3 Common Myths & Misconceptions About Feminine Washes – Debunked!

For far too long, there has been plenty of debate, confusion, and awkwardness surrounding women's intimate care. 

The topic on feminine washes, in particular, has been shrouded in mystery. If you’ve ever wondered ‘Should I wash myself down there?’ or “Can I use the same body soap on my intimate area?”, fret not: you are not alone. Many ladies have asked themselves the same questions – but to no avail.

So to set the record straight on what’s really going on down there, here are three common myths and misconceptions about feminine washes – debunked!

#1 Washing your intimate area is bad for you

Just like the rest of your body, it is important to keep your intimate area clean and fresh. But where and how to clean it is the tricky bit.

In case you didn’t know, the vagina and vulva are not the same. The vagina is the internal part of the female genitals. As it cleans itself from the inside out, you do not have to wash it. In fact, douching (cleaning the inside of the vagina) can be harmful as it disrupts the vagina’s delicate microbiome.

The vulva, on the other hand, is the external area of the female genital region. As it is regularly exposed to sweat and menstrual blood, it is safe to cleanse the area with lukewarm water or feminine washes that are specially formulated to be safe and gentle for the intimate area. Avoid perfumed products such as shower gels and soaps.

#2 Feminine washes can disrupt your pH balance

The natural pH of your intimate area is slightly acidic, ranging between 3.8 to 4.5. Soaps, however, are very alkaline, which can spell trouble for your body’s pH balance.

Products that change your vagina’s pH balance can be harmful as they can alter bacteria levels, leading to irritation or infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV). That’s why it is very important to look for feminine washes that are kind to your intimate skin.

#3 All feminine hygiene products are formulated the same

Be it washes, wipes, or even sprays, not all feminine products are created equally! Despite their claims, some products can do more harm than good to your intimate area. That’s because some of them contain perfume, alcohol, and other synthetic fragrances that can dry out and irritate the sensitive vulva.

Always proceed with caution when it comes to choosing how to treat your delicate intimate area. As mentioned above, look for mild feminine products that are specially formulated for your intimate area – ideally, they should be pH balanced, hypoallergenic, and gynaecologist-tested.

Now that you’re caught up on the myths and misconceptions surrounding feminine washes, you may be asking yourself: “So what should I use for my intimate area?”

Photo from Vagisil®

You can never go wrong with Vagisil®, a tried, tested, and trusted name with over 50 years of experience in women’s intimate care. Made by women for women, Vagisil's range of intimate washes is specially formulated to provide the safest and gentlest care. Not only are they tested by gynaecologists and dermatologists, these intimate washes are also soap-free, hypoallergenic and most importantly, pH balanced.

Photo from Vagisil®

Vagisil® pH Balance Daily Intimate Wash

The results speak for themselves. After being tested by judges and GirlStyle editors, the Vagisil® pH Balance Daily Intimate Wash was voted Favourite Intimate Wash at the 2023 GirlStyle Beauty Awards! 

Not only does it do a fine job of keeping us fresh and clean down there, it is also formulated with LactoPrebiotic™. This combination of lactic acid and prebiotics helps to maintain pH levels and the good bacteria known as Lactobacillus in your intimate area, and also prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria.

Because no two women are alike, Vagisil® has developed a range of various feminine washes that are formulated to suit your different needs and moods. 

Photo from Vagisil®

Vagisil® Ultra Fresh Daily Intimate Wash

Feeling self-conscious about how you smell down there? Instead of using scented soaps which can irritate your skin, opt for Vagisil® Ultra Fresh Daily Intimate Wash instead. Its patented Odour Control Technology offers triple odour protection to deodorise your intimate area and keep it smelling fresh and clean for up to 24 hours. 

Photo from Vagisil®

Vagisil® Sensitive Intimate Wash

Ultra sensitive skin needs extra TLC, in the form of the Vagisil® Sensitive Feminine Wash. Its non-irritating formula does not contain any sulphates, parabens, soaps or dyes, and has been clinically tested by gynaecologists and dermatologists to gently cleanse and protect even the most sensitive skin.

Photo from Vagisil®

Vagisil® Scentsitive Scents Daily Intimate Wash

Normally, we’d tell you to avoid any scented feminine washes but with Vagisil®, you don’t have to choose between sweet fragrances or your sensitive skin. The Scentsitive Scents Daily Intimate Washes range is formulated to smell beautifully and still be gentle enough on your delicate intimate area. It is free from dyes, parabens or MIT preservatives and comes in four divine scents: White Jasmine, Peach Blossom, Cucumber Magnolia, and Spring Lilac.

Photo from Vagisil®

Vagisil® Soothing Oatmeal Cream

Waxing, shaving or wearing tight underwear can cause irritation around your intimate area. For uncomfortable situations like these, the Soothing Oatmeal Cream provides fast relief. Specially formulated for sensitive, troubled skin, it contains natural oatmeal as a hydrating emollient. Simply apply a small amount to the affected area as and when needed; you quickly feel soothing relief against dryness, irritation or itching.

Photo from Vagisil®

Vagisil® Medicated Crème

Intense itching or burning around your intimate area happens – there’s no need to feel embarrassed about it. Whether it’s due to stress, perspiration, pH imbalance or medication, Vagisil® Medicated Crème can help. It contains 2% lidocaine, a local anaesthetic to help relieve painful and irritable sensations. What’s more, the crème also forms a protective barrier around your delicate skin to prevent future irritations for long-lasting comfort.

Photo from Vagisil®

Prohydrate External Hydrating Gel

Just like the skin on your face, your intimate area needs a moisturiser too. For those of you feeling dryness in the vulvar region, the Prohydrate External Hydrating Gel is exactly what you need. It contains ProHydrate® Complex, a unique blend of moisturisers such as hyaluronic acid that mimics a woman’s natural moisture. With regular use, you’ll notice the skin in your intimate region feeling softer, more supple and hydrated.

Special promo for GirlStyle readers!

It’s time to take the first step towards a healthy intimate area. Shop Vagisil® Intimate Washes here and check out with the exclusive code <GIRLSTYLE30> to get 30% off your first purchase! 

Vagisil® Intimate Care products  range from $17.05 to $19.10, and are available at Watsons, Guardian, Unity, NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage and Sheng Siong stores, and online at Vagisil.com.sg, Shopee, Lazada, redmart and ShopCorlison.com.

This post is brought to you by Vagisil.