Characterization of female intimate hygiene practices and vulvar health: A randomized double-blind controlled trial

Background: Inappropriate feminine hygiene practices are related to vulvar unpleasant symptoms (such as skin changes, lesions, burning, pruritus, fissures, and dyspareunia).

Aims: We assessed the daily use effects of intimate cleansers on vulvar skin by comparing two specific products for intimate care: Saugella Hydraserum (SIS), based on natural extracts, and a standard product based on lactic acid, such as Lactacyd Feminine Hygiene (LTC). Forty healthy women were enrolled in this double-blind controlled study.

Methods: After randomization, the cleansers were used twice daily for 30 days. The hydration level was determined using the Corneometer^® CM 825, the pH using the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905^® and the sebum level using the Sebumeter SM815^® . Measurements were performed at baseline and on day 30 on the labia majora and labia minora.

Results: Both cleansers showed a reduction in the hydration level, but this was much less evident in the SIS group (-6.3% SIS vs -23,7% LTC). The pH values of the SIS group were lower than those of the LTC group, especially on the labia minora (5.27 ± 0.08 and 5.6 ± 0.1, respectively, P = .025). The sebum increased in both groups, but in the LTC group, it was higher on the labia majora (+96.2% vs +46.8%, respectively, P = .003), while on the labia minora, it was higher in the SIS group (+24.7% vs +17.1%, respectively P = NS).

Conclusions: Both cleansers tested showed high performance for safety and tolerability on vulvar skin, but SIS showed better efficacy than LTC on some parameters.