If you'd rather go the aloe vera route, Engle recommends Maude's Shine Organic lube. Lube can be the difference between painful, uncomfortable sex and dreamy, amazing sex, Cat says. In addition to the standard unscented/unflavored version, it is also safe for edible fun and available in 12+ delicious flavors we love! As people generally like the smell and taste of coconut, it could be a suitable lube alternative. The bottle is engineered with a one-click pump to give you a mess-free experience. Its consistency makes it a good lube alternative. A major plus? Made from just 7 organic ingredients you can trust, our testing team, rated Almost Naked a top pick because it performs amazingly as a lube, feels wonderful on your skin, and smells absolutely divine. Sex Stuff is formulated without any ingredients that could possibly disrupt your vagina's natural environment, such as parabens and glycerin. But, if you can, opt for a water-based lubricant first. Sanders R. (2015). Anecdotal evidence suggests egg whites may be a suitable lubricant alternative. Many of the bestselling varieties contain some of the same ingredients that are also used in antifreeze, brake fluid, and even oven cleaner, says Wendy Strgar, founder of Good Clean Love, a sexual health company that also makes lube. In fact, youve probably inhaled some at a concert or haunted house, as it is used in fog machines. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. [Full Review], Bottom Line: Aloe Cadabra is one of our teams favorite water-based lubes because it is so easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, and made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe vera that we found to be gentle on our most sensitive skin. Definitely avoid lubricants with additives (think: tingling . And it's latex and toy-safe (as long as the toys are not made of silicone). It's ob-gyn-approved and created with a pH-balanced formula that supports vaginal health. Lets get one thing straight: Lube is a magical invention. That same characteristic, however, is problematic in personal lubricants because glycerin increases a lubes osmolality, and a high osmolality increases the risk for genital or anal irritation and STI transmission between partners. However, it is important they choose a safe option. Vaginal dryness: Causes. Theres also a lot of alarm about propylene glycol because its sometimes used as a base for deicing systems, aka antifreeze, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This organic lube lives up to its name. You can get any kind of plant-based oil (such as coconut, vitamin E, and olive oil) online or at specialty stores, where you can find high-quality, organic stuff. Glycerin is a miracle molecule for a lot of products just not when it comes to those designed for sex. Another potential alternative lube is olive oil, as it spreads quickly and easily. This helps create a warming effect without the need for placing the oil in a water bath. Glycerin can damage the mucus membranes of the genitals or anus, increasing the risk of infections or STI transmission between partners. Although there is no scientific research that examines its use as a lubricant, yogurt has proven therapeutic properties for treating vaginal thrush. The truth is high-quality vegan glycerin makes great water-based lube. (Just make sure it's not going anywhere near a latex condom.). Lets go back to the basics for a minute. Ad Choices, 6 Lube Ingredients You Might Not Want to Put in Your Vagina, This Simple Morning Habit Can Help You Sleep Way Better at Night, 5 Norovirus Symptoms That Can Hit You Really, Really Hard, Just Some Fun Sex Toys You and Your Partner Will Love, 3. Further, Zeichner says that ingredients like propylene glycol, benzene, benzoic acid, and chlorhexidine can potentially cause irritation and even allergic contact dermatitis. If someone uses a sex toy, they should avoid silicone-based lubricants as they may damage silicone products. In particular, glycerin may contribute to an overgrowth of yeast, which can then cause yeast infections. Another important note is that silicone lubes are ber-slick, Dweck says, and dont dry up as easily as the other varieties do. Whenever your vaginal bacteria get skewed off balance, it can result in an annoying infection, like bacterial vaginosis. Mayo Clinic Staff. Cool. Parabens, which Zeichner explains are preservatives often used to prevent overgrowth of bacteria in personal care products, are also a common component of many commercial lubes. Speaking of simplicity, check out our list of the best water-based lubes for some great products weve already vetted and tested ourselves. It's an interesting, convenient physical mechanism that happens as part of the. Some ingredients in lubrications are more likely to result in inflammation or irritation and should be avoided by those who are sensitive. Try: Coconu Organic Personal Lubricant, which is made with organic ingredients like sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. For some people, this antibacterial is a red flag. You never know UNLESS you ask. While some alternatives are fine to use, there are others that people should avoid. In fact, Hutcherson explains that many people with vaginas might need lube during sex for a variety of reasons, including age, time of menstrual cycle, side effects of certain medications, stress, chronic illness or medical issues, inadequate foreplay, or prolonged intercourse. Try: Wet Organics. (2008). 2023 Cond Nast. whether its solo or partnered. Theres a nasty myth out there that any time were sexually aroused, our vaginas will automatically produce enough lube for any kind of sex we want to have. Fans of anal sex are also at risk regarding glycerin in lube, as anal yeast infections are a possibility as well. This water-based lubricant is is glycerin and paraben-free and made from 95% organic ingredients, like aloe vera. For that reason, some people prefer to stay away from any parabens in their personal care products. Thanks to its excellent quality, with a small amount it provides a long duration giving greater pleasure. