The best products for your intimate toilet

Itching, vaginal dryness, yeast infections, and vaginosis are all discomforts that women experience at least once in their lives. Some are more prone to them than others, and it can quickly become uncomfortable, even disabling. Fortunately, proper intimate hygiene and the use of the right hygiene products can prevent these problems.

In this article, we break down the taboos surrounding intimate hygiene, give you the best practices for taking care of your intimate parts, and explain how to protect the delicate balance of your intimate area while respecting your body and your health. And that's not all! We also present the best intimate hygiene products , meticulously selected by Gapianne.

Feminine intimate hygiene: a subject still under the radar

Intimate hygiene plays a fundamental role in preserving women's health and well-being , yet historically, education around this topic has often been neglected.

Many of us women grew up without adequate information on how to care for our private parts, mainly due to persistent taboos and gender stereotypes surrounding discussions about women's health.

This lack of education and open dialogue contributes to a widespread lack of awareness about the importance of personal hygiene and the choice of appropriate products.

However, knowing how to take care of our private parts is crucial to being healthy.

The vulva is a sensitive and delicate area that requires specific care to maintain a good microbiological balance and prevent infections. Overly aggressive intimate hygiene, for example by using products with an unsuitable pH, can disrupt the balance and create numerous discomforts. It is therefore important to know how to perform intimate hygiene while respecting yourself for several reasons:

To prevent vaginal and urinary tract infections:

The vaginal flora is a complex ecosystem made up of "good" and "bad" bacteria. An imbalance in this ecosystem can promote the proliferation of harmful bacteria and cause infections, such as yeast infections or vaginosis. Gentle intimate hygiene helps maintain the balance of the vaginal flora and reduce the risk of infections.

The most common infections:

• Vaginal yeast infections: Vaginal yeast infections are very common fungal infections in women. They manifest as itching, burning, redness, and a thick, white vaginal discharge. Overly aggressive intimate hygiene can promote the proliferation of the fungi responsible for yeast infections.
• Bacterial vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora. It is characterized by gray, greenish, or whitish vaginal discharge, an unpleasant odor, and itching.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Poor personal hygiene can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections, as bacteria can more easily travel up the urethra and cause infection.

To avoid irritation and discomfort:

Wearing tight clothing, using irritating products, or excessive hygiene can weaken the vulva and cause irritation, redness, itching, or burning sensations. Gentle, appropriate hygiene helps respect the sensitivity of the intimate area and prevent these discomforts.

The most common symptoms:

• Itching: Wearing tight clothing, using irritating products or excessive hygiene can weaken the vulva and cause itching.
• Redness and inflammation: Improper intimate hygiene can also cause redness and inflammation of the vulva.
• Burning sensations : Some women may experience burning sensations in the vulva due to poor intimate hygiene.

To prevent potentially unpleasant odors:

Unpleasant odors in the intimate area are often the result of a microbial imbalance (vaginosis) or poor hygiene. Perspiration, natural secretions, and a lack of regular cleansing can contribute to these odors. Gentle and regular intimate hygiene helps eliminate bacteria and secretions, reducing the risk of developing unwanted odors.

To maintain a balanced pH:

The pH of the intimate area plays a crucial role in protecting against infections. A healthy, balanced pH contributes to a healthy vaginal flora, which helps prevent the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria or yeast. Harsh products, douching, and certain soaps can disrupt this balance, increasing the risk of infections and irritation.

What is good intimate hygiene?

Good intimate hygiene is gentle and respectful of your intimate area. It involves practices and products that maintain the health and natural balance of the genital area without causing irritation, pH imbalance, or other problems. Here are some key principles:

