, and the last thing you want is discomfort down there all day.

Many say all you need is water. But while water works in a pinch, it can also leave the skin dehydrated (especially for those that enjoy hot showers). Plus, all sorts of everyday activities can leave you less than fresh down there: sweat from exercise, semen from sex, blood from menstruation, the list goes on. And so, you often need a little extra something for a deeper clean.

 

Feminine wash vs soap

Enter your cleansing contestants! When it comes to cleansing products for your sensitive area, you have two options.

Soap

In one corner, you have your various soaps and body washes. While we’re not writing off ALL soaps and body washes, we’re saying that just like your face, the vulva skin is different, and requires a more delicate skincare routine if you will. 

The main risk with soap is that many of the drugstore options on the market today contain perfumes, dyes, artificial preservatives, and harsh chemicals that irritate your vulva, throw your pH balance all out of whack, and strip your skin of it’s natural oils and leave your skin feeling dry and uncomfortable down there. 

 

Feminine wash

In the other corner, you have feminine hygiene washes (also known as vaginal washes). These products are specially formulated to be gentle enough to be used down there but effective enough to thoroughly cleanse your skin while keeping it hydrated.

But as always, not everything is made the same. Be sure to look for a natural feminine cleanser that does not include:

• SLS: This is what makes products foam but is a known irritant

• Parabens:  Instead of chemical preservatives, look for one that uses natural plant preservatives instead

• Synthetic colors and fragrances: Fragrances can be fine as long as they’re not artificial. Choose a wash that’s scented with plant-based botanical oils to avoid irritation and allergies

• Soy or gluten: These are common allergens that cause unwanted reactions

Feminine hygiene routine

Like we said, your skin down there deserves its own skincare routine, and cleansing is only the first step. Following a cleanse, your daily muff maintenance should include toning to cool and calm the skin and moisturizing to keep skin hydrated and healthy.

Regardless of which product you choose, it’s always important to check the ingredients of your skin products to avoid any dyes, artificial fragrances, or chemicals that could throw off the delicate pH balance. A well-balanced vag pH is between 3.5 and 4.5 and has a healthy mix of good and bad bacteria. This is what keeps odor and irritation at bay.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to #SwapTheSoap!