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to guard . As the Mayo Clinic points out, there is no long-term safety data showing how inhaling vegetable glycerin affects lung tissue, and short-term data shows that it can be an irritant to airways. Some brands will work better for you than others, depending on your needs. High concentrations have been associated with reproductive damage, depressed immunity, and reduced nervous system function in newborns. But in small quantities, you are perfectly safe. One disadvantage is that water-based lubes can dry out fairly quickly. All rights reserved. Some companies have produced organic or vegan lubricants made of botanicals or other eco-friendly ingredients. If youre like me, lube might be something you dont usually think you need, until you really, really need it. Glycerin, a popular ingredient in water-based lubes, has been associated with an increased risk of yeast infections according to one 2013, study, and many experts advise that it should also be avoided during vaginal intercourse if you're prone to frequent yeast infections. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our These ingredients include: Vaginal moisturizers can help prevent general itching and irritation, but they dont provide enough wetness to prevent discomfort during penetration. "Most flavored or warming sensation lubricants are made with petrochemicals," which are chemical substances derived from petroleum, andmay be found in products like antifreeze, says Strgar. All rights reserved. Everything Lube Why Glycerin In Lube Is Not Safe (And Options That Are). Is olive oil safe to use as a sexual lubricant? How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, List of possible lubrication alternatives, https://insights.ovid.com/pubmed?pmid=23635677, https://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/Fulltext/2016/07000/Lubricant_Use_and_Rectal_Chlamydial_and_Gonococcal.5.aspx, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803919/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/, https://www.poison.org/articles/2012-feb/dangerous-household-hydrocarbons, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14709186/, https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/docs/male-condom-use-508.pdf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143/, Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. You can just use a pot of water and a glass measuring cup, too - just put the coconut oil and beeswax in the measuring cup and put the measuring cup in the pot of water. Chlorhexidine digluconate is an antiseptic found in mouthwash which can damage the good bacteria in the vagina. Either way, thats where lube comes in. Both natural and synthetic oil-based lubricants can destroy latex condoms, cause condom failure, and stain fabrics. Engle tells Glamour that there are some ingredients you should steer clear of, like parabens, preservatives, and added fragrances. As we mentioned, this kitchen staple is officially A-okay to use as a lubricant. Directions: Melt the coconut oil and beeswax on your stovetop until melted using a double boiler. Instead, it's blended with aloe verajuice, mushroom extract, and cannabis sativa extract, which deliver moisture, nix friction, and are safe to use with latex condoms and toys. Glycerin: These can sometimes cause yeast overgrowth or infections. Many natural lubricants are free of paraben, a commonly used preservative with established health risks. It doesn't contain ingredients like parabens, glycerin, petrochemicals, synthetic colorants, and it's fragrance-free. It's unscented and free from parabens, alcohol, gluten, glycerin, and any kind of flavors, making it safe to use. It depends how comfortable you are with strangers fecal matter. The most commonly used lubricants are water-based lubricants containing soluble glycerin or cellulose-ether solutions. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. (2010). Thats when the real fun starts. For water-based options with glycerin, consider: For water-based options without glycerin, check out: Silicone-based lubricants are odorless and tasteless, slippery and smooth. Yes, when you have a vagina and are super-excited at the prospect of having sex, said vagina may lube up on its own. Worth noting: The FDA says the jury is still out on this one: At this time, we do not have information showing that parabens as they are used in cosmetics have an effect on human health, the organization says, adding that the investigation is ongoing. All bodies are different, so if you know you have specific sensitivities, do some research before using natural lubricants. Not necessarily, but if used in a personal lube, glycerin can cause yeast infections and the high osmolality it creates can lead to genital or anal irritation. Fun fact: Each year the Sinclair Institute donates over a third of their profits to DKT International, an organization that has provided millions of men and women with family health and HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Its delicate texture and endless sensual lubrication propriety intensifies sensations for prolonged moments of intimacy.Water basedMade with pure vegetable glycerinSilky-smooth textureUltra long-lastingFragrance freeParaben freeGluten . An older study found females who used Vaseline as a lube were more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis. YES WB is our teams top pick if youre looking for an exceptionally thick water-based lubricant that lasts an incredibly long time yet has a silky-smooth texture thats never sticky or tacky. It's also water and alcohol soluble, making it easy to work with. Here, the top 8 scary ingredients to steer clear of. Pour the glycerin into a glass bottle. Benzocaine, a numbing ingredient found in some lubes that dulls the sensation of pain can produce allergic contact dermatitis and should be avoided, according to the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathologys "Vulvodynia Guideline. 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