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The 13 Best Soaps For Your Vagina And Vulva, According To Gynos
Stay fresh, clean, and irritation-free.
For the record, the vagina cleans itself and has a natural smell. You do not need to use "feminine hygiene" products or practices like douching or steaming to take care of it (they may actually do more harm than good!). It is, however, acceptable to keep your down there fresh with vaginal soap, which are specifically formulated to protect the sensitive skin in this area.
You do not want to actually go inside the vagina to clean it, as that can seriously mess with your natural pH levels. Instead, focus on the vulva, the sensitive skin around the vagina that makes up the clitoris, labia, the opening to the urethra, and the vaginal opening.
"The tissues [there] are a little bit different," says Bethanee Schlosser, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University. "It is more fragile in terms of irritant potential, developing allergies, and physical trauma because the skin is not as 'thick,' so to speak, as external skin."
That means that in terms of the best soaps for your vagina area, it's important to keep in mind the products you use in this area can get into the opening of the vagina, which needs to maintain a certain pH balance to be healthy, says Jessica Shepherd, MD, an ob-gyn in Dallas. “A normal vaginal pH is usually less than 4.5 on the pH scale, meaning it is an acidic environment." Maintaining that normal vaginal pH prevents the overgrowth of bacteria and yeast that can cause an infection, adds Jodie Horton, MD, an ob-gyn in Oakton, Virginia, and the chief wellness advisor for Love Wellness.
Okay, so what is the best way to clean your vagina? Do you need vagina soap? You really only need to do a thorough rinse with warm water. However, if you are feeling like you need a little something extra, there are some vaginal soaps you can use.
Our Experts′ Top Picks
A mild cleanser is generally best, and you don't really need something that claims to balance your pH. While soap can throw off your healthy vaginal pH, it can't fix an unhealthy one. But if you use something mild, like the options below, and avoid going inside your vag while cleaning, you shouldn't have any issues. And definitely don't grab anything that claims to be exfoliating (ouch!). Also important: Skip the rough washcloths and loofahs—your hands are the only tools you need to clean your vulva, says Dr. Schlosser.
Not sure which vaginal soap is best for you? Here are 13 ob-gyn- and dermatologist-approved cleansers, soaps, and wipes that will not irritate your nether region.
Meet the experts: Bethanee Schlosser, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University. Jessica Shepherd, MD, is an ob-gyn in Dallas. Jodie Horton, MD, is an ob-gyn in Oakton, Virginia, and the chief wellness advisor for Love Wellness.
Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. In addition to Runner's World, she has contributed health, fitness and wellness content to Women's Health, SELF, Prevention, Healthline, and the Houston Chronicle, among other publications. She is also an 11-time marathoner, a USATF Level 1-certified running coach, and an avid traveler.
Ashley Martens is a Wellness Writer based in Chicago, Illinois. With a digital marketing background and her knowledge of general nutrition and a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley covers topics that can help people live happier and healthier lives.
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