---
title: "The Racist Legacy of \"Feminine Care\" Products"
date: 2022-12-02T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-racist-legacy-of-feminine-care-products"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The Racist Legacy of "Feminine Care" Products

This article addresses the complex and insidious racist (and misogynist) history of vulvar and vaginal douches, sprays, and washes, as well as racial disparities in their use today. Most of these products are unnecessary and potentially harmful. For example, “Research has shown that douching may be associated with higher exposures to diethyl phthalate, a type of industrial chemical found in many consumer products. It may also be linked to health risks, such as infertility, vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases.” It also discusses how the ads for these products have targeted the Black community and other communities of color.

> Modern-day menstrual and intimate care practices have been heavily shaped by historical views about women’s bodies being unclean. This 'ingrained thought' can be traced to the practice of sequestering or restricting women during their periods, which has continued in some cultures, and antiquated ideas of the “vagina being dirty,” McKnight said.

[Read the full article ](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/05/31/feminine-wash-honey-pot-history/)

SOURCE: The Washington Post • AUTHOR: Allyson Chiu and Amber Ferguson • LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2022

![Lysol](data:image/png;base64,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) Shattonburycommonswiki/Wikimedia [CC BY-SA 1.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0/deed.en)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ destigmatizing the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/destigmatizing-the-menstrual-cycle)
- [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american)
- [culture](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/culture)
- [menstrual products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-products)
- [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color)
- [women's health history](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/womens-health-history)
- [racism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/racism)
- [sexism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexism)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.

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A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us)

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## A Report on Sexual Violence against Indigenous Women in the US

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.

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The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-sexual-violence-against-indigenous-women-in-the-us)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## If I Had Listened to Abortion Protesters, Things Would Be Different

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.

![abortiontshirt](data:image/png;base64,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)

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-if-i-had-listened-to-abortion-protesters-things-would-be-different)

[ResourcesRead

## Ageism Ignores and Insults the Competence of Adults

This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.

![pexels-kampus-production-8422703](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ageism-ignores-and-insults-the-competence-of-adults)

[ResourcesRead

## Asian Women for Health

This peer-led network promotes health and wellness for Asian women.

![Asian Women for Health and TEAM Together Empowering Asian Minds scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This peer-led network promotes health and wellness for Asian women.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/asian-women-for-health-and-team-together-empowering-asian-minds)

[ResourcesRead

## Asians Do Therapy

A collection of personal stories from Asians and Asian Americans about their experiences with therapy.

![Pexels shvets production 7176319 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of personal stories from Asians and Asian Americans about their experiences with therapy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/asians-do-therapy)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Reconnecting with My Spiritual Roots for My Mental Health

MF describes their process of returning to their indigenous spiritual roots. Please note: this story is an audio recording only - there is no video.

![An indigenous tent in a forest](data:image/png;base64,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)

MF describes their process of returning to their indigenous spiritual roots. Please note: this story is an audio recording only - there is no video.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-reconnecting-with-my-spiritual-roots-for-my-mental-health)

[ResourcesRead

## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.

![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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)

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)