September 2023
For the past 20 years, Good Clean Love has been developing scientifically formulated vaginal care products with leading experts and biophysicists. That’s why when gynecologic oncologists approached us a few years ago to develop a new product, we took note. We received repeated requests from these specialists that they needed a product to offer relief from the severe vaginal dryness and atrophy that they were seeing in their post-oncology patients. As we learned more about the devastating effects that radiation and chemotherapy have on the vaginal epithelium, it became apparent that a product was needed to not only address the loss of vaginal moisture but also one that would support sensitive tissue.
BioNourish® Debuts in Our Bio-Match® Line
Combining these needs with our Bio-Match® approach to creating products that support the vaginal microbiome, we developed BioNourish® Ultra Moisturizing Vaginal Gel with Hyaluronic Acid.
First, we made the gel in a base of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC)—a departure from our traditional aloe-based formulas. We decided on HEC for its use as a neutral, plant-based thickener commonly used to make products more hypoallergenic. We also left out food-grade natural flavors (fragrance is never used in any of our formulas) to keep the product as scent- and flavor-free as possible. This ensured it remained hypoallergenic for the sensitive skin patients we had in mind.
Next, Bio-Matching the vagina’s natural environment meant adding a small percentage of lactic acid to create a pH-balanced product—one that matches vaginal pH (3.5-4.5). Many healthcare providers know how important low acidity is for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment. When pH is elevated not only do women experience more symptoms of dryness and discomfort, but they can become susceptible to vaginal infections. Restoring vaginal pH not only provides relief from these symptoms but helps prevents infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Like all our vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, we made sure BioNourish’s formula was iso-osmolar. This means its concentration matches vaginal fluids so that the cellular water between the product itself and the vaginal epithelial cells stays properly balanced and the cells stay hydrated. Many vaginal gels on the market contain glycols which makes them hyperosmolar. Hyperosmolar products should be avoided at all costs—they dehydrate vaginal tissue which increases susceptibility to infections. This can also begin a cycle of needing more moisture to combat the dehydrating effects and may do more harm than good over time. We recommend watching out for glycols and using iso-osmolar vulvovaginal products whenever possible.
Hyaluronic Acid: Super Star Ingredient
What makes BioNourish a superior vaginal moisturizing gel is the addition of hyaluronic acid. Known for its ultra-hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own water weight. For dry vaginal tissue this means longer-lasting moisture to provide sustaining relief from symptoms, especially for those with moderate to severe dryness. Of course, BioNourish also provides relief for a variety of conditions women experience, from menopausal and postpartum women to those who’ve undergone other medical conditions, even when dryness is mild or occasional. An added benefit of hyaluronic acid is it’s hormone-free and a great alternative for women who are advised not to use synthetic hormones or are looking for options to estrogen therapy.
Good Clean Love is proud to offer BioNourish to cancer survivors, the oncology community, and people suffering from severe vaginal dryness. Healthcare providers can rest assured that this moisturizer meets our Bio-Match® vaginal health standards:
- Iso-osmolar (250-400 mOsmol/kg)
- Matches vaginal pH (3.5-4.5)
- Contains a proper balance of moisture, lactic acid, and salt balance
- Free from parabens, petrochemicals, glycols, and synthetic fragrance