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Your intimate hygiene questions answered

Yes, Your Vulva is Normal

5 of Your Most Urgent Intimate Hygiene-Related Questions, Answered

Must I Clean My Vagina?

What you have come to know as your vagina (your external genitalia) is in actual fact, your vulva.

Vulva is a broad term that refers to your labia, clitoris, urethra and the entrance to the vagina.

Your vagina, on the other hand, is the passage that leads to your cervix, which opens to your uterus.

Your vagina is self-cleaning, and never needs to be washed, no matter what suspect internet sources may tell you.

Your vulva, on the other hand, can be cleaned, and you can do this with warm water and an intimate hygiene wash (more about that below) or wipes if you’re on the go and quickly need to freshen up.

Is My Vulva Normal?

Everyone is unique and so are vulvas. Not all look the same, and that’s okay!

Some people have longer labia than others, while others may have very short labia. The colour of a vulva (and pubic hair) may change from person to person, depending on skin tone and hair colour. Maybe you have a freckle down there, or even a scar. No two vulvas are the same, and no single ‘kind’ of vulva sets the gold standard for what is ‘normal’. When it comes to vaginas, vulvas and what they smell like, a lot of menstruators worry whether or not they’re ‘normal’.

It’s natural for your vagina to have a mild smell. However, should this ouder suddenly grow stronger, change or become fishy, you may have a yeast infection, thrush or BV (Bacterial Vaginosis).

This may or may not be accompanied by a frothy, green or grey discharge, and definitely warrants a trip to the doctor. To feel fresh (and save your underwear), you can wear pantyliners between periods, or just on the days when you’re experiencing a lot of discharge.

Will I Smell When I’m On My Period?

You might notice a slight odour when you're on your period. Tampons can help with this because they're worn inside your body. If you prefer to use pads, Lil-Lets has a wide range of products to suit your flow.

Changing your pad and tampon regularly can help keep unwanted odours down to a minimum, and making sure that you wash your vulva (and groin area, especially if you’ve had any blood spillage) will also help.

While washing with warm water is perfectly fine, you might find that an intimate care hygiene wash such as Lil-Let’s Intimate Care Gel Wash, which is made especially for washing your vulva, brings you more comfort and confidence, without any potential irritation that normal soap might cause you.

Our range of intimate care products includes (talc-free) powder, wipes and washes that maintain the delicate pH balance of your vagina and are gentle enough to use every day of the month.

Should I Remove My Pubic Hair?

Your vulva and vagina are not intrinsically unclean, and neither is pubic hair. There is simply no science-based evidence to suggest that a bikini wax or Brazilian is better than leaving your pubic hair as is.

In fact, some forms of hair removal, like shaving, can cause irritation or even ingrown hairs, and these small wounds can put you at risk of infection.

While hair removal is a personal choice, there is no hygienic value in lasering it all off or keeping it all on.

It’s a matter of preference, and doing whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. If you’re showering or bathing once (or twice) a day and need something for in between washes, why not try out our intimate wipes, which are perfect for an on-the-go refresher.

Is Period Sex, Like, a Thing?

If you find yourself getting extra aroused during your period, know that you’re not alone.

Some people feel really tired and bloated, and sex is the last thing on their minds. Other people feel really up to having sex, and whether it’s on your own or with a partner (and everybody involved is comfortable), then why the heck not? It’s perfectly hygienic, plus the endorphins your body releases during sex may also provide mild relief from your period pain symptoms. If you happen to get any blood on your linen (which can happen with or without period sex - thanks period day two!) wash the stain with cold water first, and detergent after. Repeat if necessary. The same method applies to any blood-marked underwear, too.

Remember that you can wear a pantyliner to guard against unwanted stains on your underwear, and to save your lace underwear from becoming another period panties statistic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lil‑Lets offer feminine wash and wipes products for everyday use?

Yes! Lil‑Lets offers a range of gentle, everyday intimate care products, including intimate washes, wipes and powder. Each product is designed for daily use as part of your intimate hygiene routine, with pH‑balanced formulas that help support the natural balance of the vulva. Many products in the range are also enhanced with a prebiotic and probiotic complex, making them ideal for everyday freshness and comfort.

