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This one goes out to alllll the vegan ladies (…musical pun inspired by our talented friend and fierce ally, Beyonce)! On a more serious note, have you ever considered that what you’re using on your most intimate area might not be vegan? We’re here to discuss the best feminine wash and wipes that are cruelty-free for both the animals and us. (1)
Before we get down to our reviews of feminine hygiene brands and products, we’d like to offer some general information on this subject to better help you decide which items best suit your needs and meet your individual preferences.
Let’s get started!
How to use feminine wash and wipes
First, let’s distinguish between two similar-yet-very-different parts of the female sex organ, the vagina and the vulva: The vagina is internal while the vulva is external, and this is going to be the source of your odor, itching or any other issue.
There’s a great article from BuzzFeed that distinguishes between the two and offers tips and tricks in their typical fun-and-playful manner, and another one from Huffington Post. (2, 3)
And, despite what you might’ve heard about douching, which is simply a product companies have invented to clean the vagina, the grand consensus is there’s no need for this at all.
Why some feminine wash and wipes aren’t vegan
As with so many items on the market, there are more than a few areas in which one can fall foul when selecting a cruelty-free feminine care product:
Animal-Derived Ingredients
While most doctors recommend you use water and traditional soap to clean your outer lady parts, did you know that traditional soap usually contains animal fat, and typically, whale blubber? Pretty gross, right?
We can understand how reading through a comprehensive animal-derived ingredient list from PETA may overwhelm (though we suggest you take a minute–and a deep breath–and give it a quick scan), so we’ve selected the ten most common offenders when choosing soaps and cleansers. (4)
Here’s the list:
Caprylic Acid
Liquid fatty acid from goat’s or cow’s milk.
Glycerin
And also, glycerol, glycerides, glyceryls, Glycreth-26, and Polyglycerol, these byproducts of soap manufacturing normally use animal fat. Our alternative is vegetable glycerin.
Lard
This is fat from pig abdomens…
Lecithin and choline bitartrate
Choline bitartrate is the constituent of lecithin, and it’s in many animal tissues. Look for soybean lecithin or synthetics.
Marine oil
From fish or water mammals. Turtle oil, by the way, comes from their muscles and genitals. Look for vegetable oil.
Oleic acid
And also, Oleyl Oleate and Oleyl Stearate, it may be obtained from animal fats and oils.
Palmitic acid
This is most commonly derived from palm oil but can come from animals, too.
Silk and silk powder
This powder is sometimes used as a coloring agent, and it’s derived from boiling silk worms in their cocoons.
Stearic acid
Fat from cows, pigs, and sheep, as well as dogs and cats that have been euthanized in animal shelters. When of plant origin, it’s from cocoa butter and shea butter.
Tallow
This is often beef fat. Look for vegetable tallow instead.
(By the way, we’ve also compiled a list of vegan soaps if you want to check that out next)
Animal Testing
Always look for the official leaping bunny logo, and double-check the company website prior to purchase to ensure that the product is truly a cruelty-free feminine wash (or wipes). (5)
This quick video goes over animal-derived ingredients that are commonly found in cosmetics; some we’ve mentioned above and some others, too:
What else to consider when choosing a feminine wash or wipe
While we all want our best feminine hygiene wipes or wash to be cruelty-free, there are a few more aspects to assess. On a few of these, we may differ, and that’s okay!
Non-toxic
Whatever we’re putting on such an intimate area, we want to make sure it’s safe. (6)
There’s a giant list of chemicals of concern when it comes to menstrual care products, but for our purposes, we’ll focus on the five most commonly found within feminine wipes and washes that are potentially harmful:
Parabens
These preservatives, namely, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben may cause endocrine disruption, increase risk of breast cancer and foster allergic reactions. Also, be on the lookout for parabens should you be hunting for the best vegan condoms or vegan lubricant.
Benzethonium chloride
This is a preservative and spermicide that should not be used on mucous membranes; it can create maternal and embryotoxicity.
Artificial coloring
Including, but not limited to, D&C Red 33, Ext. Violet 2, and FD&C Yellow No. 5.
Fragrance
When you see this listed, it may mean the product contains “undisclosed chemicals of unknown toxicity…” Yikes!
Other preservatives
Click the link above for specifics, but basically, there are many lengthy, difficult-to-pronounce ingredients (often with numbers attached) that may release formaldehyde, cause allergic reactions, and could also lead to cancer.
Before we go any further, should you have interest in making your own natural cleanser at home, check out this video for a simple DIY formula:
Balanced pH levels
Many feminine wash or wipes products will claim that they are “pH balanced” as the greater vaginal environment maintains a natural pH balance that’s slightly acidic, usually between 3.6 and 4.5. (7)
If you’re looking for the best feminine wash for pH balance, we cover this in our reviews below.
Unscented (or naturally scented)
Are you interested in the best feminine wash for bad odor? Well, unless the ingredients are 100% natural (i.e. organic essential oils), it’s not recommended to apply an artificially scented product to your intimate area.
