Is It Safe to Use Wipes Down There?

If you’ve got a vagina, you already know that the world of intimate care products is a wild one. Go into any big box store and you’ll find an overwhelming range of pads, tampons, wipes, cleansers, sprays, powders… the list goes on. Some products claim to be organic or safe for sensitive skin, while others are packed with fragrance to “hide odor.” But, all these products can leave you asking: is this even safe to use down there? And when it comes to vaginal wipes, that’s a good question to ask!

Vaginal wipes have become a popular choice for freshening up in between showers, while on your period, or before a spicy encounter. They’re quick, convenient, and easy to pack in an overnight bag–but are they safe? We’re here to discuss just that! Read on to learn about ingredients in vaginal wipes, pH-balancing wipes basics, and whether wipes make our list of best feminine hygiene products.

What are vaginal wipes?

First things first, let’s mention that the term “vaginal wipe” is a bit of a misnomer! This is because you don’t actually wipe your vagina with this product. Instead, what you’re wiping is your vulva. Your vulva is the external genital area that includes the labia and vaginal opening. Your vagina is internal and self-cleaning, meaning it doesn’t need any wiping!

With that in mind, what exactly are vaginal wipes? Vaginal wipes, also called feminine wipes, are disposable moist towelettes made to clean and refresh your genital area. While they’re similar to other wet wipes, vaginal wipes can be specially formulated to gently clean without irritating your skin or disrupting your body’s pH balance.

But, not all vaginal wipes are created equal! Wipes can be scented or unscented, have different cleansing ingredients, or contain harsh chemicals. Your vulvar skin is extra sensitive and highly permeable–meaning choosing a skin-safe vaginal wipe is essential.

Are vaginal wipes safe?

Your vulva is your first line of defense that protects your genital tract from pesky infections and uncomfortable symptoms (1). That’s why it’s important to make sure your cleaning methods support your vulva health–not harm it!

So, are vaginal wipes safe? That depends on:

• The type of wipe you use, and
• How often you use them

You should never attempt to “clean” inside your vagina with a douche or similar product. But, it’s recommended that you gently clean your vulvar skin once daily–or maximum twice daily–with a mild, pH-balanced cleanser (2). The best way to clean your vulva is in the shower with a gentle soap that doesn’t have artificial scents, dyes, or harsh cleansers. But, when taking a shower isn’t an option, vaginal wipes can come in handy!

What are the best feminine wipes?

Vaginal wipes can be a safe way to clean your vulvar skin if they are properly designed and tested for intimate skin. We still have a lot to learn about the vulva’s microbiome, but we do know that keeping vulvar bacteria balanced is essential to our genital health. So, it’s important to choose pH-balancing wipes that don’t disrupt your microbiome!

When looking for vaginal wipes, consider ones that are (1):

• Hypoallergenic
• pH-friendly
• Irritant-free
• Fragrance-free

Finding a vaginal wipe that checks all those boxes is exciting, but don’t get carried away! Cleaning your vulva too often can cause dryness and irritation, even if it’s a vulva-safe product. Your genital skin is extremely sensitive and only needs cleaning once a day (1). Feeling dry? Vulva Coco Cream can help restore lost moisture 🥰

Best feminine wipes for odor

Intimate care and hygiene preferences are different for everyone, but they are often influenced by culture and general societal expectations. So, before we talk about anything else, let’s say something loud and clear: vaginas are supposed to have a smell!

The only vaginal smells you should be concerned about is a strong fishy odor or a sweet, bread-like odor. A fishy smell can be a sign of a bacterial vaginosis infection, along with grayish discharge and discomfort (3). A bread-like smell and white, clumpy discharge can mean you have a yeast infection.

Worried about any other odors? Don’t be! It probably just smells like a vagina. Using vaginal wipes can help keep you feeling fresh and clean between showers, but will not–and should not–radically change your natural odor.

Ingredients in ph-balancing wipes

There are all kinds of vaginal wipes out there, each with its own list of ingredients—some good, and some not-so-good. Case in point: recent studies have found that feminine hygiene products contain a whole bunch of harmful chemicals, even the ones labeled as “natural,” “organic,” or “for sensitive skin” (4).

So, it’s important to be super picky about your intimate care products—including vaginal wipes! Look for wipes that are dermatologist- or gynecologist-approved, contain natural extracts, and are pH-balancing. But, what does pH balancing really mean?

The good bacteria in your vagina create lactic acid, which makes your vagina acidic and helps protect you from infection (5). Similar to your vagina, your vulva also has an acidic pH. And, your vulva’s acidity can be thrown off by sweat, vaginal discharge, your period, and, you guessed it, feminine hygiene products (1).

You can help keep your vulva healthy and acidic by using pH-balancing wipes. These vaginal wipes often contain lactic acid, the same acid produced in your vaginal microbiome that helps protect against infection (1).

When should you use vaginal wipes?

International guidelines recommend gently cleansing your vulva daily while showering to support intimate hygiene and health (4). But, there are plenty of reasons you might want a little clean-up during the day to keep yourself feeling fresh! pH-balancing wipes can be a practical addition to your hygiene routine in certain situations, including:

• During your period: You can use vaginal wipes to clean up any dried blood during your period, especially if you’re experiencing a heavy flow.
• After exercising: No time for a shower after your workout? Vaginal wipes let you clean sweat from your intimate area and stay fresh–just bring a change of underwear!
• While traveling: Whether it’s an overnight flight or a stopless road trip, wipes can clean you up without slowing you down.
• Before or after sex: Clean up before getting dirty, or the other way around! Vaginal wipes can help you feel clean and confident.
• When showering isn’t an option: Maybe you’re camping or maybe the hot water’s run out. Either way, pH-balancing wipes can give you a just-showered feeling.

In the end, when you use vaginal wipes is up to you! Just avoid overuse, keep cleaning external, and be gentle with your skin to avoid irritation.

Best feminine hygiene products

So, do vaginal wipes make our list of the best feminine hygiene products? Like all truthful and unsatisfying answers: it depends! As we’ve mentioned, there are a lot of not-great feminine hygiene products out there. But, vaginal wipes can be a safe addition to your cleaning routine if they’re pH-balancing and free from chemical nasties. Selecting the best vaginal wipe can seem overwhelming, but taking care of your vulva and intimate health is oh-so worth it.

And if you’re looking to take the guesswork out of your intimate care products? Wisp has got your back–from vulva moisturizers to vaginal dryness treatments to pH-balancing cleaners and more. We’re here to make sure your vagina stays healthy, happy, and balanced.