water on vulva?

i used to use unscented dove soap on my vulva (not inside the vagina) but would always struggle with chronic bv/yeast infections and odor. few months ago i started trying just water on the vulva (still soap on the pubic mound and lips) and my reactions have gone away and i haven't really had any odor issues; is this okay? i have a friend who is making me feel a little bit crazy for not using soap on my vulva and is recommending washes like vagisil