Personal Care

Everyday toiletries and personal care, from deodorant and body lotion to intimate health, shaving and period care. Delivered in plain packaging anywhere in the Republic of Ireland, with pharmacist advice a message away for the questions you would rather not ask at a counter.

All productsMedicines and TreatmentsSkincareVitamins & SupplementsPersonal CareDental CareHair CareBaby & ChildSensitive & MedicatedSun ProtectionDigestive Health

Personal care, chosen by pharmacists

This is the practical end of the pharmacy: the products you use every day and the ones you would rather buy quietly. A few things worth knowing.

Deodorant and sweating

An antiperspirant stops sweat, a deodorant only covers smell. If normal roll-ons are not enough, a clinical-strength aluminium chloride product such as Anhydrol Forte, applied at night to dry skin, controls heavy sweating for most people. Start every second night, as it can sting at first.

Intimate health

The vagina is self-cleaning and plain water is enough for most people; if you want a wash, use one that is pH-balanced such as FemFresh or Vagisil and keep it to the outside only. Recurring thrush, unusual discharge or a fishy odour need the right treatment rather than more washing: thrush responds to clotrimazole, bacterial vaginosis to a pH-restoring gel such as Balance Activ, and anything that keeps coming back needs a GP.

Condoms and lubricants

Condoms are the only contraception that also protects against infections, and they have a use-by date, so check the pack. Water-based lubricants such as Durex Naturals or KY are compatible with latex condoms; oil-based products are not. Dryness during menopause responds well to a long-lasting vaginal moisturiser such as CanesMeno used regularly, not just before sex.

Shaving and hair removal

Shaving rash is usually a blunt blade or a dry shave. Use a fresh blade, a proper gel and shave with the grain. Hair removal cream suits larger areas but always patch test first, especially on sensitive skin.

Period and bladder care

We stock the full Always and Carefree ranges, plus Always Discreet for light bladder leaks, which is a different product from a period pad and far more comfortable for that purpose. If leaks are new or getting worse, a pharmacist or GP can help; it is common and treatable.

Discreet by default: every order ships in plain packaging with no product names on the outside, and your bank statement shows only Laois Pharmacy.

Common questions about personal care

Will my order arrive in discreet packaging?

Yes. Every parcel is a plain box or bag with our pharmacy label and nothing describing the contents. Your card statement shows Laois Pharmacy only.

What is the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?

Antiperspirant reduces sweating by temporarily blocking sweat glands, usually with an aluminium salt. Deodorant only masks odour. For heavy sweating choose a clinical-strength antiperspirant and apply it at night.

Which lubricant can I use with condoms?

Water-based or silicone-based lubricants are fine. Oil-based products, including baby oil, coconut oil and petroleum jelly, weaken latex and can cause a condom to fail.

Can I buy Viagra Connect without a prescription?

Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50mg) is available from pharmacies without a prescription for men over 18 after a short pharmacist assessment, which we do through the questionnaire at the basket. It is not suitable for everyone, so answer the questions honestly.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.