If you've ever felt irritated, dry, or like you're battling yet another yeast infection after using your regular body wash or lubricant, you're not imagining things. Your intimate skin needs pH-balanced products, and using the wrong ones can actually do more harm than good.
The term pH (which stands for "potential of hydrogen") measures how acidic or alkaline something is on a scale from 0 to 14. The average body wash has a pH of 8.0-9.0 while healthy intimate skin actually needs a pH much lower of 4.5-5.0. That's a big difference so when you use products with the wrong pH on delicate intimate areas, you're essentially inviting irritation, microtears, and infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. For anyone with sensitive skin or undergoing peri/menopause changes - the last thing you want is irritation and microtears that make intimate moments painful instead of pleasurable.
The same goes for lubricants. Research shows that many popular lubricants have pH levels far too high for vaginal pH balance, which can disrupt your body's natural defenses and increase your risk of infection.
Let's break down what vaginal pH balance actually means, why pH-disrupting products cause yeast infections, and how to choose lubricants and cleansers that work with your body.
What is vaginal pH balance?
Vaginal pH balance refers to the acidity level inside the vagina. A healthy vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 4.5 - quite acidic. This acidity is maintained by lactobacilli, beneficial bacteria that produce lactic acid and create conditions where harmful bacteria and yeast struggle to survive. When your vaginal pH rises above 4.5, you start to lose this natural protection, and research confirms that elevated vaginal pH is directly linked to bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections.
Different intimate areas have different pH needs:
|
Area |
Healthy pH |
Product pH Should Be |
|
Vagina (internal) |
3.8-4.5 |
4.0-4.5 |
|
Vulva (external) |
~5.0 |
5.0-5.5 |
|
Penis (external) |
~5.0 |
5.0-5.5 |
|
Anal area |
7.0-8.0 |
7.0+ |
Why is my pH off balance?
Several factors can disrupt vaginal pH balance, but products are the #1 preventable culprit:
Product-related causes:
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Body washes and soaps with pH 8.0-9.0
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Lubricants without proper pH levels
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Products containing glycerin (feeds yeast)
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Douches and scented "feminine hygiene" products
Biological factors:
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Menstrual blood and semen (both raise pH temporarily)
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Hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, birth control)
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Antibiotics (kill beneficial bacteria)
Lifestyle factors:
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Tight, synthetic underwear
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High-sugar diet
-
Stress and lack of sleep
Why most products cause yeast infections
Yeast infections affect approximately 75% of women at least once in their lifetime. If you keep getting them despite treatment, your products could likely be the root problem.
Here's what happens: Your vagina naturally contains small amounts of Candida yeast. When vaginal pH is balanced at 3.8-4.5, beneficial lactobacilli keep Candida in check. But research shows that yeast growth accelerates when pH rises to 5.0 or higher. When pH reaches 6.0-7.0, the entire bacterial balance becomes compromised and infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections become "very likely".
The glycerin problem
One of the biggest culprits? Glycerin - a sugar alcohol found in most lubricants on the market and intimate washes (not Bloomi’s, of course). Yeast feeds on sugar, so products containing glycerin essentially provide food for Candida to multiply. Studies show that lubricants with glycerin or other sugar alcohols can cause or encourage vaginal yeast infections.
Even worse, at concentrations above 20%, glycerin causes mucosal irritation by pulling water out of vaginal cells. At concentrations above 40%, it can start to break down your mucous membranes entirely.
Other problem ingredients
Many mainstream intimate products contain ingredients that disrupt your vaginal ecosystem:
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Synthetic fragrances and flavors - Alter pH and irritate tissue
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Parabens - Disrupt hormonal balance and beneficial bacteria
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High pH formulations - Body washes (pH 8.0-9.0) wipe out protective bacteria
-
High osmolality ingredients - Osmolality measures how concentrated a product is, and high osmolality products pull water out of your cells like a sponge, dehydrating your vaginal tissue. Research shows this damage can occur in as little as 4-24 hours.
Studies show that most widely used vaginal lubricants in the U.S. are strongly hyperosmolar - formulated with high concentrations of glycerol and other ingredients that make them 4 to 30 times the osmolality of healthy vaginal fluid. A 2014 study published in Pharmaceutics tested 12 popular commercial lubricants and found that most didn't meet World Health Organization standards for pH and osmolality - meaning they're disrupting your pH balance every time you use them.
The recurring infection cycle
Many women don't realize they're using pH-disrupting products that continuously re-trigger infections. It becomes a frustrating cycle: treat the infection, use the same products, get another infection. Breaking this cycle means switching to clean, pH-balanced products specifically formulated for intimate skin and internal use.
How do I know if my lube is pH-balanced?
Check the label. A pH-balanced lubricant for vaginal use should have:
-
pH between 4.0-4.5 (matching healthy vaginal pH)
-
Osmolality below 1,200 mOsm/kg (WHO recommendation)
-
Clearly labeled as "pH-balanced" with the actual pH listed
-
Free from glycerin, parabens, and synthetic fragrances
Red flags that your lube ISN'T pH balanced:
-
No pH level listed on the label
-
Contains glycerin or sugar alcohols
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Contains synthetic fragrances or flavors
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Causes burning, itching, or unusual discharge after use
-
You keep getting yeast infections or BV
You can test your vaginal pH at home using pH test strips available at most pharmacies. If your pH stays above 4.5 even after switching to pH balanced products, talk to your healthcare provider as there may be an underlying issue.
pH differences among women of color
Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough in women's health: Black and Latina women have naturally different vaginal microbiomes than white and Asian women. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Black and Latin women tend to have lower levels of protective Lactobacillus bacteria and more diverse bacterial communities, which creates naturally higher vaginal pH levels compared to white and Asian women. This natural variation isn't a deficiency but it does mean that when using products with glycerin, synthetic fragrances, or high pH (like body washes not developed for intimate skin), their vaginal pH can be thrown off more easily.
