Is Vaginal Wash Good for You? What to Know Before You Use It

Is vaginal wash good to use every time you shower, only during certain times of the month, or at all? The answer to all three questions is yes, it can be. But not all vaginal washes are created equal, and not everyone needs one. At least not all the time.

If you've been eyeing that bottle of vaginal wash on the drugstore shelf or seeing it popping up in your feeds and wondering whether it's actually good for you (or worth buying), this blog breaks it down simply and honestly. Let's get into it.

Is Vaginal Wash Good for You? It Depends

Using a vaginal wash can be a worthwhile part of your self-care routine. However, you'll want to be thoughtful not only about the products you buy, but also how you use them.

First, the formula should be pH-balanced, meaning the pH level of the cleanser is similar to—or at least compatible with—a normal vaginal pH (usually between 3.8 and 4.5).¹ This will feel the most comfortable on your sensitive areas while preserving your natural balance and supporting your overall vaginal health.²

Second, know that vaginal cleansing should really only happen externally (on and around the vulva). Douching (rinsing inside the vaginal canal) isn't necessary and may actually do more harm than good. It can throw off your pH levels and increase the risk of infections.³

Remember, the goal of using a vaginal cleanser shouldn't be to "fix" your healthy, natural odor or wash out your vagina. It's about feeling fresh, clean, and confident, whether you're on your period, intimate with a partner, or just sweaty from a workout. If you're wondering what should a vagina smell like, the answer is that every person's natural scent is different, and that's normal. 

What to Look For in a Vaginal Wash

When buying a vaginal wash, look for a formula that's:

• Formulated for the vulva
• pH-balanced
• Fragrance-free
• Made without harsh ingredients (i.e., sulfates, parabens, or dyes)
• Safe and effective for everyday hygiene practices

Formulated for the Vulva

The term "vaginal wash" is often misused, like how people often say "vagina" when referring to externally visible intimate parts when they really mean "vulva." The vagina is the internal canal, and the vulva is the external genitalia, located between the legs. So, if you see a bottle labeled "vaginal wash," it could mean (and should mean) it's formulated for the vulva and not to be used for internal cleansing.

pH-Balanced

As mentioned, the vulva and labia have a natural pH that leans slightly acidic (typically between 3.8 and 4.5, but the range changes by age).⁴ A good cleanser for this area will be formulated to help maintain this healthy pH balance in your vagina and prevent irritation.

Your pH can also shift after sweating, sex, vigorous exercise, or during your period. This isn't something to worry about and doesn't indicate anything's wrong, but the right cleanser can support the area and help rebalance its natural flora (the good vaginal bacteria that keep it healthy).⁵

Fragrance-Free

Fragrances in body washes can irritate the vulva, cause an allergic reaction, or potentially throw off the pH.⁶ This includes both synthetic fragrances and scents derived from essential oils.⁷

Not everyone will have a reaction to perfumed body care products. But when dealing with your most sensitive parts (or if your skin is reactive in general), you're wise to play it safe and go with fragrance-free formulas.

Made Without Harsh Sulfates, Parabens, or Dyes

Sulfates—like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)—are surfactants. They're behind the foaming action in many personal-care products, including shampoo and body wash. But since they can strip natural oils from the skin, they could cause irritation or disrupt the natural balance of your delicate parts.⁸ So, ideally, your intimate wash won't contain sulfates.

Besides that, look for a gentle formula without parabens (a type of preservative used in cosmetics) or dyes. These are considered unnecessary in vulva-care products, and they could cause a reaction or mess with your natural pH.⁹

Go with a simple product that contains only the necessary ingredients. Rael's super-gentle foaming vaginal wash checks all the boxes. It only contains eight ingredients, plus it's pH-balanced and fragrance-free.

When a Vaginal Wash Might Feel Especially Helpful

Although you don't need to use an intimate wash every day, the vulva care products from Rael are suitable for daily use or as needed. Our gentle cleansing foam and wipes might feel particularly helpful:

• After working out or spending time outdoors in hot, humid weather, when you've been sweating
• During your period and around your menstruation window to rinse away blood residue and freshen up when there's extra moisture
• During hormonal changes throughout your cycle when discharge increases or your natural odor shifts (though the natural scent of your vagina doesn't need to be masked or washed away)
• During pregnancy or for postpartum or perimenopause transitions—just check with your healthcare provider first

If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of period odor without over-cleansing or disrupting your pH, an external wash can support freshness while still respecting your body’s natural balance. A gentle vaginal wash can be especially helpful if you tend to feel dry or sensitive due to hormonal fluctuations.

What to Avoid: When "Fresh" Goes Too Far

You really don't need to overdo it when cleansing your vulva. The area is sensitive and easily irritated, so less is more.

As mentioned, douching is unnecessary and potentially harmful.³ The same goes for vaginal steaming.¹⁰ Similarly, scented formulas can cause a reaction or disrupt your natural balance. Any product that claims to "eliminate" odor or remove bacteria from inside the vagina is a red flag.¹¹

Stick with gentle products with simple ingredients, and only cleanse your external bits.

How to Tell If a Vaginal Wash Isn’t Right for You

Even the gentlest products can sometimes cause a reaction, depending on your skin, sensitivities, or cycle. Here are signs that your current vaginal wash might not be a good fit:

• Burning, itching, or redness after use
• Persistent dryness or discomfort
• Strong or unusual odor that wasn’t present before
• New or increased discharge

If any of these symptoms show up, stop using the product and give your skin a few days to rebalance. If irritation continues, check in with your healthcare provider.¹²

How to Use a Vaginal Wash Safely

Using a vaginal wash is simple, but a few small habits can make a big difference. Here’s how to use it the right way:

• Use your hands, not a loofah or washcloth—those can be too abrasive.
• Clean only the outer areas (the vulva). Never insert the product into the vaginal canal.
• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to avoid residue.
• Pat the area dry with a clean towel—don’t rub.
• Avoid over-cleansing. Once a day, or only as needed, is enough.

These habits support a healthy balance and may reduce the risk of irritation, even if you're using a gentle formula.

A Good Vaginal Wash Supports (Not Replaces) Your Body's Rhythm

Is feminine wash good? It can be! But they're not all beneficial, and not everyone needs to use one every day.¹³

The right vaginal wash won't overpromise. Helping you feel clean and confident, it should support what your body already does without going overboard and throwing things off-balance.

Check out Rael's offerings for fragrance-free, non-irritating products inspired by nature. Beyond vulva washes, we have refreshing and convenient vaginal wipes, plus menstrual tampons, organic cotton cover pads, and other period products.

 

Sources:

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