Honestly, vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms women struggle with before, during, and after menopause. And while it’s a natural result of the decline in our estrogen and other hormones, it can be so impactful in everyday life, and especially in the bedroom. It can result in decreased intimacy and worse, a “sexless marriage.”
Seriously, why would you even desire intimacy if dryness and friction cause you discomfort, making it difficult to become aroused and maybe leaving you feeling unsatisfied, as well.
The need for a gynecologist-formulated intimate care solution
So many women in our Girlfriend and Magic Menopause communities routinely ask me for a safe, clean, nourishing, and effective natural lubricant that specifically—and immediately—addresses menopausal and postmenopausal vaginal dryness during moments of intimacy. One that also doesn’t have a funky taste or smell. And a lube that doesn’t contain endocrine disruptors as we only want the healthiest ingredients around our highly vascular and absorbent vaginal and vulvar tissue. This is important whether we are in our reproductive ages, desiring fertility, or transitioning through menopause… as well as into our post-menopause and second spring.
While some lubricants on the market do contain some natural ingredients, for years, I couldn’t find any that I felt had the perfect blend of ingredients needed. As a woman’s sexual health advocate and triple-board-certified medical practitioner, I wanted to find a product that provided excellent “slick and slide” lubricating performance, but also one that was pH balancing (to protect against infections and bacteria overgrowth), toxin-free, and nutrient-rich. Additionally, in my “perfect world” I envisioned a lube that could also help with arousal, add a bit of stimulation and playfulness, and enhance a woman’s—and her partner’s—overall sensation while using it.
I had already developed my vaginal moisturizer Julva ® in 2016 to address the vaginal drying and inflammation that occurs as a woman’s hormone levels decline. What a game-changer for long-term relief and vaginal tissue healing; we’ve received so many testimonials of its positive effects. It’s DHEA and alpine rose stem cell-infused formula provides a daily moisturizing cream that rejuvenates the vulvar tissue and addresses the underlying causes of ongoing vaginal dryness, as well improving upon other everyday menopause-related symptoms such as vaginal thinning, incontinence/bladder leaks, and so much more.
Vaginal lubricants can help us gain immediate relief… and pleasure
But I still wanted a companion product to address the need for women to have that immediate, short-term relief—and pleasure—during intercourse and other intimate activities. For years I had been pouring over the research and conducting my own clinical testing, looking for the right ingredient formulation. During this time, I actually encouraged women in my community to make their own DIY lubricant (which I still do!) so it would be safe and effective. But DIYing takes patience, the right ingredients, time, and effort… and also doesn’t necessarily result in my “perfect world” benefits noted above!
So, that’s why I developed Velvé. The product name itself actually highlights why it’s the perfect natural lubricant.
First the “V” is all about protecting, nourishing, and enjoying our oh-so-important Vaginas and Vulvas with natural but scientifically-proven safe and effective ingredients. Just because our hormones are declining doesn’t mean we (and our partners) can’t—or shouldn’t—enjoy intimacy!
Once I had the “V”, I thought of the word “velvet” as that hints at a texture that is smooth, thick, and soft… just the kind of lubricant a mature woman requires and wants. To me, velvet evokes a sense of sensual pleasure, touch, indulgence, and intimacy. Velvet also was a staple of nobility, a fabric that symbolized power (back in the courts of Europe), and came to be known for its luxurious sensation. You can almost close your eyes and imagine a beautiful piece of velvet and how it would feel if you rubbed it along your skin.
Finally, I also wanted to capture the stimulating aspects of my ingredients, and so, thought of the word “verve,” which means vigor, vitality, and energy. Put together, I came up with “Velvé” as the name. I added the accent to add our excitement!
Velvé is an aloe and water-based, hormone-free vaginal lubricant that contains natural ingredients which deliver quick relief for vaginal dryness. Its formulation enhances sexual function and an improved youthful experience during intercourse, self-pleasuring, or other intimacy. Since it’s a water-based lube, it is also compatible with condoms and sex toys.