Higher pH doesn't just increase risk of yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis - research shows it also increases susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. Choosing pH-balanced products free from glycerin, parabens, and synthetic fragrances isn't just a nice-to-have - it's extra essential protection for their health for women of color.
How to choose pH-balanced products for intimate health
For pH-balanced intimate skin/vulva/penile cleansers:
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pH level of 5.0-5.5 (clearly stated on label)
-
Free from glycerin, synthetic fragrances, and parabens
-
Plant-based, gentle ingredients
-
Specifically labeled for intimate use
Bloomi's Cleanse is a gentle, aloe-based formula developed to match your intimate skin's natural pH (5.0-5.5) and doesn't contain allergens that disrupt vaginal pH balance.
For pH-balanced lubricant:
-
pH between 4.0-4.5
-
Osmolality below 1,200 mOsm/kg
-
Water-based or clean oil-based formula
-
Free from glycerin, parabens, and synthetic fragrances
Smooth (organic, water-based) is formulated with clean, plant-powered ingredients, proper pH levels (4.0-4.5) matching your vagina's natural acidity, and osmolality under 370 mOsm/kg - well below the WHO maximum of 1,200 mOsm/kg and matching your body's vaginal fluid.
Delight (organic, oil-based) is formulated with clean, plant-based oils and butters shown to ultra-moisturize skin and vaginal tissue. Oil-based products naturally don't have pH levels (as they contain no water) or osmolality measurements.
What you can do
If you keep getting yeast infections, itching, irritation, or unusual discharge, your products might be sabotaging your vaginal health. Most body washes and lubricants on the market aren't formulated with the right pH for intimate areas - they disrupt your protective bacteria and create the perfect environment for yeast and harmful bacteria to thrive.
The solution is simple: check your labels. Choose pH balanced products specifically formulated for intimate use, with pH levels clearly stated and clean ingredient lists. Your vagina works hard to protect you with its natural acidity - the least we can do is choose products that support that work instead of destroying it.
Remember: recurring yeast infections aren't normal, and they're not something you just have to live with. More often than not, switching to properly formulated pH balanced products breaks the infection cycle for good.
If you're experiencing persistent symptoms despite using gentle, clean, pH balanced products, consult your healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions like diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or other health issues.
Frequently asked questions about vaginal pH balance and yeast infections
Q: Why do I keep getting yeast infections? A: Recurring yeast infections are often caused by products that disrupt your vaginal pH. Body washes with pH 8.0-9.0, lubricants containing glycerin, and scented intimate products continuously raise your vaginal pH above the healthy range of 3.8-4.5, creating conditions where yeast thrives. Switch to pH balanced products and see if the cycle breaks.
Q: How do I know if my lube is pH-balanced? A: Check the label for a pH between 4.0-4.5 and osmolality below 1,200 mOsm/kg. If these numbers aren't listed, the product likely isn't properly formulated. pH balanced lubricants should clearly state their pH level on the packaging and be free from glycerin and synthetic fragrances.
Q: What should my pH be? A: A healthy vaginal pH should be between 3.8 and 4.5. External intimate skin (vulva) is slightly less acidic at around 5.0. You can test your vaginal pH at home with pH strips. If your pH is consistently above 4.5, consult your healthcare provider.
Q: Can using the wrong lubricant cause yeast infections? A: Yes. Lubricants with high pH (above 5.0) or containing glycerin can trigger yeast infections. Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that yeast feeds on, and high-pH lubricants disrupt your protective lactobacilli bacteria. Research shows many commercial lubricants don't meet WHO safety standards for pH and osmolality.
Q: Why is my pH off balance? A: Common causes include using non-pH-balanced products (body wash, lubricants), menstrual blood, semen, antibiotics, menopause, tight synthetic underwear, high-sugar diets, and stress. The #1 preventable cause is using products not formulated for intimate areas.
Q: Can I use regular body wash on my intimate areas? A: No. Regular body wash has a pH of 8.0-9.0, which is far too alkaline for intimate areas that need pH 4.5-5.0. This pH mismatch wipes out your protective bacteria and invites yeast infections. Use only pH-balanced intimate cleansers.
Q: How quickly can the wrong product throw off my vaginal pH balance? A: pH can shift within hours of using an improper product. Research shows that lubricants with incorrect osmolality can damage vaginal tissue in as little as a few hours. Your body will often restore balance within 24 hours if the irritant is removed, but repeated exposure causes ongoing problems.
Q: Are pH-balanced products more expensive? A: Not necessarily. Many clean, pH-balanced products are competitively priced and when you factor in the cost of treating recurring yeast infections (over-the-counter medications, doctor visits, time off work), pH-balanced products actually save you money and discomfort in the long run.
Q: What's the connection between glycerin and yeast infections? A: Glycerin is a sugar alcohol found in most lubricants and intimate washes. Yeast (Candida) feeds on sugar, so products containing glycerin provide food for yeast to multiply into infections. Studies confirm that lubricants with glycerin or sugar alcohols increase yeast infection risk.
Q: I use pH-balanced products but still get yeast infections. Why? A: Other factors can trigger yeast infections including antibiotics, hormonal birth control, diabetes, weakened immune system, high-sugar diet, or tight synthetic clothing. If you're still getting infections despite using pH-balanced products, consult your healthcare provider to investigate underlying causes.
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