Vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort are more common than you might think—but they’re not something you have to just live with. Your vaginal health is a key part of your overall well-being, and giving it a little extra care can make a big difference. A vaginal moisturizer is a simple, effective way to support comfort and hydration down there.
Unlike lubricants, which provide temporary slipperiness for sexual activity, vaginal moisturizers work deeper, absorbing into the skin to replenish moisture and improve overall hydration over time (Alves Sarmento et al., 2021). Think of it like the difference between a facial serum and a face mask—one offers lasting nourishment, while the other provides quick, surface-level relief.
Not sure if a vaginal moisturizer is for you? Here are eight signs your vaginal tissue might be craving a little extra TLC.
1. You’re Dealing with Vaginal Dryness
If you’ve ever noticed dryness, tightness, or irritation down there, you’re not alone. Vaginal dryness is super common and can happen for all sorts of reasons—hormonal shifts, certain medications, aging, childbirth, and (peri)menopause, to name a few.
The good news? A vaginal moisturizer can be an easy fix and is designed for daily use. They work to restore hydration, soothe discomfort, and help keep your vaginal tissues healthy and functioning well. Research even shows that regular use can significantly improve moisture levels and overall vaginal health (Alves Sarmento et al., 2021). So if dryness is cramping your comfort, a vaginal moisturizer might be exactly what your body is thirsting for.
2. You’re Feeling Irritated or Itchy
If you’ve ever dealt with that dry, itchy feeling down there, you know how uncomfortable and, well, annoying it can be. Vaginal tissues need hydration just like the rest of your skin, and when they don’t get enough, they can become irritated, sensitive, and downright cranky.
A vaginal moisturizer can help by restoring moisture and creating a protective barrier to reduce friction and discomfort. Think of it like a soothing drink of water for your vaginal tissues (while we’re at it, here’s your daily reminder to drink your water!). Research even shows that vaginal moisturizers can be a simple yet effective way to ease dryness, irritation, and itching (Schipani, 2024). So if you’re constantly shifting in your seat trying to get comfortable, it might be time to add a little extra hydration to your routine.
However, it’s important to note that other conditions can cause itching. To ensure proper care, be sure to rule out any other skin or vaginal health conditions.
3. You’re in Your Perinatal Era
Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy and postpartum—some expected, some surprising (hello, random foot swelling!). One change that often catches people off guard? Vaginal dryness.
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy—like increased progesterone and fluctuating estrogen—can affect your vaginal tissues, sometimes leading to dryness or irritation. And if you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding, estrogen levels drop even more, which can leave your vaginal tissue feeling dry, sensitive, and even uncomfortable during intimacy.
A vaginal moisturizer can be a simple way to keep things hydrated and comfortable during this season of change. Look for one that’s pregnancy- and feeding-safe, free of harsh chemicals or fragrances, and designed to support your body’s natural balance. Not sure where to start? A pelvic health physiotherapist or healthcare provider can help you find the best option for you.
4. You’re Living that (Peri)Menopause Life
Perimenopause and post-menopause come with plenty of changes (some welcome, some… not so much). One of the most common but least talked about? Vaginal dryness. As estrogen levels drop during perimenopause and post-menopause, the vaginal tissues can become thinner, drier, and less elastic. This can lead to irritation, discomfort during intimacy, and even urinary symptoms (Edwards & Panay, 2015).
The good news? A vaginal moisturizer can help! Regular use of a moisturizer restores hydration, improves elasticity, and keeps discomfort at bay. Research even shows that vaginal moisturizers can improve comfort and quality of life for postmenopausal women (Edwards & Panay, 2015). If hormone changes have left things feeling dry and uncomfortable, a moisturizer might be the simple solution you didn’t know you needed.
5. You’re Experiencing Pain with Sexual Activities
Pain with sexual activity (also known as dyspareunia) is something no one should have to just “put up with.” And yet, many people do—often without realizing that vaginal dryness could be the culprit. This is especially common during times of hormonal shifts, like postpartum, perimenopause, and while breastfeeding.
A vaginal moisturizer helps by providing long-lasting hydration, which can make intercourse more comfortable and enjoyable. Research suggests that regular use can significantly improve vaginal hydration and ease discomfort (Sánchez-Prieto et al., 2024). If intimacy has become painful instead of pleasurable, a vaginal moisturizer could be a game-changer.
