Vaginal moisturizers can help during menopause, sex, and menstruation. Here, we discuss our top 5 favorite and vetted products from Bonafide, KY, and more.
- Best suppository: Bonadife Revaree | Skip to review
- Best for organic: AH! YES VM Gel With Applicators | Skip to review
- Best for tampon use: Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer | Skip to review
- Best for sex: KY Liquibeads Vaginal Moisturizer | Skip to review
- Best for sensitive skin: Luvena Enhanced Personal Lubricant | Skip to review
Vaginal moisturizers are available over the counter (OTC) that provide moisture around and inside the vagina.
People can use internal moisturizers that sometimes include an applicator for inserting the cream directly into the vagina. However, if they are treating the vulva, they can apply external moisturizers.
Vaginal dryness can occur during menopause or at any age for several reasons. It may result from low estrogen levels and can cause pain and irritation during sexual activities.
Best suppository: Bonafide Revaree
- Price: $62
- Type: suppository
- Main ingredient: hyaluronic acid
Bonafide Revaree is a suppository, which means people must place the capsule into their vagina.
Each packet contains 10 suppositories that contain hyaluronic acid as the main ingredient. Prolonged use of hyaluronic acid may help increase water retention and improve muscle elasticity.
These suppositories do not contain any hormones. Bonafide recommends using the product every 2 to 3 days before going to bed.
People can choose to subscribe either every month or every three months and receive a discount on their order.
Best organic:AH! YES VM Gel With Applicators
- Price: from $20.99
- Type: gel applicator
- Main ingredients: flax seed and aloe vera
This gel is available in a tube or individual applicators. People may prefer the applicators if they need deep hydration further inside the vagina.
The gel is water-based and contains flax seed and aloe vera, which the company says provides rapid and deep hydration.
The company states that this product contains organic ingredients, making it a good choice for people who want a more natural vaginal moisturizer.
AH! YES always states that it prioritizes osmolality in its formulation, which means that the gel only releases moisture when the vagina needs it.
Additionally, this product is safe for use with condoms, vaginal dilators, and menstrual cups.
Best for tampon use: Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
- Price: $24.79
- Type: glycerin applicator
- Main ingredients: glycerin, mineral oil, and sorbic acid
Replens states that this vaginal moisturizer is suitable for vaginal dryness associated with menopause and tampon use. It is also suitable for those who have recently given birth or are undergoing chemotherapy.
The company says it provides natural lubrication and has eight pre-filled, disposable applicators. It also includes a lubricant sample.
Some of the ingredients include glycerin, mineral oil, and sorbic acid.
The product is fragrance- and estrogen-free and is reportedly compatible with natural rubber latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms.
Best for sex: KY Liquibeads Vaginal Moisturizer
- Price: $14.99
- Type: liquibead suppository
- Main ingredients: glycerin, gelatin, water
K-Y provides a packet of six ovule suppositories that contain dimethicone, dimethiconol, gelatin, and glycerin. They come with disposable applicators that can dissolve within minutes. They provide vaginal lubrication for up to 48 hours.
The ovules are free of alcohol, fragrances, hormones, and parabens.
People can use the applicator to insert an ovule into their vagina before sexual intercourse. It starts dissolving within minutes.
However, a person should not use more than one ovule in 24 hours.
Best for sensitive skin: Luvena Enhanced Personal Lubricant
- Price: $21.99
- Type: gel
- Main ingredients: aloe vera, vitamin E, jojoba oil
This gel provides vaginal moisture and contains cranberry extract, lactoferrin, and potassium thiocyanate.
It is water-based, and there are no parabens and glycerin present in the formula. The company says this makes the product suitable for people with sensitive skin. It also recommends this gel for individuals of any age group.
A person can also reportedly use this lubricant any time they experience irritation, redness, and discomfort.
Here, we compare the best vaginal moisturizers on their type, main ingredients, and price.
Some factors that people should consider when buying a vaginal moisturizer include:
- Ingredients: Products should contain non-irritating ingredients and ideally without fragrance, phthalates, or parabens.
- Form: Vaginal products come in different forms, such as gels, capsules, and suppositories. People should choose their preferred form and check how they should apply the moisturizer before committing to a purchase.
- Compatibility: Some products are compatible with condoms. However, Breastcancer.org advises against the use of oil and petroleum-based moisturizers with this type of barrier method. This is because they can damage latex condoms, and some persons may also develop irritation.
- Cost: Vaginal moisturizers are available at different prices. Silicone-based lubricants are more expensive but typically last longer.
People should read the manufacturer’s instructions before using a vaginal product.
However, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center states that individuals can use the applicator provided with products to insert the moisturizer into their vagina. They also suggest applying the product to the inner and outer labia.
Those who have completed their cancer treatment or are going through menopause can consider using a vaginal moisturizer 3–5 times per week.
When to consult a doctor
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that women who experience irritation and pain during sex after 2 months of using a moisturizer or lubricant should consult a doctor. It is also worth seeking medical advice if other symptoms are present, such as pain during urination or abnormal discharge.
The best way to moisturize the vagina is by using creams, gels, or suppositories that companies formulate specifically for that area.
The pH balance of the vagina is very delicate, and using products that are not specifically for vaginas can cause problems such as yeast infections.
It is always important to follow the packet instructions. Many products are not suitable for daily use.
Gel creams may be the best option if a person does not want to use a suppository. Gels are usually oil-free and are water-based, which may provide more natural feeling hydration.
Many companies state that gynecologists recommend their products.
For example, both AH! YES and Replens states that doctors recommend their moisturizers.
If OTC moisturizers do not work, people may require prescription products. The North American Menopause Society highlights some that include:
- Vaginal tablets (Vagifem): This is a tablet that a person inserts into their vagina using a disposable applicator. They can use this product twice per week.
- Vaginal cream (Estrace or Premarin): People can also use an applicator to apply the cream inside their vagina up to 2–3 times a week.
- Vaginal ring (Estring): Doctors insert the ring into a person’s vagina, and it starts releasing estrogen. They have to replace it every 3 months.
- Ospenifene (Osphena): This is a pill to treat painful sexual intercourse that develops when a person has vaginal atrophy.
Many vaginal moisturizers are suitable for use with most common condoms. However, it is always important to read the information packet to make sure that they are compatible with the condoms a person uses.
It is also important to remember that vaginal moisturizers do not contain spermicide, and a person should always use contraception if they want to reduce the risk of unintentional pregnancy.
Vaginal dryness affects many people, especially those experiencing menopause. Irritation and pain during sexual intercourse can also develop.
Many companies offer moisturizers to help provide moisture and reduce discomfort. They are available as pills, suppositories, ovules, and creams. People do not need a prescription to buy them.
However, individuals who experience pain during sexual intercourse or bleed between periods should consult a doctor to discuss their symptoms and treatment options.
