For far too long, people with vulvas have been misled about how to care for their bodies—what they should (or shouldn’t) smell like, what products to use (or avoid), and even what to call them. We’ve been flooded with messages designed to make us feel insecure, while being sold products promising to leave us 'clean and fresh' when they’re anything but.

I remember walking down the toiletry aisle at the grocery store with my mom as a teenage girl, my eyes always caught on Summer’s Eve products. Pink, girly, and impossible to miss, they practically called my name. My body was working just fine, but as a young teen, I bought into the lies behind the pretty packaging that I needed to smell good down there. I slipped a pack of their 5-in-1 ‘Island Splash’ scented wipes into the cart saying nothing just hoping my mom wouldn’t notice.

If you’ve been on TikTok recently it’s likely you’ll find subtle advertisements pop-up from men talking about these amazing new gummies that made his girlfriend's “hoohaa” smell so amazing. Hopefully, most of us know better than to take vulva care advice from a cis man. But the reality is, there are still plenty of people out there who are confused and vulnerable to the same harmful messaging that tricked me! 

From wipes, to odor-blocking perfumes, and gummies promising 'all-day freshness,' we're bombarded with the message that our vaginas are dirty and need fixing. But here's the thing: You don’t need to use any special products to clean your vulva. While the vagina is self-cleaning, the vulva doesn’t need much help either. Over-washing or using scented products can actually do more harm than good. Even for those of us with vulvas who experience infections or discomfort frequently, my message is the same: You’re not dirty. More likely, you’ve been misinformed or just haven’t found the right solution yet.

‍Lindsay Wynn (she/her), founder of Momotaro Apotheca—a certified organic and cruelty-free vulvovaginal care line that supports your body’s natural ability to heal—can relate. 

In Lindsay’s late twenties, she found herself dealing with recurrent yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. The conventional products she tried either didn’t work or made things a lot worse. It led her to feel super frustrated and really isolated. She was uncomfortable all the time and couldn't find anything to treat the issues properly. 

She realized how little education and support existed around vulva and vaginal health and set out to find the solution, inspiring her to birth Momotaro Apotheca.

We spoke with Lindsay to get her expertise on vulva and vaginal health and clear up all of the misconceptions people with vulvas know too well. Here’s what she said…

Q: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about vulva and vaginal health?‍

LINDSAY: There are so many myths out there that make people feel ashamed or confused about their bodies. Some of the biggest ones:

• The “clean” myth: Vaginas aren’t dirty. They are self-cleaning and maintain their own ecosystem of bacteria and yeast to keep things in balance.
• Discharge is bad: Nope! It’s actually a normal and crucial function of the body. Changes in discharge can indicate something is off, but it’s not something to be ashamed of.
• Infections mean you’re doing something wrong: Many people assume infections are caused by poor hygiene or sexual activity, but they can happen for a variety of reasons—hormonal changes, stress, diet, or even the fabric of your underwear. They happen to most people with vaginas throughout their lifetime.
  

Q: What are your thoughts on products like wipes or heavily fragranced soaps to clean your vulva?‍

L: I get it—people want to feel “fresh,” but some of these products can do more harm than good. If opting to add wipes or soap to your routine make sure they are gentle, pH-balanced and fragrance-free. You want to make sure you use products that do not strip away your natural protective bacteria, disrupting your pH and making you more susceptible to infections and irritation. We never recommend douching. If you feel like you need to “clean” down there, opt for a simple rinse with warm water.

‍Q: For those who struggle with chronic irritation, infections, or discomfort, what are some first steps they can take toward healing?‍‍‍

L: Start by simplifying your routine and paying attention to what your body is telling you. Vulvovaginal care is not one size fits all. 

• Ditch irritating products: Avoid scented soaps, wipes, and synthetic fabrics. Stick to breathable cotton underwear.
• Support your microbiome: Probiotics (both through food and supplements) can help maintain and restore balance.
• Hydration and diet: Staying hydrated and eating a nutrient-rich diet can impact everything from your immune response to your vaginal flora.
• Check in with a healthcare provider: If you’re dealing with recurring infections or irritation, a professional can help identify underlying causes and offer solutions.
• Add a Prophylactic: Discovering these products and having something to use at the first sign of symptoms is by far the best thing I did for my vulvovaginal health. This is my routine and our best sellers. 
  
  • Momotaro’s ‘Best Seller’ Bundle
    

Q: What ingredients should people avoid in intimate care products, and why?

L: Your vulva and vagina are highly absorbent, so what you put on them matters. Some ingredients to avoid:

• Synthetic fragrances: Can be irritating and throw off your natural balance.
• Harsh preservatives like parabens: These have been linked to hormone disruption.
• Sulfates (SLS & SLES): Often found in foaming cleansers, they can strip away natural moisture and cause irritation.
• Petroleum-based ingredients: These can trap bacteria and moisture, leading to infections.

Look for clean, simple ingredient lists—that are there for a reason and have clinical data to support why they are good for vulva and vaginal health. 

‍Q: Are there any everyday habits (diet, clothing, stress management) that play a bigger role in vulva health than people realize?

L: Yes! Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in vulvovaginal health.

• Diet: Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha can help maintain a balanced microbiome. Reducing sugar intake can also help, as excess sugar can feed yeast overgrowth. High fiber is also helpful. 
• Clothing: Tight, non-breathable fabrics trap moisture and heat, which can create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.  Much of performance activewear is not ideal. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics when possible.
• Stress management: Stress affects your hormones and immune system, which can make you more susceptible to infections. Finding ways to manage stress—whether it’s exercise, meditation, or just getting enough sleep—can improve your overall ability to fight and prevent infections. 
  

‍Q: What gaps did you see in vulvovaginal care that you wanted to address with your products?

L: So many products on the market treat vulvovaginal health like an afterthought or an embarrassing problem to fix. I wanted to change that. I saw a need for products that were:

• Natural and effective: Free from harsh prescriptive antifungals and antibiotics and full of plant-based ingredients that are effective. 
• Pleasure-positive: Caring for your vulva isn’t just about treating infections—it’s about feeling good, comfortable, and confident.
• Conversation-starting: There’s so much stigma around vaginal health, it’s crucial to our overall health and wellness that we encourage open, shame-free conversations.
  

‍Q: If there’s one mindset shift you wish more people had about their vulva and its care, what would it be?

L: That your vulva is not something to be “fixed.” So much of the language around vaginal health is rooted in shame—“odor control,” “cleanse,” “refresh.” But your body isn’t dirty or broken. It’s powerful, self-sustaining, and ever-changing. Instead of approaching vulva care from a place of fear or embarrassment, I want people to think about it the way they do skincare or gut health: something you nourish, care for, and support.

‍‍Please note that this article is not medical advice. Please consult with your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms.

‍Photo Credit: Sex Education