Remember – when looking for the best feminine wipes for odor, a product needn’t be scented in order to successfully deodorize!
Wipes vs. wash
There are definitely pros and cons to both, and we do suggest that you take stock of your lifestyle when deciding which suits you best.
Are you always on the go? Do you head from the gym to the office or vice versa? Then maybe cruelty-free feminine wipes make sense for you whereas someone without the need for a travel-size option may opt for a liquid wash to keep at home.
Or, perhaps, you’re interested in both? Read on for a review one such product that offers both vegan feminine wash and vegan feminine wipes in one purchase.
Price vs. value
All exciting aspects aside, we do realize that a certain number of dollar signs may create a limiting factor for some of you.
We do keep that at the forefront and put forward our best efforts to ascertain the overall value of each produce as it pertains to quality and quantity in our reviews… at which we’ve finally arrived!
Our reviews of vegan feminine cruelty-free cleansers
Now that we know why feminine hygiene is so important, what to avoid, and what to look for, let’s assess each of the following brands and products.
L. Organic Cotton Feminine Wipes
Our first review is of these organic cotton wipes from L., and this package comes with two packs, each containing 30 vegan-friendly intimate wipes (thought they do offer a 120 count, too), which for the price, makes these highly affordable.
We really love that they contain high-quality ingredients and vitamins that are designed to soothe, such as cucumber, aloe vera, sea buckthorn, vitamin E, and green tea.
We also like that L. does not use chlorine bleaching or dyes, and that for every product purchased, they supply one to a woman or girl in need. Fantastic!
When we tried these, we really liked the nice fresh scent and that the packaging can be easily re-sealed after use. These wipes are also very smooth and refreshing, too. We did find that you have to be careful when using as they are delicate and may tear if you aren’t gentle enough, so just be mindful during application.
LIKES
- Affordable and versatile
- Good ingredient list
- Pleasing natural fragrance
- Soothing feel
- Excellent company with charitable aims
DISLIKES
- May tear if not careful
Numis Med Feminine Intimate Wash
The first potential “best intimate wash product” comes to us from the German brand, Numis Med.
The company totes two main contributors as helpful functional ingredients, which are symcalman, formulated to mimic the soothing components of oats, and hydrolactol, added to regulate the pH value (5.5).
However, while these are unique features, we can’t help but notice this wash contains potentially unnatural “fragrance,” so, be mindful of this element.
We do like that it dispenses via a pump system, since we all know how difficult it can be to successfully squeeze and re-cap without making a mess or spilling any liquid. Regular users report it as non-irritating, and while a fairly affordable product, a little bit of this wash still goes a long way.
If you’re looking for the best feminine wash for sensitive skin, this might be one to consider.
LIKES
- Pump system
- Generous amount
- Well priced
DISLIKES
- Contains unidentifiable “fragrance”
Rael Feminine Cleansing Wipes
Our next review is of these feminine cleansing wipes from the brand, Rael.
This product includes 3 packs with 10 wipes each, all of which are infused with several specialty ingredients to provide both relief from irritated skin (Ag+ Lactic acid) and eliminate unpleasant odors (Hinoki Extract and Plantago Asiatica Extract). Rael’s wipes are also paraben-free, which is another plus point.
We really like that this product is 98% pulp, which makes it biodegradable, and that the wipes are pH balanced (5). On the biodegradable front, you may consider these flushable, but caution should still be taken here as no wipes are truly suitable for flushing.
These wipes are naturally (and very lightly!) scented, so depending on personal preference, this may be a pro or a con for you; we found the citrus aroma delightful. They definitely perform as intended, meaning they soothe, hydrate, and deodorize without creating any irritation.
Do be careful with these, though, as their natural nature does lend them to easily falling apart if used too rigorously. When it comes to application and pressure, less is more!
LIKES
- Natural scent
- Soothing and refreshing
- Biodegradable
DISLIKES
- Can fall apart easily
Maternatura Feminine Cleansing Gel
Our next feminine wash up for review is a cleansing gel product from the Italian brand, Maternatura. With a pH value of 4, this product is targeted to preserve natural acidity. It also incorporates several essential oils including grapefruit, thyme, lavender, and peppermint.
This does mean that this product has a natural scent, so keep that in mind if you’re not a fan of any of the above, but we did not find it too overpowering. You’ll also find aloe, plant glycerine, and wheat protein; this is important should you have any specific allergies.
When we tried this gel, we appreciated the easy-to-use pump system and how nicely it foams, which naturally encourages delicate application. The product proves highly refreshing, so though we don’t particularly enjoy the more expensive price tag, we understand that “you get what you pay for,” and in this case, the motto rings true.
LIKES
- Essential oils
- Handy pump dispenser
- Refreshing to use
- Foams well
- Easy to apply
DISLIKES
- Quite pricey
Sweet Spot Labs Body Wash and Wipes
If you’re reading this and still not sure whether you’re a wash-person or a wipe-person, then pay close attention to our review of these products from Sweet Spot Labs, an 8 oz. bottle of intimate wash and a packet of 30 feminine wipes.
