Hands-On Review: Maude's Sex & Self-Care Products

I’m often wary of anything “aesthetic” I see on social media. 

However, when I  tried my first Maude product, I knew this brand was the real deal. My initial purchase with Maude was a simple body wash, and now, I’ve put all of Maude’s pleasure products to the test to see if they live up to the hype.

For this article, we broke down Maude’s bath, body, and sexual wellness products.

In other articles, we’ve reviewed almost every one of Maude’s products: Review of Maude’s Sex Toys | Review of Maude’s Lubes

We’ll walk through what makes the brand worth shopping, how your everyday choices can make an impact on the planet, and of course, which shave oil we actually really like. 

Let’s get to it!

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Editor’s Note: We partnered with Maude for this article — with the goal of helping our readers understand the brand’s products and pick the best one(s) for them. 

Maude paid a fee to help us bring this article to life and sent our writer, Sam, a few sample products to try out. Additionally, some links in this article are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission on any purchases you make at no extra cost to you.

However, this article was written independently by Sam, without oversight, talking points, or feedback from the brand. These are Sam’s honest opinions. 

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Why choose Maude? 

Maude is popular for its minimal, picturesque design, but I believe it turns people into brand loyalists by being high-quality and inclusive. It’s clear the company values inclusivity, and is also in the business of taking care of the planet by championing sustainable and ethical business practices.  

As a non-binary person, I really appreciated not feeling like my gender was at the forefront of any marketing, like other sexual wellness brands. 

I also really value that Maude makes products that are made with safe ingredients for the body and planet alike. 

I adore that Maude is a woman-owned and POC-owned brand and I was eager to review all of its products to see if they are just as pleasing as their aesthetic. 

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Inclusive & Body-Safe

Maude’s ethos, purpose, and philosophy is not only simple; it’s front and center on the website. Maude says: “The sexual wellness industry has historically been gendered, exclusive, and unapproachable. When imagining what a modern intimacy brand could be, we prioritized gender, age, and body inclusion.” 

This priority comes through in gender-inclusive language in product descriptions, diverse representation on the website, and beginner-friendly products. 

Not only does this make the brand feel safe, but its products themselves are body-safe by using no parabens or skin irritants, and instead opting for gentle formulations that include IFRA-approved fragrances, and FDA-grade and REACH-passed silicone that are tested for safety and quality.

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Sustainably & Ethically Made

Maude has also opted against unnecessary secondary packaging and product inserts where possible. Having received a few goodies now, I can confirm that the brand’s packages arrive in simple, discreet packaging that can be recycled. 

Additionally, most of the packaging is made from pre- and post-consumer recycled content and is recyclable with standard curbside recycling programs or designated recycling facilities. 

Shipping cartons are locally manufactured with 7% pre-consumer recycled content & 39% post-consumer recycled content with a total recycled content of 46%.

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Destigmatizing Sex and Intimacy

Ultimately, something I really look for in a sexual wellness brand is the work it does to break down stigmas around sex and intimacy. 

I really appreciate that Maude designs products that are just so beautiful you can leave them right on your nightstand — as opposed to something you feel like you have to hide away.

Maude also shares sexual wellness resources on its blog, The Maudern, including content surrounding topics like having sex as we age, breaking down STI stigma, the cultural history of pubic hair, and beginner’s guides to things such as role play. 

Lastly, the brand also partners with SIECUS (Sex Ed for Social Change), and Advocates for Youth to support comprehensive sex education standards through advocacy, educational curriculum, and accessibility across the country.

This wealth of knowledge and resources makes Maude not only a brand offering high-quality products, but makes it a true sexual wellness brand that is committed to holistic pleasure.

Some of these links may lead to mature content. Additionally, consult your doctor if you have any allergies or issues with products. 

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Our honest review of Maude’s self-care and sexual wellness products

Bath & Clean-Up

Wash: Body Wash for Sensitive Skin by Maude

Here’s how Maude describes Wash: A pH-balanced body wash fortified with essential vitamins. This fragrance-free formula gently cleanses skin and intimate areas without any irritation, and doubles as a relaxing bubble bath for one person (or more). Contains omega-3, 6, 0 and vitamins B3, B5, C, and E. 

