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Dr Anne Henderson is a Consultant Gynaecologist and one of a select group of British Menopause Society accredited Specialists in the UK. |
Your vagina is a genius. It cleans itself, maintains its own pH balance, self-lubricates and doesn’t need any help from soap, gel, deodorant or perfume. The only part that might need attention is the outside, your vulva, and even then, sparing and gentle is best.
What belongs inside is a short list: a penis - with a condom if you aren’t trying for pregnancy, clean and neatly trimmed fingers, quality lubricant, and body-safe sex toys. Not ice cubes, soaps, perfumed washes, scent or glitter bath bombs.
Many washes and “freshening” products disrupt the delicate balance and cause the very issues they claim to fix.
The biggest culprits hiding in intimate washes
Harsh surfactants
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are foaming agents found in shampoos and cleaning products. In an intimate wash, they simply strip away natural oils, disrupt the acidic pH and leave the vulva dry, tight, and prone to microtears or infection. If your wash makes you feel “squeaky clean”, it has gone too far.
Synthetic fragrances and dyes
Fragrance on an ingredient list can hide a mix of undisclosed chemicals linked to allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and irritation. Dyes such as D&C Red 33, Ext. Violet 2, and FD&C Yellow No.5 are unsafe for mucous membranes yet still appear in some products, causing rashes, asthma, and skin irritation. Your vulva does not need to smell like a rose or a cupcake, or change colour.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives found in some intimate washes and creams. They are easily absorbed into the body and have been linked to hormone disruption and an increased risk of breast cancer. They appear on labels as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, isoparaben, or butylparaben. Choose safer preservation methods which minimise local irritation.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Some washes contain preservatives such as diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, polyoxymethylene urea, or 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol. These can release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and cause allergic rashes and local irritation.
Antibacterial agents and spermicides
Products marketed as offering “extra protection” can irritate, disrupt the healthy bacteria and local microbiome, and upset your natural pH. Even permitted ingredients like chlorhexidine may cause problems if used daily. Unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional, avoid them for everyday care. Simpler is usually safer.
“Clean” is not always gentle
Plant-based can sometimes be better, but not all ingredients marketed as “clean” are safe for intimate skin. Concentrated essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, or citrus can cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially in such a delicate area.
And here’s the thing, “clean” isn’t a legally regulated term in the UK. A product can claim to be clean while still containing synthetic chemicals, harsh preservatives, or fragrances. This is where greenwashing comes in. Brands use earthy packaging, botanical names, and words like “pure” or “gentle” to give the impression of safety, even when the formula tells a different story.
If you’re curious about a new clean product, read the ingredients list carefully and patch test on less sensitive skin first. Trust the label, not the marketing.
How to read the label like a pro
- Fragrance-free means no added scent. Unscented can still contain masking agents that may irritate sensitive skin.
- Check the first five ingredients — they make up most of the formula. If you spot harsh surfactants, drying alcohols, or questionable preservatives here, skip it.
- Look for a pH of around 4 to 4.5 and a formula that’s dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin.
- Avoid products packed with long, complex chemical names you cannot pronounce.
- If you would not put it on your face, it should not go anywhere near your vulva.
Less is more
A healthy vulva should be low maintenance. Warm water’s often all you need for daily cleansing. If you choose to use a wash, make sure it’s very gentle, fragrance-free, pH-balanced, and formulated without harsh surfactants, parabens, or drying alcohols.
Your vulva’s part of your body’s incredible self-regulating system. Treat it with the same care you would give your face, eyes or any other key part of your system.
If you want an intimate wash that meets all those standards, Naydaya’s Victory Cleanse is designed to do exactly that. This daily hydrating oil-to-milk cleanser gently removes impurities without disrupting your vulval microbiome. It’s 100% plant-based, vegan certified, sulphate-free, and 98% natural, with nourishing oils such as jojoba, grapeseed, and wheat germ to help prevent dryness, support barrier function, and restore hydration. Formulated alongside leading gynaecologists, it’s a science-backed alternative to harsh and drying over-the-counter washes.
The takeaway
Choosing the right intimate wash is not about fixing your body. It’s about respecting and protecting its natural defences. Avoid harmful ingredients, keep your routine simple, and let your body do what it was designed to do.
Further Reading:
https://womensvoices.org/menstrual-care-products/intimate-care-products/
About the author