Optimal ingredients for performance, satisfaction, and intimate wellness
My Velvé formulation achieved my “perfect world” vision for menopausal and postmenopausal women, including the oh-so-important improvements in sensation and satisfaction. It’s beautiful blend of ingredients includes:
Certified Organic Aloe Vera (organic aloe barbadensis extract) was an absolute must for its excellent moisturizing and soothing properties, purity, and pH balancing capabilities—helping to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome to prevent infections. It has a pH around 4.5, which mimics that of a healthy vagina. For years, I’ve actually recommended aloe vera be used in DIY lubes due to its excellent hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera has even been found, in a fairly recent study, to be as effective as estrogen vaginal cream in the management of vaginal atrophy symptoms such as dryness, thinning, irritation, and discomfort, in menopausal females.1 I think everyone should have at least one aloe vera plant in their home; it’s so soothing for skin care, wound care, and more.
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) offers many significant benefits to a lubricant including intense long-lasting hydration to vaginal tissues, and even tissue repair. Studies have found hyaluronic acid can significantly improve vaginal dryness, itching, and dyspareunia (painful intercourse).2 A 2023 scientific review found that hyaluronic acid was an effective and safe non-hormonal alternative for those who can’t use estrogen-based products to treat their vaginal dryness symptoms.3
Hydroxyethylcellulose has lubricating and thickening properties which provide the smooth, silky texture of Velvé and delivers a long-lasting, lightweight, easy-to-apply, and non-sticky lube. Along with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, these three ingredients provide a synergistic effect providing a texture and pH closely matching a woman’s natural healthy vaginal lubrication. It is also fertility-friendly.4
Panax Ginseng Root Extract has been studied for its ability to boost libido and increase sexual arousal in both men and women.5 Ginseng is one of the reasons I gave Velvé the accent! It has a well-earned reputation for increasing energy and having adaptogenic properties (helping the body to manage stress and fatigue), and a good deal of evidence supporting its benefits for sexual health.6 Specific studies relating to menopausal women have found it can improve sexual function as well as diminish menopausal symptoms.7 Ginseng is also thought to enhance nitric oxide production, improving blood flow to the genital area, as well as have a positive effect on sperm count and motility, and enhance sexual performance and satisfaction.8 Ginseng definitely deserves special recognition in my formulation!
Paullinia cupana (Guarana) Seed Extract is known for its stimulating properties. It can boost energy levels and physical endurance. It is sometimes used in food as a natural additive. It may enhance blood circulation and have a positive effect on mood and sexual function.9, 10
Propanediol is a plant-based, natural hydration booster derived from corn sugar. It helps draw moisture into the skin, provides microbial protection and contributes to the creamy texture and non-tacky feel of Velvé.
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are non-sensitizing, inactive ingredients generally recognized as safe by the FDA (as food additives). They have antimicrobial properties important in ensuring the lubricant remains safe for use over time. They are not viewed as ingredients of concern by the EWG.11-15
Why the menopausal and postmenopausal vagina needs more help to be pH balanced
A woman’s vagina needs to be acidic to keep pathogens at bay, and we all know how yeast infections and other nasty bacteria can wreak havoc in our V. This is especially true as our estrogen and other hormone levels decline as we age.
When premenopausal, a woman’s estrogen and DHEA helps promote healthy vaginal colonization by friendly bacteria called Lactobacillus that metabolize glycogen and produce the lactic acid that maintains intravaginal health by lowering its pH level. A healthy vagina has a more acidic pH ranging from 3.5 – 4.5. This lower vaginal pH inhibits pathogen growth, preventing vaginal infections.
Postmenopausal women suffer from decreased ovarian hormone production of estrogen and progesterone. Decreased hormone secretion in postmenopausal women depletes lactobacilli and increases intravaginal pH (becoming more alkaline), which provides favorable conditions for the colonization of pathogens (e.g., Enterobacter, Candida, Escherichia coli, and Gardnerella), resulting in common vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and fishy odor. 16,17
A healthy V needs Lactobacillus in control, so pH balance is even more critical for women as we age.
Chemicals found in lubes can further decrease the vagina’s pH, diminishing its effectiveness as a barrier against pathogens. I know that in my clinical practice, I often see menopausal and postmenopausal women having BV or yeast infections after using lubes containing parabens or other artificial chemicals such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or nonoxynol-9 (N-9). Even the commonly used lubricant, K-Y™ Jelly, has been studied as recently as 2022 and found to contain CHG. In laboratory studies this chemical significantly inhibited Lactobacillus species growth.18,19
So, as our hormones naturally decline, what can we do to keep our V at a healthier pH?
Well, when using a lubricant, keeping away from these types of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is key. Velvé does not contain them. Additionally, being an aloe-based lube (with aloe’s pH around 4.5) is a major part of how Velvé achieves a healthy vaginal pH of less than 4.5.