• Wash with clean water: If there's one thing to remember about intimate hygiene, it's that washing with clean water is the most recommended, healthy, gentle, and respectful method. It preserves the natural balance of bacterial flora and the acidic pH of the intimate area, thus minimizing the risk of irritation and infection. This simple and safe method avoids the irritating chemicals found in many hygiene products. It also maintains the skin's natural moisture without altering its protective oils.
• Use gentle products: Choose cleansing products specially formulated for intimate hygiene, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and with a neutral or slightly acidic pH, compatible with that of the intimate area. This helps prevent irritation and maintain the natural balance of the flora.
• Wash your external parts only: The intimate area, especially the vagina, is self-cleaning thanks to its natural secretions. It is therefore important to wash only the exterior (the vulva) with lukewarm water and, if necessary, with a mild cleanser. ABOVE ALL, avoid douching, which disrupts the natural balance of the vagina.
• Dry yourself gently: After washing, gently dry your intimate area with a clean towel to avoid moisture, an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and yeast. Be careful, towels are real breeding grounds for bacteria, so it's important to change your towel regularly!
• Wear breathable clothing: Wear underwear made of cotton or other natural materials that allow the skin to breathe, reducing the risk of moisture and irritation. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which can also cause chafing and irritation.
• Change your sanitary protection regularly: During menstruation, change your tampons, sanitary napkins, or menstrual cups regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent odors and infections.
• Moisturize your vulva: For those prone to vaginal dryness, using an intimate moisturizer can be beneficial. Make sure it's designed for intimate use and free from irritants.

⚠️If you experience unusual symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, or unusual discharge, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Don't let these symptoms get worse!

3 steps to incorporate into your personal hygiene routine

It's important to understand that good intimate hygiene isn't just about washing your intimate area. It's also important to moisturize your vulva and maintain a balanced vaginal flora.

• 1. Cleanse: Nothing new here; we've covered this topic several times in this article. Just remember that gentle cleansing is crucial to avoid irritating sensitive intimate skin and preserving the natural balance of vaginal flora, which is essential for defending against infections.
• 2. Moisturize: Moisturizing your vulva is important because it helps keep the skin supple and hydrated, preventing intimate dryness that can cause discomfort and irritation.
• 3. Rebalance: Rebalancing the vaginal flora is vital to restore a healthy environment, reduce the risk of infections and promote overall well-being of the intimate area.

Also read: How to recognize vaginal dryness? >

The best recommended products for treating intimate dryness >

What is a gentle and respectful hygiene product for my intimate health?

Selecting the right intimate hygiene products is essential for maintaining good overall health. Choosing the right intimate hygiene products is therefore crucial for the health and well-being of the vulva and, consequently, the vagina. It is important to choose products with a natural composition because they are gentle on your genital area and respect the physiological pH of the intimate area . Here are some tips for choosing the right products:

• Avoid conventional soaps: Conventional soaps are generally too harsh for the vulva. They tend to have a high pH and contain chemicals such as perfumes and dyes that can cause irritation, itching, and disrupt the natural balance of vaginal flora. Vaginal flora is made up of beneficial bacteria that help prevent infections by maintaining an acidic environment. Therefore, opt for gentle soaps or shower gels specifically for intimate hygiene.
• Choose fragrance- and chemical-free products: Fragrances can irritate the vulva and cause allergies. Choose fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products, especially natural ones.
• Beware of antiseptic products: Antiseptic products can kill the "good" bacteria in the vaginal flora and promote the proliferation of "bad" bacteria, thus causing yeast infections or vaginosis. Use them only under medical advice.
• Choose pH-balanced products: Selecting cleansers with the appropriate pH is essential for respectful and preventative intimate hygiene. They help preserve the delicate balance of vaginal flora and prevent irritation.
• Choose products that suit your needs: There are different types of personal hygiene products, such as shower gels, liquid soaps, wipes, and sanitary napkins. Choose the products that best suit your needs and preferences.

Want to learn more about your intimate health? Take our test and discover the products made to take care of you ❤️

Gapianne's selection of the best intimate hygiene products

Don't know us yet? Then let's introduce ourselves!

Gapianne was born from a desire to meet the intimate needs of women at every stage of their lives. Our mission is to revolutionize female intimacy by offering a taboo-free space where you can find reliable advice and healthy products for self-care. All the products we carry have been tested and approved by our community 💚.

This is why we felt it was important to reveal our favorite selection of feminine hygiene products.

The best intimate cleansing products

Organic intimate cleansing gel - JHO

Our first favorite product that we want to introduce to you is the Jho organic gentle cleansing treatment , a small revolution for your intimate hygiene. It is designed with a composition of 97% natural and 10% organic ingredients. Its rating on Yuka? 93/100!

