Moisturizers are commonly used to minimize dryness and wrinkles on the face, but did you know that they can also help improve the condition of the skin in the vagina?
At Interlude, our medical team helps explain why vaginal moisturizers can help alleviate vaginal dryness, what to consider when choosing a vaginal moisturizer, the difference between vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, and when to consider prescription treatments like vaginal estrogen cream for vaginal dryness.
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What causes vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness is a condition that happens when there is a decline in estrogen levels in the body. Usually, this happens around the time of menopause. Breastfeeding, certain cancer medications, and hormonal birth control medications can also cause vaginal dryness.
If vaginal dryness occurs around the time of menopause, this is medically known as vaginal atrophy or the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
A number of over-the-counter and FDA-approved prescription therapies are available to treat vaginal dryness.
- Over-the-counter moisturizers and lubricants
- Topical vaginal estrogen
- Vaginal DHEA
What are vaginal and vulvar moisturizers?
Moisturizers work by increasing the water content in the skin cells. A good vaginal moisturizer will rehydrate the vaginal cells, leading to healthier more lubricated vaginal tissue. You can also put vaginal moisturizers on the external skin of your vulva.
Many products that are marketed as vaginal moisturizers are actually lubricants or not meant for internal vaginal use. A true vaginal moisturizer should be long-lasting, designed primarily for internal application, and formulated to increase the water content within the vaginal cells.
Best vaginal moisturizers
Vaginal moisturizers are over-the-counter and hormone-free products that you can put in your vagina. Vaginal moisturizers usually provide adequate relief for women with mild vaginal dryness.(1)
There isn’t a lot of clinical data on the effectiveness of vaginal and vulvar moisturizers, but there is at least some research to support using moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid or polycarbophil gel.(2)
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
- Form: Vaginal gel
- Main ingredient: Polycarbophil
- Quantity: Each box contains 8 pre-filled disposable applicators. If used every three days, one box lasts almost one month.
- Price: $25.00
- Pros: Long lasting. Convenient pre-filled plastic applicators. You can also put this product on the external skin of your vulva.
- Cons: The applicator can be uncomfortable to insert. You can put a little lube on the tip to make it easier to put in your vagina.
Hyalo Gyn Suppositories
- Type: Vaginal suppository
- Main ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
- Quantity: Each box contains 10 vaginal suppositories which is a 30 day supply.
- Price: $40.00
- Pros: Long lasting. Easy-to-use suppository you can insert with your finger.
- Cons: This product melts into the skin, so it can leak out of the vagina. You can apply this product before bed to prevent leaking.
Revaree
- Type: Vaginal suppository
- Main ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
- Quantity: Each box contains 10 vaginal suppositories which is a 30 day supply.
- Price: $63.00
- Pros: Long lasting. Easy-to-use suppository you can insert with your finger.
- Cons: This product melts into the skin, so it can leak out of the vagina. You can apply this product before bed to prevent leaking.
Good Clean Love Bionourish Ultra Moisturizing Vaginal Gel
- Type: Vaginal gel
- Main ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
- Quantity: Each tube contains 15 applications which is a 30 day supply. The gel is applied with a reusable applicator that comes with the product.
- Price: $24.99
- Pros: No irritating ingredients. Ideal osmolality that won't dry out skin. You can also put this product on the external skin of your vulva.
- Cons: You will need to fill the applicator with the gel. The applicator can be uncomfortable to insert. You can put a little lube on the tip to make it easier to put in your vagina.
Vaginal lubricants
Some people may find that a good vaginal moisturizer is all they need to relieve dryness, but many people will probably need to use a good vaginal lubricant during intimacy. Just remember that lubricants will not improve the condition of the skin like vaginal moisturizers.
- Uberlube $20
- Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant $9.99
- Aloe Cadabra Water Based Personal Lube $9.99
Vaginal estrogen
Sometimes, the vaginal skin can be so dry that moisturizers and lubricants will not adequately solve the problem. For most women, treatments like vaginal estrogen cream will resolve vaginal dryness.
