No matter where you’re at in your cycle, vaginal discomfort can happen. Irritation and odor aren’t issues we like to talk about, but the reality is we all experience them from time to time. When it happens, you need products that are fast and effective.
One of the best ways to get relief and feel better faster is to use a feminine wash. If you’ve never used one, you’re missing out on some serious relief! But, before you rush out to buy the first wash you can find, you should know which one is right for your body. We can help.
Did you know that Rael is your source for holistic period care? We can help you pick a feminine wash that gives you relief without the use of harsh chemicals that could make your situation even worse.
We’ll talk about what feminine washes do, how they help you feel better, and what ingredients make them amazing.
What is a Feminine Wash?
Feminine washes are mild cleansing agents used on the vulva or the outside of your vagina. The vulva includes the inner and outer labia, the clitoris, and the urethral opening. Vaginal washes can help keep you feeling fresher and can work to reduce or neutralize odors.
Sometimes, feminine washes are only used during your period or immediately after, but you may prefer to use a feminine wash daily.
Importance of a Feminine Wash
We believe feminine washes should be an essential part of your personal care routine. Here’s why.
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Feminine washes help maintain the pH balance of your vulva. Your vulva’s natural pH balance is between 3.5-4.7 on the pH scale. When something disturbs your vulva’s pH balance, it can cause irritation like itching and burning. It can also cause your vulva’s odor to change.
Many situations can affect your vulvar pH balance. Sex, being on your period, ovulation, and even detergents and fabric softeners on your underwear can interfere with your pH level. A healthy feminine wash helps you:
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Keep your vulva clean. Both your vulva and your vagina are like little microbiomes that are home to millions of microorganisms. This bacteria is mostly good bacteria that keeps you healthy, but if some of the bacteria begin to overgrow, or if unhealthy bacteria is introduced, it could lead to an infection.
The vulvar area is especially susceptible to the introduction of unwanted bacteria because of its position near the anus. Feminine washes help ensure that bacteria is quickly removed, reducing the risk of further irritation.
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Eliminate itching and soothe burning. If you’re experiencing itching or burning, a feminine wash containing soothing, calming ingredients can give you relief and help you feel comfortable.
- Help reduce odor. We all like to smell fresh and clean -- it just makes us feel good. A nontoxic feminine wash can help you feel like a hygiene queen, no matter what time of the month it is.
Who Should Use a Feminine Wash?
Anyone can use a feminine wash, especially if the ingredients are natural and don’t contain harsh chemicals that could irritate delicate vulva tissue. It’s important you know what’s inside your feminine wash before you start using it to cleanse one of the most delicate areas of your body.
You should also know that while some vaginal odor and discharge are completely normal, sometimes it means you need to see your doctor. If you experience burning and itching accompanied by discharge or a foul odor, schedule an appointment to see your healthcare provider.
How to Choose the Best Feminine Wash For Your Body
There are numerous feminine washes available, but which ones are best and safest for your body? At Rael, we believe the most crucial factor to consider when choosing a feminine wash is what’s inside it. Ingredients matter and your vulva is a delicate area. If you choose a feminine wash with harsh ingredients, it could make your situation even worse.
Here’s what makes a feminine wash great.
pH Balance
When you’re experiencing odor and irritation, it’s often a pH balance issue. The vagina and vulva are both naturally very acidic. Products, sexual intercourse, tampons, your period, fabric from your underwear, and sweating can all cause your pH balance to become unbalanced, which can lead to odors and irritation.
A great feminine wash will be formulated to work specifically with the natural pH balance of your vulva. It will include ingredients to help restore natural pH balance, not work against it.
Fragrance Free
We know what you’re thinking: you’re trying to fix an odor issue, so wouldn’t a heavily scented feminine wash be best? The answer is a resounding NO. Fragrances can irritate the delicate skin of your vulva and interfere with your pH balance.
Fragrance is also a controversial ingredient because most of the time, you don’t know what actually makes up a product’s fragrance. In the U.S., fragrance is considered proprietary, so a company isn’t required to disclose the ingredients in their products that make them smell the way they do.
On an ingredient label, you’ll simply see the word “fragrance.” You have no idea if the fragrance ingredients could be potentially toxic, cause allergic reactions, contain endocrine disruptors or carcinogens.
Instead of masking vaginal odor with a heavy fragrance, it’s better to treat the problem with an odorless feminine wash that helps restore pH balance and eliminate odors where they start.
Ingredients to Look For
What ingredients should be in a feminine wash? Not many. Trust us, less is better, and the less processed the ingredient, the more benefit you’ll get from using it. Here’s a look at some of the best, all-natural feminine wash ingredients.
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Coco-Betaine. This is a coconut-based surfactant (which is simply a mild cleanser). Coco-betaine is generally used in place of sulfates in products like washes and cleansers. This ingredient helps clean and create a rich lather and foam.
Coco-betaine has an Environmental Working Group (EWG) rating of 1, which is the lowest, and safest an ingredient can have.
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Glycerin. Glycerin is a derivative of vegetable oil that is commonly used as a moisturizing agent. It’s a great addition to products like washes and cleansers because it is lightly moisturizing and helps prevent products from drying out delicate skin tissues, like the kind found on your vulva.
Glycerin is extremely gentle and well-tolerated by all skin types. It’s also a natural sugar, which can help you maintain your pH balance.
- Decyl Glucoside. This plant-based ingredient works as a mild cleanser. It is derived from either corn or coconuts. It also works to moisturize the skin and can even help alleviate irritation and itchiness.
- P-Anisic Acid. Derived from the anise plant, p-anisic acid has antibacterial properties that can help keep bad bacteria away and help restore the natural microbiota of your vulva. It’s also a natural way to extend the shelf life of products without the use of parabens.
- Glyceryl Caprylate. This vegetable-based ingredient helps restore skin’s natural moisture balance, keeping dry tissue hydrated.
- Levulinic Acid. This natural, plant-based acid helps keep bacteria levels healthy and helps to keep bad bacteria away.
- Sodium Levulinate. This is a salt that is a derivative of levulinic acid and acts as a natural preservative, giving products a longer shelf life.
Ingredients to Avoid
There are some ingredients that definitely have zero business in a product intended to wash “your business.” There are a lot of bad chemicals out there, but these are the top three offenders.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Sulfates give soaps, washes, and shampoos their sudsing ability. Sulfates are known skin irritants, and if you’re already dealing with irritated skin, this is the last ingredient you want to use to help eliminate that irritation.
- Parabens. Parabens are usually included in products like feminine washes to extend the product's shelf life and prevent bacterial contamination. However, parabens are known endocrine disruptors. They can even mimic-estrogen, which can have a devastating impact on your hormonal health.
- Phthalates. This group of chemical compounds are used in products to make them more pliable. They’re known irritants and are even banned in other countries.
Rael’s Feminine Wash
Don’t feel like spending an hour reading product ingredients while you shop? We get it! Let Rael make it easy for you. Our feminine wash is all-natural, contains minimal ingredients, and can help restore your natural pH levels, so you feel better, fresher, and always confident.
Our eight-ingredient natural foaming feminine wash wash is entirely plant-based and safe for the most sensitive skin on your body. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or just want a safe wash to keep things healthy, our natural foaming wash is the perfect solution.
The Bottom Line
Feminine washes are an excellent solution for everyday use or for times when you aren’t feeling as fresh and comfortable as you can be. You can feel better and more confident fast with the help of a natural feminine wash from Rael.
Sources:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1745505717731011
https://www.womensvoices.org/menstrual-care-products/chemicals-of-concern-in-feminine-care-products/
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/701533-coco-betaine/