INTIMATE CARE
Navigating the realm of intimate care products
Albert Dashi – Sequential
In recent years, there has been a surge in the development of specialised products designed to maintain and support the wellbeing of women’s intimate areas. Intimate care products are formulated with the aim of targeting the unique needs of the vaginal region, emphasising the support of a healthy vaginal pH, maintenance of the balance of the vaginal microbiome and helping to prevent infections, irritation and discomfort. Some of these products might include:
gentle cleansers, moisturisers, pH-balanced washes and other personal hygiene products that are carefully formulated to respect the delicate ecosystem of the vaginal area. However, despite the crucial role of these
products, we find that the lack of stringent regulations governing the intimate care niche of the industry make consumers vulnerable to the likes of brands hoping to establish their sales over sound science backed solutions.
The intimate care industry The intimate care industry for female products is projected to reach $69.853 billion by 2030.1 For years, there has been a stigma linked to women’s intimate care and a lack of willingness to discuss such topics. However, we are seeing a shift towards one that favours openness and education. Women’s intimate care products account for
approximately 17% of the personal care market, with popularity rising for hygiene products the likes of intimate washes.2
As companies begin
to formulate their own products for the needs of this niche of the market, the interesting
question arises of what one should look for within these formulations. As mentioned above, the maintenance of
the vaginal microbiome is a crucial element of any formulation, however, what do we truly know about the vaginal and vulvar microbiome?
Vaginal microbiome The microbiome is an organic ecosystem formed of trillions of microorganisms – i.e. - viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi and protists - that inhabit varying parts of the body with their own distinctive characteristics. It also refers to how these microorganisms live with one
another and how they interact in different body sites.3
9% of the total human microbiome. In a healthy context, we find that the
microbiome is at its healthiest, when the population of bacteria within it is diverse. This is the case for the skin as well as the gut microbiome. However, we find that this statement is
false when applied to the vaginal and vulvar microbiome. When there is a higher diversity of bacteria within the vaginal microbiome, it draws attention to an underlying problem that needs addressing.4 In females of reproductive age, it is
noted that the Lactobacillus species is a key characteristic of a healthy vaginal microbiome. These include: L. iners, L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii.4
We also find that the same can
be said about Bifidobacterium, which suggests protective characteristics as well.5 If we look on the opposite side of the spectrum, we note that species such as Prevotella, Atopobium, Gardnerella, Megasphaera, and Mobiluncus are associated with an unhealthy or abnormal vaginal microbiome.6
Diving deeper into vaginal microbiome’s hero bacteria Of all the bacteria found within the vaginal microbiome, we find that Lactobacillus is the most associated with a healthy one.
www.personalcaremagazine.com January 2024 PERSONAL CARE The vaginal microbiome consists of about
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