Let’s face it: when it comes to vaginal dryness, the wellness industry is flooded with products making lofty promises. But as someone who's spent years on the front lines of sexual medicine and hormonal health, I can tell you—not all vaginal moisturizers are created equal. And more importantly, not all of them work.

If you’re using a vaginal moisturizer and wondering if it’s pulling its weight, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns I hear from my patients. Vaginal dryness isn't just uncomfortable. It can seriously impact intimacy, sleep, confidence, and even your overall health.

Here’s what you really need to know to figure out if your vaginal moisturizer is worth it.

Most people associate vaginal dryness with menopause, and they’re not wrong. Up to 84% of postmenopausal women experience symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which includes dryness, irritation, and painful sex.

But menopause isn’t the only time estrogen takes a nosedive.

• Postpartum & Breastfeeding: Welcome to what is now being dubbed Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL). Prolactin surges, estrogen plummets—and the result? Vaginal dryness that can last well beyond the fourth trimester.
• Medications: Hormonal birth control (especially low-dose pills), SSRIs, antihistamines, and cancer treatments can dry things out faster than you can say "K-Y."
• Stress & Perimenopause: High cortisol combined with fluctuating estrogen can minimize natural lubrication, even years before your final period.

Bottom line: Vaginal dryness isn’t just a menopause issue. If you have a vulva, a vagina, and dodgy hormones, it can show up at any age. The good news? It’s common—and very treatable.

The vaginal ecosystem is not your average skin barrier. It’s pH sensitive, hormonally responsive, and microbiome dependent. Which means a quality vaginal moisturizer needs to do more than just feel nice.

pH Balance (Your First Non-Negotiable)

A healthy vaginal pH sits between 3.8 and 4.5. This acidic environment supports good bacteria (like lactobacilli) and keeps infections at bay. But estrogen loss pushes pH higher, allowing unfriendly bacteria to thrive.

An effective vaginal moisturizer should be pH balanced to mimic the vaginal environment and help restore microbial equilibrium. If your product isn’t labeled as such or doesn’t list it on the product’s website, that’s a red flag.

Osmolality (the Science You Didn’t Know You Needed)

Osmolality is a measure of how much a product might pull water out of your cells—if it’s too high, it can dry out your vulvar and vaginal tissues. The World Health Organization recommends choosing a vaginal moisturizer with a low osmolality (under 1200 mOsm/kg).

Check the product label or company’s website for the osmolality level to ensure it’s under 1200.

Hero Ingredients That Do the Work

Hyaluronic Acid is the MVP. This molecule holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it perfect for rehydrating dry tissue. Low molecular weight HA penetrates deeper, offering longer-lasting results. Some other high-quality evidence-backed ingredients to look for are:

• Peptides: Support collagen production and boost tissue resilience.
• Antioxidants (like CoQ10, Vitamin E): Support cellular repair.
• Aloe Vera & Panthenol: Calm and hydrate.

What to Avoid

If your vaginal moisturizer has any of these, it’s time to Marie Kondo it out of your life:

• Fragrance: Common irritant. It has no business near the vulva.
• Parabens: Controversial preservatives with potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
• Dyes & Harsh Chemicals: You wouldn’t put them in your eyes or mouth. Don’t put them in your vagina.

Let’s break it down by timeline.

Early Wins (Days 1–14)

• Reduced itching, burning, or stinging. Note: With severe dryness, light burning can occur due to microtears in the skin as a result of dryness. This will resolve after applying moisturizers regularly, as you might experience when applying lip balm to very chapped lips.
• Decreased daily discomfort, especially when walking or sitting.
• Less friction during exercise or movement.

Mid-Game Gains (Weeks 2–6)

• Improved elasticity and flexibility of vaginal and vulvar tissue.
• Less reliance on lubricants (although I highly recommend a great lubricant, in any case!).
• Easier tampon insertion and/or gynecologic exams.
• Beginning to see improvement in natural lubrication.

Long-Term Wins (6 Weeks+)

• Restoration of healthy vaginal pH.
• Fewer vaginal or urinary tract infections.
• Improved sexual comfort and pleasure.

This is not an either/or situation. Vaginal estrogen and non-hormonal moisturizers work best together. Why? Because they work differently.

Vaginal estrogen replenishes what’s missing hormonally whereas a vaginal moisturizer like Via^®, supports hydration, comfort, and skin barrier integrity. The synergy here matters, especially if you’re dealing with GSM or recurrent UTIs. 

Via vaginal moisturizer is a great complementary therapy which can be used on vaginal estrogen off days (or daily) for added support.

First: be patient. Give it at least 6 weeks of consistent use (at least 3x/week, if not daily). Some moisturizers may take up to 12 weeks for you to experience the full benefits. Still not enough? Try these next steps:

• Switch formulas: Try a different delivery system (for example, a gel vs suppository).
• Check the label: Confirm pH and osmolality.
• Layer up: Pair with vaginal estrogen or add in a barrier-repair product.
• Consult a qualified provider: Especially if you’re dealing with recurrent infections, vulvar pain, pelvic floor problems, or no improvement after 6 weeks.

A quality vaginal moisturizer can be life-changing, but only if it actually works. 

Look for early signs of relief (less itching, less discomfort), but remember that meaningful tissue restoration takes time. If it’s not working, that doesn’t mean you are the problem. You just haven’t found the right formulation yet.

And when in doubt? Work with a clinician who treats your vaginal, vulvar, and sexual health as a vital sign because, well—it is.

To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer, click here.

This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care.