Vaginal estrogen contains hormones, but it can be a safe choice for most women. There's very little medication that's absorbed, so it's a great option for women who do not want or cannot take oral estrogen. You can't get vaginal estrogen over-the-counter, so you’ll need a prescription from a doctor, like a board-certified doctor here at Interlude.
Soothing natural oils and balms
You can apply natural oils externally to the vulva to help soothe itching. You should avoid putting oils inside the vagina since oils can build up and lead to irritation.
- Vitamin E oil
- Coconut oil
Barrier creams
Many women wear liners or pads when using vaginal moisturizers or for incontinence. Pads can dry out the skin, so you can put barrier cream like Aquaphor on your vulva to help protect from dryness and lock in moisture.
Barrier creams usually contain petroleum jelly. You should never put petroleum jelly inside your vagina since this can lead to infection.
Comparing vaginal dryness solutions
| Name | Main ingredient | Function | Price | Months supply | Instructions | What to use it for | How to get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replens | Polycarbophil | Hydrating | $25.00 | Less than 1 month | Insert one applicator of gel vaginally every 3 days before bed | Treats mild vaginal dryness | Over-the-counter |
| Hyalo Gyn | Hyaluronic acid | Hydrating | $40.00 | 1 month | Insert one suppository vaginally every 2-3 days before bed | Treats mild vaginal dryness | Over-the-counter |
| Revaree | Hyaluronic acid | Hydrating | $62.00 | 1 month | Insert one suppository vaginally every 2-3 days before bed | Treats mild vaginal dryness | Over-the-counter |
| Good Clean Love | Hyaluronic acid | Hydrating | $24.99 | 1 month | Insert one applicator of gel vaginally every 2 days before bed, or as needed | Treats mild vaginal dryness | Over-the-counter |
| Vaginal lubricants | Silicone is best | Lubricating | Varies | Varies | Use during intimacy | Reduces pain during intimacy | Over-the-counter |
| Natural oils and balms | Vitamin E or coconut oil | Soothing | Varies | Varies | Use externally only | Soothes itching and irritation | Over-the-counter |
| Aquaphor | Petroleum jelly | Protective | Varies | Varies | Use externally only | Protects skin from drying out when using liners and pads | Over-the-counter |
| Estradiol cream generic of Estrace | Estradiol | Healing | $59.00 | 2-3 months | Insert 1 gram 1-3 times a week before bed | Treats moderate to severe vaginal dryness | Prescription |
| Estradiol suppositories generic of Vagifem | Estradiol | Healing | $129.00 | 2 months | Insert 1 suppository 2 times a week before bed | Treats moderate to severe vaginal dryness | Prescription |
How effective is a vaginal moisturizer vs vaginal estradiol?
A handful of small studies have shown that vaginal moisturizers like hyaluronic acid can be as effective as vaginal estrogen for vaginal dryness.(3,4) But a vaginal moisturizer probably won’t help with other vaginal changes that happen around menopause - like the depletion of protective bacteria in the vaginal microbiome. For this reason, a vaginal moisturizer won’t get rid of vaginal odor or prevent UTIs the way vaginal estrogen does.
Can I use a vaginal moisturizer and vaginal estrogen?
You can use a both a vaginal moisturizer and vaginal estrogen. If you use vaginal estrogen, you can use a vaginal moisturizer on a different day.
How long does it take vaginal moisturizers to work?
Even the best vaginal moisturizer will not improve vaginal skin overnight. It’s important to be consistent, apply the vaginal moisturizer at least two times a week, and give yourself at least four weeks to get to the point where the vaginal skin is improving.
How long does it take vaginal estrogen to work?
Vaginal estrogen takes about two weeks to start working. Give yourself at least three months to get the best results.
Our conclusion
While this guide aims to give you the information to help you make good choices for your health, it's always a good idea to consult a trusted healthcare provider for personalized advice. And, if you’re not sure where to start, our medical team is here to help! Learn more about how to get help with symptoms like vaginal dryness, take our quiz, or browse our treatment options.
