For how far will the realm of cosmetics expand? At some point, feminine wash had begun appearing over the counter.

Recently, men's intimate wash has been emerging as well.

The feminine wash is said to not only wash off germs but also has other functionalities. Is this true?

 

CARD 1. Feminine wash = a product for washing the vulva

The feminine wash is defined as a “product for washing the vulva.”

In other words, it is a general cosmetic and used as a cleanser for maintaining the hygiene of vulva.

The vagina is a reproductive organ that connects the womb to the outside and consists of mucus membranes. The external part that contacts the underpants is referred to as the vulva.

 

CARD 2. Different from a vaginal wash

The feminine wash we often use is for washing the vulvar area, not inner vagina.

Hence, don’t get confused with a vaginal wash that doctors prescribe for treating vaginal infection and cleansing.

 

CARD 3. Stress and weak immunity bring gynecological diseases

The vagina maintains a pH of 4.5-5.5 itself for preserving a normal system. But stress and weaker immunity bring pH imbalance, causing gynecological diseases due to bacteria or viruses.

Besides, taking antibiotics to treat vaginitis caused by using alkaline soap/body wash and synthetic sanitary pads, is pointed out as a threat of destroying the inner vaginal environment.

 

CARD 4. Flooding of Feminine Wash

As women’s vaginal health has become an issue, cosmetic companies began manufacturing feminine wash.

In common, those companies advertise their products as being beneficial for keeping the pH balance of the vagina, managing subacidity, improving skin elasticity, moisturizing skin, removing unpleasant odor, and providing refreshing scents as if they are medicines for vaginal health.

 

CARD 5. Feminine wash isn’t a medicine.

However, feminine wash provides benefits no more than cleansing the areas in contact with underpants.

Moreover, even if there are beneficial ingredients in the product, it needs to be washed off completely anyways, indicating not only minimal effects but also possible dangers.

 

CARD 6. Vulvar skin absorption = forearm skin absorption x 6

Generally, if the absorption rate of chemical substances in forearm skin is 1, then that of the reproductive area is about 42.

Especially the vulva is usually covered by panties and surrounded by a damp environment, resulting in a higher absorption rate.

According to a study on the structure and absorption of vulvar skin, the absorption rate of vulvar skin was 6 times higher than that of forearm skin after applying a steroid substance.

This strongly suggests a warning regarding on vulvar skin absorption.

 

CARD 7. Feminine wash is nothing more than a general cosmetic

The over-the-counter feminine wash products contain substances such as purified water as a base, glycerin, natural ingredients, fragrant materials, menthol, etc.

Mostly, manufacturers of feminine wash use nature-derived surfactants and advertise their products as if they are harmless. However, natural ingredients are combined via chemical processes.

Hence, they are not natural cosmetics anymore.

 

CARD 8. Companies lie that their products have functionalities

Besides, companies persuade people that their subacidic products mild on skin protect the pH balance of the vagina; however, those are only for cleansing and cannot function inside the vagina.

Undoubtedly, listening to the companies' claims that the feminine wash helps vulvar skin elasticity and moisturization is meaningless.

 

CARD 9. Need for accurate standards for feminine wash

Besides, I want to ask why companies apply the results from clinical tests on general skin to feminine wash, given the score of 0.000 from dermal safety testing or primary skin irritation test.

Lastly, let's skip the discussion on the "fresh scents" provided by the women's cleanser since you must be aware of the harmfulness of fragrances, whether it is natural or artificial extracted.

 

CARD 10. Easy Tips for Healthy Vagina!

To sum up, not only feminine wash lacks evidence for preventing gynecological diseases, but also using it too much can make the vagina dry and unhealthy.

To protect the sensitive zone, it’s wise to follow some tips: wash with running water, wear cotton panties, avoid wearing tight clothes, and air dry after washing with water.