→ Check out Wash from Maude

Our review: Wash is the product that started my love for Maude’s wellness items. I was on the search for a fragrance-free product that would look good in my shower, and I found it with Maude. I also love that it can be used to make a bubble bath without any overwhelming scents.

Pros

Doubles as a bubble bath

While I love using wash as a body wash, you can drop a little into your bath and you’ll have all the bubbles you’ll ever want. While it may be on the expensive side for a body wash or bubble bath ($22 for a 12-ounce bottle), you know you’re washing your body with a high-quality product that is pH-balanced to help prevent skin irritation and inflammation.

Cons

Doesn’t leave you smelling a certain kind of way post-shower

Since I reviewed the unscented version of Wash, I really enjoyed that there was no scent-clashing with any of my favorite lotions when lathering up post-shower. 

If you’re someone who loves to smell like your favorite scent post-shower, this fragrance-free option won’t be the best option for you. That being said, Wash also comes in three scents if you are interested in that post-shower smell.

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Soak: Calming Bath Salts & Soaks by Maude

Here’s how Maude describes Soak: Made for solo or partner soaks, this salt blend softens and rejuvenates all bodies. Filled with hand-harvested salt crystals from the Southern Dead Sea, Soak contains nourishing vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, sulfur, zinc and more. 

→ Check out Soak from Maude

Our review: I’m not typically a bath salt lover, but I am always in love with Maude’s scents. I was sent Soak No. 3, which has scent notes of eucalyptus, sandalwood, cassis, and Haitian vetiver, which I absolutely love. Although the small quantity is a bummer, Soak was a delightful addition to my self-care routine.

Pros

Smells amazing

These bath salts come in three different scents — No. 3: eucalyptus, sandalwood, cassis, and Haitian vetiver; No 2: pink pepper, gurjun balsam, lemon California, and cedarwood Virginia; and No. 1: amber, cedar leaf, lemongrass, tonka bean, and Medjool date. 

While I have only smelled No. 3, I am confident in saying these scents are luxurious and sensual as heck.

Cons

Only enough for a couple of baths

Maybe it’s just because I use the epsom salts that come in the giant bags, but it’s hard for me to justify spending $18 dollars on an eight-ounce container, when I can get a seven-pound bag for $12. 

If you’re into luxury bath salts that have more complex scents, Soak is wonderful. But I’ll personally be sticking to my lavender bath salts from Target.

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Soothe: Ingrown Hair Oil by Maude

Here’s how Maude describes Soothe: A dermatologist-tested ingrown hair oil formulated to soften skin while soothing irritation. This moisturizing oil blend works to calm existing and prevent future ingrown hairs. Safe for full-body use including intimate areas, legs, underarms, and face. Lightly fragranced with lavender and lemongrass.

→ Check out Soothe from Maude

Our review: I am not prone to ingrown pubic hair so, truthfully, I haven’t used this for its intended purpose, but I did put some on my armpits after I shaved them and was pleased. I am prone to having super itchy skin after I shave, and this really did help with that! 

Pros

Luxurious step in your self-love routine

Some may not think an ingrown hair oil is “sexy,” but it sure is sexier than experiencing pain after a shave. While there is no need to shave or change your body for anyone but your own self-preferences, if you experience itchiness, Soothe is a delicately lavender-scented step in a self-love routine.

Cons

Definitely an investment

I say luxurious for a reason. While Maude does say a little of this oil will go a long way, it is $30 for a 0.5 oz. bottle. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs and love an herbaceous scent for a post-shave oil, it could be worth it, as you only need a few drops.

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Shave: Moisturizing Oil by Maude

Here’s how Maude describes Shave: A dermatologist-tested, moisturizing oil that can be used pre-shave to protect skin and soften hair or while shaving to enhance glide of razor. Accommodates all levels of hair removal and safe for full-body use, including intimate areas, legs, underarms, and face. Lightly fragranced with cedarwood.

→ Check out Shave from Maude

Our review: I hadn’t ever really heard of a pre-shave oil, so I was excited to try this out. It really did soften my hair, especially on my legs, and I found the post-shave irritation to be almost non-existent on my legs and pubic area. I also found the scent to be delightful!

