Today you can buy hundreds of lubes from dozens of manufacturers. However, not all products are ingredient-friendly; some even contain chemicals that can harm your body. Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives you can use. They don’t contain harmful ingredients, and you can buy them from your local supermarket. We asked clinical sexologist Rachel Sommer, Ph.D., for her opinion about the safest lube alternatives and which ones to avoid.
Aloe Vera is the best natural lube. It scores the highest with benefits like safety, vagina pH compatibility, low infection risk, compatibility with all sex toy and condom materials, and relatively easy clean-up.
Table Of Contents
1. Aloe Vera: Best Overall!
Aloe Vera is the safest and best natural lube option. It’s popular for its numerous health benefits, from dandruff and burns to skin nourishing. It also has anti-aging properties that leave you feeling and looking younger than your age.
Aloe vera gel is the gel-like substance found inside the leaves of the aloe plant. The gel is naturally water-based, making it compatible with almost everything, including adult toys and condoms. The best part is that aloe vera is edible and healthy for the body. You can grow it, too!
Pure Aloe Vera gel is the closest match to the natural pH of the vagina. However, you must use pure, 100% Aloe Vera gel without any added ingredients, which could alter the vaginal pH balance. Check the ingredient label to be sure.
However, Aloe Vera-based lube is not perfect. The gel dries up quicker than other natural lubes, but you don’t need to reapply when it dries out. Add a few drops of water and you’re good to go again!
2. Coconut/Olive/Peanut/Avocado Oil
Coconut oil is praised for its natural health benefits and ethical sourcing options, such as organic and fair-trade, which aligns well with environmentally conscious and health-oriented values. You can use it for vaginal dryness, making skin softer, and as a hair conditioner. Coconut oil can also contribute to proper metabolism and overall health and wellness. Just make sure it’s unrefined.
Cold-pressed organic coconut oil has many advantages. One significant benefit is that you only need a small amount as it will last quite a long time. The oil also has a thin consistency so you hardly notice it’s there. Further, it’s slippery and has a fantastic scent. It’s also known to prevent and treat yeast infections.
Olive oil is another popular lube substitute for both anal and vaginal sex. However, there are some risks with olive oil, though. First, olive oil is thick and doesn’t dissolve easily, causing clogged pores that could trap bacteria in your private parts. Virgin olive oil could also increase your chances of getting an infection. Further, olive oil-based products can stain your clothes and sheets.
Peanut oil is another popular lube replacement. It’s less viscous than other vegetable oils and becomes even less dense when exposed to the body’s hot temperature. It almost feels like the natural lubricant produced by the body. However, be careful, as it can cause yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginosis.
Avocado oil is also accessible and safe. Smooth, odorless, and tasteless, it sounds like the ideal lube alternative for oral sex.
A major concern with all oil-based lubricants is they can degrade latex sex toys (also latex condoms), rubber, and certain plastics. However, they are generally safe for glass, metal, and certain types of silicone. I recommend reading the manufacturer’s recommendations as some silicone products are sensitive to oils.
Another concern is the pH balance. Unlike Aloe Vera, oils don’t have a pH value since it’s a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a water-based solution. While the oils above are generally safe and have beneficial properties, their lack of water content means we can’t compare them to the vagina’s natural environment.
3. Plain Yogurt
The key here is plain because there are many yogurt types. Please don’t use anything with sugar or flavoring as it may cause infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. In the case of plain yogurt, it has Lactobacillus, which can prevent and fight the growth of Candida. Natural, plain yogurt is also close to vaginal pH, particularly if it’s high in lactobacilli.
Yogurt performs pretty well as a lube, though it can be messy. It’s also edible and safe with all toys and condoms. Your skin can benefit a lot from it, too.
There’s no significant disadvantage to using plain yogurt as a lube, except it’s messy. Have something like a towel to wipe it off and prevent it from staining your clothes or sheets.
4. Egg Whites
Egg whites can be a decent option if you have nothing against raw eggs. Separate the egg white from the yolk and apply it directly to your private area. However, make sure there’s nothing wrong with the egg. Does it smell bad? Does it look and taste different? If yes, better discard it. Play it safe by using fresh eggs.
Eggs are so accessible you can buy them by the dozen. You can always cook the yolk and just use the white as lube. It’s slippery and feels nice on your skin. You also don’t need to worry about pH balance and degrading sex toy materials as it’s a food product.
