Vaginal Moisturisers: What Options Are There

Vaginal dryness is one of those topics that affects a huge number of women – and not only through menopause. Women can also experience these kinds of symptoms during breastfeeding, from taking certain medications, or from other underlying factors - yet it's rarely talked about openly. The good news is there are now plenty of well-formulated, gentle products designed specifically for this. Here's a few options you could choose from.

What is a vaginal moisturiser (and how is it different from lubricant)?

Yes, there is a difference. Lubricants are used in the moment, mainly to reduce friction during sex. Vaginal moisturisers, on the other hand, are used regularly over time -  a few times a week regardless of sexual activity - to help keep vaginal and vulval tissue soft, hydrated and more resilient. Some people use both: a moisturiser for everyday comfort and a lubricant as needed for intimacy.

Olive & Bee

Olive & Bee is an Australian-made intimate cream built around just two ingredients: extra virgin olive oil and medical-grade beeswax. It's preservative-, paraben-, fragrance- and colourant-free, which makes it a popular pick for people with sensitive skin.

• Uses: daily vulval/vaginal moisturising, easing dryness linked to menopause, breastfeeding, pelvic organ prolapse or cancer treatment, assisting with pessary or tampon insertion, and even as a massage oil.

• Why people like it: the ingredient list is about as simple as it gets, and because it's oil-based (rather than water-based), it doesn't disrupt vaginal pH.

• Worth noting: it isn't compatible with condoms, since it's an oil-based formula.

LYV (V-Hydrate)

LYV V-Hydrate is another Australian-formulated option, developed by a doctor and built around a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, combined with aloe vera, rosehip, evening primrose and argan oils. It's non-hormonal and pH-balanced for intimate skin.

• Uses: daily comfort for intimate dryness related to menopause, postpartum changes, or general skin changes over time.

• Why people like it: hyaluronic acid is well known for its water-holding properties in skincare generally, and the formula is designed to work alongside other treatments (like pessaries or vaginal laser/LED therapies) without interfering.

• Worth noting: it's a moisturiser, not a lubricant. So other lubricant options would need to be considered for sexual intercourse if and where needed.

  
  

Other options worth knowing about

YES VM — A long-lasting, water-based, non-hormonal vaginal moisturiser and lubricant in one. It's designed to match natural vaginal pH and osmolality (meaning it hydrates tissue without disrupting the balance of water in the cells), and doubles as both an everyday moisturiser and an in-the-moment lubricant.

Replens — One of the longer-standing names in this space, known for pre-filled applicators and a formula designed to provide relief for a few days per application.

Ah! Yes VM — A pH-neutral, fragrance-free gel formulated to closely mimic natural vaginal secretions in both pH and osmolality.

Barely Intimate Renew Moisturiser — An Australian pharmacy-brand option aimed more at general intimate-area skin comfort (e.g. after hair removal).

A few things to keep in mind when choosing

• Check the pH. Healthy vaginal pH sits around 3.8–4.5. Products formulated to match this range tend to be gentler on sensitive tissue.

• Avoid petroleum jelly or products that are 100% petrolatum as a vaginal moisturiser - they can irritate tissue and increase infection risk.

• Oil-based products aren't condom-compatible. If you use condoms, a water-based option is the safer choice.

• Consistency matters. Moisturisers work best used regularly (a few times a week), not just when things feel uncomfortable.

• If dryness is persistent, severe, or affecting daily life, it's worth chatting to a GP or pelvic health physiotherapist - there may be other underlying factors, and options like localised hormone therapy can also help for some people.

This post is general information only and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you're unsure which option suits your situation, your GP, gynaecologist or pelvic health physio is the best place to start.