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If you’ve ever hit the slopes with your mouth exposed, balaclava forgotten in your ski bag, or pulled a Cheryl Strayed’s Wild on a windy day, you know the discomfort of chapped lips. Well, when your other lips become dry, did you know there’s vulva moisturizer?
Experts in This Article
somatic sex expert, chief brand educator at Foria, a sex and wellness company.
Heidi Gastler, DPT, is a Herman and Wallace trained pelvic floor therapist and an advisor at Tabu Group, Inc. She founded Mountain to Sea Physical Therapy in 2016, a LA-based physical therapy practice specializing in orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapy. She believes that the body cannot be treated holistically without considering the pelvic floor (regardless of age or gender), and she is striving to normalize conversations and education regarding pelvic health issues including pain with sex, incontinence, and athletic performance and more.
award-winning urologist and sexual dysfunction specialist, and the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Vella Bioscience, Inc.
Vulva moisturizer is a category of topicals formulated to nourish the external genitals, says doctor of physical therapy and menopause medical specialist, Heidi Gastler, PT, DPT, with Mountain to Sea Physical Therapy in Manhattan Beach, California. It's designed for use when your vulva skin becomes dry or irritated—or, if you want to get ahead of such an occurrence, she says.
The vulva—which encompasses the inner and outer labia, clitoris, clitorial hood, and vaginal opening—is made up of tissues that are more delicate than the rest of your skin, says medical doctor and women’s health specialist Clare Bertucio MD, the CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Medicine Mama. Therefore, using a body lotion on your vulva can backfire and exacerbate dryness and lead to irritation. A moisturizer specifically formulated for the vulva-skin, however, will actually provide sweet-sweet soothing relief when dryness strikes. Plus, “it will make sure that you are not disrupting the natural biome or pH of the vulva,” she says.
But why and when might the vulva skin become dry, and which products are up to the task of providing relief? Ahead, a team of skin and sexual wellness experts shares all you need to know about the common causes of vulvar dryness and why it is something most vulva-owners will experience at some point. Plus, the best 10 vulva moisturizers to shop.
Wait, what is vulva moisturizer—and where is it applied?
“A vulva moisturizer is a product specifically formulated for your vulvar skin to relieve dryness and discomfort,” says Dr. Bertucio. “The vagina is a completely separate organ from the vulva with different needs, pH and biomes, and thus vulva moisturizers are not made to go inside the vagina,” she says.
Some people use vulva moisturizers to soothe their bikini line and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs associated with dryness, says Dr. Gastler. And others use the product on their mons pubis—for instance, after a Brazilian wax. But the pubic mons skin is more akin to the skin on your belly, back, and legs than the ultra-absorbent, delicate tissues of the vulva, according to Dr. Gastler, so a standard, fragrance-free moisturizing lotion would do.
The best moisturizers for vulva dryness, at a glance:
- Best Overall: Tabu Crème de la Vi, $45
- Best Salve: Medicine Mama VMAGIC Vulva Balm, $30
- Best Oil: Foria Everyday Vulva Moisturizer, $40
- Best Mist: DeoDoc Meno Care Oil Mist, $42
- Best Stick: Hygiene Hero Vipstick, $32
- Best Serum: revitalizHER™ Hydrating Serum, $49
- Best Splurge: Plum Moisturizing Serum, $72
- Most Versatile: Momotaro Soothe & Restore Salve, $37
- Best for Sensitive Skin: PH-D nourishing Balm, $23
- Best for Sex: Vella Pleasure Serum, $65
What causes vulvar dryness exactly?
The burning question is what makes the vulva so prone to dryness. The answer? The vulva is primarily composed of non-keratinized epithelium skin (also called mucosal tissue) that is prone to irritation and is sensitive to moisture loss, says award-winning urologist and sexual dysfunction specialist, Harin Padma-Nathan, MD, FRCS, FACS(C), the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Vella Bioscience, Inc.
With that, there are a multitude of things that dry the vulva tissues out:
- systemic dehydration
- certain medications (including birth control pills)
- health conditions
- hygiene factors (like using drying soaps)
- sweat, chlorine, sitting in wet clothes
- hormonal changes
Perhaps the most common cause of vulvar dryness, however, is a change in estrogen levels. All of the tissues in the body have estrogen receptors, but research shows they are especially abundant in the vulvovaginal tissue. Estrogen plays a crucial role in tissue elasticity, blood flow, collagen production, and creation of other moisturizing factors in the skin, says Dr. Gastler. So, when estrogen levels decline and fluctuate—for instance, during the perimenopause transition, postpartum, or while breastfeeding—it can change the elasticity, durability, and appearance of those tissues, she says.
“This can lead to all-day, every-day discomfort, which is distracting and takes away from everyday activities like walking and exercising,” Dr. Gastler. Further, left untreated, the dryness can intensify, resulting in cracking of the skin that can lead to more pain, and even more risk of infection, she says.
