Backed by science, created by women. This is the leading ethos behind everything we do at Kindra. Our products have been developed after endless hours of women's health research, countless consultations with healthcare providers, and numerous clinical studies for plant-powered menopausal relief. We’re huge proponents of knowing what is in your tried and true wellness products, but we understand that it isn’t as simple as merely reading the ingredient list. To demystify the science that goes into ensuring the efficacy of our products, we are going to look at one of our bestsellers, the Daily Vaginal Lotion and Applicator, and break down the key ingredients. 

Kindra Daily Vaginal Lotion & Applicator

Our daily vaginal lotion immediately soothes dryness and, with daily use, provides everyday comfort and improves vaginal dryness. When it comes to intimate skin, it is extremely important that the vaginal moisturizer formula used is pH-balanced, estrogen-free, hormone-free, and fragrance-free. It needs to be gentle enough for your most sensitive skin yet powerful enough to tackle the discomfort of vaginal dryness. Application is just as important as the right formula, so we created an applicator from medical-grade silicone that delivers relief to where you need it most. 

When it came down to creating our daily vaginal lotion formula, we were insistent on balancing antioxidant emollients from nature like coconut and sunflower oils with niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate, which is a version of hyaluronic acid that penetrates more deeply into the skin. While the use of oil in intimate products is often debated, we have chosen natural oils that are proven to hydrate the delicate vaginal issues without disrupting the pH-balance. We also knew that we were never going to use any parabens in the formula. These are just a few of the highlights in our list of star players, so read on for some intel on our key ingredients.

Glycerin

This ingredient is a moisture magnet, drawing in moisture while helping your skin remain naturally juicy and supple. A recent study from the British Journal of Dermatology backs up these claims, with findings showing that glycerin hydrates the outer layer of the skin, improves skin barrier function and skin mechanical properties, protects against irritants, and accelerates the healing process of wounds. 

While we could sing the praises of this ingredient ad nauseam, we would be remiss to not acknowledge the misconceptions surrounding glycerin. Many online publications recommend avoiding glycerin in intimate products due to a link to yeast infection. Yet, after thorough research on behalf of our scientists, we found these claims to be based out of confusion. In 2013, a study was published in the popular scientific journal Obstetrics & Gynecology titled, “Intravaginal Practices and Risk of Bacterial Vaginosis and Candidiasis Infection Among a Cohort of Women in the United States.” This study found the use of petroleum jelly, baby oil, and practice of douching increased the risk of bacterial vaginosis. 70% of women in the study used mainstream vaginal products like personal lubricants that contained glycerin, yet there was no connection made between the products containing glycerin and the likelihood of developing yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis. 

Furthermore, the link between sugar and yeast infections draw even more concern. However, glycerin isn’t a sugar, but a sugar alcohol and applying glycerin topically will not feed the yeast. Yeast infections pose a risk to vaginal health and can be amplified by a high sugar diet, antibiotics, fatigue, lack of post-sex hygiene, hormones, and overcleansing the vagina. Lifestyle changes are key if you suffer from yeast infections, but no need to run from all topical intimate products that include glycerin. Don’t believe us? We’ve tested the Daily Vaginal Lotion with leading gynecologists from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) to overwhelmingly positive feedback. 

Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential to proper cell functioning and damage repair. Studies have shown that niacinamide increases ceramide production in the body, which in turn supports the skin in trapping moisture and providing a protective barrier. We like to think of niacinamide as another moisture holy grail and essential in repairing parched, delicate skin.

Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Dimitheicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane

No need to be intimidated by this roster of ingredients commonly found in personal care products. This is a class of functional ingredients that are fantastic at creating a breathable layer of moisture while offering conditioning properties and emolliency, all while reducing moisture loss. 

Polyacrylamide

Simple, important, hard to pronounce. Polyacrylamide is a thickening agent for lotions, lending to the lightweight, non-greasy feel of the Daily Vaginal Lotion.

Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol

This is a team of fatty alcohols that are derived from coconut or palm oil. When added to natural products like the Daily Vaginal Lotion, they help bind ingredients that tend to naturally separate. They ensure the oil ingredients in this formula mix kindly with water. While we’re talking about this crew of alcohols, it is important to do some quick myth-busting about alcohol in hair and skin products. It is recommended to avoid most topical ingredients containing alcohol for the sake of avoiding dryness. But, it is important to note that these are fatty alcohols, meaning that they trap water in the skin barrier, thus providing a soothing and moisturizing effect. This difference in chemical properties means fatty alcohols are allowed in formulas recognized by the FDA as “alcohol-free.”

Panthenol

This ingredient is also known as provitamin B5 and is an essential for healthy skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated and sensitive skin. Panthenol locks in moisture and softens vaginal tissue.  Studies even show that panthenol can accelerate wound healing, making it an excellent match for chapped or cracked skin.

Tocopheryl Acetate

Tocopheryl Acetate is another name for Vitamin E. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage that would otherwise harm the skin. Fun fact: Vitamin E is found naturally in our bodies and in certain foods. 

Sodium Hyaluronate

This ingredient is a version of Hyaluronic Acid that is more stable, penetrates deeply, and helps skin retain moisture. 

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil 

Commonly known as coconut oil, this element is packed with rich fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it an incredible moisturizing agent. Heralded as a major moisturizer for hair, it is also becoming more recognized for its ability to ease vaginal dryness. It is even being used as a natural lubrication to make sexual activity more enjoyable.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

Sunflower oil helps retain moisture thanks to its high levels of vitamin E, A, C, and D. Rich in linoleic acid, this oil is used topically in the treatment of skin conditions because it can help maintain the skin barrier. Several studies have also suggested that sunflower seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil

Safflower seed oil contains Vitamin E and beneficial fatty acids that can help to diminish the occurrence of dry skin. Filled with antioxidant properties, safflower oil can neutralize free radicals and research even shows that safflower oil can reduce skin inflammation while playing a role in wound healing. 

C13-14 Isoparaffin 

This ingredient is an emollient and thickening agent that effectively delivers much needed moisture. It is so effective, it is found in countless skincare formulations from Kiehl’s to Olay. 

Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid

This dynamic duo is a pH adjuster that ensures your vagina’s natural pH balance isn’t disrupted.

It’s Time to Feel Better

Try out the Daily Vaginal Lotion and get ready for no more dryness and irritation in your most intimate area thanks to this roster of natural ingredients. We have a fuss-free return policy and are always happy to chat with you to ensure this product is the right fit for your evolution. Feel free to shoot our Customer Service team a note at hello@ourkindra.com or give us a ring at 1-866-211-4580. Team Kindra has your back from perimenopause to postmenopause and beyond. 

NOTICE: KINDRA DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR HEALTH CARE ADVICE.  OUR EMPLOYEES AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES ARE NOT PHYSICIANS OR HEALTH CARE CLINICIANS.  YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN FOR ANY MEDICAL AND/OR OTHER HEALTH CARE ADVICE BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY KINDRA OR ANY OTHER SOURCE.

Tags: About Menopause Connection Dry Skin healthy living Hot flashes Low Sex Drive Managing my Hormones Mental Well-Being Painful Sex Physical Well-Being Vaginal Dryness vaginal lotion