In this article /
The difference between your vagina and vulva isn’t just semantics—it’s body literacy. Your vagina is the internal canal (where your menstrual cup or tampon sits, and where some babies pass through), while your vulva is everything you can see on the outside, including: the labia, clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening. And if that’s news to you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Colloquially, we’ve been using the word “vagina” for decades to describe anything between the legs. It’s all vagina. Except, it’s really not.
Ask your friends, and you’ll hear even more names for what’s going on down there, but using the correct anatomical terms matters. It’s crucial when it comes to having clear conversations with care providers, advocating for your health, and even knowing which products or medications do – or definitely don’t – go where.
From how it should look to how it should feel, taste, or even smell, the only ‘normal’ that exists is what’s normal for you. That’s why we’re here to debunk all those myths you might have heard about the vulva.
1. Myth: All vulvas look the same.
We’ll say this loudly for the people in the back: there is no such thing as a “normal-looking” vulva. Despite how you might have seen them in porn, movies, or anatomical illustrations—even skin tone, hairless, with neatly tucked-in labia—that version isn’t the standard or even ‘normal’. It’s just the version we’re mostly shown.
The reality? Vulvas come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and variations. Of course they do! Humans exist on a broad spectrum, and every one of us is unique—inside and out.
2. Myth: Vulvas shouldn’t smell.
Truth bomb: your vulva should smell—and that’s healthy. It’s an active part of your body, not a candle! What’s most important is knowing your natural scent and how it shifts throughout your cycle. You might notice changes after sex, depending on what you eat, or as hormones fluctuate—and that’s totally normal.
What’s not healthy is the belief that you need to mask or ‘fix’ your natural scent. Our moisture-rich daily cleanser helps rinse away dried blood or sweat—without fragrance, helping to keep the pH of your vulva balanced. And remember, the vulva is everything outside; our vulva care line is made with that key difference in mind.
3. Myth: Discharge means something is wrong.
If your discharge is free from strong odour, and doesn’t come with itchiness, redness, or swelling, the chances are that it’s completely normal. In fact, it’s essential to your body functioning as it should. Discharge helps keep the vagina clean and protected(1), and the texture or color often changes depending on where you are in your cycle(2).
So, the next time you notice a change in your discharge—maybe it’s stretchy, creamy, or more abundant than usual—know that it’s most likely a sign that your body is doing its thing. Observing how your discharge or cervical mucus changes over the course of your cycle is just another way to be more in tune with your body and that’s always a good thing.
4. Myth: If you shower regularly, you don’t need vulva-specific products.
When your bathroom shelf is already lined with botanical body serums and luxurious, lathery cleansers, you might be wondering why you need to add another product to your lineup. The skin around your vulva is much more delicate and sensitive than, say, the skin on your elbows, legs, or feet, and sometimes using these products – especially those with heavy scents, essential oils, or fragrance – can actually do more harm than good.
Even fuss-free soaps or lotions that work great on your body to remove oil, dirt, and bacteria, can feel too harsh for delicate vulvar skin, sometimes disrupting your natural pH and drying out your skin, leaving you feeling irritated or unbalanced. That's why it’s important to use products formulated intentionally for your vulva—not because your vulva needs to be ‘fixed’ or made to smell pretty, but because your vulva deserves the same care you put into your regular skincare routine.
5. Myth: Vulva care is all about hygiene.
“Feminine hygiene” is the umbrella term still – still! – used today to talk about menstrual and vulva care products. The idea is clear that our vulvas are in need of cleaning and by default, dirty. Obviously, we know that’s not true—and we hope you do too. Taking care of your vulva isn’t about meeting unreasonable beauty standards or assumptions of ‘normal’, but about getting to know your body and becoming more literate about what works – or doesn’t – for you. Our vulva care line has been developed intentionally for your vulva (we repeat, vulva, not vagina) and works not only to help deliver soft, smooth, and nourished skin, but also create a healthy ritual where you can really get to know your body.
So there you have it: everything you didn’t know (you didn’t know) about your vulva.
