Vaginal moisturisers are designed to help relieve dryness and irritation in vulval skin due to reduced vaginal lubrication due to hormonal changes such as after pregnancy and during and after menopause. However, some medications, stress and other illnesses, as well as psychological issues can also lead to vaginal dryness.
But a new review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has revealed that many vaginal moisturisers could be doing more harm than good. The review found that the majority of vaginal moisturisers sold for addressing vaginal dryness contain at least one known allergen which can cause contact allergies when applied to the vulval skin.
The review also found that several vaginal moisturisers that were described as ‘hypoallergenic’ or ‘fragrance free’, were not supported by their ingredients.
The study found that of the 66 most popular vaginal moisturisers that were reviewed, overall, 77% of products contained at least one ACDS allergen.
An ACDS allergen is any skincare ingredient that is listed by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) as having a risk of triggering allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), which is an itchy, immune-driven skin rash triggered by direct contact with an allergen.
Common ACDS allergens include metals, such as nickel and cobalt, fragrances including standard fragrance mixes and specific components and common preservatives used in cosmetics and skincare as well as chemical accelerators that give immediate ‘sensation’ feelings when applied to the skin.
Chemical compounds of vitamin E, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents were the most common allergens found in the vaginal moisturisers that were reviewed, with vitamin E compounds found in a significant majority of them.
The published review also found that out of the vaginal moisturisers that were labelled "fragrance-free," almost 25% % contained fragrance-related ingredients. The review also found that out the vagina moisturisers that were labelled 'hypoallergenic," over 70% did not meet the industry standard criteria for that claim. In addition, almost 26% of products studied in the review contained no ingredients with any notable moisture retaining (humectants) or vulval skin barrier protecting (occlusives) ingredients.
Petra Bryant, is an actress from Walsall in the West Midlands who starred in films including For The Love of George and My Guardian Angel.
“I strolled into Boots looking for a vaginal moisturiser because I had recently gone on the contraceptive pill, which had caused some vaginal dryness as a side effect, which is quite common,” says Petra.
“Most products I tried were awful. They were sticky and scented and the moment I used them felt uncomfortable and did the opposite of helping the situation,” say Petra.
Having suffered with UTIs and unpleasant burning sensations from previous products, Petra instinctively knew she needed to find a more natural vaginal moisturiser and natural lubricant that didn't contain irritants or fragrances.
“Most things on offer were either aimed at making sex ‘more fun’ or treating the issue almost as a medical condition
“I didn’t have a medical condition, nor did I need my sex life spicing up, I was just experiencing something that one in four women experience of all ages, which is vaginal dryness. I wanted something non-scented, as natural as possible and which was beneficial to my vaginal health and didn’t irritate it with perfumes or chemical cleaning agents. I also wanted a product that didn’t just have a momentary effect, but actually improved my vaginal health
“Many vaginal moisturisers seem to be aimed primarily at scenting the area, which can potentially cause more damage than good. It’s no wonder that may women, like me, are suffering from more frequent bacterial infections.
“During my research I came across a range of products which honestly made me almost let out a whoop of joy.
“In2mate products claim to be for everyday use to help rejuvenate and repair vulval skin and not just momentarily moisturise it as well as offer natural feeling everyday lubrication internally. They're over 99% natural, un-scented and made from plant-based ingredients. They also include a prebiotic suitable for repairing internal vaginal skin and vagina-friendly antioxidants to rejuvenate vaginal skin as well as a polymer which soaks up and holds large amounts of moisture.
“Unlike any other products I’d read about, these didn’t just focus on lubrication but included vaginal rejuvenation and skin barrier protection as a means of improving overall vaginal comfort and conditioning.
“From the first week of using the in2mate products daily, things began to improve. My vaginal skin started to feel less fragile and healthier, and the lubricating element felt natural and comfortable.
I felt so delighted with the results that I wrote about it on my blog and it’s the most viewed blog of all my blogs on women’s vaginal health, which should tell us all something.”