Along with aloe vera, I’ve also added a small concentration (<1%) of medical-grade glycerin to my formula. The addition of such pure and high-quality glycerin is key to how it interacts with the menopausal vaginal microbiome. In research, it has been found to increase the number of good bacteria such as Lactobacillus.20 It’s been shown to be antimicrobial for a number of bad vaginal bacteria including Candida, G. vaginalis, and other pathogens 21,22, and was also found to optimize anti-HIV activity.23 In skin studies the fermentation of glycerol improved the barrier properties of the skin against infections, along with providing a hydration effect.24
Note that there is some limited laboratory research expressing concern over glycerin in lubes causing yeast infections if the concentration is too high (which Velvé is not) or the ingredient is not medical-grade like Velvé. Velve´ meets and exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for safety, which is that the concentration of glycerol should not exceed 9.9% mass fraction.25
The optimal menopause lubricant: wetter is better
Women have been found to generally prefer vaginal-penile intercourse to feel wetter. Not sticky or dripping, but wet. Studies have found that women are more easily able to achieve orgasm when they are wetter, and also, that they feel their partners prefer sex to feel wet versus dry.26 Velvé delivers on this.
Along with the benefits of maintaining a healthy pH balance, Velvé’s ingredients help make it have that wetter feel. The lube doesn’t dry out, but doesn’t drip. There is no messy residue, just a feeling of clean. It’s water-based so easy to clean up. It lasts longer (so you don’t have to reapply as often), isn’t sticky, and provides a unique “second slip” effect reducing friction during sexual activity. By reducing friction, it may help prevent irritation on the vaginal wall. Its ingredients are EWG-approved.
Providing that wetter feel and mimicking the vagina’s natural lubrication are vital to a lube’s safety and performance, and so is ensuring that no ingredients actually end up drawing moisture out from vaginal cells. There is something called osmolality that women need to be aware of when using lubricants. Lubes that are highly osmolar can pull moisture away from vaginal tissues, potentially causing dryness, vaginal microbiome imbalances, and even tissue damage. High concentrations of poor-quality ingredients or EWG-flagged chemicals are two reasons for high osmolality in lubricants. The WHO guidelines published in 2012 state that personal lubricants’ osmolality should not exceed 1200 mOsm/kg (although, surprisingly, the majority of lubricants on the market exceed this osmolality recommendation by a magnitude).27
Velvé is formulated to be biochemically friendly to the vagina with optimized osmolality (it’s actually iso-osmolar, a low osmolality, which is the best as it mimics the body’s natural lubrication. It doesn’t contain the EW-flagged chemicals that result in high osmolality including hormone disruptors such as parabens, petroleum, propylene glycol, non-food grade preservatives, artificial fragrances, etc. In a recent 2023 study, water-based lubricants consistent with WHO guidelines on osmolality were clinically proven to be well tolerated, effective, and to have a good safety profile.28
It is safe to ingest and has no smell.
Even the packaging is clean! Velvé comes in a glass container, with no plastic bottle endocrine disrupting concerns. And it has an easy-to-use pump applicator versus those messy screw caps that are always getting lost in the blankets.
Even as our hormones decline we need to prioritize intimate care (and let’s not forget that pleasure is important too!)
Menopausal and postmenopausal women benefit from both short-term lubricants as well as daily, healing moisturizers like Julva ®. In my expert opinion, most women, certainly by age 50, should test out using both, as they provide different benefits—yet make great companion products.
I know some women shy away from using lubes for a variety of reasons, but along with helping with discomfort, lubricants have been found to enhance a pre- and postmenopausal woman’s overall sexual experience. Lubricant use has been found to enhance sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction, and orgasm.29-31
So, lubricants—and daily vaginal moisturizers like Julva—should be thought of not solely as short- and long-term treatment interventions for vaginal dryness and discomfort. Intimate care is more than a form of physical self-care and healing for women! It is very important to a woman’s overall well-being (whether she is having intercourse or not). It can be a very important form of mental and emotional self-care. Improved sexual health and sexual satisfaction can provide a woman with confidence and self-esteem, not to mention improved communication and a better relationship with her partner (should she have one).32
I like to say “Julva is for everyday & Velve' is for play!”
Enjoy this time in your life! Viva the V! And enjoy Velvé!
