What are feminine wipes? 

Feminine wet wipes (aka vaginal wipes or intimate wipes) are wipes designed specifically for vaginal care. Feminine wipes usually contain more moisture than other wet wipes, as they are supposed to clean the vulva when we cannot wash it. 

Feminine wet wipes tend to be fragrance-free, as fragrances often cause allergies, but, of course, some manufacturers add fragrances anyway. Some feminine wipes contain ingredients like aloe vera or witch hazel, providing a soothing effect.

When should I use feminine wipes?

In some cases, toilet paper is not enough and you need extra cleaning, like after sweating at the gym, during menstruation, or for excessive discharge.

Some feminine wet wipes are also said to help with irritation and odor, however, a slight vaginal odor is typical, everyone has it. If you notice a difference in vaginal odor, it becomes strong or frequent – no feminine wipe will solve the problem. These changes can be caused by an imbalance in the microbiome, potentially, by bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection. In this case, it is recommended to see your gynecologist and work on restoring microbial balance. 

Pros and cons of feminine wipes

One of the most important advantages of feminine wipes is their convenience and availability. 

However, if you are using them frequently, it’s worth paying attention to their disadvantages too. Just like any wet wipes, feminine wipes contain chemicals, which help them avoid contamination and have a longer shelf life. 

Many intimate wipes are made of synthetic materials. A side effect of using polyester fibers is irritation, sensitivity, inflammation of the vulva, and chafing around the vulva, anus, and between the buttocks. It is the result of frequent skin rubbing against skin or irritating fabric especially mixed with moisture. 

While rubbing your skin with polyester wipes you perform physical exfoliation which can cause sore feeling and pain on already damaged skin. When we exfoliate this area, we make the microbiome more exposed and vulnerable to infections from fecal particles too. 

Some use feminine wet wipes on the face for makeup removal. But wipes don’t clean the skin as thoroughly as a facial cleanser or even water. Feminine wet wipes will leave behind parts of makeup and oil which will lead to clogged pores and irritation. Moreover, just like on the rest of the body, you mechanically exfoliate your face skin with a synthetic material. And, please, do not use makeup wipes on private parts. They may have chemicals that should not be used on your intimate area.

Ingredients of feminine wipes 

Feminine wet wipes have active ingredients, which perform tasks they are designed for, like soothing and gentle cleaning. There are also inactive ingredients, added to keep intimate wipes moistened, protect them from bacterial contamination, and make them smell better. Let’s look at these ingredients.

First of all, the tissue of vaginal wipes. Many brands claim to use natural materials, like cotton. But 90% of mainstream wet wipes are still made with some form of plastic woven together with cotton. 

Let’s look at the ingredients in vaginal wipes that you should avoid.

Glycerin included in feminine wipes can be made of natural or synthetic ingredients, it is used to attract and keep moisture on the skin. The concern about excessive glycerin is that it is pretty much sugar, and using feminine wipes with this ingredient, you apply it directly to the vaginal area. Why is it bad? Because yeast, naturally present in the vagina, feeds from sugar in glycerin, which leads to yeast overgrowth. And yeast overgrowth will throw off your vagina’s pH and promote yeast infections. By the way, in WipeGel we use propanediol, a microbiome-friendly alternative to glycerin. 30% of witch hazel in WipeGel has zero alcohol. Witch hazel will not kill yeast, but it will promote acidic environment of the skin around the vulva, in which it is difficult for yeast to survive.

Fragrances, which are sometimes included in feminine wipes, can cause allergic skin reactions. Results of a chemical analysis of twenty brands of wet wipes published in 2015 revealed that 95% of wipes tested contained fragrance allergens. And you cannot check what chemicals are included in the fragrance in your feminine wipes by looking at the packaging, as most fragrance ingredients are not disclosed to consumers. 

