Tbh, feminine washes are not necessary, and as Dr. Roth explained, warm water, a washcloth, and—in some cases—a gentle bar of soap are all you need to keep up your hygiene. But if you're looking to show your vulva a lil extra love, here a few pointers to keep in mind:

Look for formulas *specifically* made for vulvas

If you opt to use a feminine washes, make sure it has a pH that's optimal for cleansing your intimate parts. FTR: The pH level of your vaginal area should be between 3.8 and 4.2 —aka slightly acidic. "This acidic environment is maintained by lactobacilli, or 'good' bacteria, which keep the vagina protected," ob-gyn Omnia Samra-Latif Estafan, MD, previously told Cosmo. "They create a barrier system that prevents the growth of unhealthy bacteria, and keep yeast at bay." So it makes sense that any wash you use should be balanced to match your vaginal pH!

Check out the ingredients

When it comes to feminine wash, it's not so much about the ingredients to look for as the ones you need to avoid. Sulfates, parabens, and phthalates are all no-gos when it comes to vulva cleansers, as they can potentially irritate that delicate skin down there—and might even alter your vaginal pH. And when that system is out a whack, you can end up with a yeast infection...which is not a good time.

Make sure it's fragrance-free

Speaking of ingredients to avoid! Any feminine wash you choose should be fragrance- and perfume-free, because no, your genitals shouldn't smell like peonies. Even essential oils should be avoided, as they all have different properties and pH levels. "It's understandable that women want to feel as clean as possible in that region," Dr. Estafan noted, "but sometimes, it can create more harm." According to her, the rule with feminine washes is the fewer the ingredients, the better.

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