Scented feminine wash swap to Fragrance-free soap bar

Why make the swap

• Why switch to fragrance-free soap bar

  ACOG, the US college of ob-gyns, says to wash the outside with plain, fragrance-free soap, rinse with cool or lukewarm water and pat dry. This bar lists no fragrance in its ingredients, so it skips the scent a feminine wash adds. Your body cleans itself inside, so there’s no need to wash inside.

• What's the concern with scented feminine wash

  The Office on Women’s Health says scented tampons, pads, powders and sprays may increase your chances of an intimate infection, and douching can lead to many health problems. In a 2020 study of 79 feminine hygiene products, washes, sprays and powders had the highest levels of VOCs, and products labelled ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ weren’t necessarily lower.

• General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor about fit, wear time or any symptoms.

• Good to know before you buy

  Outside only. Warm water alone is fine too: ACOG says clear water is perfectly adequate for washing, and to stop using soap on the most sensitive skin if it feels irritated. Even mild soap can cause dryness and irritation if you have sensitive skin or an infection, the Office on Women’s Health notes. A strong odour or irritation can be a sign of a problem, so ask your doctor.

• Sources (4)

  1. ACOG FAQ on intimate health: wash the outside with plain, fragrance-free soap; rinse with cool or lukewarm water; clear water is perfectly adequate; stop using soap on the most sensitive skin if irritated (opens in a new tab)
  2. ACOG FAQ on intimate infections: let your body clean itself inside; use plain warm water on the outside (opens in a new tab)
  3. US Office on Women's Health: your intimate area cleans itself; wash the outside with warm water; avoid scented tampons, pads, powders and sprays; douching risks (opens in a new tab)
  4. Lin et al. 2020, Environ Int: 79 feminine hygiene products; washes, sprays and powders highest in VOCs; 'organic' or 'natural' not necessarily lower (opens in a new tab)

  Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.