Preservatives are used in feminine wet wipes to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Many people get allergic skin reactions to preservatives. In most cases, you won’t see any allergic reaction right away, but you may notice some symptoms (burning, stinging, itching, redness) in 12 to 72 hours after exposure or with continuous use. When you use feminine wipes, their ingredients, including preservatives, stay behind on your skin every time you wipe, affecting your skin flora. 

You might want to avoid the following categories of preservatives: 

• parabens:
  • Methylparaben,
  • Ethylparaben,
  • Propylparaben,
  • Butylparaben (or just look for anything ending in -paraben),
  • Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate),
  • Methyl-parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzate),
  • Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate),
  • Propyl-parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate),
  • Butyl-parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate),
  • Parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate).
• formaldehyde-releasers;
  • Formalin,
  • Methanal,
  • Methyl aldehyde,
  • Methylene oxide,
  • Morbicid acid,
  • Oxymethylene.
• isothiazolinones:
  • Kathon®,
  • Kathon CG®,
  • Kathon 886®,
  • Methylisothiazolinone (MI),
  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). 

Octoxynol-9 is a potent contraceptive drug that effectively kills sperm. Feminine wipes containing octoxynol-9 are not considered contraceptives and are not required to have any caution labeling to their potential effect on a woman’s fertility. The use of octoxynol-9 in spermicides has been associated with genital irritation and increased vaginal discharge.  

And here are ingredients that can be beneficial. They are often included in so called “medicated” wipes.

Witch hazel is one of the frequent ingredients in feminine wipes. It is a botanical astringent from the plant Hamamelis virginiana. Witch hazel reduces swelling, fights against harmful bacteria, repairs broken or torn skin, and relieves discomfort, itching, and burning. As it is such a multifunctional ingredient, witch hazel is often added to wet wipes for hemorrhoidal care too.

Aloe vera is another active ingredient often present in feminine wipes. Both aloe vera and witch hazel fight against the growth of candida causing yeast infections. They contain cleansing, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties helping to resist the attacks of harmful bacteria. 

The list of botanical ingredients in feminine wipes often includes: 

• chamomile to soothe and calm; 
• camellia sinensis leaf to gently cleanse and moisturize; 
• grapefruit extract to remove the unwanted odor. It is also used as a mild preservative;
• green tea to reduce redness and irritation; 
• pomegranate extract to rejuvenate and refresh the skin; 
• vitamin E to moisturize sensitive skin and prevent dryness and irritation; 
• cucumber, red raspberry leaf, and other plant-based ingredients. 

Most of these botanical ingredients are added in very small amounts just for marketing purposes. You know it if they are mentioned at the end of the list, before or after preservatives.

Some feminine wipes include prebiotics and probiotics. According to research, they promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. 

• Prebiotics are “food” for beneficial microbes on our skin, which helps them thrive. Exapmples of prebiotics, that can be used in feminine wipes:
  • Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide,
  • Inulin,
  • Biolin,
  • Mannitol.
• Probiotics are living organisms that support the skin’s subsistent supply of bacteria, for example, Lactobacillus.
• There are also postbiotics, which are beneficial bacterial by-products, the result of bacterial metabolism. If you want to buy feminine wipes with postbiotics, look for things like Lactococcus Ferment Lysate among the ingredients.

You’ve probably heard that these products are good for your gut health, but they are as good for intimate health. The vaginal area hosts many different types of microorganisms and most of them help to maintain pH balance and stop the growth of harmful bacteria. To support your intimate microbiome’s health you can use microbiome-friendly products, like WASH with a prebiotic blend that boosts the growth of beneficial skin bacteria.

Are feminine wipes safe during pregnancy and postpartum?

Many women suffer from hemorrhoids during pregnancy. The pressure of the enlarged uterus on the rectal veins and frequent constipation cause draining of the veins of the large intestine. And moms-to-be are especially cautious about products they use, so they often wonder if feminine wipes are safe during pregnancy. There are vaginal wipes designed specifically for pregnant women, though there is nothing much different about them, it is typically just marketing. In general, feminine wipes will harm neither you nor your future baby.

