If You Use Soap To Clean Your Vulva, Make Sure It's Mild And Fragrance-Free

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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.

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.

Ultra Sensitive Dry Skin Soothing Care

This is one that Dr. Schlosser says is so gentle you could use it on skin as delicate your eyelid—which makes it ideal for the vulva. (Btw: If you wouldn't put it on your face, it shouldn't be anywhere near the skin around your vagina.) This cleanser is preservative-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free, which will both sooth vulvar irritation and keep it from reoccurring.

Sensitive Skin Bar

Because of the soothing and moisturizing effects of chamomile and aloe vera, both of which are packed into this bar, it's always on her list of recommendations for vulvar soaps, says Lauren Streicher, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University.

Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Soap

Dr. Ross is also a fan of this hypoallergenic bar, which, she says, is "gentle for the vulva." It washes off without residue, leaving skin feeling soft and moisturized.

Cleansing Bar

This cream-based cleanser is packing all the moisture that sensitive skin is begging for. And, even for those whose vulvae aren't particularly reactive to irritants, Dr. Streicher says this hypoallergenic option will make sure they stay that way.

pH Balancing Wipes

These wipes are a great option because they provide safe external personal hygiene without disrupting the vagina's natural pH levels.

Gentle Cleansing Bar

You won't find any harsh ingredients in this Dr. Streicher rec. Cetaphil promises not to strip the skin of moisture and keep it feeling nourished all-day-long thanks to the fact that it's soap and detergent-free.

But if you're especially sensitive, Dr. Schlosser says to keep in mind that unscented doesn't mean fragrance-free, meaning this bar still has perfume that masks the smell of its ingredients, which could be an irritant.

Gentle Moisturizing Bar Cleanser

This pick's biggest highlight, according to Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn in Santa Monica and author of She-ology, is the fact that it's fragrance-free. It won't irritate the skin with unnecessary perfumes.

Soapless Lipid-Free Cleanser

Aquanil bills itself as a "hydrating lotion" that can be used with or without water. It's oil-free, soap-free, and fragrance-free which makes it an prime pick by ob-gyns, says Dr. Streicher.

Hydrating Cleansing Bar Soap

This cleanser is made with ceramides "which is part of the 'glue' that sticks the cells together in terms of promoting a natural barrier function," says Dr. Schlosser. The super-gentle ingredients reinforce and shield the vulvar area's skin to keep it healthy.

Gentle Skin Cleanser

If a pump works better with your shower situation, this cleanser, like the bar, has "been shown on skin to not exacerbate or create problems" for the vulva, according to Dr. Streicher.

Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser

This cleanser is one that Dr. Ross says you can "confidently use for feminine hygiene" since it's still gentle enough for your face. While it may not be as mild as the ultra-sensitive Eucerin pick above, it's still a great choice since it's fragrance- and soap-free.

Feminine Wet Wipes

A shower is always better than a wipe, but if you're in a pinch, these are a good bet for freshening up safely. Dr. Shepherd recommends these wipes, as they’re pH-balanced and unscented, which means they’re less likely to cause any irritation if you have sensitive skin.

Liquid Skin Care Solution

Although this product is not specifically marketed as a vagina soap, women can use this solution to prevent ingrown hairs on the bikini line, says Michael Green, MD, an ob-gyn at Winona, an anti-aging wellness center. It contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation.

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