Feel Fresh Thanks to These Feminine Washes OB-GYNs Swear By (2024)

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Antimicrobial peptides, green tea seed, leaf extract |Size: 8 oz | Cruelty Free: Yes

Both Dr. Cross and Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a Chicago-based OB/GYN and the Chief Medical Officer of Verywell Health, recommend this option, a formula that checks all of the boxes. It’s fragrance-free and 99% naturally derived, a boon for Dr. Cross, while Dr. Shepherd lauds all of the brand’s offerings for being pH balanced. The product also contains prebiotics and peptides to support healthy levels of bacteria and yeast on the skin (helpful if you suffer from yeast infections). The addition of green tea extracts and bentonite clay (known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits) helps gently cleanse the skin and remove odor and blemish-causing impurities.

Who It’s For

This expert-approved formula is super gentle yet effective enough to be used all over the body. A great one-stop-shop.

Key Ingredients: Coco-betaine, p-Anisic acid |Size: 5 oz | Cruelty Free: Yes

If you only trust something that's completely natural for your vulva, this is a great pick from Rael. Not only does it have a COSMOS natural certification (guaranteed organic) with 98% naturally derived ingredients, but it's also completely plant-based. It only has eight ingredients—including Coco-Betaine (derived from coconut oil) to create lavish bubbles and p-Anisic acid (derived from star anise) to gently remove bacteria—and is free of fragrance and other synthetic agents. Many reviewers noted a fresh and clean feeling after using the product and loved that it didn't dry them out or cause irritation.

Who It’s For

If you’re on a budget but still want the cleanest, gentlest product, this is a winning option.

Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, lavender water, and grapefruit seed extract |Size: 5.51 oz | Cruelty Free: Yes

This extra-gentle formula from The Honey Pot Co. is a rich and luxurious foam, dispensed via an easy pump applicator. Dermatologist and gynecologist-approved, it employs cleansing lactic acid to remove dead skin cells and apple cider vinegar to maintain the ideal vaginal pH range of 3.5-4.5. In addition, the inclusion of lavender water and calendula soothe and moisturize, leaving skin soft and hydrated. The only thing we don’t love about it is sometimes the dispenser bump gets stuck.

Who It’s For

Sensitive skin types (or anyone who feels inclined to seek out an ultra-gentle formula for down there) will appreciate this foaming formula that’s free from irritating or harsh ingredients.

Key Ingredients: Aloe, calendula, lavender |Size: 8 oz | Cruelty Free: Yes

If you’re prone to dry skin all over, including your vulva, the last thing you want is a feminine wash that’s going to strip out more moisture. Enter this water-based formula made with a coconut-derived cleanser (cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine) and hydrating organic aloe. Use it daily to relieve odor as well as dryness and discomfort.

Who It’s For

If your skin tends to be dry, this hydrating product provides gentle moisturization that lasts. The product does contain glycerin (which can elevate blood sugar levels) though so if you’re prone to yeast infections, you’d best steer clear.

Key Ingredients: Water, gluconic acid |Size: 32 wipes per pouch | Cruelty Free: Yes

Dr. Shepherd is a fan of feminine wipes, noting that they can help decrease sweat in the external vaginal area (ideal for post-workouts when there’s no time to shower). She likes these, an all-natural option made of a bamboo viscose material with lactic acid for exfoliation and hydration and honeysuckle extract for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The only negative we’ve found is they’re not flushable like some wet wipes.

Who It’s For

We love these wipes as a handy option between showers or any time you’re on the go and want to freshen up.

Key Ingredients: Postbiotics, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil | Size: 5.07 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

TBH, most body washes can be too harsh to use on your most sensitive spots, but not this one. Cora’s The Happy Biome Wash is free from artificial fragrances, parabens (artificial preservatives), sulfates (detergents that can be irritating to skin), or phthalates (solvents that some prefer to avoid). The gentle formula is packed with postbiotics, which help slow down bacterial growth, including lactobacillus, a bacteria naturally found in the vulva and vagina, to encourage a healthy pH and maintain microbiome balance.

Who It’s For

If you suffer from bacterial or yeast infections, this postbiotic-packed wash will help bring your vaginal microbiome back into balance. It does have a natural that isn’t for everyone though.

Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, inulin, vitamins C, E, and F | Size: 8.4 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

The clue is in the name of Luna Daily’s The Everywhere Wash. This gentle, cruelty-free formula was designed for full-body use (the brand's tagline says it best: head, vulva, knees, and toes). Prebiotics lactic acid and inulin, plus a plethora of vitamins, work to support the skin’s natural microbiome, while soothing aloe vera, chamomile extract, and coconut oil add a dose of gentle hydration. Some users didn’t love the smell, but that’s sometimes the effect of a clean product.

Who It’s For

This is a multitasking product that people who want to minimize their shower time will appreciate. Why have a separate feminine wash when you can have one gentle formula that works for the whole body?

FAQ

• What do feminine washes do?

  Once more, they should only be used on the external vulvar area, never inside the vagina; caution both doctors we spoke with. They can, however, be a good way for women who are on the go, busy moms, or those who exercise frequently to help minimize sweat and a general feeling of discomfort, says Dr. Shepherd.

• How often should you use a feminine wash?

  So long as you choose a gentle formula that’s free of potential irritants such as sulfates, dyes, and fragrance, you can use one daily, says Dr. Cross.

• Are feminine washes safe?

  Again, theoretically yes, as long as the above criteria are met and it’s never actually used inside the vagina, says Dr. Shepherd.
  

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