Replens review, what polycarbophil does and what the numbers say
How the best known vaginal moisturizer works, what is in it, how often to use it, the osmolality and pH on its FDA filing, which condoms it suits, and when YES VM or Revaree is the better choice.
By the Wet Betty editors · Published Oct 17, 2026
Fact checked against FDA 510(k) filings, WHO guidance and the sources listed below. How we review
Replens is a hormone free vaginal moisturizer built on polycarbophil, a bioadhesive that clings to the vaginal lining and holds water. Replens says most women use it every three days. It has clinical trials behind it, but its FDA filing shows a low pH of 2.5 to 3.5 and a high osmolality, so very sensitive tissue may do better with YES VM.
The verdict.
Replens is a well studied, hormone free moisturizer that most people use every three days. Its high osmolality is the trade off, so people with very sensitive tissue may prefer YES VM.
- Most studied: Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
- Best numbers: YES VM Vaginal Moisturizer
- Best insert: Revaree Hyaluronic Acid Inserts
What Replens is.
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer is the best known over the counter moisturizer for vaginal dryness, made by Church and Dwight. It comes as a gel in prefilled or reusable applicators, and it is estrogen free and fragrance free, per the brand.
It is a moisturizer, not a lube. A lube reduces friction during sex and wears off. A moisturizer is used on a schedule, a few times a week, to keep tissue hydrated between times. If that difference is new, our explainer on vaginal moisturizer vs lube covers it.
What is in it.
Church and Dwight's ingredient disclosure lists water, glycerin, mineral oil, polycarbophil, carbomer homopolymer type B, hydrogenated palm oil glyceride, sorbic acid, sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, ethylhexylglycerin and tocopherol.
Polycarbophil is the working ingredient. The manufacturer lists it as a viscosity agent and bioadhesive. It is a polymer that swells with water and sticks to the surface of the vaginal lining, so moisture stays where it is needed. As the surface cells naturally shed over the following days, the gel goes with them, which is why each dose lasts a while and why some people notice small white clumps.
Glycerin is a humectant, and mineral oil a moisturizer. Both add to the moisture, and glycerin is also part of why the osmolality is high. The current disclosure lists no parabens; the preservatives are sorbic acid, benzyl alcohol and ethylhexylglycerin.
How often to use Replens.
Replens says most women should use it every three days, more or less often depending on dryness, and that it is safe to use daily. It says each application moisturizes for up to three days. The brand also notes some women notice discharge if they use it during a period, suggests stopping four days before a Pap test, and suggests leaving time between applying it and sex.
Expect a few weeks of regular use before judging it. Moisturizers work by keeping tissue hydrated over time, not by one dose.
How Replens measures.
We grade every product on the WHO thresholds for water based lubricants: 380 mOsm/kg or under is ideal, 1,200 is the procurement ceiling, and a healthy vaginal pH is 3.8 to 4.5. Moisturizers are not lubes, but the same tissue meets them, so the numbers still tell you something.
| Product | Type | Osmolality, mOsm/kg | pH | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replens | Polycarbophil gel | 1,200 to 2,011 | 2.5 to 3.5 | FDA 510(k) via Weaving Voices |
| YES VM | Plant gel | 250 | 4.15 | Edwards and Panay 2016 |
| Revaree | Hyaluronic acid insert | Not published | Not published | None |
Osmolality. Replens sits at or above the WHO ceiling. A hypertonic product can draw water out of cells, which in theory can irritate thin tissue. In practice, many people use Replens comfortably, and the clinical trials did not report problems. If it stings, this is the likely reason, and a lower osmolality product is the fix.
pH. Replens is more acidic than a healthy vagina. In the 1996 trial, vaginal pH did not change significantly with it. Very low pH can still sting on raw or broken skin.
Every lube and moisturizer we grade is on the lube index, and our osmolality explainer shows why these numbers matter.
What the research shows.
Replens has more published research than most moisturizers. In a 1996 randomized trial in Maturitas, 39 postmenopausal women used either Replens three times a week or an estrogen cream for 12 weeks. Both improved the vaginal dryness index from the first week, and the estrogen cream improved it more. Itching, irritation and painful sex improved with both, with no difference between them, and no treatment related adverse events were reported.
A 2023 systematic review in Obstetrics and Gynecology looked at nonestrogen options for genitourinary syndrome of menopause and found polycarbophil based vaginal moisturizers improved both signs of atrophy and sexual function. It also found too little data to rank the nonestrogen options against each other.
The short version: Replens helps symptoms, and vaginal estrogen still does more for the tissue itself. Many clinicians suggest a moisturizer first and estrogen if it is not enough. Our plan for treating vaginal dryness covers that path.