Dry skin on the area your skivvies cover is a common part of hormonal changes and nothing to be ashamed of, says Dr. Bertucio. But it's also uncomfortable and not something you have to grit and bear, she says. Vulva moisturizers offer an easy, hormone-free, over-the-counter way to restore moisture to those tissues and prevent discomfort and associated issues.
The best vulva moisturizers
Pros:
- Sanitary pump-bottle applicator
- Immediate soothing
- Lightweight but buttery
Cons:
- Pricier than alternatives
- Smells mildly like sunscreen
Tabu’s long-awaited vulva moisturizer, Crème de la Vie, is as nourishing to the vulva skin as a bestie-and-yap night is to your soul. The gynecologist- and dermatologist-approved formula features a moisturizing aloe, squalane, and jojoba oil base, infused with minerals (like magnesium, zinc, and copper) to revitalize and strengthen the intimate skin. This vulva moisturizer looks and feels like most face and under-eye moisturizers; it’s lightweight but buttery, fast absorbing but soothing. Notably, it comes in a pump-bottle dispenser, which is more sanitary than tub containers that you stick your fingers into.
Also, do yourself a favor and peruse Tabu’s offering of sexual wellness aids before checking out. Shaped like a skipping stone, The Prim ($195) sex pillow is more discreet and luxe than alternatives. Meanwhile, The Pearl ($95) is a lay-on vulva vibrator that is slim enough to use for clitoral stim during missionary. Yes, please.
Pros:
- Cute jar and packaging
- Non-irritating formula
- Essentially odorless
- Also available in a tube applicator
Cons:
- Color of earwax (due to beeswax)
- Oiler than other options
Medicine Mama, an intimate skincare supplier that counts Anthropologie as a retailer, offers a whole line-up of gynecologist-approved vulva care. With nearly 15 thousand five-star reviews on Amazon, the viral VMAGIC Vulva Balm is tried, tested, and true. Made as a daily moisturizer, the blend of olive oil, avocado oil, sea buckthorn oil, and other hydrating ingredients smoothes and restores the vulva skin.
What’s more, in a small clinical study, 92 percent of the participants reported a reduction in dryness after 2 weeks of daily use, and zero(!) found the product irritating. According to Dr. Bertucio, “that’s because it has few characteristics that should be non-negotiable in a vulva moisturizer: it’s organic, fragrance free, hormone-free, and designed specifically to maintain the natural pH of your vulva.”
Quick tip: Wait five minutes after application to slide on your drawers. Due to the oily nature of the product, it left residue on my underwear if I didn't give it enough time to absorb and rushed the process. Not a dealbreaker because it comes off in the wash, but useful to know for proper application. The balm is also available in a hands-free applicator, aptly named VMAGIC Lips Stick ($20), for a mess-free, travel-friendly option.
Pros:
- Pump dispenser keeps bottle from slipping
- Scent-free
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing oil-based formula
Cons:
- Not safe for those with tree nut allergy
If you’ve never heard of Foria, today’s your lucky day. The sexual wellness brand is widely celebrated for its intimacy and menstrual care products, including long-time Well & Good editor favorites: the Breast Oil, Menstrual Relief Melts, CBD-infused Booty Belts, and the Arousal Oil. Well, as of late, the Everyday Vulva Moisturizer is equally beloved. Formulated with nourishing pumpkin seed oil, coconut oil, and antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn, and rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, “the vulva moisturizer is for anyone experiencing dryness or discomfort and looking for a simple, soothing way to care for their body as it changes,” says somatic sex expert, Kiana Reeves sex and community educator with Foria.
Pros:
- Mess-free spray bottle
- Hands-free application
- Subtle chamomile scent
Cons:
- Not fragrance-free
It is my humble opinion, as a person with a vulva who reviews intimate and sexual wellness products, that DeoDoc is woefully overlooked. The brand's disposable Menstrual Heating Pads ($15) are the longest-lasting on the market, and I keep the fragrance-free vulva Wipes ($15) in my gym bag to use after CrossFit. You can imagine my delight when I discovered that DeoDoc also carries a bevy of vulva moisturizing products, including a Balm ($42) and stand-out Oil Mist ($42).
“The mist is formulated with natural vitamins and plant-based oils such as Almond Oil, Shea Butter, and ilus Oil, which have nourishing and protective properties,” says board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and DeoDoc co-founder Gunvor Ekman Ordeberg, OB/GYN. “The formula also includes soothing ingredients like Chamomile Extract and Swedish Oat Oil, known for their calming and anti-inflammatory effects,” she says. Best of all is how easy the product is to use. The only spray applicator on the list, DeoDoc’s Oil Mist delivers a finely dispersed moisturizing, well, mist—made up of a variety of nourishing oils and shea butter—that seamlessly penetrates and absorbs into the skin so that you get easy application without the use of your fingers.