Whether you prefer a soothing gel wash, the convenience of wipes, or a moisture‑absorbing powder, the Lil‑Lets Intimate Care range is designed to help you feel clean, comfortable and confident throughout the day.

Can soap or hygiene products damage your natural vaginal pH?

Everyday soaps, body washes and fragranced hygiene products can sometimes disrupt your natural vaginal pH, because they’re not designed for the delicate skin of the intimate area.

To keep things comfortable and avoid irritation or dryness, it’s best to cleanse the vulva (the external area) with gentle products created specifically for intimate skin. The Lil‑Lets Intimate Care range is a pH‑balanced, dermatologically and gynaecologically tested option designed to support your natural balance while helping you feel fresh, clean and confident.

The vagina itself is self‑cleaning, which means it naturally maintains its own healthy pH and doesn’t need any special washes internally.

Keeping cleansing to the vulva only and choosing products made for this sensitive area is one of the simplest ways to support everyday intimate comfort without disrupting your body’s natural balance.

What's the right way to wash your vagina?

First things first - let’s clear up the terminology. You don’t need to wash your vagina at all, because it’s internal and naturally self‑cleaning. It maintains its own delicate pH balance, so using soaps or washes inside can actually cause irritation or upset that balance.

What does need gentle washing is your vulva, the external area, including your labia. Clean it with warm water and your hands or a clean wash cloth, taking care to gently wash around the skin folds. If you prefer to use a product, choose something specifically designed for this sensitive area and pH‑balanced, like the Lil‑Lets Intimate Care range, to help you stay comfortable and fresh without disrupting your skin’s natural harmony.

What do I use intimate wipes for?

Intimate wipes are great for freshening up between period product changes, after exercise, when you’ve been travelling, or simply anytime during the day when you want to feel a little cleaner and more comfortable. They’re especially useful when you don’t have access to water, helping you stay confident and refreshed on the go.

Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Wipes are designed specifically for the delicate intimate area. They’re pH balanced, gynaecologically and dermatologically tested, and enhanced with a probiotic complex to support the area’s natural balance.

Made from biodegradable, plastic‑free viscose plant fibre, they offer gentle cleansing, everyday freshness, and peace of mind when you want quick, comfortable intimate care.

 

Why do I smell when I’m on my period?

You might notice a slight, natural odour when you’re on your period, and that’s completely normal, it’s just your body doing what it’s supposed to do. Period blood itself doesn’t smell strong, but when it mixes with the natural bacteria on your skin, you might notice a mild scent.

Tampons can sometimes help reduce this, because they absorb blood inside the body before it has contact with the air.

Changing your period product regularly and keeping the vulva clean with water or a gentle pH‑balanced intimate wash can also help you feel fresh and confident.

If you ever notice a strong, unpleasant, or unusual smell, especially with itching, discomfort, or unusual discharge - that’s not normal, and it’s a good idea to chat with a healthcare professional as it could be a sign of infection.

What is Lil-Lets intimate powder used for?

Feminine powder is used to help absorb moisture and keep areas like the groin, vulva, and inner thighs feeling comfortably dry, especially useful for reducing chafing and helping you stay fresh throughout the day. 

The Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Powder is formulated to absorb moisture and assist with odour control. It’s gynaecologically and dermatologically tested, talc‑free, and lightly scented, leaving you feeling fresh, dry, and comfortable. You can use it daily, especially during warm weather, exercise, or anytime you want an extra layer of confidence and dryness.

 

Why does the Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Aloe Wash contain aloe?

Aloe is used in intimate washes because it’s well‑known for its soothing, cooling, and moisturising properties, making it ideal for the delicate skin of the vulva. It helps calm irritation, adds gentle hydration, and supports everyday comfort, especially helpful if your intimate skin can sometimes feel dry, sensitive, or easily irritated, for example after shaving or during warm weather.

The Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Aloe Wash is formulated to complement the natural pH of the intimate area and is enhanced with a prebiotic and probiotic complex to support the skin’s natural balance. It’s gynaecologically and dermatologically tested, lightly scented, and enriched with aloe extract, helping you feel clean, fresh, and comfortably soothed with every wash.

What are Lil‑Lets intimate wipes used for?

