Verified by Edna Skopljak MD
Edna Skopljak is a medical doctor and an editor at BJBMS medical journal. She graduated from the University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology.
For women, when it comes to shaving, especially ‘down there, it can often be challenging to find the right shaving creams and aftercare options that don’t irritate the skin.
Many marketed products are too fragranced or irritating to be useful, so many women look for natural alternatives to help soothe skin and eliminate razor burns.
Cocoa butter is one of the most popular moisturizing body products available. So can you put cocoa butter on your vagina after shaving is a common question among many trying to find the best natural shaving products.
Can you put cocoa butter on your vagina after shaving?
Yes, you can put cocoa butter on your vagina after shaving. However, the vagina is actually one of the internal parts of a woman’s reproductive system.
Therefore, the external area we commonly refer to as the vagina in everyday language is known as the vulva.
Hair grows on the outer folds of the vulva after puberty, and this is the area we refer to when we discuss shaving below our bikini lines.
The benefit of using cocoa butter on your skin in that area after shaving is that cocoa butter is very softening to sensitive skin.
It has famous moisturizing and hydrating properties which are as important as moisturizing factors when considering lotions to use on a sensitive intimate area like the vulva.
However, it is important to note that you should never put cocoa butter inside your body, as it can upset the pH balance of your vagina and cause inflammation.
What lotion can you put on your vagina after shaving?
Lotions that you can use after shaving as alternatives to cocoa butter include shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and petroleum jelly.
Any unscented and alcohol-free moisturizer will work well for most people, although it may be best to patch test a small area of shaved skin first to avoid a painful allergic reaction on one of the most sensitive parts of your body.
Does cocoa butter help razor bumps?
Yes, cocoa butter can help razor bumps, as it calms, smooths, softens, and hydrates your skin and any ingrown hairs that may develop as a result.
Does cocoa butter expire?
Yes, cocoa butter does expire. Cocoa butter mixed into lotions typically has a shelf life of 6-12 months, while pure cocoa butter lasts between 2 to 5 years. After this point, it turns rancid, and should not be used.
Moisturizing cocoa butter sold in shops will usually tell you on the reverse of the packaging how long a product will last once it has been opened.
Conclusion
Overall, the answer is that yes, you can put cocoa butter on your vulva after shaving, although you should make sure that you never put it inside your body and pay attention to its shelf life.
Cocoa butter is moisturizing and hydrating to the skin and can help reduce bumpy inflammation caused by shaving. Other popular alternatives also include unscented alcohol-free moisturizers, shea butter, and coconut oil.
