Vaginal Lubricants and Moisturisers

Welcome to our expert summary of vaginal lubricants and moisturisers.

These products can be a huge benefit at the start of any Vaginal Atrophy treatment. Lubricants and moisturisers are not quite the same thing, some vaginal products on the market can be used as both.

Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can be often overlooked during conversations about vaginal dryness and atrophy, but they have the potential to start relieving symptoms earlier and faster than with Vaginal Oestrogen alone. 

They are also excellent options for those who are unsure about using Oestrogen or who would prefer to try a drug free option for another reason.

Learn more about Vaginal Atrophy, Urogenital Atrophy and the differences between the two in our post here.

Lubricant or Moisturiser?

Lubricants are used when needed to provide additional moisture for a short period of time and have few long-lasting benefits.

Moisturisers are intended to be used regularly and provide longer lasting moisture which is absorbed and retained by the vaginal tissues.

Vaginal Lubricants

Lubricants provide additional moisture for a short period of time, rapidly relieving dryness or discomfort.

Some are marketed for sex, some are marketed for vaginal comfort. They generally all contain the same types of ingredients and work the same way.

Lubricants come in water-based and oil-based forms. 

Water-based lubricants last the shortest amount of time as the high water content evaporates quickly on warm skin. Oil-based lubricants last a little longer as they have a lower water content, they do damage condoms and diaphragms though so should not be used with these.

Lubricants are often used for sex, for the temporary relief of vaginal discomfort (particularly discomfort caused by dryness) and can also be used to make applying your vaginal Oestrogen more comfortable.

This can be especially beneficial at the start of Vaginal Oestrogen treatment, even more so if you are feeling nervous about using an applicator when the vagina is sensitive as a result of (peri/post-) menopausal vaginal atrophy.

KY Kynect Gentle Water Based Lubricant

KY Kynect Gentle Water Based Lubricant is water-based and contains a gentle formula that is free from fragrances, hormones, and parabens, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. 

This product is pH-balanced to mimic the natural pH of the vagina, and is particularly recommended for women who experience vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes or medications.

Yes Water Based Lubricant

Yes Water Based Lubricant is made from natural and organic ingredients, including aloe vera, flax extract, and plant-based gums. The lubricant is free from parabens, glycerin, and other potentially harmful ingredients, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. 

Yes Water Based Lubricant is compatible with latex and silicone condoms and can be used for sex or to relieve general vaginal dryness.

Yes Water Based Lubricant is available in a 75ml tube or as a pack of 6 pre-filled applicators, which allow for gentle application further into the vagina.

Sylk Intimate Lubricant

Sylk Intimate Lubricant is made from natural ingredients, including kiwi vine extract and other plant-based extracts, and is free from parabens, hormones, and other vaginal irritants. 

Sylk Intimate Lubricant is pH-balanced to mimic the natural pH of the vagina, making it highly suitable for people with sensitive skin or who are experiencing severe vaginal dryness. 

It is compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, one 40g bottle contains 75-150 applications.

Vaginal Moisturisers

Vaginal Moisturisers provide relief from vaginal dryness for longer than lubricants, they are also designed to infuse moisture into the vaginal tissues which they can retain.

For this reason, moisturisers are generally used 2-3 times per week only.

For those who experience regular or persistent vaginal dryness, moisturisers can be an excellent regular treatment to supplement vaginal moisture. They can also be used alongside vaginal Oestrogen products, although we recommend they are used on different days.

Hyalofemme Gel

Hyalofemme Gel is a vaginal moisturiser designed to relieve symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort.

It contains hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that helps to retain moisture and lubrication. The gel is applied directly to the vagina and surrounding tissues and is free from hormones, fragrances, and preservatives.

Hyalofemme gel is available in pre-filled applicators for easy use and should ideally be used regularly to help maintain vaginal moisture and comfort.

Hyalofemme is available in a 30g tube and comes with an applicator for vaginal use.

Replens Vaginal Moisturiser

Replens Vaginal Moisturiser is a long-lasting vaginal moisturiser designed to relieve symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort. 

Its special formula sticks to vaginal skin and releases moisture over time, providing continuous relief for up to three days. 

Replens is free from hormones and fragrances, making it suitable for women with sensitive skin or allergies.

If you're experiencing vaginal dryness as a result of HRT, using a vaginal lubricant or moisturiser alongside your treatment can greatly and quickly improve your symptoms.

All products mentioned are safe to use alongside HRT, and can be an effective way to enhance your sexual experience and improve your overall vaginal health. 

Unsure whether your vaginal dryness is caused by the menopause?

If you believe or suspect that you are experiencing vaginal dryness caused by the menopause and you want to try something stronger than a drug-free moisturiser, you might benefit from trying a Vaginal Oestrogen.

Read our detailed post about the different Vaginal Oestrogen products available here in the UK. You can order one of these products as a trial using our online doctor, even if you have not seen your GP about Vaginal Dryness before.

Vaginal Oestrogen is absorbed in the vagina and surrounding genital tissues, with very little to no absorption into the rest of the body.

This is not personalised advice. To speak to one of our clinically trained team about finding the right treatment for you, email us at [email protected] or call us on 01295 262925.