Is Vagina Skin Care A Scam?

Experts have long agreed that there are two kinds of douches to avoid in this world: the ones shotgunning Natty Light and the ones with pretty flowers on the box. The reason behind the latter is simply because the human vagina has been described as a self-cleaning organ, so you needn't flush it out with fancy floral scents to keep it healthy.

Why is it, then, that the beauty market of late has seen such a prominent spike in skin-care products made specifically for your vagina — or, if we're being anatomically correct, the vulva (since the vagina is all internal) — each with varying grand claims? It's no longer only about keeping your nether regions “fresh” or eliminating odor, as promised by ye old faithful douche, but also smoothing the skin, increasing sexual pleasure, and improving elasticity. Most are marketed under the guise of “intimate care,” and yet, nearly all promises are surface-level.

Take, for example, the Plum Vaginal Moisturizing Serum, featuring a “proprietary peptide complex” intended for the surrounding skin to combat dryness, or the Medicine Mama Vulva Balm, one of which its PR rep claims sells every two minutes. Then there are the many whole body deodorants deemed safe for the vulva and tools like Halle Berry's own Respin x Joylux vFit Plus Red Light Intimate Wellness Device, a “red light therapy for your v” meant to deliver “a feeling of tightness from the comfort of your own home,” per the press release. You may have even seen “vajacials” trending on TikTok, in which the skin down there gets the full facial treatment including steam, extractions, serums, and more.

The message is loud and clear — vagina skin care is very much in — but does your hoo-ha really need its own 3-step routine, or is it all one big scam?

Experts Featured in This Article

Maria Canter, MD, FPMRS, FACOG, MSC, is a board-certified urogynecologist based in Virginia, and one of the first surgeons in the country to be certified in both gynecology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

Kameelah Phillips, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn and the founder of Calla Women's Health.

Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified gynecologist, author of “The Complete A to Z for your V,” and chief medical officer for Bonafide Health.

Does Your Vagina Really Need Skin Care?

When it comes to curating a skin-care routine for your nether regions, there's a consensus among experts: don't. “I recommend that people actually leave their vulva and vaginal area alone to maintain good health,” ob-gyn Kameelah Phillips, MD, previously told PS. Gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, MD, agrees, cautioning against using too many products. This is especially true for those with fragrances that can cause irritation to delicate vaginal or vulvar skin. “A healthy vagina has a diverse microbiome, with plenty of lactobaccili to keep itself pH-balanced,” Dr. Dweck says.

Then there are the cleansing wipes and feminine washes, which sprinkle words like “antiseptic,” “gentle,” and “low pH” onto the bottles to make them sound safer. But are they, really?

In a word: sometimes — but you definitely don't need one. In fact, you don't need anything but a splash of water to keep it clean. “Patients are worried about odor or infection,” says urogynecologist Maria Canter, MD, says. “They don't want to feel embarrassed about how they smell. But you only need to wash the outside of your vagina with water, and you do not need to wash the inside at all.”

On the contrary, using a feminine body wash may actually be harmful to your health. That's because it throws off your vulva's good and bad bacteria that live together harmoniously to make a healthy environment. “This good bacteria (called flora) protects against infection,” she says. “Washes are not recommended because they can disrupt this balance, throw off your pH levels, and even push some of the bacteria further into your vagina. That can then compromise the immune system and cause an infection.”

Should you be a glutton for punishment, or just really, really, really want to wash up down there, scan the ingredients list on a product for any red flags beforehand. “Make sure it does not contain harmful chemicals like alcohol, that will potentially irritate your vagina,” Dr. Canter says. “Also it should be pH balanced so it won't disrupt the flora in your vagina.”

Dr. Phillips echoes this sentiment and recommends only using sudsers on the hair-bearing area. “Less is more when it comes to vulva and vaginal care,” she says.

If you're experiencing vaginal dryness, Dr. Dweck says you could consider investing in a high-quality vaginal moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, since it's naturally occurring in the body but declines with age. Before you do, or if you have already incorporated one into your routine and something seems off, consult your gynecologist.

Otherwise, practice good hygiene, use protection, and for the love of 1989 douche commercials, save your money on vulva skin care unless deemed necessary by a professional.

Kelsey Castañon (she/her) is ASME-nominated writer, editor, and content strategist with enough years of experience to warrant a retinol prescription. She is currently the senior content director at PS, where you can find her stockpiling (and reporting on) everything from skin care to wine.