When it comes to intimate care, many women are taught that rinsing with water is the safest choice, but new research tells a different story: washing with water alone isn’t enough to support optimal vulvar and vaginal health.
In fact, repeated rinsing with only water can damage the skin’s natural barrier, causing dryness, irritation, and increased water loss. Traditional soaps, on the other hand, make things worse. Because most soaps are highly alkaline (pH 8.5–11), they strip away the natural proteins and lipids that keep the vulvar area hydrated and balanced—leaving skin more vulnerable to discomfort and imbalance.
Syndets: The Gentle Alternative to Soap and Water
A syndet, short for synthetic detergent, is a cleanser made without traditional soap and formulated to be closer to the skin’s natural pH. Researchers agree that syndet-based washes, which are mild and pH-balanced, are the healthiest option for intimate care.
Unlike water, which can dry the skin barrier, or soap, which strips away natural lipids and proteins, syndets protect hydration, preserve the microbiome, and keep the vulvar area comfortable.
Choosing the Right Feminine Wash
Most feminine washes on the market aren’t true syndets. Instead, they often rely on harsh soaps, synthetic fragrances, and chemicals that can disrupt the delicate vaginal microbiome. Over time, these products can cause irritation, dryness, and even worsen odor, exactly the problems they’re meant to prevent.
The research is clear: the healthiest washes are mild, pH-balanced, soap-free cleansers that protect hydration, maintain the microbiome, and soothe sensitive tissue. Beyond just being soap-free, the most effective products also include hydrating, plant-based ingredients, which provide additional benefits for sensitive vulvar tissue.
Aloe vera, for example, is naturally moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Organically cultivated aloe supports natural hydration and helps maintain the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome, making it an ideal component in a feminine wash.
Choosing a product that combines these qualities is the best way to support vulvar and vaginal health while avoiding the pitfalls of conventional feminine washes.
Our Washes Are Backed by Science
At Good Clean Love, we created all of our washes to do exactly what research recommends: provide gentle, hydrating, microbiome-friendly cleansing that supports your natural balance.
Formulated with 95% organic aloe vera, Balance Wash calms irritation and dryness, soothes and moisturizes, and is ideal for even the most sensitive skin. Its proprietary lactic acid blend supports the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria, helps maintain a healthy acidic pH, and strengthens your body’s natural defenses against harmful bacteria.
Our UltraSensitive Foaming Wash is gynecologist-recommended and crafted for delicate skin that needs extra care. Its lather cleanses gently without harsh chemicals or stripping away moisture, leaving you fresh and comfortable. Tremella extract, also known as snow mushroom, provides deep hydration and resilience, while botanical extracts soothe and protect. Bio-Matched® and made with our proprietary lactic acid blend, this wash supports your body’s natural balance while giving you a clean, satisfying feeling.
Rebalance Wash brings together the soothing hydration of organic aloe and nourishing botanicals with the grounding aroma of cedarwood. Gentle enough for daily use, it helps calm irritation, support your skin’s moisture barrier, and protect against odor. It maintains optimal intimate health while leaving skin soft, refreshed, and naturally balanced.
Source: ‘Vulvar Care: Reviewing Concepts in Daily Hygiene’ by Jean-Marc Bohbot, Claudio Rebelo, Rossella E Nappi