Intimate wipes are great for those moments when you’re out and about and can’t get to a bathroom, or anytime you simply want the convenience of a quick freshen‑up. They’re handy after exercise, when travelling, between period product changes, or whenever you want to feel a little cleaner and more comfortable during the day.

Can I flush Lil-Lets intimate wipes?

No!  Lil‑Lets Intimate Wipes should not be flushed. Even though our wipes are made from biodegradable and eco‑friendly viscose plant fibre, they are designed to break down under proper waste‑disposal conditions, not inside plumbing systems. Flushing any wipes (even biodegradable ones) can cause blockages and problems in home pipes and sewage networks.

For the best and safest option, simply dispose of used wipes in the bin. It protects your plumbing and is kinder to the environment.

What can I use for feminine washing?

For everyday intimate hygiene, it’s best to use gentle, pH‑balanced products that are designed specifically for the delicate skin of the vulva. Warm water alone is often enough, but if you prefer to use a wash, choose something mild and suitable for sensitive intimate skin, such as the Lil‑Lets Intimate Washes, which are created to care for the vulva without disrupting its natural balance. Remember, intimate care products are for external use only, as the vagina itself is self‑cleaning and doesn’t need to be washed internally.

What is intimate wash?

Lil-Lets Intimate Wash is a gentle cleansing solution for the vulva that is pH balanced and suitable for daily use. It helps provide everyday freshness and protection.

Can intimate powder be used during your period?

Yes, you can use intimate powder during your period. It can help absorb moisture around the groin, vulva, and inner thighs, which may make you feel more comfortable, especially if you experience chafing from pads or feel a bit warmer than usual.

The Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Powder is gynaecologically and dermatologically tested, talc‑free, and formulated to absorb moisture and assist with odour control, so it’s suitable for everyday use, including during your period. Just remember it’s for external use only, and always avoid applying it inside the vagina.

What is the difference between soap and an intimate gel wash?

Regular soap can be too harsh for the delicate skin of the vulva and may upset its natural pH balance. Intimate gel washes, like the washes in the Lil‑Lets Intimate Care range, are specially designed for this sensitive area — they’re pH‑balanced and dermatologically and gynaecologically tested, making them gentle, everyday options for external use that help you feel clean and comfortable without irritation.

Is Lil‑Lets intimate gel wash suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes - within the Lil‑Lets Intimate Care range, we have a Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Sensitive Wash Gel that’s designed specifically for even the most sensitive skin. It’s fragrance‑free, pH‑balanced, and both gynaecologically and dermatologically tested. Enhanced with a prebiotic and probiotic complex, it supports the natural balance of the vulva while offering gentle, everyday freshness without irritation.

Why are prebiotics and probiotics important in an intimate wash?

Prebiotics and probiotics help support the natural balance of bacteria on the vulva, which is important for keeping the intimate area healthy and comfortable. Probiotics add beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics help nourish and strengthen the good bacteria that are already there. Together, they can support the skin’s natural microbiome, help maintain a healthy pH balance, and reduce the chances of irritation or discomfort.

That’s why the Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Range includes a prebiotic and probiotic complex to give gentle, everyday support to this delicate area.

Why is chamomile included in the Lil‑Lets Chamomile Crème Wash?

Chamomile is included in this wash because it’s known for its soothing, calming, and comforting properties, which can be especially helpful for the delicate skin of the vulva. It’s gentle, reduces the chance of irritation, and supports everyday comfort — ideal for anyone with sensitive or easily irritated skin.

The Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Chamomile Crème Wash is formulated to complement the natural pH of the intimate area and is enhanced with a prebiotic and probiotic complex to support the skin’s natural balance. It’s gynaecologically and dermatologically tested, lightly scented, and contains chamomile extract, helping you feel clean, fresh, and soothed with every wash.

What is the Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Lubricating Gel used for?

Lil‑Lets Intimate Care Lubricating Gel is formulated to complement the natural pH of the intimate area and is enhanced with a prebiotic and probiotic complex to help support the vulva’s natural balance. This gentle, water‑based and gynaecologically and dermatologically tested gel is designed to make the insertion of tampons, applicators, menstrual cups, or other period‑care products more comfortable. It’s fragrance‑free, cruelty‑free, and suitable for everyday comfort, including helping to ease menopausal dryness.

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