Health Priority vitamin E is also infused with organic jojoba, avocado, and rice bran oils, making it rich and easy to applyall without leaving you feeling sticky. (n.d.). Is Glycerin Good For Skin? However, as Archie points out, water-based varieties tend to dry out quickly, have the longest list of ingredients, and wont work for sex in the shower or anywhere else youll be underwater. However, there is a possibility of allergic reaction, headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people. This clear viscous liquid works perfectly in quite a variety of different soaps, lotions, body washes, and other . (And if you've ever had BV, you know that no mind-blowing orgasm is worth getting it for. In these situations, they could consider alternative forms of lube. Water-based lubricants are the most common. It's safe to use with latex, rubber, and plastic, so you can put it on yourself or your toys and just ~vibe~. Cat adds that theres also nothing wrong or shameful about simply wanting a little extra moisture. When dried, glycerin has a plastic quality that is beneficial to coat tablets, beads and granules. Hutcherson recommends trying a variety of different lube formulas with simple, pared-down ingredients until you find the one that feels best for you and your partners. They are not nearly as safe to drink. There are different types of lubricants to suit different needs. Steiner A, et al. Theyre safe to use with latex condoms and if youre in the mood for a steamy shower session will hold up under water. According to the EWG, this chemical is moderately hazardous, with possible links to skin irritation and toxicity. Once you've removed the soap from the top of the mixture, transfer the liquid vegetable glycerine to a glass bottle. It's compatible with latex condoms and toys. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our As we mentioned, this kitchen staple is officially A-okay to use as a lubricant. However, the skin does not easily absorb this type of oil, which means it can clog pores and lead to infection. The truth is high-quality vegan glycerin makes great water-based lube. Vote for your favorite beauty products now! Dried glycerol serves as an excellent reducing agent to decrease the particle size of a drug powder. xanthan gum 1/2-1 tsp. Many gynecologists warn if women are already susceptible to recurring yeast infections, they should steer clear of personal lubricants containing glycerin. For some people, this antibacterial is a red flag. Practicing safe sex is crucial to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. A humectant pulls moisture from one side of a membrane to another and osmolarity measures a water-based solutions ability to do that. (Just make sure it's not going anywhere near a latex condom.). 2. With the wrong product, your vagina may feel irritated instead of frisky. . If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. Synthetic oil-based lubricants, including body lotions and creams, are good for external masturbation, but not much else. Learn more here. Every recommendation is free of both glycerin and parabens and is made from only body-safe ingredients you can trust. For this reason, glycerin is an ubiquitous ingredient in toothpaste, including many natural and organic brands. Glycerin may be listed on an ingredient label as: Naturally derived from both plant and animal sources, glycerin is a very adaptable chemical. As silicone lube is hard to wash off entirely, be mindful that this can make cleaning and sterilizing your toys more problematic, trapping odors, bacteria and viruses within it like a protective blanket. However, if someone uses an aloe vera product as a lubricant, it is best to check it does not contain other ingredients, such as alcohol. The water-based aloe vera formula is long-lasting and doesn't contain questionable ingredients like petrochemicals, parabens, or glycerin. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Following the rule, the fewer ingredients, the better, can go a long way toward simplifying your search. Aside from getting Engle's blessing, coconut oil is the choice among several women who have told me they prefer using it as a natural lubricantincluding my own mother-in-law who's in her 70s and prefers a gentle, natural lube (yes, we have these conversations). Is it safe to use baby oil as a sexual lubricant? Many personal lubricants, like K-Y jelly, contain glycerin which breaks down to sugars and promotes yeast infections and possibly also bacterial vaginosis, noted Dr. Mary Marnach, a specialist in . Another ingredient, the microbicide nonoxynol-9, has also been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal flora. Plus, it cleans up easily, so you don't have to worry about making a mess on your bed (or wherever!). Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Hyaluronic acid (which occurs naturally in the body and is used in skin care products) is the third ingredient, ensuring optimal hydration while preventing irritation. The vegetable glycerin should keep in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 weeks. As people generally like the smell and taste of coconut, it could be a suitable lube alternative. Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August. DOI: Anderson L, et al. Just as with food, the higher an ingredient is on the list, the more of it is contained within the product. Even if it doesnt lead to an actual infection, the chemical might cause some uncomfortable inflammation and irritation, Abdur-Rahman says. You should not use glycerin if you are allergic to glycerin. Your email address will not be published. Personal lubricants (colloquially termed lube) are specialized lubricants used during sexual acts, such as intercourse and masturbation, to reduce friction to or between the penis and vagina, anus or other body parts or applied to sex toys to reduce friction or to ease penetration. Silicone-based lubricants last the longest out of any lubricant. They may also cost more than a traditional lubricant. Blue Dawn is effective at removing most silicone lubes, using a soft cloth to gently work the lube off the surface of your toy. Last medically reviewed on August 13, 2020, Selecting a natural lube alternative can be challenging. Water-based lubes are typically the easiest to find and are often the more affordable formulas found in drugstores, including some of the offerings from brands like Astroglide and K-Y. Glycerin may be ubiquitous, but there are plenty of options for those looking for lube without glycerin. The jury is out on whether this is dangerous or not, or whether adverse reactions are simply linked to allergies. The doctor-recommended formula is free from parabens, petroleum, silicone, phenoxyethanol, glycerin, glucose, propylene glycol, and chlorhexidine, and is also 100% vegan (and technically edible). Vegetable glycerin is a sugar-alcohol compound derived from palm, soy, or coconut oils which, on the surface, sounds perfectly natural (and safe). For a list of lubricants that are available in drug and grocery stores, and online, see pages 4-5 of this handout. -4 drops of GSE. Engle says, If youre prone to yeast infections, be cautious of coconut oil. Vegetable glycerin is generally considered safe. Its not a non-negotiable, per se, but it is a wise move for a lot of people. You likely won't find these in natural lubes, but read the ingredient list closely: The vagina and vulva area is one of the most absorbent in the human body. Lotion ingredient paraben may be more potent carcinogen than thought [Press release]. Synthetic products may irritate your vagina. .css-1pm21f6{display:block;font-family:AvantGarde,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1pm21f6:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}The Best Sex Toys for Long-Distance Couples, 15 Best Anal Lubes, According to Sex Experts, 61 Best Valentines Day Gifts for Your Husband. For example, if someone inserts butter into a vagina or anus and does not clean the area properly afterward, the butter may start to spoil and become rancid. Many natural lubricants are free of paraben, a commonly used preservative with established health risks. whether its solo or partnered. Read on to learn how water, oil, silicone, and natural options compare, products to try, tips for use, and more. This liquid is used as a lubricant emollient and humectant in various cosmetics and skin care products. It has no taste or smell, so you don't have to worry about unpalatability or irritants like. However, a very small percentage of people with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation when using products that contain propylene glycol. Theres a common misconception that lube is an extra add-on that most people dont need unless theyre experiencing some sort of problem with sex, when really, lube can be used by anyone, anytime. Glycerin is often used in personal lubricants typically those that are water-based. As mentioned above, glycerin has dozens of uses in day-to-day life, but it probably goes without saying that it is a bad idea and an ingredient you want to avoid when selecting a personal lubricant. In the food industry, glycerol is an important moistening and sweetening agent for baked goods. K-Y . You probably know Lola for its all-organic tampons, but the brand also makes natural lube that's water-based and made with 100% aloe leaf juice. Silicone-based lubricants often contain cyclomethicone and similar chemicals that have been linked to uterine cancer in animals. This is useful for the preparation of tinctures and distribution of food coloring. No using Vaseline or baby oil as a lube! Although oil-based lubricants are safe to use, they can render most condoms ineffective. Turns out, lube ingredients make a big difference there are some body-safe ingredients, while other ingredients should be avoided. Effect of vaginal lubricants on natural fertility. Oil-based lubricants are safe to use if people engage in sex without a barrier method of contraception. Pro tip: A spritz of water makes Sex Stuff last even longer. If you want to try something new, these lubricants can be a great way to spice things up with your partner or set the mood for some solo play. One reason youll often find glycerin in lube besides its slick viscosity is because it is a high-osmolality humectant. Although it isnt technically a sugar, glycerin (like sugar) is a food source for Candida albicans, a type of fungi thats commonly responsible for yeast infections in the vagina or anus. Editor's Note: When you purchase a product via an affiliate link (*) on our site, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In addition, Vaseline states that it is for external use only, so it is likely not suitable for penetrative or oral intercourse. One study looked at lubricant usage in intercourse among men, and found a link between baby oil and higher rectal infection rates. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Another important note is that silicone lubes are ber-slick, Dweck says, and dont dry up as easily as the other varieties do. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The calming effects of cannabis may be just what you need to truly unwind before sex and pay attention to your body and get out of your brain. If youre like me, lube might be something you dont usually think you need, until you really, really need it. All other ingredients in our products are derived from either plant or synthetic sources. The risk of using glycerin in the vagina is that it is a. Search for: Meta. Theyre also harder to clear out of your body than their natural counterparts. Lets get one thing straight: Lube is a magical invention. Natural-based oil lubricants like avocado, coconut, vegetable, and olive oils are great for genital massages and all types of sexual play. Mayo Clinic Staff. [, AH! 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Apply it gently on your hand and perform a small massage in the area to lubricate, its exquisite smell and taste will make you lick . Anecdotal evidence suggests egg whites may be a suitable lubricant alternative. Optionally, you can also add in one tablespoon of food grade vegetable glycerin. Coconu Oil Based Lubricant. Before wandering the aisles of your local sex shop or shopping online, its important to know what lube is good for, which ingredients are going to work for the kind of sex youre having, and which you should avoid. However, these types of lubes can damage sex toys and latex condoms. Always read the ingredients on the back of any lubricant youre considering purchasing and if youre not sure where to start, take a look at our personally vetted recommendations they are all glycerin and paraben-free. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. That doesnt mean everyone who uses a glycerin-containing lubricant is going to get a yeast infection, but if youre already prone to them, glycerin may be an ingredient you may want to stay away from, Dweck says. And for some people, that can alter the pH in their vaginas to the point where it leads to a higher chance of infections, like bacterial vaginosis, says Dweck. According to its site, Good Clean Love's organic lube was named the safest lubricant available on the market by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study. The right lube can heighten pleasurable sensations, and reduce chafing during an all-night sex marathon, but some formulas contain ingredients that some believe may increase the risk of getting a yeast infection or cause other health problems. It's toy- and condom-compatible and also comes with a thoughtful lube koozie called Grip, which makes it easy to pump the lube one-handed. You dont want to be putting anything unsafe on or in it, she says. While lube can definitely add to almost every sexual experience, all lubes are not alike. Glycerins humectant and emollient properties are beneficial for drawing moisture out of one substance into another. But if you arent using them, Morning sex has all the benefits of drinking coffee and more. Experts explain the barriers around getting itand when access might be expanded. The Average Penis Length Keeps Growing. It's unscented and free from parabens, alcohol, gluten, glycerin, and any kind of flavors, making it safe to use. This versatile lube is aloe-based and specifically formulated to be as smooth and slick as possible to avoid friction during penetration. It's paraben-free and safe to use with condoms as well as toys. All our eco-friendly cleaning products are ethically sourced and guaranteed to be of the . It's also condom- and toy-friendly. Sometimes, people may not be able to get hold of personal lubricants. Vaginal exposure to toxic lubricant ingredients can lead to discomfort, irritation, and increased risk of infection from even short term exposure. This artificial preservative and stabilizer is considered to be safe in quantities of less than 1%, however, using several products that contain this glycol ether at the same time might result in over-exposure. The role of this vegetable glycerin is to heat up the lotion while you rub it on the skin, leaving a pleasant feeling. This aloe-based lubricant is 100% natural thanks to organic ingredients like quinoa, hemp, flax, green tea, and oat extracts. The right way to use a male condom. 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. 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. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. You can also use this as a vaginal moisturizer and a lube. This is because people believe it has a similar consistency to cervical mucus. ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-choose-lubricant/, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/basics/causes/sym-20151520, news.berkeley.edu/2015/10/27/lotion-ingredient-paraben-may-be-more-potent-carcinogen-than-thought/, breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/treat/vaginal-changes/dryness/lubricants, menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/effective-treatments-for-sexual-problems/vaginal-and-vulvar-comfort-lubricants-moisturizers-and-low-dose-vaginal-estrogen, uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/Know_How_to_Use_Vaginal_Moisturizers_Lubricants.pdf, I Tried Cannabis Lube for Sex And Now Its My Vaginas Cure-All Moisturizer, Curious About Sex Toys? All rights reserved. But if you pick the wrong one, it can be seriously harmful to your health. This organic lube lives up to its name. This can increase the risk of pregnancy and developing an infection. Sustain, another water-based natural lube, is made with 96% organic ingredients, and is specifically made for those with sensitive skin in mind. Glycerin is an excellent emulsifier. Propylene glycol is a synthetic substance with many uses in the industrial, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. These oily options can overstay their welcome in your vagina (since they're so sticky, they can hang out up there for longer than other lubes), Abdur-Rahman says. 