We really like that this product offers both methods of feminine hygiene and that the company gives us the choice between scented or unscented. We appreciate that their products are clearly labeled as 97% (wash) and 98% (wipes) natural, too. It’s always good to see such honesty.
That being said, their scented options include fragrance which we cannot seem to track down. So, while we can attest they were soothing to the touch, it’s up to you and what matters most. And while this combination package is not cheap, the amount of product you receive is substantial.
LIKES
- Offers both wipes and wash in one purchase
- Unscented option available
DISLIKES
- We’re not sure where the fragrance is derived from
Good Clean Love Feminine Wash
This next feminine wash from Good Clean Love is an 8 oz. portion that features a “Bio-Match” formula, which is this company’s assurance that this product has been formulated to match the natural pH of the female region.
We do like that product is free of parabens, soap, and artificial fragrance. That being said, due to its botanical extracts, there’s a light lavender scent, but it is by no means overwhelming.
When we tested this wash, we found it to be nourishing and soothing, though considering the level of quality and the amount provided, we wish it weren’t quite as pricey.
LIKES
- Non-toxic
- Naturally scented
DISLIKES
- A little expensive
Natracare Organic Cotton Intimate Wipes
These intimate wipes from Natracare are made of certified organic cotton and infused with essential oils, such as chamomile, calendula and French rose, as well as natural plant extracts. They contain no alcohol, parabens or detergents, and the ingredients are made of natural resources, which makes these wipes biodegradable.
When we tried these wipes, we really liked that the packaging is easily resealable, so you won’t have to worry about them drying out. The natural scent from the essential oils is also quite pleasant and definitely not too dense.
These wipes are very moist, a decent size, and they don’t come apart when used. For the price, this set of three packs (for a total of 36 wipes) is relatively more expensive than other products on the market, but based on the quality, we can understand why.
LIKES
- Great packaging
- Essential oils
- Very soothing
DISLIKES
- Quite expensive
Sliquid Splash Gentle Feminine Wash
This 8.5 oz bottle of feminine wash from Sliquid Splash comes in four scents: mango, grapefruit thyme, honeydew cucumber, and unscented. It’s formulated with hydrating elements, such as coconut oil and aloe vera, and all of its ingredients are organic, too. It’s also paraben-free and pH balanced.
When we tried this product, we found this wash has a fresh scent, and it works as well as it smells. The consistency of the liquid allowed it to lather nicely without any irritation, and it alleviates dryness quite efficiently as well. We had one report of some itching in response, but again, everybody is a little different, and the majority of users responded favorably.
LIKES
- Organic ingredients
- Hydrating
- Good consistency
- Fresh natural scent
DISLIKES
- May irritate some
- Packaging could be better
What is the best vegan feminine wash or wipes?
While we do believe there are several great options to choose from above, we’d like to name L. Organic Cotton Feminine Wipes as the winner of our best vegan feminine cleanser!
Why? Well, apart from their commitment to being 100% organic, clean ingredients, company mission, and affordability, they are highly practical and useful to for the widest range of consumers!
While wash is a great solution for your needs, too, we feel that wipes provide the added benefit of being portable and versatile. The wipes from L. can also be used on the-go for removing make-up or cleaning your hands after using a public restroom (which is probably offering you animal-derived soap unless clearly stated…to be perfectly honest).
We hope this has been a helpful look into the world of vegan feminine wash and wipes. Should you have any further questions or concerns on this subject, please leave us a comment below. We’re always happy to provide further information and insight if we can!
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About The Author:
Carly Keyes
Carly Keyes is writer and personal trainer who decided to go plant-based after a visit to the True North Health Center in Santa Rosa, CA. The change has completely revolutionized the way she feels, looks, thinks and behaves, making her a very vocal advocate of the vegan lifestyle.
She’s also a keen singer/songwriter and has studied screenwriting at the University of Michigan. Carly lives in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
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REFERENCES
- Charlotte Pointing | Beyoncé and Jay Z Want Everyone to ‘Spread the Truth’ and Go Vegan In 2019 | https://www.livekindly.co/beyonces-vegan-trainer-marco-borges-documentary-plant-based-diet-support-platform-greenprint/
- Casey Gueren | You’re Probably Cleaning Your Vagina Wrong | https://www.buzzfeed.com/caseygueren/how-to-actually-clean-your-vagina
- Catherine Pearson | Let’s Clear Up The Vagina vs. Vulva Debate Once And For All | https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lets-clear-up-the-vagina-vs-vulva-debate-once-and-for-all_n_562f99dfe4b06317990f73c8
- PETA | Animal-Derived Ingredients List | https://www.peta.org/living/food/animal-ingredients-list/
- Cruelty Free International | Go cruelty free with the Leaping Bunny | https://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/what-you-can-do/go-cruelty-free-leaping-bunny
- WVE | Chemicals of Concern in Menstrual & Intimate Care Products | https://www.womensvoices.org/menstrual-care-products/chemicals-of-concern-in-feminine-care-products/
- Stephanie Watson | Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining Your Vaginal pH Balance | https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance