Irritation “down there” is one of the least pleasant symptoms of menopause. The good news is that there are a variety of solutions that don’t involve hormones. We’ve rounded up the best natural products for Vaginal Dryness, and they really are amazing! We’re talking moisture-locking, libido-boosting, comfort-inducing stuff.
Even if you’re pre-menopausal, these lubricating creams may be worth adding to your wellness cabinet. Along with balancing pH, some help with UTIs, BV and more, so go on and pamper your privates with these picks. We don’t think you’ll regret it!
What are the best natural products for vaginal dryness?
What causes vaginal dryness?
Although it can feel embarrassing to talk about, Vaginal dryness is a common thing. According to Cleveland Clinic, 17 percent of women experience it during sex, even before hitting menopause.
Many things can trigger it: medication, breastfeeding, stress, or medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome or endometriosis. Even psychological trauma can prevent the body from producing its own natural lubrication, so if you’re going through it, there’s no need for shame. You’re definitely not alone.
“Vaginal dryness can occur at any age and affect anyone who has a vagina- regardless of their reproductive status,” explains Dr. Ariana Medizade, Momotaro Apotheca In-House Pharmacist. “However, it is more common during menopause. This is because vaginal dryness is common as a result of declining levels of estrogen, which can cause vaginal tissues to become thinner and less elastic.”
While some women find relief with an estradiol cream, like this one from Alloy, estrogen isn’t ideal for everyone. That’s where some of the best natural products for vaginal dryness come in. Many are made with soothing plant-based ingredients, like coconut oil, and have hyaluronic acid to add moisture back into the area. This not only relieves itching but may repair the fragile skin.
As Dr. Medizade mentioned, vaginal dryness isn’t only caused by menopause, so it’s helpful to have something like The Suppository ($30) from Momotaro Apotheca or their Salve ($37) handy, for random bouts of dryness. Like the skin of the face, it’s all about keep things hydrated when it comes to the nether region, and both can be used regularly.
How can someone treat vaginal dryness?
If perimenopause or menopause is the culprit behind vaginal dryness, hormone replacement may be worth exploring.
“Hormone therapy, such as estrogen therapy, can be used to increase estrogen levels and relieve vaginal dryness in women who are postmenopausal or have undergone certain cancer treatments,” explains Dr. Medizade.
However, not every woman wants or can introduce estrogen back into her system. Breast cancer survivors, for example, increase their risk of cancer reoccurring when undergoing HTR, which is why many avoid it. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that also provide relief. Some things that may help include:
- Lubricants: “Water-based or silicone-based lubricants can provide temporary relief from vaginal dryness during sexual activity,” says Dr. Medizade.
- Moisturizers: Look for ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, and sea buckthorn that restore and maintain vaginal moisture. Unless specified, don’t use regular body lotion on your vulva or vagina.
- Lifestyle changes: “[Avoid] irritants such as scented soaps and detergents, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and staying hydrated can also help alleviate vaginal dryness.”
- Supplements: Look into supplements, like Omega 3, that may assist in lubricating the vagina internally. And certain probiotics, like O Positv’s URO Vaginal Probiotic have cultures that naturally balance pH, address odor, and work to keep the urinary tract healthy.
Is vaginal atrophy reversible?
Vaginal atrophy (when the vaginal walls become thin, dry and inflamed) can happen with estrogen loss. Understandably, it’s an unpleasant feeling, making sex painful, and even impacting the urinary tract.
Whether the condition is fully reversible depends on the reason for the drop in estrogen. If hormonal levels have been thrown off because of medications, breastfeeding or cancer, vaginal atrophy may only be temporary. However, if brought on by menopause, it may persist.
Although that may feel disheartening, there are things to relieve vaginal atrophy symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, estrogen-based creams are one way to ease discomfort. For those needing to avoid hormone-based therapy, water-based lubricants or vaginal moisturizes like BioNourish Ultra Moisturizing Vaginal Gel (Amazon, $24.99), can help by adding moisture, enhancing blood flow, and potentially encouraging the body to produce its own lubrication.
Regardless of the direction you take, there are lots of options, so there’s no need to live with with discomfort.
Do natural products for vaginal dryness work?
Whether brought on by menopause of stress, the best natural products of vaginal dryness can definitely add back moisture. They also can ease the pain that comes from itchy, inflamed skin.
“It’s important to note that if you are experiencing vaginal dryness, you should avoid using products that contain alcohol, glycerin, or other irritants, as these can further dry out the vaginal tissues,” says Dr. Ariana Medizade. This also means steering clear of fragrances or other suspicious ingredients, like parabens or petroleum.
Want more? Check out our other sexual wellness stories:
Best Natural Products for Vaginal Dryness
Best overall natural product for vaginal dryness
Momotara Apotheca Salve
Buy from Momotaro Apotheca, $37
Why we like it:
- All organic ingredients
- Can be used daily
- Cooling
Occasional dryness is a normal thing, and fortunately, this salve from Momotaro Apotheca is gentle enough to use every day. It has a hydrating blend of organic jojoba and coconut oil, plus cooling organic tea tree. There’s also organic goldenseal leaf, plus Oregon grape oil, which can protect against candida outbreaks (yeast infections), as well as BV. One happy Momotaro Apotheca customer reported that the salve was “calming” and “felt natural,” which is what we like to hear about any natural product for vaginal dryness we’re adding to our arsenal. Why go for something that’s gunky and messy when you have something as melty and soothing as this at your disposal?
Promising review: “My vaginal microbiome is all over the place because of birth control, digestive issues, stress — you name it. When things start to feel a little off, I use a little of this salve (usually one to two times per week), and it is calming and feels so natural — nothing like those creams from [drug stores].”
Best natural product for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy
Amazon
Buy from Amazon, $24.99
Why we like it:
- Gynecologist recommended
- Quick hydration
- Uses hyaluronic acid for lasting moisture
Perimenopause, as well as menopause, many women see increased vaginal dryness. What’s nice about the BioNourish Ultra Moisturizing Vaginal Gel is that it uses hyaluronic acid to promote long-term moisture, while providing instant relief. It doesn’t have glycerin, artificial fragrances or parabens, and the BioMatch pH-balanced formula works to restore the natural state of the vaginal biome, mimicking your own secretions. It comes with a reusable applicator, and works best if used before bedtime.
Promising review: “This is a miracle product for me. It took away all the dryness and pain starting with the first use. I’m 70 and I have Sjogren’s syndrome (causes extra dryness), so it’s wonderful feeling “normal ” again. I can’t say enough good things about this. Thank you for a product that works so well!”
Best natural product for vaginal dryness and yeast infections
Momotaro Apotheca
Buy from Momotaro Apotheca, $30
Why we like it:
- 100 percent organic ingredients
- Helps address root cause of infection
- Can be used for prevention and upkeep
Yeast infections are one of the most uncomfortable conditions your lady parts can go through. Swelling, itching, burning — ouch, ouch, ouch! What I personally love about The Suppository from Momotaro Apotheca is that is has multiple natural ingredients to provide quick relief. In fact, it can even be used to prevent pH imbalance and ease general irritation.
Fourteen suppositories come inside the gorgeous packaging, and each are formulated without parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, phthalates or sulfates. All the ingredients are plant-derived and flora-friendly, so the bacteria in your nether parts won’t become more agitated. Soothing organic coconut oil hydrates vaginal tissue, while organic calendula echinacea calm itchiness. The organic grape seed oil addresses the pH balance issues throwing your system out of whack, and anti-fungal organic tea tree oil is cooling. To use, insert with freshly washed hands, and allow the suppository to do it its homeopathic magic. Momotaro Apotheca customers rave about how effective it is, and I think you and your private parts will rave about it too!
Promising review: “It is no exaggeration that these (along with the Salve) have changed my life. I suffered for two years with recurring yeast infections and BV, which were taking a huge toll on my self-esteem and mental health. For a while I tried antibiotics and anti-fungals from the doctor but after some time realized there was a high likelihood I was allergic to them. I would have intense pain, a huge increase in itching. The infections were never cured and I always still had one or the other. Then I tried boric acid – it kept things sort of at bay but was extremely irritating and never actually seemed to solve the [problem]. Since replacing that with these suppositories my quality of life has drastically increased.”
Best natural products for vaginal dryness and odor
O Positiv
Buy from O Positiv, $31.99
Why we like it:
- Contains 4 different probiotic strains
- Promotes pH balance
- Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free
Probiotics are not only great for gut health but vaginal health as well. In a study from Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, researchers found that probiotics not only improved vaginal flora but reduced the number of harmful bacteria, as well as the infections and odor they cause.
I love the supplements from O Positiv, including the URO Vaginal Probiotic. As its name suggest, it’s all about supporting the health of your lady parts. It has four different strains (and 5 billion CFUs in total) to increase healthy bacteria, and restore pH balance. L. rhamnosus aids the gastro tract and private parts, while Lactobacillus acidophilus targets inflammation. L. reuteri and Lb. fermentum are immune boosting. Each capsule includes prebiotics, so you don’t need to worry about eating a salad before taking these. Seriously, if you’ve been downing pineapple or spending your hard earned money on douches, save yourself and your lady-V the grief by trying this. According to this happy customer, you won’t regret it.
Promising review: “For years I felt self-conscious about my smell. I was never sure what was “‘normal.’ URO is not only a fantastic product, [but it] helped with smell and [comfort]!”
Best natural cleanser for vaginal dryness
Bloomi
Buy from Bloomi, $12
Why we like it:
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle
- Clean, plant-based ingredients
I learned by my first bubble bath that fragrance and my private parts do not mix. Although I realize not everyone has left bathtime with their bits screaming, I’m still making a case for not using scented products on your vulva. According to Mayo Clinic, scented soaps, douches, and feminine hygiene products can be irritating, causing things like vaginitis, which no one wants.