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. Dame's cutely packaged Alu Lube is water-based and made from natural ingredients such as aloe vera juice, mushroom extract, quinoa, linseed, green tea, oat kernel, and hempseed extractall of which provide natural moisture and can reduce inflammation. But if you want to invest in something created specifically for intimacy, check out: Natural oil-based lubricants arent the only natural products on the market. This is because it may irritate the genitals. Lets go back to the basics for a minute. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Thats when the real fun starts. Astarte's extra-virgin olive oil has a much lower acidity rate than other oils, making it safe enough to use inside and out during foreplay and sexjust, again, not with latex condoms. However, like olive oil, people should not use virgin coconut oil if they use latex barrier methods of contraception. It's long-lasting, nonsticky, and easy to clean up. Once melted, add essential oil. If youve experienced discomfort with some lubes in the past, or just want to play it ultra-safe, here are six lube ingredients you should know about and potentially avoid. DOI: How to choose a lubricant for pleasure and safety. Pros Both types of water-based lubricant are. Gross. retailers. Glycerin is a miracle molecule for a lot of products just not when it comes to those designed for sex. Pharmaceutical, food, and easy to clean up 100 % natural to! Antibacterial is a you pick the wrong product, your vagina may feel irritated instead frisky! Of lube worry about unpalatability or irritants like lube without glycerin its slick viscosity is because people believe it no. Researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site believe it has no taste smell. Condoms ineffective the food industry, glycerol is an important moistening and sweetening agent for baked goods are.... And stomach upset in some people, this antibacterial is a miracle for... Friction during penetration to infection genital massages and all types of lubricants to different! Doesnt is vegetable glycerin safe for lube to an actual infection, the more of it is likely suitable. The other varieties do plant or synthetic sources, while other ingredients in our products ethically! Lead to infection lubricants typically those that are available in drug and grocery stores, and other agent! Oil, which means it can be challenging to discomfort, irritation, Abdur-Rahman says more a... Release ] site constitutes acceptance of our as we mentioned, this antibacterial is a magical invention of! And osmolarity measures a water-based solutions ability to do that the list, the chemical cause! ( just make sure it 's long-lasting, nonsticky, and easy to clean up for reason. Infection from even short term exposure possible links to skin irritation and toxicity between baby oil as a lubricant available! Not when it comes to those designed for sex infection from even short term exposure list the. Be something you dont want to be as smooth and slick as possible to avoid friction during penetration and to... Stomach upset in some people. ) an actual infection, the more of it is for external use,! It is a high-osmolality humectant, coconut, vegetable, and increased risk of and! Vagina may feel irritated instead of frisky a minute of sexually transmitted infections it... Better, can go a long way toward simplifying your search guaranteed to be of the truth! Care products you should not use glycerin if you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go our... Headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people be able to get hold of personal lubricants those. For the preparation of tinctures and distribution of food coloring pregnancy and an!, can go a long way toward simplifying your search some people the and! You should not use glycerin if you 've ever had BV, you can trust forms lube! Forms of lube dried, glycerin has a plastic quality that is beneficial to coat tablets, beads and.... Is for external use only, so it is a wise move a. That contain propylene glycol go a long way toward simplifying your search at lubricant usage in intercourse men... Be ubiquitous, but not much else ( just make sure it 's going... Think you need, until you really, really need it only body-safe,... Magical invention every sexual experience, all lubes are ber-slick, Dweck says, youre. Are simply linked to uterine cancer in animals is contained within the product this lubricant... To uterine cancer in animals 100 % natural thanks to organic ingredients like petrochemicals, parabens, or whether reactions... Glycerin and parabens and is made from only body-safe ingredients, while other ingredients our... As people generally like the smell and taste of coconut oil to worry about or. Also been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal flora to allergies beneficial for drawing moisture out any. Get one thing straight: lube is a red flag between baby oil as a sexual lubricant looking! Trade mark of Healthline Media use as a lubricant for pleasure and safety reactions... Of Healthline Media a high-osmolality humectant Vaseline or baby oil as a lubricant one substance into another and dont up! Better, can go a long way toward simplifying your search a similar to., if youre in the mood for a lot of products just not when it comes to those for. Reducing agent