After giving birth women usually experience bleeding, general soreness, and hemorrhoids too. Manufacturers keep it in mind, thus, feminine wet wipes and hemorrhoidal wipes usually have witch hazel as their ingredient. Witch hazel is used to relieve swelling, bleeding, itching, minor pain, and discomfort caused by skin irritations and hemorrhoids. Normally, the concentration of witch hazel in feminine wipes is 30%-50%. 

Feminine wipes with witch hazel are sometimes marked “medicated”. Medicated wipes are often used to relieve itching caused by yeast infections, UTIs, and intense irritation. Aloe vera and Vitamin E are sometimes added to medicated wet wipes to calm and comfort the skin.

There are also hemorrhoidal wipes containing lidocaine for pain relief. Unlike witch hazel, the highest lidocaine concentration available over-the-counter in a wipe is 5%. 

If you are looking for an alternative to feminine wipes there is a wiping gel – WipeGel. Simply add a drop to your toilet paper and here you have it – a flushable alternative to feminine wipes. WipeGel has 30% of witch hazel, it’s great for cleaning and creating a protective layer when wiping.  

And if you are looking for something containing Vitamin E for a calming and soothing effect, try SALVE, designed specifically for genitals.

Should I use antibacterial feminine wipes? 

One of the common ingredients in antibacterial products is triclosan and studies have shown that triclosan alters the way some hormones work in the body. So it is not recommended to use antibacterial wipes for private parts. You might also want to look for alcohol-free, glycerin-free, and fragrance-free feminine wipes, formulated with the correct pH.

Moreover, antibacterial products are aimed to “kill” bacteria, and as we stated above, we need bacteria, and we need them to be balanced. If you are looking for feminine wipes for yeast infection, this message is for you: balancing vaginal flora is the key! Healthy flora will promote the growth of beneficial bacteria on your vulva and prevent the overgrowth of bacteria causing yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. 

The same applies to so-called flushable wipes. If feminine wet wipes are flushable, means they are not really wet, but slightly moist. Otherwise they would fall apart in the package, right? So wiping with almost dry synthetic tissue of flushable wipes can easily spread bacteria, causing UTIs and yeast infections.

And what about baby wipes, are they safe to use on your vagina? They definitely have less chemicals than antibacterial wipes, but less doesn’t equal zero. They still have preservatives and sometimes glycerin and fragrances, which your lady parts may not handle well. Even if one time use doesn’t harm your intimate flora, baby wipes are not beneficial for your intimate health.

Are there pH-balanced feminine wipes? 

Your vagina has a slightly acidic pH, higher than the rest of the body. Normal vaginal pH ranges between 3.8 and 5.0.

Some feminine wipes (those with prebiotics, for example) can help to support your natural pH balance, but only if they don’t contain harsh chemicals.

There are feminine wipes with various acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar, lactic acid, boric acid, etc., which temporarily acidify the skin, maintaining the correct pH level of your intimate area and promoting the growth of healthy bacteria. It is even more effective when combined with prebiotics, just like in WipeGel, which contains a prebiotic blend and has a pH of 4.6.

Wanna know know more about the pH of the products you use? Read this post!

Can feminine wipes cause UTI and yeast infections? Gynecologists’ opinion

Feminine wipes are considered cosmetic products and do not require Food and Drug Administration approval. So healthcare professionals are still debating whether feminine wipes are safe for feminine hygiene. What all doctors agree on, is that feminine wipes are not a necessity, as the vagina is a self-cleaning part of the body, full of bacteria that are healthy for you. 

Dr. Erica Hinz, an Obstetrician Gynecologist at UI Health says: “Some general advice that I give to my patients is that while these products are likely not harmful, they are not necessary as the vaginal pH is self-regulated”. 

