Say goodbye to feminine wipes forever!
Ladies, it’s time to stop using feminine wipes. These products are marketed as “hygienic” and “sanitary,” but they contain a bunch of chemicals that can cause irritation and other health problems. They also contribute to the waste problem with single-use plastics. You deserve better, so here is why you should say goodbye forever to those icky things!
Are feminine wipes safe to use?
In the best cases, feminine wipes can be used to freshen up like after an intense workout or sweaty commute. If you have ever had a vaginal infection you would probably have preferred to skip the wipe. Some feminine wipes claim to be “anticarcinogenic” or ‘pharmabalancing’ claims about feminine wipes – should not be the only motivation for purchasing. If a wipe contains alcohol it would certainly be called something antibacterial, but this property might not remain durable and would certainly not treat a bacterial infection say.
Common ingredients found in feminine wipes include methylparaben, Propylparaben, Triclosan (which has been found to impair thyroid function and other endocrine functions), fragrance chemicals like phthalates. The parabens are known hormone disruptors that can cause reproductive and endocrine system issues, also linked to certain cancers.
What is the purpose of feminine wipes?
For too long, we’ve been told that they’re better for you than toilet paper, but in reality, it’s just not true. Feminine wipes are worse for the environment and end up costing us a lot money when we use them regularly. They also can cause irritation or infections in some women because of their chemical makeup. So let’s all do our part by throwing these chemicals away and switching back to good old fashioned toilet paper! Toilet paper can be pretty rough on the skin, but it’s far better than using something like a feminine wipe that contains chemicals and fragrance ingredients which are known irritants to many women.
Some are labelled as period wipes, but again it’s not needed and definitely not part of an eco period selection. Feminine wipes do not have any added benefit for us, so let’s just stop using them! It’s time to go back to the basics with a good old-fashioned piece of toilet paper.
Why feminine wipes are bad?
Feminine wipes contain chemicals and fragrances, which can cause irritation. Sensitive skin is best left with no wipes and most feminine wipes will irritate your sensitive parts.
They also contribute to the waste problem with single-use plastics, the same as baby wipes. They’re not biodegradable or compostable, so they just get tossed into a landfill where they will sit for years without degrading. Worse, if they are flushed down the toilet they can cause fatbergs or end up getting washed up on beaches and causes terrible problems for marine life.
Also, many are individually wrapped which cause even more single-use plastic issues.
What else you can use instead of feminine wipes?
We cannot recommend using baby wet wipes for this purpose, because many brands contain fragrances and other chemicals. You should also never flush them down the toilet! They will cause big problems in your plumbing system over time if you do so. If they get stuck, it can be expensive to unclog a toilet.
You can use a plain reusable wipe soaked in warm water instead. It will help keep you clean and refreshed between showers, but it won’t contain any harsh chemicals or perfumes that might irritate your skin! Keep them in a wet bag if going out and about.
If you don’t want to use dry toilet paper, the best method would be to pour some warm, clean water on a cloth or cotton pad and gently wipe yourself with that instead of using an irritating chemical-laden product!
Do feminine wipes help with the odour?
No! In fact, they may even cause a reaction that makes the odour worse. Unwanted odor can be a problem for any woman and using cleansing wipes or body wipes will not help. Odour is usually caused by BV, or bacterial vaginosis, an illness characterised by irritation of the vaginal area due to the presence of bacteria. The vagina is usually teeming with beneficial microorganisms as well as a small number of pathogenic germs. BV occurs when there is an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria in the vagina, causing your vaginal pH to become imbalanced. This can be triggered by a number of things including poor diet, lack of sleep and stress – all pretty common for women living in our busy modern world!
Odour may also indicate other issues like STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) or a yeast infection. If you have a consistent bad odour and think you might have vaginal infections consult your GP, don’t use feminine wipes!
What is the alternative to feminine wet wipes?
Remember the vagina is self-cleansing and ph balancing, so you may not need anything! Especially consider nothing if you have sensitive skin.
If you want to remove unwanted odour we recommend that you use warm water with plain old toilet paper instead of a chemical-laden product! It sounds so simple, but it really works. Just pour some clean water onto a cotton pad or washcloth and gently pat yourself dry after going.
Using an effective pH-balanced cleanser in the shower will help control odours and keep you feeling fresh for longer. You can also use baking soda or another natural product to cleanse your area instead of using perfumed products like feminine wipes or sprays.
If you want a lightly scented fresh wipe, try using reusable wipes and making your own with essential oil, calendula extracts and organic chamomile and other botanical ingredients. These are all-natural ingredients and are alcohol-free. Even a wipe infused with chamomile water will offer your lady bits a natural quick refresh.
Do they make your vaginal area dry?
Yes! Using harsh chemicals on the skin is never a good idea, and feminine wipes definitely contain some harsh ingredients. Harsh cleaners can cause irritation to delicate tissues in this area of the body which will lead to more problems over time like itching or burning sensations during urination. It’s not worth it!
