13 Best Vaginal Soaps, And How To Clean Your Vulva Safely
<p>A mild cleanser is generally best, and you don’t really need something that claims to balance your pH. While soap can throw off your healthy vaginal pH, it can’t fix an unhealthy one. But if you use something mild, like the options below, and avoid going inside your vag while cleaning, you shouldn’t have any issues. And definitely don’t grab anything that claims to be exfoliating (ouch!). Also important: Skip the rough washcloths and loofahs—your hands are the only tools you need to <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19915254/how-to-clean-your-vagina/” target=”_blank”>clean your vulva</a>, says Dr. Schlosser.</p><p>Not sure which vaginal soap is best for you? Here are 13 ob-gyn- and dermatologist-approved cleansers, soaps, and wipes that will not irritate your nether region.<br></p><p class=”body-tip”><strong>Meet the experts:</strong> <a href=”https://www.massacademyofdermatology.org/page/2019AMBio-Schlosser” target=”_blank”>Bethanee Schlosser</a>, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University. <a href=”https://www.drjessicashepherd.com/”>Jessica Shepherd</a>, MD, is an ob-gyn in Dallas. <a href=”https://www.medstarhealth.org/doctors/jodie-m-horton-md” target=”_blank”>Jodie Horton</a>, MD, is an ob-gyn in Oakton, Virginia, and the chief wellness advisor for Love Wellness.</p>” />
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1
Best For Irritated Skin
Ultra Sensitive Dry Skin Soothing Care
1
Best For Irritated Skin
Ultra Sensitive Dry Skin Soothing Care
Credit: Eucerin
This is one that Dr. Schlosser says is so gentle you could use it on skin as delicate your eyelid—which makes it ideal for the vulva. (Btw: If you wouldn’t put it on your face, it shouldn’t be anywhere near the skin around your vagina.) This cleanser is preservative-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free, which will both sooth vulvar irritation and keep it from reoccurring.
2
Best For Dry Skin
Sensitive Skin Bar
2
Best For Dry Skin
Sensitive Skin Bar
Because of the soothing and moisturizing effects of chamomile and aloe vera, both of which are packed into this bar, it’s always on her list of recommendations for vulvar soaps, says Lauren Streicher, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University.
3
Best Bar Soap
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Soap
3
Best Bar Soap
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Soap
Dr. Ross is also a fan of this hypoallergenic bar, which, she says, is “gentle for the vulva.” It washes off without residue, leaving skin feeling soft and moisturized.
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4
Best For Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Cleansing Bar
4
Best For Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Cleansing Bar
This cream-based cleanser is packing all the moisture that sensitive skin is begging for. And, even for those whose vulvae aren’t particularly reactive to irritants, Dr. Streicher says this hypoallergenic option will make sure they stay that way.
5
Best Cleansing Wipes
Do It All Wipes
5
Best Cleansing Wipes
Do It All Wipes
These wipes are a great option because they also contain aloe vera and chamomile extract, which is calming to the vulva, says Dr. Horton.
6
Best Multi-Purpose Soap
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
6
Best Multi-Purpose Soap
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
You won’t find any harsh ingredients in this Dr. Streicher rec. Cetaphil promises not to strip the skin of moisture and keep it feeling nourished all-day-long thanks to the fact that it’s soap and detergent-free.
But if you’re especially sensitive, Dr. Schlosser says to keep in mind that unscented doesn’t mean fragrance-free, meaning this bar still has perfume that masks the smell of its ingredients, which could be an irritant.
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7
Best For Moisturizing
Gentle Moisturizing Bar Cleanser
7
Best For Moisturizing
Gentle Moisturizing Bar Cleanser
This pick’s biggest highlight, according to Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn in Santa Monica and author of She-ology, is the fact that it’s fragrance-free. It won’t irritate the skin with unnecessary perfumes.
8
Best Natural Cleanser
Aquanil Soapless Lipid-Free Cleanser
8
Best Natural Cleanser
Aquanil Soapless Lipid-Free Cleanser
Credit: Amazon
Aquanil bills itself as a “hydrating lotion” that can be used with or without water. It’s oil-free, soap-free, and fragrance-free which makes it an prime pick by ob-gyns, says Dr. Streicher.
9
Best For Damaged Skin
Hydrating Cleansing Bar Soap
9
Best For Damaged Skin
Hydrating Cleansing Bar Soap
This cleanser is made with ceramides “which is part of the ‘glue’ that sticks the cells together in terms of promoting a natural barrier function,” says Dr. Schlosser. The super-gentle ingredients reinforce and shield the vulvar area’s skin to keep it healthy.
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10
Best Body Wash
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
10
Best Body Wash
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
If a pump works better with your shower situation, this cleanser, like the bar, has “been shown on skin to not exacerbate or create problems” for the vulva, according to Dr. Streicher.
11
Best For Post-Sex Cleansing
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
11
Best For Post-Sex Cleansing
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
Credit: Amazon
This cleanser is one that Dr. Ross says you can “confidently use for feminine hygiene” since it’s still gentle enough for your face. While it may not be as mild as the ultra-sensitiveEucerin pick above, it’s still a great choice since it’s fragrance- and soap-free.
12
Best For Travel
Feminine Wet Wipes
12
Best For Travel
Feminine Wet Wipes
A shower is always better than a wipe, but if you’re in a pinch, these are a good bet for freshening up safely. Dr. Shepherd recommends these wipes, as they’re pH-balanced and unscented, which means they’re less likely to cause any irritation if you have sensitive skin.
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13
Best For Ingrown Hairs
Tend Skin Liquid Skin Care Solution
13
Best For Ingrown Hairs
Tend Skin Liquid Skin Care Solution
Although this product is not specifically marketed as a vagina soap, women can use this solution to prevent ingrown hairs on the bikini line, says Michael Green, MD, an ob-gyn at Winona, an anti-aging wellness center. It contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation.
Editor
Aryelle Siclait is the editor at Women’s Health where she writes and edits articles about relationships, sexual health, pop culture, and fashion for verticals across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She’s a Boston College graduate and lives in New York.
Contributing Writer
Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. In addition to Runner’s World, she has contributed health, fitness and wellness content to Women’s Health, SELF, Prevention, Healthline, and the Houston Chronicle, among other publications. She is also an 11-time marathoner, a USATF Level 1-certified running coach, and an avid traveler.
Writer
Ashley Martens is a Wellness Writer based in Chicago, Illinois. With a digital marketing background and her knowledge of general nutrition and a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley covers topics that can help people live happier and healthier lives.