Characterization of female intimate hygiene practices and vulvar health: A randomized double-blind controlled trial

Inappropriate feminine hygiene practices are related to vulvar unpleasant symptoms (such as skin changes, lesions, burning, pruritus, fissures, and dyspareunia).

We assessed the daily use effects of intimate cleansers on vulvar skin by comparing two specific products for intimate care: Saugella Hydraserum (SIS), based on natural extracts, and a standard product based on lactic acid, such as Lactacyd Feminine Hygiene (LTC). Forty healthy women were enrolled in this double-blind controlled study.

After randomization, the cleansers were used twice daily for 30 days. The hydration level was determined using the Corneometer^® CM 825, the pH using the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905^® and the sebum level using the Sebumeter SM815^® . Measurements were performed at baseline and on day 30 on the labia majora and labia minora.

Both cleansers showed a reduction in the hydration level, but this was much less evident in the SIS group (-6.3% SIS vs -23,7% LTC). The pH values of the SIS group were lower than those of the LTC group, especially on the labia minora (5.27 ± 0.08 and 5.6 ± 0.1, respectively, P = .025). The sebum increased in both groups, but in the LTC group, it was higher on the labia majora (+96.2% vs +46.8%, respectively, P = .003), while on the labia minora, it was higher in the SIS group (+24.7% vs +17.1%, respectively P = NS).

Both cleansers tested showed high performance for safety and tolerability on vulvar skin, but SIS showed better efficacy than LTC on some parameters.