This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Many women across the globe are still keeping up with beauty standards that tell them they must smell a certain way down there. And companies are profiting off the struggles women and others face regarding their natural bodily functions to purchase products that make them smell fruity or flowery. A lot of women and girls use body washes and other fragrant cleansing products, like hand soaps, to clean down there. While society may continue to tell women they should smell like flowers or fruits down there, soaps or body washes should not be used on the vulva or intimate area. These products are detrimental to our feminine hygiene and health. It's essential to use a separate wash made for vulvas, as it's the outer part of the female genitalia that needs proper cleansing.
If you are wondering whether you need a separate wash for your vulva, the answer is yes! Keep reading to find out exactly why we need our own vulvar wash.
Reasons to use vulvar wash
The vagina, the interior part, does not need to be washed because it can clean itself through vaginal discharge. Your vulvar, the external part of the female genitalia, must be cleansed properly. Because the vulva is more exposed to dirt and can become sweaty due to hair follicles. Remember that the skin in our intimate areas is far more sensitive than the rest of our bodies and demands special care. So, avoiding using body soaps and cleansers with harsh chemicals is best to keep the vulvar region healthy.
Body washes or soaps can irritate the vulva. If the products enter the vaginal canal, it can disrupt the pH balance and lead to infections. They can also cause the vagina to smell when the pH balance is raised causing the bad bacteria to overtake the good ones. The good news is that feminine washes are available online and in-store to cleanse the vulva without irritation. So, if you want to keep your vulvar region healthy, it's vital to use a separate wash designed for this area. Keep in mind that vulvar washes can be used on the body, but even the best body washes cannot be used to clean the vulva. That is because these vulvar washes contain natural ingredients without harsh chemicals that will not irritate the rest of the body.
Confused about which Kushae product to try first? Take the Kushae quiz to find a personalized product selection.
What to look for in a vulvar wash & what to avoid
When purchasing a vulvar wash, look for washes made with natural, pH-balanced, and hydrating ingredients. Avoid all vulvar washes with parabens, fragrances, sulfates (i.e., SLS), glycerin, alcohol, artificial colors, or dyes.
- Parabens can disrupt hormones in the body (which can harm fertility) and increase cancer risk.
- Sulfates – including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) – can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially for people with sensitive skin. And warm water makes it worse.
- Glycerin is sugar-based and can cause yeast infections.
- Alcohol can disrupt your skin's barrier resulting in redness and inflamed skin – especially for sensitive skin.
- FD&C (Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics) artificial colors and dyes can contain toxins and contaminants like lead and arsenic.
The Kushae Recommendation
When your lady parts smell not-so-fresh, that’s not on you. That’s on your pH balance. As we sweat, the pH of our skin rises, causing bacteria on our skin to multiply. And odors start to rise. You can feel naturally moisturized and fresh with our Gentle 2-N-1 Foaming Wash. Created by an OB/GYN, our gentle feminine wash leverages naturally mineral-rich Montmorillonite clay (from western France) to create perfect pH harmony, reduce odors, dissolve bacteria, and immobilize yeast where you need it most. You can use this luxurious wash to gently cleanse and moisturize your vulva, armpits, and body — and the foam is perfect for shaving your armpits, privates, and legs!
Made with gentle and natural ingredients, our gentle 2-n-1 foaming wash and refills are perfect for your whole body, not just your ‘Kushae’! Check it out here: https://www.kushae.com/products/gentle-2-n-1-foaming-wash.
