Niches & Nooks Intimate pH Balanced Gentle Feminine Wash - Fresh Fig -7 fl oz
Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This feminine wash contains a mix of gentle surfactants like decyl glucoside and cocamidopropyl betaine, which are generally considered safe and mild for the skin. However, the presence of PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil and synthetic fragrance (parfum) introduces potential concerns due to their association with skin irritation and contamination risks. The product is moderately processed, which affects its overall rating, despite the inclusion of beneficial ingredients like cucumber fruit water and panthenol.
Key ingredients 21
PanthenolVery Good
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a moisturizing and soothing agent. It helps improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation. It is widely used in skincare for its beneficial effects on the skin barrier.
Risks
Panthenol is generally safe, but in rare cases, it can cause mild irritation.
Benefits
It enhances skin hydration and promotes healing, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
Beta-GlucanVery Good
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps improve skin hydration and reduce redness. It is often used in skincare for its ability to enhance the skin barrier.
Risks
Beta-Glucan is generally safe, but in rare cases, it can cause mild irritation.
Benefits
It provides soothing and moisturizing benefits, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
Decyl GlucosideGood
Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose. It is known for being gentle on the skin and is often used in products for sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Decyl Glucoside, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable choice for cleansing products.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It is widely used in skincare for its hydrating properties. It helps maintain the skin's moisture balance and improves skin barrier function.
Risks
Glycerin is generally safe, but in rare cases, it can cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It enhances skin hydration, making it soft and supple, and is suitable for all skin types.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit WaterGood
Cucumber Fruit Water is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It is often used in skincare for its cooling effect and ability to reduce puffiness. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with cucumber extract, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It provides a refreshing and soothing effect on the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateGood
This ingredient is a natural preservative derived from fermented radish root. It helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in cosmetic products. It is considered a safer alternative to synthetic preservatives.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It provides antimicrobial protection while being gentle on the skin.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic products.
Benefits
Water helps in hydrating the skin and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or irritation, particularly with impurities in the ingredient.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing while being less irritating than harsher surfactants.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It helps improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Xanthan Gum in cosmetic products.
Benefits
It enhances the texture of products, making them easier to apply and spread.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a glycol used as a solvent and humectant in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and moisture retention of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Propanediol is generally safe, but some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It enhances skin hydration and improves the spreadability of products.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilNeutral
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emulsifier and surfactant used to stabilize formulations. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe but may contain impurities.
Risks
There is a potential risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of ethoxylation.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of products, enhancing their performance.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating at low concentrations.
Risks
High concentrations can cause skin irritation, but it is typically used in safe amounts.
Benefits
It helps balance the pH of products, ensuring they are gentle on the skin.
PPG-26-Buteth-26Neutral
PPG-26-Buteth-26 is a synthetic polymer used as an emollient and surfactant. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Risks
There is a potential risk of skin irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and application of products, making them more pleasant to use.
Glycol DistearateNeutral
Glycol Distearate is used as an opacifying agent and emollient in cosmetics. It helps improve the appearance and texture of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Glycol Distearate in cosmetic products.
Benefits
It provides a pearlescent appearance and improves the texture of formulations.
Diutan GumNeutral
Diutan Gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It helps improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Diutan Gum in cosmetic products.
Benefits
It enhances the texture of products, making them easier to apply and spread.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and emulsifier. It helps improve the texture and stability of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Cetearyl Alcohol in cosmetic products.
Benefits
It provides a smooth and creamy texture, enhancing the feel of products.
Pentylene GlycolNeutral
Pentylene Glycol is a humectant and solvent used to enhance the texture and moisture retention of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. It helps improve the spreadability of formulations.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Pentylene Glycol in cosmetic products.
Benefits
It enhances skin hydration and improves the texture of products.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and preservative booster used to enhance the texture and moisture retention of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. It helps improve the spreadability of formulations.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Caprylyl Glycol in cosmetic products.
Benefits
It enhances skin hydration and improves the texture of products.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It helps extend the shelf life of products by preventing spoilage.
Potassium SorbateBad
Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It helps extend the shelf life of products by preventing spoilage.
Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Fragrance is used to add scent to cosmetic products. It can contain a mixture of various chemicals, some of which may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin sensitivity.
Risks
Fragrance can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may contain undisclosed harmful chemicals.
Benefits
It provides a pleasant scent to products, enhancing the user experience.
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