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The 5 Best Feminine Washes Recommended by Gynecologists
OB-GYNs weigh in on how to treat odor, itching, and more.
Byrdie
Sometimes, you need to freshen up down there—it’s natural and nothing a feminine wash can’t handle. Feminine washes clean the vulva (the external area of the vagina) and are good at removing debris and sweat, such as any vaginal discharge around the labia minora, clitoral hood, or in pubic hair, says Dr. Tamika Cross, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in Houston, Texas.
But remember: feminine washes are only for external use. Never use them inside the vagina, which naturally cleans itself through discharge and different types of organisms (yeast and bacteria), explains Dr. Heather Irobunda, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in New York City. Douching—aka cleansing inside your vagina—or overusing washes can upset this balance, leading to irritation or infection, she cautions. If you choose to use one, experts recommend opting for fragrance-free formulas with minimal ingredients to minimize the risk of irritation.
To help you find the best options, we researched top-rated feminine washes and consulted board-certified gynecologists to bring you these expert-approved picks.
Top Picks
SweetSpot Labs Microbiome Balancing Full Body Cleanser at Amazon$20
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Rael Natural Foaming Feminine Wash at Amazon$19$15
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The Honey Pot Company Sensitive Foaming Wash at Amazon$20
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Good Clean Love Balance Moisturizing Wash at Amazon$13$10
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Luna Daily The Everywhere Wash at Amazon$19
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Best Overall
SweetSpot Labs Microbiome Balancing Full Body Cleanser
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Can be used all over the body
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Fragrance-free formula
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pH balanced
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Could lather better
Key Ingredients: Antimicrobial peptides, green tea seed, leaf extract| Size: 8 oz | Cruelty Free: Yes
Both Dr. Cross and Dr. Jessica Shepherd, M.D., a Chicago-based OB/GYN, 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.
Best Budget
Rael Natural Foaming Feminine Wash
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Under $20
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Formulated with plant-based ingredients
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Certified natural and organic
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Small bottle
Key Ingredients: Coco-betaine, p-Anisic acid | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty Free: Yes
If you only trust something 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.
Best for Sensitive Skin
The Honey Pot Company Sensitive Foaming Wash
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pH balanced and doesn’t cause irritation
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Foams nicely
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Easy to dispense
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Bottle pump can jam easily
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 soothes and moisturizes, leaving skin soft and hydrated. The only thing we don’t love about it is sometimes the dispenser bump gets stuck.
Best for pH Balancing
Good Clean Love Balance Moisturizing Wash
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Lowers pH balance to optimal range for healthy bacteria to thrive
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Gynecologist-recommended formula
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pH balancing
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Contains glycerin, which is important to avoid if prone to yeast infections
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. The product does contain glycerin (which can elevate blood sugar levels), however, so if you’re prone to yeast infections, you’d best steer clear.
Best Multitasking
Luna Daily The Everywhere Wash
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Great for head-to-toe cleansing
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Vegan and cruelty-free
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Microbiome and pH balancing
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Some reviewers didn’t like the scent
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.
What to Look for in a Feminine Wash
- pH Balanced: The vagina and vulva have a natural pH of between 3.8 and five, and a good feminine wash will help maintain that range. “Using products that have the wrong pH, especially in your vaginal area, can lead to yeast infections and/or irritation,” says Dr. Shepherd.
- Fragrance-Free: Both doctors we spoke with cite this as the most important criterion, given that fragrance is one of the most common irritants.
- Minimal Ingredients: As we mentioned above, our experts stress that the fewer ingredients a feminine wash has, the better. Since your vagina already maintains itself and has a delicate pH balance, if you’re going to clean your vagina, you want to introduce as few new agents as possible (and it’s best if they’re all natural).
Meet Our Experts
Team Byrdie met with the following experts to better inform this story:
- Dr. Jessica Shepherd is an OB-GYN at the University of Illinois at Chicago and chief medical officer of Verywell Health.
- Dr. Heather Irobunda is an OB-GYN in New York City.
- Dr. Tamika Cross is an OB-GYN in Houston.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While she doesn’t use feminine washes, she does occasionally reach for feminine wipes after a workout or to freshen up on the go.
Byrdiebeauty and wellness contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in November 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list of the best feminine washes.
Shauna Beni-Haynes
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-feminine-washes-11799386
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