Enriched with shea butter and orange blossom, it respects the pH of your vulva, guaranteeing softness and freshness without upsetting your intimate area, and it's vegan. The added bonus? It's made in France! It's the ideal solution for gentle, hassle-free daily cleansing.

Shop it with your eyes closed!

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Intimate cleansing gel - WUMI

The second product that we cherish a lot at Gapianne, especially for its glowing customer reviews, is the WUMI intimate cleansing gel . Composed of more than 98% natural ingredients and enriched with orange blossom hydrosol, aloe vera, and mallow extract, it ensures deep hydration while preserving the delicate balance of your intimate area. Vegan and made in France, Wumi is your daily ally for a feeling of freshness and lasting comfort.

Say bye bye to itching and dryness!

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Intimate cleansing bar - BAÛBO

Now, let's move on to our latest little novelty, Baubo's ultra-gentle and natural cleansing bar ! It's a little marvel thanks to its 100% natural and gentle composition for your daily intimate hygiene and 33% organic ingredients. Made in France, this soap-free bar is specially formulated to respect the most sensitive skin, including that of babies and pregnant or breastfeeding women. With its balanced pH and organic ingredients like Calybiota® Bio and coconut oil, it gently cleanses, soothes, and prevents discomfort.

The added bonus? It's super eco-friendly!

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Biodegradable intimate wipes - MY LUBIE

Do you like to freshen up at any time of day? Or do a quick wash after sex? Then you'll love My Lubie's biodegradable intimate wipes . Made from 99.6% natural ingredients and enriched with aloe vera, orange blossom, and cranberries, they respect the balance of your mucous membranes without perfume or taste, ideal even before or after intimate moments. Certified Cosmos Natural by Ecocert, they are gentle on sensitive skin and biodegradable for a reduced environmental impact.

Discover them quickly!

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Also read: Do you have irritation and burning in the vulva after intercourse?

The best moisturizers

Organic vulva moisturizing balm - BAÛBO

In the moisturizing product range, we have a big winner: Baûbo balm . It's an exceptional intimate care product, made in France, which offers deep hydration and immediate soothing for the vulva. Made with 100% natural ingredients, including nourishing coconut and avocado oils, as well as jojoba and calendula for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, this balm is the perfect ally to combat intimate dryness, menstrual pain , and daily discomfort. Of course, it's organic, free from perfume and controversial substances, and guarantees safe and effective application.

So what are you waiting for to treat yourself?

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The moisturizing and rebalancing gel - MIYÉ

We also particularly like Miyé's moisturizing and rebalancing gel . This treatment is designed to provide hydration and comfort to the vulva while protecting and restoring vaginal flora. Its formula, rich in prebiotics, probiotics, and other natural ingredients like aloe vera, soothes irritation and promotes natural lubrication. This vegan and organic product is ideal for soothing itching and discomfort.

The little extra we love? It offers a fluid, non-sticky texture for ultra-smooth and pleasant application.

Shop it now!

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The best soothing product

Soothing and protective intimate care - NIDÉCO

And finally, we urgently invite you to discover Nidéco's treatment . This gel moisturizes, soothes, and strengthens the vulvar area thanks to its natural components, such as prebiotics and probiotics. It helps maintain the balance of vaginal flora, reduces the appearance of ingrown hairs, and is particularly recommended after pregnancy or in cases of vaginal dryness. Vegan and composed of 99% natural ingredients, this product is truly an ultra-gentle solution to improve intimate comfort on a daily basis.

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Our favorite routine for a healthy vulva 🍑

Discover our Happy Vulve routine from Vulvae x Gapianne ! It's a trio of natural intimate care products designed to cleanse, moisturize, and lubricate the vulva. It offers a complete approach to intimate well-being.

It includes a cleansing gel from Jho, a moisturizing balm from Baûbo, and a water-based lubricant from My Lubie. Say goodbye to daily discomfort and start respecting your skin's natural balance.

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Gels, creams, suppositories? Feeling a bit lost? Discover our comparison of the best products for moisturizing your vulva!

The comparison