Intimate Cleansers: Are They All the Same?

It is not uncommon to find oneself standing in front of a shelf of intimate cleansers, unsure of which one to choose, as they may appear quite similar. In reality, the active ingredients they contain and the pH at which they are formulated make each product unique and more or less suitable for specific stages of life.

Vaginal pH variations across the different stages of a woman’s life

Vaginal pH varies throughout a woman’s life in accordance with hormonal fluctuations characteristic of each phase. A useful guideline is the following: when estrogen levels are low, vaginal pH tends to be higher and closer to neutral; conversely, when estrogen levels are high, pH decreases, creating a more acidic vaginal environment.

During childhood and menopause, estrogen levels are low; therefore, a neutral pH cleanser (pH 6–7) is generally more appropriate to respect the physiological balance.

During the fertile age, in the absence of discomfort or itching, an acidic pH cleanser (pH 3.5–4 / 4.5–5) is ideal, as it supports the body’s natural defense against pathogens and bacteria. This also applies when frequently using swimming pools or gyms, and during pregnancy, when pH naturally lowers as part of a physiological protective mechanism.

Even within the fertile age, vaginal pH may vary depending on the ovulatory cycle: it tends to be more acidic before ovulation, and shifts towards neutrality during ovulation and menstruation.