Replens, YES VM and Revaree.
Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
Our take. The best known moisturizer, and the one gynecologists name first. Low pH, high osmolality, used every three days rather than during sex.
Pros
- The moisturizer gynecologists name first
- Low pH, 2.5 to 3.5
- Lasts about three days per dose
Cons
- High osmolality, 1,200 to 2,011 mOsm/kg
- Contains glycerin
- Used on a schedule, not during sex
| Osmolality | WHO band | pH | Glycerin free | Latex condom safe | Silicone toy safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200 to 2,011 mOsm/kg | High | 2.5 to 3.5 | No | Yes | Yes |
YES VM Vaginal Moisturizer
Our take. The moisturizer with the best numbers on our ledger: iso-osmolar and pH matched. Organic, UK made.
Pros
- Best numbers of any moisturizer, 250 mOsm/kg and pH 4.15
- Organic, glycerin free
- Can double as a lube
Cons
- Pricier than drugstore moisturizers
- Harder to find in stores
| Osmolality | WHO band | pH | Glycerin free | Latex condom safe | Silicone toy safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 mOsm/kg | Ideal | 4.15 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Revaree Hyaluronic Acid Inserts
Our take. Hormone free hyaluronic acid insert used every two to three days. Pricey, but the format people stick with.
Pros
- Hormone free hyaluronic acid
- Insert format people stick with
- Lasts two to three days
Cons
- Expensive per dose
- No published osmolality
| Osmolality | WHO band | pH | Glycerin free | Latex condom safe | Silicone toy safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not published | Not applicable | n/a | Yes | No | Yes |
Replens is the most studied, lasts up to three days per dose, and is widely sold. Its trade offs are the high osmolality, the low pH and the discharge some people notice.
YES VM has the best published numbers of any moisturizer we track, 250 mOsm/kg and pH 4.15 from Edwards and Panay 2016, close to the body's own. It is organic and glycerin free and can double as a lube. If Replens stings, this is the switch we would make first.
Revaree is a hyaluronic acid insert from Bonafide, used every two to three days. It has no published osmolality, and it costs more per dose, but some people prefer a small insert to a gel. Hyaluronic acid moisturizers were also among the options the 2023 review found effective.
Condoms and toys.
Replens says it is compatible with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms, and not with polyurethane condoms. Most latex free condoms, including SKYN, are polyisoprene, so they are fine. Polyurethane condoms are less common; check the box. Our lube and condoms guide covers every combination. Replens is not a contraceptive and does not contain spermicide.
Who Replens suits.
Menopause and perimenopause dryness. This is what Replens was built for. Pair it with a low osmolality lube during sex; our menopause lube guide has picks.
Breastfeeding and postpartum dryness. Low estrogen while breastfeeding causes similar dryness; postpartum dryness covers it.
After cancer treatment. A hormone free moisturizer is often the first suggestion. Ask your oncology team before starting.
Not ideal for people whose tissue already stings with most products, people with broken or raw skin, and anyone who wants something to use during sex.
When to see a clinician.
See a clinician if dryness, burning or pain with sex continues after a few weeks of regular moisturizer use, or if you have bleeding after menopause, unusual discharge, itching or a smell. These can point to infection or other conditions that a moisturizer will not fix, and vaginal estrogen or other prescription options may help more. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions.
How often should you use Replens?
Replens says most women should use it every three days. Depending on how dry you are, you can use it more or less often, and the brand says it is safe to use daily. It is a moisturizer used on a schedule, not a lube used during sex.
Can you use Replens as a lube?
It is not designed as one. Replens is applied on a schedule to keep tissue moist over days, and the brand suggests leaving time before intercourse. During sex, use a separate lube. Replens makes its own Silky Smooth lubricant for that.
Why does Replens cause discharge?
Polycarbophil holds water and clings to the vaginal lining, and as those surface cells naturally shed, the gel comes away with them. Some people notice small white clumps. Replens says some women may notice discharge, especially if they use it during a period.
Is Replens safe after breast cancer?
Replens is hormone free, which is why oncology teams often suggest nonhormonal moisturizers first. Ask your oncology team before starting any vaginal product.
Replens or YES VM, which is better?
YES VM has better published numbers, 250 mOsm/kg with a pH of 4.15, close to the body's own. Replens has more clinical research behind it and lasts up to three days per dose. If Replens stings, YES VM is the natural switch.
Does Replens work with condoms?
Replens says it works with latex and polyisoprene condoms but not polyurethane ones. Most latex free condoms, such as SKYN, are polyisoprene.
