Are feminine washes safe?

Short answer, yes (if they are not toxic). Feminine washes should be a vital part of the feminine hygiene routine. Though the vagina is self-cleaning the surrounding labia minora/majora (inner and outer lips), urethra, and clitoris (or referred all together as the 'Vulva') are not. The vulva needs to be cleaned.

Cleansing the vulva is also important as it reduces the risk of vaginosis and yeast infection considerably. Using a feminine wash specifically designed for this delicate region is important as it maintains your pH balance and cares for the delicate skin. Preserving your pH is critical to prevent bad bacteria and yeast overgrowth which can cause an unpleasant odor, discomfort, and infection.

How do you find the right product?

It is important to be conscious of the products you use to cleanse your vagina. You want to find products that are non-toxic and filled with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that seek to protect your yoni aka vagina like Kushae's Gentle 2-n-1 Foaming Wash. This feminine wash safeguards your pH balance and was specially designed by a gynecologist!

If you are more sensitive, or just nervous about introducing a feminine wash into your self-care routine, be sure to check out Sensitive Feminine Wash by The Honeypot made with all natural ingredients like Apple Cider Vinegar which restores proper pH levels as well as removes dead skin!

When shopping for a feminine wash, there are some toxic ingredients you want to make sure to avoid, as these ingredients have shown to be agitating to your sensitive vulva:

• Fragrance
• Parabens
• Synthetic colors (look for CI followed by a 5 digit number, FD&C, D&C)
• Phthalates
• Glycerin
• Triclosan.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laurth sulfate (SLES)
• Toluene

To learn more about these ingredients and why they should be avoided, see why the majority of these ingredients are on the BLK + GRN Toxic Twenty list.

Why are most feminine washes foaming?

You have probably noticed that most feminine washes are foaming and you may want to know why. Foaming washes are similar to soap but a lot gentler on your skin. Due to the delicate nature of vulva, most feminine washes are foaming to avoid irritation. The self-foaming pump provides a light, airy feel that rinses quickly and cleanses gently.

This also explains why you shouldn't use your normal body wash or soap on your vulva. Typical body washes are really concentrated, and the cleaning agent (even if is natural) will be too strong and agitate or aggravate your vulva.

Some of our favorite foaming feminine washes are Kushae's Gentle 2-n-1 Foaming Wash and the Honey Pot Sensitive Feminine Wash.

What is the best way to clean your vulva?

The best way to clean your vulva is using your hands, warm water, and feminine wash. Clean hands are gentle and flexible making them perfect tools to distribute cleanser through the delicate folds of the vulva and rinse them effectively. Wash clothes and loofahs which are far too rough for the labia. The roughness, in turn, can irritate the sensitive vulvar skin leading to infection.

Cleansing more frequently when you are dealing with excessive moisture derived from sweating at the gym or induced from summer heat is critical to vaginal health. Too much moisture causes discomfort and irritation leading to itching which ultimately can introduce infection to the vagina. Keeping all-natural feminine wipes on hand can help you clear excess moisture alongside changing out of work out clothes soon after leaving the gym and wearing breathable fabrics like cotton.

Be sure to check out our curated collection of feminine care products on blkandgrn.com to keep your vagina healthy and balanced!

Follow @BLKandGRN on all platforms to get more tips and tricks and continue the conversation on feminine care!