Pros

Heavenly scent

I am such a sucker for a woodsy scent — and this is maybe one of my favorite scents ever. The cedarwood is just too good. I don’t shave too often because it’s quite honestly so annoying, but the smell makes me want to more often.

Cons

Not a replacement for shaving cream

Maude claims it can be used while shaving, but I found it to be better for a pre-shave step. I personally wouldn’t toss the can of shaving cream just yet, especially since the oil is an investment of $32 for one fluid ounce. 

Editor’s note: Maude says a little goes a long way with this product, meaning a small bottle should last a while.

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Clean: Fragrance-Free Sanitizer by Maude

Here’s how Maude describes Clean: This fast-acting formulation blends a hydrating coconut oil to help replenish skin while effectively killing germs with 70% alcohol. Ideal for cleaning hands if water is unavailable. Can also be used as a post-use vibe cleaner. For external use only.

→ Check out Clean from Maude

Our review: This is one of my favorite Maude products. While it can be used for a simple hand sanitizer that doesn’t dry out the hands, I love it as a vibrator cleaner. After a self-pleasure moment, I want an easy clean-up and with a simple spray and wipe. It really doesn’t get any simpler than Clean.

Pros

Simple and affordable

While some may think $10 for a sanitizing spray may be a bit steep, it has 375+ sprays per bottle and is truly the simplest vibe cleaner. It really is as easy as that.

Cons

Isn’t anything special

Let’s be honest, there are other ways to clean your vibrators and there are certainly other hand sanitizers out there, so I’d consider this a “treat yourself” kind of product, or something to try if you are interested in the brand and just want to check out something simple.

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Massage

Burn: Soy Massage Oil Candle by Maude

Here’s how Maude describes Burn: Made with skin-softening jojoba and soybean oils, this hand-poured massage candle is unscented and made with a 100% cotton, lead-free wick and cruelty-free ingredients. Once melted and extinguished, it can be poured on the skin. Contains soy. 

→ Check out Burn from Maude

Our review: I was weary of Burn because I don’t really love massage oils to begin with and my weariness was warranted because, as a massage oil, I just didn’t love it. What I did enjoy was the scent, although I don’t think I’d purchase this small of a candle again for the smell alone.

Maude offers four different scents and I got No. 1, which has notes of amber, cedar leaf, lemongrass, tonka bean and medjool date. It’s such a small candle for its price at $30, but I’m glad I got to experience it, even if I won’t be reaching for it as a massage companion again.

Pros

Strong scent

While many of the negative reviews on Maude’s website have to do with the strong and “unpleasant” smell, I found it to be wonderful. So this is a personal pro. The No. 1 scent I received smells like pipe tobacco, which is the type of scent I gravitate towards when I’m lighting a candle, especially when I’m trying to connect with comfy feelings of fall. 

Some of the reviews said it smells like, “cigarettes,” so if you aren’t into the musty, earthy scent, skip on the No. 1 scent and opt for their other scents or the fragrance-free version.

Cons

Can be messy

Surprisingly, pouring oil out of a candle isn’t the easiest thing to do. Once you burn it for 10-15 minutes, you can pour the oil-based candle right onto the skin since it has a lower burning temperature, but I found the texture to be less absorbent than I expected and annoying to clean up once it dried. 

The candle also burned unevenly, leaving some waste behind without the foil trick.

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In Summary

At the end of the day, I do think Maude lives up to the hype! Its products are well-made, safe for the body, and user-friendly. Among all the products I tested out, I remain really impressed with Soak, and Maude’s scented items are truly wonderful.

As I mentioned, I’d pass on Burn, for a more practical alternative, but I still think it’s a great option for some who might want to try out a new luxurious item. Another way to add a little luxury in your life would be to snag the Soothe ingrown hair oil for your post-shave routine. 

While I may be weary of the “aesthetic” Instagram ads, I believe Maude lives up to its reputation and is affordable enough that it really is accessible for those looking to dive into a thoughtful and inclusive self-care and sexual wellness brand.

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