You are what you put into your body... clean cosmetics for your intimate well-being

We are what we eat. Did you know? If you recognize yourself in this, it's because you're one of those people who spends a little more time at the supermarket carefully inspecting the ingredient list of your favorite products (why are there 30 ingredients in my favorite cookies?), or in the shower reading the ingredients of your shampoo.

Just as the “slow cosmetics” movement has helped raise awareness of the importance of “clean” and healthy cosmetics for the body, of compositions using organic ingredients, and of marketing that meets realistic and body positive expectations, don’t you think it’s high time that a similar revolution takes place in the “intimate hygiene” industry as well (we prefer the use of the terms “intimate health” or “intimate well-being” because of the negative connotations of the term hygiene in this context)?

Why? In reality, we are not only what we eat, but also what we ingest whether orally, through the skin or through any other organ. And, as you may have already guessed (if you have taken a look at our values ​​), at IntyEssentials , what concerns us most are the materials and products that come into direct contact with our mucous membranes and intimate areas. Anyone who uses one should be sure that their vaginal moisturizer does not contain endocrine disruptors and that their lubricant will not cause them mycoses or irritations. Indeed, under the effect of accumulation, the products that we use on a daily basis, and which pass into our bloodstream, can affect functions as important as hormonal function, and therefore our libido, our ability to produce sperm and ovulate, our menstruation, our menopause...etc.

The importance of mucous membranes and the body's filtration system

The mucous membranes correspond to the layer of semi-permeable and moist tissues which constitute the covering of the mouth, the nose, the eyes, the vagina, the glans of the penis, like the clitoris, or even the interior of the digestive system.

Unlike the skin, mucous membranes do not have what is called the stratum corneum: a natural filtration layer made up of keratinized cells that act as a protective barrier to the various aggressions suffered by the skin. Consequently, the epithelial cells that make up the mucous membranes are more permeable, fragile and sensitive to chemical aggressions from dermatological irritants, penetration-promoting agents or even estrogen imitators that some lubricant formulas may contain.

Worse, some manufacturers do not clearly state their list of ingredients. So, if you are naturally cautious about cosmetic products for skin application, consider being even more cautious about any product that comes into contact with your mucous membranes.

Using science to identify the healthiest products for your vulvovaginal mucosa.

At IntyEssentials , with over 15 years of experience in the sexual health industry, we have learned to identify problematic products or materials and have surrounded ourselves with manufacturers whose formulas are the healthiest and safest for your vulvovaginal mucous membranes. Our vigilance is structured in two ways: there are ingredients whose safety is demonstrated by science and for those our policy is clear and frank: frank and direct boycott and then there are ingredients whose virtues have been validated by science and not because they are favored by a fashion phenomenon that is greenwashing.

To do this, we ensure that the ingredients meet certain criteria:

1- Guaranteed purity and quality of ingredients

Certified organic products because some natural ingredients may contain traces of pesticides, GMO-free and, as far as possible, not tested on animals. However, it is important to note that since there is very little choice in terms of lubricants or massage oils certified organic, we have also included products that are not necessarily 100% organic but still meet our strict quality criteria and remain healthy for the body and better alternatives to the products you will find in mainstream sex shops, or even in parapharmacies.

2 - No dermatological irritants

No menthol (dermocaustic), no grapefruit seed extract known for its estrogen-mimicking properties, no glycerin in lubricants because it considerably affects their osmolarity , even at concentrations below 5% and constitutes a breeding ground for Candidae Albicans; responsible for mycoses.

3- No synthetic or natural ingredients that could affect vulvovaginal health

• No parabens: like methylparaben, which act as estrogen mimics, they are linked to the development of breast cancer and their endocrine disrupting effects are no longer in doubt.

• No synthetic propylene glycol: whose properties as a skin absorption promoter would promote the passage of toxic ingredients and which would tend to weaken the membranes of epithelial cells. Although this ingredient is commonly found in vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, we believe that women and people with vaginas should not have to choose between relieving discomfort and pain during intercourse (vaginal dryness - not necessarily related to menopause - affects many people and is a common symptom of vulvovaginal atrophy felt during intercourse) and the introduction of products presenting other health risks.

• No petroleum-derived ingredients: such as paraffin, mineral oils, etc. which tend to clog the skin and mucous membranes and whose potentially moisturizing effects are only due to their strong occlusive power (they block water in the stratum corneum) but prevent all beneficial exchanges with the cells.

What ingredients should be included in our intimate care products?

Instead, a maximum of pure and natural products whose beneficial effects on the mucous membranes have been demonstrated:

• Aloe vera: for its moisturizing, healing and soothing properties. Be careful not to be allergic to it.
• Flax seeds: for their strong emollient, moisturizing and protective power used for thousands of years.
• Carob, xanthan and guar gums: natural gums whose bio-adhesive properties are extremely interesting and whose synergistic action produces incredible glide.
• Carrageenan: seaweed with emollient and moisturizing properties in addition to its HPV inhibitory characteristics.
• Guava Bark Extract: Natural astringent properties used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

We hope that this information will allow you, on the one hand, to understand our selection criteria on IntyEssentials and will help you, above all, to make more informed decisions in the choice of care and cosmetics that you use for your intimate well-being. Do you have any questions about one or more specific ingredients? Do not hesitate to write to us !