Pros:
- Eight different scents available, including unflavored
- Can be used daily or before sex to enhance arousal
- Hands-free application
- Travel-friendly
Cons:
- Flavored options imply there is something wrong with the natural scent of your vulva or vagina
Vipstick—yes, that’s the fusion of vulva and lipstick—might look like a glue stick, but it glides along your lower lips as smoothly as Chapstick glides along your upper. Each stick slick transfers the soothing serum from the applicator to whatever part of your vulva or bikini is irritated, dry, or chafed. Personally, I like to apply the waxy layer to my outer lips before going on a long run to prevent irritation that can accompany all that back-and-forth.
The product is available in an unscented variety, which is my preference and ideal for those with sensitivities. But there are also seven indulgent scents such as French vanilla, strawberry smoothie, and piña colada. While the options are called ‘flavors’ by Hygiene Hero, they only smell like their namesake, not taste—yes, for the sake of investigative journalism, I gave each flavored stick a lick. (For the record, there is no need to mask the scent of your genitals, as there is nothing wrong with the smell of a healthy vagina or vulva).
Pros:
- pH matches that of the vulva skin
- Dropper applicator
- Available at several stores you regularly shop at
Cons:
- Marketing language is very gendered
Joylux is a women's wellness care brand carried by Ulta, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and the like. Part of their Mommy Matters line, which aims to support women from motherhood to menopause, includes a hydrating vulva serum. The deeply revitalizHER™ serum uses coconut oil, beeswax, and powerful antioxidants to soothe, soften, and rejuvenate dry vulva skin, leaving your inner and outer lips and bikini line silky smooth.
Pros:
- Stunning, matte-red pump dispenser
- Mimics the feel of vaginal fluid
- Milky lotion absorbs effortlessly
Cons:
- Not made for internal use
- Smells like suntan lotion
Plum gets the vibes right with their Moisturizing Serum, which is as luxurious in packaging and product as they come. The matte, maroon bottle will be far from an eyesore in your bathroom cabinet, while the serum will show you that moisturizing your lip-bits feels as good as glossing the ones on your face. The blend of oils and extracts is pH-balanced to match that of the sensitive vulva skin and minimize the risk of irritation. Not to mention, the lotion, which, for the record, smells faintly like sunscreen, is neither greasy nor sticky and absorbs effortlessly.
The only thing I don’t love about this product is the anatomical imprecision in the marketing material. Despite the fact that this product is labelled as a “vaginal moisturizing serum,” it is not safe for internal (vaginal) use. Like the other options on this list, this is a vulva moisturizer that is for external use only.
Pros:
- Incredibly versatile
- Made for sensitive skin
- Gentle enough for daily use
Cons:
- Often back-ordered due to popularity
I’ve been using Momotaro Apotheca Soothe & Restore Salve for more than half a decade. In fact, back in 2021—before I was a full bush in a bikini girlie—I waxed poetic about this product's ability to keep my razor burn and ingrowns at bay in a stand-alone review. The thing is, this versatile salve's prowess doesn’t start and stop with hedging off irritation from bush management. Momotaro’s multi-tasker also alleviates vulva dryness and itchiness (and some users claim it alleviates symptoms associated with yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis). Gentle enough for everyday use, this sensitive-skin friendly salve is free of all the things known to irritate the vulva, like parabens, fragrances, alcohol, and sulfates. Win.
Pros:
- Completely fragrance free
- Mess-free application
- Quick-absorbing
Cons:
- Packaging has an antiseptic aesthetic
What do this balm and books have in common? You shouldn’t judge them by their cover. The packaging is by far the least sexy of the bunch, but the vessel’s simplicity mirrors that of the ingredient list. The base is made up of a blend of moisturizing moringa oil, olive oil, sea buckthorn oil, and vitamin E. It has a waxy texture at room temperature, but quickly melts and absorbs when it makes contact with your skin. Those with sensitive sniffers or skin will love that this unscented option is free from fragrances and doesn’t even have the nutty scent that most salves with shea butter have.
Pros:
- Water-based formula is compatible with latex barriers
- Sanitary, mess-free push-down dispenser top
- Contains 99 percent pure CBD isolate
Cons:
- Watery, slippery consistency
- Made for sex, not daily use
Vella’s Pleasure serum marries the nourishing benefits of a vulva moisturizer with the stimulating ones of an arousal oil. The topical lotion, which has a watery consistency akin to Cetaphil, is designed to be applied externally before sex. “Once applied, the serum penetrates deeply to the vaginal and clitoral smooth muscle to facilitate sexual arousal—specially, the engorgement of the clitoris and vaginal lubrication,” says Dr. Padma-Nathan.
While the product isn’t a daily moisturizer, it will leave your vulva skin smoother, softer, and more moisturized than it was ahead of play, he says. For one, the formula contains vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant known to soothe, protect, and moisturize the skin. “The cannabidiol (CBD) in the formula also reduces inflammation and the pain of vulvodynia in the vulva,” he adds. The serum comes in a push-down dispenser for easy access, even when your hands are slick with lube or body fluids.
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