Your vagina is self-cleaning, ultra-sensitive, and deserves nothing but the best care. But with all the feminine hygiene products on the market, figuring out what’s actually good for you (and what’s secretly full of toxic chemicals) can be a little… overwhelming. Some are loaded with toxic chemicals that mess with your pH, cause irritation, and have even been linked to cancer (yikes).

And let’s not forget how sex affects feminine hygiene—whether it’s post-intimacy clean-up, keeping your menstrual cycle in check, or making sure your go-to period products aren’t messing with your pH, what you use down there matters. 

So, let’s break it down: what’s in your tampons, menstrual cups, and personal care products, how those ingredients impact your body, and what to look for (and avoid) when choosing feminine hygiene products that keep you feeling good before, during, and after sex.

How Feminine Hygiene Affects Your Health (And Sex Life)

Your vagina is self-cleaning, naturally maintains a slightly acidic pH, and produces its own protective bacteria to keep things balanced.

But here’s where it gets tricky—introducing harmful chemicals from pads and tampons, menstrual products, or even scented washes can throw off that delicate balance, leading to irritation, infections, and even long-term health risks. And guess what? That imbalance can make sex uncomfortable (or straight-up unpleasant).

• pH Imbalance = Less Pleasure – If your vaginal pH is off, sex might feel more irritating than satisfying.
• Irritation Kills the Mood – Harsh ingredients in sanitary pads or washes can cause dryness, making intimacy uncomfortable.

That’s why choosing the right feminine hygiene products is just as important as choosing the right lube (which we’ll get to later).

Why Ingredients Matter

Some ingredients are fine (like natural plant extracts or probiotics), while others (looking at you, artificial fragrances) can lead to vaginal dryness, irritation, and even toxic shock syndrome.

So, let’s talk about ingredients—what's safe, what’s questionable, and what might be better left on the shelf.

Good vs. Bad Ingredients in Feminine Hygiene Products

Ingredients You Want

These ingredients support vaginal health, help prevent irritation, and keep your personal care products safe for regular use.

• 100% Organic Cotton: Found in pads and tampons, this can help reduce exposure to pesticides, bleach, and synthetic fibers that can irritate sensitive skin.
• Medical-Grade Silicone: Used in menstrual cups, this non-toxic, hypoallergenic material is easy to clean and won’t disrupt your menstrual cycle.
• Aloe Vera & Chamomile: These natural extracts are soothing, hydrating, and great for keeping your skin irritation-free (especially in wipes or washes). Always check which ingredients are safe to use only externally, like chamomile, vs. internally, like aloe. 
• Probiotics: Found in some vaginal washes, probiotics help balance bacteria and support overall vaginal health.

Ingredients to Avoid

Some feminine hygiene products contain harmful chemicals that can throw off your pH, cause irritation, or even lead to long-term health risks. While everyone’s body reacts differently, here are a few red flags:

• Artificial Fragrances & Dyes: If it’s going inside the vagina (like tampons or menstrual cups), steer clear of artificial fragrances and dyes that can trigger irritation. But not all “fragrances” are created equal—some brands (ahem, like WOO) use safe, non-toxic formulas you can trust.

Since “fragrance” is a catch-all term that doesn’t require full disclosure, it’s all about choosing products from companies that prioritize transparency on the fragrance origin and actually care for your vaginal health. Dyes are never okay, though.

• Parabens & Phthalates: Found in many personal care products, these chemicals have been linked to cancer and hormonal disruptions.
• Dioxins & Chlorine Bleaching: Used to process pads and tampons, these can leave behind residues that irritate vaginal tissues.
• PFAS (Forever Chemicals): Some period underwear brands have been found to contain harmful chemicals that can stay in the body long-term.
• Glycerin: Often found in lubricants, glycerin can feed yeast and throw off your pH balance, especially with frequent use. That’s why we swear by Shag Juice, our water-based lube that’s totally glycerin-free and pH-balanced.

P.S. If you’re eyeing our Coconut Love Oil, you’ll spot Polyglycerin-3 in the ingredients list. Don’t panic—it’s not the same thing. Polyglycerin-3 is a plant-derived emulsifier that helps keep oil and moisture blended without the sugar content that yeast loves. It’s ultra gentle, non-comedogenic, and totally safe for your most sensitive spots.

What To Look For In Safe Feminine Hygiene Products

Now that we know what to avoid, let’s talk about what makes a product safe, effective, and vagina-approved.

• Tampons & Pads: Look for 100% organic cotton, fragrance-free, and chlorine-free processing.
• Menstrual Cups: Choose ones made from medical-grade silicone to avoid toxic shock syndrome risks.
• Period Underwear: Ensure they’re PFAS-free and made from natural, breathable fabrics.
• Reusable Pads: Great for environmental health—just make sure they’re made from safe, dye-free materials and are properly emptied, washed, and dried after each use.

How Sex Affects Feminine Hygiene (And What to Do About It)

Whether you’re getting it on regularly or just every once in a while (no judgment), sex directly affects your feminine hygiene routine. Here’s why:

Semen Messes With Your pH

Semen is alkaline, while your vagina prefers to stay acidic. That little pH clash can lead to temporary imbalances—think dryness, irritation, or that not-so-fresh feeling. 

To keep things in the comfort zone, make post-sex hygiene part of your ritual. Peeing after sex and making sure both partners are clean before the fun begins goes a long way. Finish things off with a pH-friendly wipe—like Freshies—to help reset and refresh.

Lube Can Either Help or Hurt

Not all lubricants are made equal—some can lead to irritation (or worse, infections). 

Many lubes contain glycerin or parabens, which can cause infections. Stick to something like Shag Juice, which is water-based, natural, and actually good for your vagina.

SHOP WATER-BASED LUBE

Oral Sex Requires Extra Care

Your partner’s mouth isn’t as pH-balanced as your vagina, which means bacteria can be introduced (and no, we’re not saying stop—just saying be mindful). A gentle wash pre-play can help prevent irritation.

Post-Sex Cleaning is Key

While you don’t need to go overboard (your vagina cleans itself, after all), using pH-balanced wipes or a simple rinse can help prevent discomfort. (We might be biased but we recommend staying fresh with gentle, body-friendly options like Freshies Intimate Wipes.)

Feminine Hygiene Myths

With so much info out there, let’s debunk a few common myths about feminine hygiene.

#1 You need to use a strong feminine wash daily.
Nope—your vagina self-regulates. That magical little ecosystem cleans itself just fine. Overwashing (especially inside) can strip natural moisture and lead to vaginal dryness. But if you like feeling extra fresh, it's totally okay to use an external wash—just make sure it’s made with safe, non-irritating ingredients (like our pH-balanced Be There in Five).

#2 Tampons cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
TSS is rare but can happen if tampons or menstrual cups aren’t changed within 12 hours. The key? Change regularly and use the right materials.

#3 Period blood is dirty.
Not at all. Your menstrual cycle is a natural, healthy process—and it’s totally fine to have sex on your period if you and your partner are comfortable.

Final Thoughts on Feminine Hygiene Products

At the end of the day, your feminine hygiene products should support your body—not work against it. Whether it’s tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, or your go-to personal care products, choosing options with safe, body-friendly ingredients can make all the difference in how you feel (and how good sex feels, too).

So, next time you’re shopping for pads and tampons, take a second to think about the ingredients. Your vagina deserves the best—and trust us, she’ll thank you for it.