For years, many women have been told that the best way to care for their intimate area is to simply wash with water. While avoiding harsh soaps and fragrances remains important, new research suggests that the answer may not be quite so simple.
A 2025 review published in Healthcare has challenged the long-held belief that water alone is always the gentlest option for vulvar care. Instead, researchers found that using a mild, pH-balanced cleanser specifically designed for the vulva may actually help support the skin barrier and improve comfort for many women.
First Things First: The Vulva Is Not the Vagina
One of the biggest misconceptions in intimate care is confusing the vulva with the vagina.
The vagina is self-cleaning. It contains a delicate microbiome made up of beneficial bacteria that naturally maintain an acidic environment and help protect against infection. Internal washing or douching is unnecessary and can disrupt this balance.
The vulva, however, is the external skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Like the rest of your skin, it is exposed to sweat, urine, menstrual blood, friction from clothing and exercise, and other daily irritants.
Understanding this difference is essential when choosing the right hygiene routine.
Why Water Alone May Not Always Be Enough
Water feels gentle, but it isn't completely neutral to the skin.
According to the review, prolonged exposure to water can temporarily swell the outer layer of the skin and reduce some of the natural lipids that help protect the skin barrier. Repeated exposure may leave some women more prone to dryness, irritation and discomfort.
For women with sensitive skin, eczema, frequent irritation or an active lifestyle, this can be particularly noticeable.
What Makes a Good Vulvar Cleanser?
Not all intimate washes are created equal.
A suitable cleanser should be:
- pH-balanced for the vulvar area
- Free from harsh detergents
- Free from unnecessary fragrances
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Designed to support the skin's natural protective barrier
Research suggests that these types of cleansers may help maintain skin hydration while reducing irritation compared with harsher soaps or repeated washing with water alone.
Daily Habits That Support Intimate Health
Alongside choosing gentle products, a few simple habits can help keep the vulva comfortable:
- Wash only the external vulva.
- Avoid douching or cleaning inside the vagina.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear where possible.
- Change out of sweaty gym clothes promptly.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Choose fragrance-free products if you're prone to irritation.
The Bottom Line
For many years, "just use water" has been the standard advice. While avoiding harsh soaps is still important, emerging evidence suggests that a gentle, pH-balanced vulvar cleanser may actually provide better support for the skin barrier than water alone for some women.
Every woman is different. If you experience persistent itching, burning, unusual discharge or ongoing discomfort, it's always best to speak with a healthcare professional.
At NILA M, we believe intimate care should be simple, science-backed and free from unnecessary shame. Understanding how to care for your vulva is one small step towards feeling confident and comfortable every day.