6. You’re a Breast Cancer Warrior
We understand that being a breast cancer warrior or navigating treatment is a journey, one that comes with its own set of challenges. Among them is vaginal dryness, often caused by hormonal shifts from chemotherapy or radiation. In some cases, cancer treatment can force your body into medical menopause, adding another layer to the experience. The good news? There are safe, effective vaginal moisturizers designed for use during treatment that can help restore hydration and ease irritation.
If you’ve been experiencing vaginal discomfort from treatment, adding a vaginal moisturizer to your routine could be just the comfort boost you need.
7. You Use Soaps or Wipes
If you’re using fragranced soaps, wipes, or douches to “freshen up” down there—let’s pause for a sec. The vagina is like an oven—it cleans itself! Harsh products can disrupt the natural pH balance, stripping away moisture and leaving you with irritation, dryness, or even infections.
If you’ve been unknowingly using these products and experiencing discomfort, a vaginal moisturizer can help restore hydration. Think of it as a little extra support for your body’s natural processes!
8. You Moisturize Your Face
Do you moisturize your face regularly? Why shouldn’t you moisturize your vulvar and vaginal tissues too? The skin around your vulva and vagina is just as delicate as your facial skin and deserves the same level of care.
A vaginal moisturizer keeps this tissue hydrated, comfortable, and healthy—just like your daily skincare routine does for your face. If you already invest in quality skincare, it might be time to extend that love a little further south.
What to Look for in a Vaginal Moisturizer
Not all vaginal moisturizers are created equal! Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing one:
- No Fragrances, Parabens, or Harsh Chemicals – These can irritate delicate vaginal tissues. Stick to gentle, hypoallergenic options.
- Water-Based vs. Oil-Based – Water-based moisturizers are typically lighter and gentler, while oil-based options offer longer-lasting hydration.
- Clinically Tested & Recommended by Experts – Look for products backed by research and recommended by healthcare professionals.
If you’re unsure which vaginal moisturizer is best for you, our pelvic health physiotherapists at Bump Physio & Co can help guide you toward a safe, effective option.
Our Favourite Vaginal Moisturizers at Bump
We love these two vaginal moisturizers for their effectiveness, ingredients, and targeted benefits.
Iris Vaginal Moisturizer is perfect for restoring hydration and maintaining a healthy pH balance. It helps keep the vulvar skin hydrated, promotes skin resilience, and reduces irritation, making it a great choice for overall vaginal health.
Feel Amazing Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Moisturizer combines hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to restore moisture and repair skin. It’s an excellent option for enhancing comfort, improving skin health, and relieving dryness.
The Takeaway: Keep Things Comfortable & Hydrated
If you’ve been dealing with vaginal dryness, irritation, or discomfort, a vaginal moisturizer might be the simple solution you need. Whether you’re navigating changes to your hormone health, are in your postpartum era, experiencing side effects from treatment of medications, or simply looking to care for your vaginal health the way you do your skin, a little extra hydration can make a great, big difference.
The best part? It’s an easy, proactive step toward feeling more comfortable and confident. And if you ever need guidance, our pelvic health physiotherapists are here to help.
~the Bump team
Bump Physio & Co. is a welcoming community of healthcare providers committed to transforming the way we approach pelvic health & other ‘socially taboo’ conditions. With clinics in New Westminster, Port Moody, and Langley, BC, we offer a range of services including pelvic health, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy (RMT), kinesiology, and clinical counselling. Our team is specially trained in Pelvic Health, Orthopedics, Obstetrics, Clinical Pilates, and Active Rehabilitation, providing personalized care to support you in all stages and phases of life.
Citations:
Alves Sarmento, A. C., Kamilos, M. F., Ferreira Costa, A. P., Vieira-Baptista, P., José Eleutério, J., & Gonçalves, A. K. (2021). Use of Moisturizers and Lubricants for Vulvovaginal Atrophy. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 3, 781353. https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2021.781353
Edwards, D., & Panay, N. (2015). Treating vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause: How important is vaginal lubricant and moisturizer composition? Climacteric, 19(2), 151. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2015.1124259
Schipani, D. (2024). Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: Combining vaginal lubricants and moisturizers can help ease vaginal dryness so you can feel comfortable and enjoy sex again. Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/vaginal-dryness/moisturizers-lubricants