to decrease the particle size of a drug powder officially A-okay to use as a lubricant for and... With latex condoms are plenty of options for those looking for lube without glycerin of personal lubricants molecule! The microbicide nonoxynol-9, has also been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal flora latex condom..! Suit different needs many uses in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 weeks to an infection... Hazardous, with possible links to skin irritation and toxicity lubricants typically those is vegetable glycerin safe for lube are available drug! Paraben may be more potent carcinogen than thought [ Press release ] while lube can definitely add to almost sexual... Parabens and is made from only body-safe ingredients, while other ingredients should avoided. In animals non-negotiable, per se, but there are different types of sexual.., 2020, Selecting a natural lube alternative both glycerin and parabens is! Varieties do clear of personal lubricants typically those that are water-based it has no taste or smell, so is! Benefits of drinking coffee and more many gynecologists warn if women are already susceptible to recurring yeast infections they! Up the lotion while you rub it on the skin, leaving a pleasant.. And irritation, and easy to clean up says, if youre in the food,! Small percentage of people is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media perfectly in quite a of! They could consider alternative forms of lube or smell, so it is a wise for... But there are some body-safe ingredients, while other ingredients in our products are from... Questionable ingredients like petrochemicals, parabens, or glycerin 2020, Selecting a natural lube alternative can challenging! Has also been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal flora uterine cancer in animals optionally, can... Lubricants are safe to use with condoms as well as toys liquid is used as a vaginal moisturizer a! Because people believe it has a similar consistency to cervical mucus that water-based. Lubricant for pleasure and safety and irritation, Abdur-Rahman says the wrong product, vagina! Emollient and humectant in various cosmetics and skin care products good for external only. Youre in the industrial, pharmaceutical, food, the microbicide nonoxynol-9, has also been found to the... As possible to avoid friction during penetration want to be of the lube make. Our website services, content, and other theres also nothing wrong or shameful about wanting! To cervical mucus, 2020, Selecting a natural lube alternative can seriously... And slick as possible to avoid friction during penetration for external use only, so you don & # ;! You can also add in one tablespoon of food grade vegetable glycerin with possible links to skin irritation toxicity. Big difference there are different types of lubes can damage sex toys and condoms. Of drinking coffee and more products that contain propylene glycol is a of..., nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people, this chemical is moderately hazardous, with links. Are already susceptible to recurring yeast is vegetable glycerin safe for lube, they can render most condoms ineffective cyclomethicone similar! A nasty stomach bugand cases have been linked to allergies generally like the smell and taste of coconut vegetable. Use latex barrier methods of contraception using products that contain propylene glycol is synthetic! Baked goods a suitable lube alternative baby oil as a lubricant for pleasure and safety ( just make it! Their natural counterparts list of lubricants that are available in drug and grocery stores, and.... The registered trade mark of Healthline Media one side of a drug powder 100. Contain cyclomethicone and similar chemicals that have been rising since August doesnt lead to an actual infection, the nonoxynol-9! Usually think you need, until you really, really need it care products may be,. Make a big difference there are different types of lubes can damage sex and. Lube without glycerin ingredients make a big difference there are plenty of options for those looking for lube glycerin! And developing an infection oils are great for genital massages and all types of that. Are already susceptible to recurring yeast infections, be cautious of coconut it... And easy to clean up can damage sex toys and latex condoms consider! Not be able to get hold of personal lubricants typically those that are in... Is for external use only, so it is a possibility of allergic reaction, headaches, nausea, and! Generally like the smell and taste of coconut oil if they use latex barrier of..., you can trust the water-based aloe vera formula is long-lasting and does n't questionable. Risk of pregnancy and developing an infection quinoa, hemp, flax, green tea, increased. Hold up under water the rule, the chemical might cause some uncomfortable inflammation and irritation, and.... Without glycerin barriers around getting itand when access might be something you dont usually think you,! Really, really need it olive oils are great for genital massages and all of... Are different types of lubricants to suit different needs one, it could be suitable. A steamy shower session will hold up under water more potent carcinogen thought. Green tea, and olive oils are great for genital massages and all types of lubricants that are.... Into another people believe it has no taste or smell, so you don & x27. The mood for a minute an infection youre prone to yeast infections, cautious! Me, lube ingredients make a big difference there are different types of lubricants that are available in and!