Since the vagina is a self-cleaning organism and isn’t meant to smell like a cupcake, it doesn’t need much besides a gentle cleanser like this one from Bloomi. It’s aloe-based and soothing to skin, plus it has coco glucoside, which is derived from coconut oil. It can be used on the rest of your body as well — I’d never suggest anyone buy a separate soap for their genitals — and it’s super affordable too!
I love everything from Bloomi, which is pro-women’s sexual wellness company. They do an amazing job at removing the stigma from intimate care, and have “only expert-developed Clean Standard in the industry.” I highly recommend checking out their other goods!
Promising review: “This is the best cleanser I’ve ever used. It’s gentle enough [and] cleans without causing any irritation or dryness...I will only use this from now on. I recommended it to my mom, sister and friends because it’s an amazing cleanser — the best on the market.”
Best natural products for vaginal dryness and low libido
Bondafide
Buy from Bonafide, starting at $63 per month (for 3 month plan)
Why we like it:
- Clinically backed ingredients
- Results that improve with time
- No hormones or steroids
Low estrogen levels during menopause can not only trigger vaginal dryness but a reduced sex drive. Although hormonal therapy is an option, if you’re a breast cancer survivor, have a sensitive system or insurance that doesn’t pay for the treatment, the female-friendly company Bonafide is for you. It’s all about offering natural remedies to combat menopause and pre-menopausal symptoms. The ingredients used are backed by clinical trials, hormone-free, and provide relief from mood swings, painful sex, and hot flashes.
If dryness is causing pain during sexual intercourse, try the Bonafide Revaree and Ristela Bundle. Revaree is an applicator-free suppository that uses hyaluronic acid to help heal damaged tissue. Ristela is a coated tablet with steroid-free, natural ingredients clinically shown to boost sexual arousal. When used together as part of a daily wellness routine, mind-blowing results may be on the horizon. Ask this happy customer:
“I’ve been taking Ristela and Revaree for several months now with great results. I really feel and have experienced all the positive effects sexually. This was a great find for me, as I have had breast cancer and cannot take anything estrogenic...I think this can help women in their 60s like me feel like women in their 40s again!”
Best affordable natural product for vaginal dryness
Womaness
Buy from Womaness, $18.99
Why we like it:
- Contains coconut oil
- Can be used on other areas of the body
- 30-day risk-free trial or money back guarantee
There are a lot of perks that come with menopause but vaginal dryness isn’t one of them. Let’s be real, that isn’t a perk for anyone. Fortunately, this inexpensive vaginal moisturizer gives the type of pampering your lady parts need and can also be used on other dry spots like elbows or knees. Its coconut oil base is rich and melty. And there’s also some jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and real vanilla bean to give it a naturally sensuous scent.
Like coconut oil from a jar, the consistency of Coco Bliss Vaginal Moisturizer is thicker when stored in cooler temps and thinner in warmer seasons. It makes a great external lubricant for romantic experiences but should only be used with polyurethane products — no latex and dental dams.
Promising review: “It made intimacy so much more enjoyable, and I loved the scent. It is so nice to have a product to make these moments more pleasurable for menopausal women.”
Best vegan and natural product for vaginal dryness
Playground
Buy from Playground, $25
Why we like it:
- Fragrance-free
- Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms
- Increases blood flow
We’re all grown here, so let’s own one of the worst parts of vaginal dryness is that it makes sexual intercourse painful. Rather than cancel date night, add Love Sesh into romantic plans. The personal lubrication has bamboo extract to create a silky, non-sticky texture. Hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamin E lock in moisture, while soothing irritation. It’s fragrance-free — always important — and also has black cohosh, horny goat weed and ashwagandha to promote blood flow and boost libido. And unlike many natural lubes, it can used with condoms!
Promising review: “Smooth, silky, and perfectly unscented; works well for us and no complaints from my husband, who has very sensitive skin.”
Best natural wipes for vaginal dryness
co2Lift
Buy from co2Life, $14.95
Why we like it:
- Alcohol-free, no fragrance or dyes
- Fits in purse
- 20 wipes in a pack
These Lumisque V CLEAN Intimate Wipes are great for a mid-day refresh. Made with aloe extract, water and moisturizing vitamin E, they keep dryness at bay, while balancing pH levels.
If you’re not familiar with the products from co2Lift, I encourage you to take a look. The Black-owned female business has a plethora of options for maturing women seeking to keep the skin above their neck and below the waist in tip-top shape. We’re talking cleansing tablets, hydrating facial serum, and vaginal kits that are great to address issues from childbearing, stress, and aging.
Each of the Intimate Wipes comes in its own pack, and can fit neatly in a pocket to be discretely taken into the bathroom. Also great for when you can’t hit the shower after a workout or have an expected visit from your monthly visitor, they’re a must have for your purse.
Best natural product for vaginal dryness with estrogen