It’s important to feel fresh and comfortable in our bodies every day because we deserve that! Using a chemical-laden product to clean yourself is never going to be as effective or safe for your body. Don’t fall into the trap of using these kinds of products just because that’s what everyone else seems to be doing!
We should all do our own research and determine exactly how we would prefer to care for ourselves in an intimate way, it’s the best way to make sure you are happy. There are eco-friendly options for your sensitive areas and period care, without
Can feminine wipes cause yeast infections?
Maybe! Using a chemical-laden wipe is going to cause more problems for your delicate vaginal area. We recommend using baking soda or another natural product instead of wipes, so you can prevent yeast infections from occurring in the future.
Feminine washes and wet wipes are made with chemicals that can irritate your skin. We recommend using a water washcloth instead of these products to keep yourself clean, which will help you feel fresh for longer without irritating your delicate tissues. They’re not worth it! Do research on how.
What are the best feminine wipes?
Firstly ask yourself do you even need wipes? Forget the sales claims about needing them to feel fresh
If you have sensitive skin then forget claims about ultra-gentle feminine wipes or fragrance-free etc. Simply make your own! Buy some reusable wipes and pre-wet them with natural ingredients. You can use lavender essential oil or tea tree oil, which has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Grapefruit extract, aloe vera and vitamin E are all ingredients you can use to make the best feminine wipes. Adding coconut oil to the mix is also a great addition to make them ultra gentle wipes.
Simply add a little bit of warm water to your wipes before you use them – this will keep the product fresh for longer! It’s a great way to cut down on waste too so it’s perfect if you are concerned about being environmentally friendly.
You can make your own hypoallergenic wipes with botanical extracts, these all-natural wipes will gently cleanse and help you with a natural ph balance. Remember, your body parts are very good at cleaning themselves. You can clean your vagina with warm water when you shower or use a washcloth in the bath instead of using chemicals on these delicate tissues!
Are there Flushable Wipes?
NO! They will cause plumbing problems. They do not decompose and case ‘fatbergs’ in the pipes. Fatbergs are clumps of solidified fat and wipes that are congealed together. The huge problem with fatbergs is they can cause the sewage system to block and overflow. This is a health and environmental hazard.
Even wipes that claim to be flushable wipes should be avoided as they are still not good for the environment. Flushable wipes may cause problems in your home, but they’ll also have a negative impact on water treatment plants by clogging up their machinery.
Many brands making disposable wipes like the honey pot company or J&J are not the ones coming to unblog your drains!
Take Away
The feminine wipes we’ve been using for decades are a thing of the past. We deserve better and you do too! This article has provided some insight into why these products may not be as effective or safe as they seem, but if that’s what you’re currently looking for then it can’t hurt to use one last time before moving on to something more eco-friendly like reusable wet wipes made from natural ingredients.
These all-natural personal care items will keep your delicate vaginal area feeling fresh without harsh chemicals irritating sensitive tissues. So don’t fall prey to marketing claims about how necessary this product is just because everyone else seems to think so – instead, try out an alternative solution and see how much better things feel when you take control over your own body. There is more information on sustainable period products here.
FAQs on Feminine Wipes
1. What are feminine wipes?
Feminine wipes are personal hygiene wipes designed for use in the genital area to help maintain cleanliness and freshness.
2. Are feminine wipes safe to use?
Feminine wipes are generally considered safe to use, but it’s important to choose wipes that are specifically designed for use in the genital area and are free from harmful chemicals.
3. How do I use feminine wipes?
Feminine wipes should be used externally in the genital area, but not inside the vagina. It’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging and to avoid overuse, which can lead to irritation.
4. Can feminine wipes be used during menstruation?
Feminine wipes can be used during menstruation, but it’s important to avoid using them inside the vagina, as this can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
5. Are there any risks associated with using feminine wipes?
Overuse of feminine wipes can lead to irritation or allergic reactions, so it’s important to use them as directed and to choose wipes that are free from harmful chemicals. Additionally, some wipes may contain fragrances or other ingredients that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the genital area.
6. Can feminine wipes be flushed down the toilet?
Most feminine wipes are not flushable and should be disposed of in the trash. Flushing wipes can cause blockages in pipes and contribute to environmental pollution.
7. How do I choose the best feminine wipes for my needs?
When choosing feminine wipes, look for wipes that are specifically designed for use in the genital area and are free from harmful chemicals. Consider your individual needs and preferences, such as whether you prefer fragrance-free or scented wipes.
8. Are there any alternatives to feminine wipes?
Yes, there are alternative products such as gentle soap and water or specialized genital area cleansers that can be used instead of feminine wipes. It’s important to choose products that are specifically designed for use in the genital area and are free from harmful chemicals.