According to Dr. Nitu Bajekal, a gynecologist with over 35 years of experience, ingredients in feminine wipes disturb the vagina’s normal healthy bacteria and may reduce the bacteria needed to fight off yeast growth. And yeast overgrowth will throw off your vagina’s pH and promote yeast infections.

Dr. Alyssa Dweck, practicing gynecologist at CareMount Medical in Westchester County, New York, says that some women can use anything for their intimate hygiene and not have any consequences, others will suffer from itching, irritation, burning, and vulnerability to infection. Dr. Dweck notes: “As far as specific ingredients, glycerin might increase the chance of yeast infection for those already prone”. She also believes it’s worth avoiding parabens (even though FDA considers the ingredients safe), strong fragrances, and alcohol.

Dr. Kim Langdon, an obstetrician and gynecologist of Medzino, also recommends avoiding feminine wipes with certain ingredients: “I would avoid any with fragrances, parabens, and other synthetic ingredients.” 

Dr. Lucky Sekhon, reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at RMA of New York, notes that feminine wipes should not be used as a cure for vaginal issues. If you notice unpleasant symptoms, like a strong smell or unusual discharge, you should consult your doctor.

The same is relevant for UTIs, as vaginal and bladder flora are closely connected. Healthy vaginal flora consists of a specific type of bacteria (Lactobacillus species) and it’s pH is low, so it helps to fight opportunistic bacteria (E.coli) on their way from anus to urethra. And when we use feminine wipes, imbalancing vaginal flora with chemicals, included in the wipes, E.coli bacteria will multiply and eventually reach the bladder resulting in UTI.

How to maintain vaginal hygiene?

You don’t need to wash your vagina, but you do need to wash your vulva.

The vagina is a muscular canal that extends from the vulva to the neck of the uterus (cervix). The vulva is located around the vagina and includes clitoris, clitoral hood, inner and outer labia (vaginal lips). As the vagina cleans itself with natural secretions and maintains the correct pH, washing it can cause an imbalance in vaginal microflora. It is recommended to wash the vulva with just warm water. If you want to use hygiene products, avoid soaps and choose fragrance-free microbiome-friendly products like WASH. 

You also need to clean perineal and perianal areas every day. You should wash from front to back to avoid the spreading of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.

Your hygiene steps should be the same during menstruation. If you are trying to avoid or eliminate vaginal odor, just wash more than once a day.

Vaginal douching

Vaginal douching is squirting a soapy or other solution into the vagina with the purpose to clean it. Doctors don’t recommend doing it, as it leads to irritation and microbial imbalance, leaving your vagina more vulnerable to infection. Just like fragranced feminine washes and soaps they’re unnecessary and will only harm.

Is it better to use wet wipes or toilet paper?

You may consider using toilet paper instead of feminine wet wipes, as it is a much safer way of wiping, because there are fewer chemicals in toilet paper. Though if you notice any kind of irritation or discomfort, sore or dry skin around the anus, vulva, and perineum, try switching to cheaper, unscented, and thin toilet paper.

At the same time, dry toilet paper can be too harsh for your sensitive intimate area, and cause more injuries on already damaged or irritated skin due to its texture, especially if you are rubbing too much, performing mechanical exfoliation this way. 

Thankfully, there is a way to turn your toilet paper into a feminine prebiotic wipe with just a drop of WipeGel.   

Summary:

1. Many feminine wipes are designed specifically for intimate care with women’s health in mind.
2. However, checking the ingredients on the packaging is recommended. Avoid feminine wipes with fragrances, glycerin, preservatives, and alcohol.
3. If you notice a change in odor or an unusual discharge, it may be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, or other condition. Feminine wipes won’t solve the problem, you need to see your gynecologist and restore microbial balance in the vagina.
4. Feminine wipes are not a necessity in your hygiene. Don’t disrupt your intimate microbiome with harsh surfactants, avoid unwanted ingredients, and if possible simply use warm water.  
5. You don’t need to wash your vagina, but you need to wash your vulva. Don’t practice douching, it will only harm your vaginal health.