However, there are some disadvantages. Some individuals are concerned about catching salmonella, while others can’t stand the smell of it. Like yogurt, you also increase the risks of infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
5. Vitamin E Oil
People associate Vitamin E oil with skincare because it’s a topical remedy, especially for women experiencing menopause dryness.
Like other oil-based alternatives, Vitamin E oil can degrade latex and some plastics. It should be safe for glass and metal, though. I also recommend a skin patch test before applying to ensure you’re not allergic. Vitamin E oil can also stain your sheets.
6. Almond Oil
Almond oil has vitamins A, B, D, and E, which are essential in making your skin smooth and healthy. Imagine what it can do to your private parts in addition to lubricating them during solo play or sexual intercourse!
This naturally sweet almond oil comes from the seed of the almond fruit. It’s healthy and has a long-lasting effect. And unlike other natural lubricant alternatives, it’s not sticky and doesn’t dry out fast. Above all, it won’t stain the sheets.
Almond-based lube is absorbed by the skin for that soothing effect. It acts both as a lubricant and a skin moisturizer. It’s safe to eat, too! However, almond oil can degrade latex and some plastics like the other oils. It should be compatible with glass and metal, though.
7. Cornstarch and Water
Don’t have any of the items above? No worries. You can make homemade lube from household items such as cornstarch and water. It only takes a few minutes, and though it’s not packed with nutrients like the other alternatives on this list, it serves its purpose.
Start by combining a tablespoon of cornstarch with one cup of water. The more cornstarch you use, the thicker your homemade lubricant will be. Dissolve it and stir continuously under low heat until it thickens. Ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free to avoid damaging toy materials or creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Aside from being easy and fast to make, this lube is so slippery that it glides smoothly and effortlessly. You can also use it with sex toys and latex condoms without worries.
11 Lube Alternatives To Avoid!
Many have been experimenting with almost anything to serve as an alternative for lubes. However, not all products are safe to use. Here are the worst ones that you must avoid:
1. Vaseline
Many couples use Vaseline because it can reduce friction during sexual intercourse. But many don’t know it can cause infections.
Vaseline is for external use only, such as chapped lips. Hence you should never use it for oral sex or sexual intercourse.
2. Lotion/Soap
Lotion and soap contain perfumes and preservatives, including parabens, which harm the body. Paraben can irritate the genitals, which can result in infection.
These products are strictly for external use. Using them as a lube can cause an imbalance in the vagina’s pH level and result in irritation. No bueno!
3. Hair Treatment/Body Oil/Hair Serum
Never use hair and skin-pampering products as lube. The main culprit is perfume, which can irritate your private parts and cause infection. You can use unscented and silicone-based hair serums, but they are expensive.
4. Face Primer
A face primer may look like an excellent lube with its light and slippery texture. It’s also rich in moisturizer. But don’t be fooled because some contain parabens and fragrances, and they, too, can cause irritations.
5. Butter
Butter goes well with toast, but it’s a no-no as a lube. It’s packed with casein proteins causing it to become rancid quickly. You won’t like that smell (trust me). And if you don’t clean up correctly, you’re at risk of infection.
6. Saliva
You should never use your spit as an alternative lube. Did you know that your mouth contains more bacteria than the vagina? It dries fast, and you’re also making yourself prone to infection. Not to mention saliva has a stinky smell you don’t want anywhere near your private parts.
7. Baby Oil
Just because it’s slippery doesn’t mean you can use it as a lube. People have tried using baby oil as an alternative lube, but sorry, it does more harm than good. It’s greasy and hard to wash out, and it can stay in your body for days, causing bacteria to grow. Baby oil is also not recommended for sex toys and condoms made of latex.
8. Shampoo
Your skin has natural protective oils, and sadly, they can be stripped away using shampoo products, which contain artificial fragrances and chemicals. They can cause infections, especially in the vagina.
9. Honey
Honey is known for its nutritional benefits, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work as a lube. You should never use anything with honey or sugar as a lube, period. It can cause a pH imbalance in the vagina, resulting in infection and irritation. It’s also too sticky to pass as a lube.
10. Petroleum Jelly
People sometimes use Petroleum jelly as personal lubricants, but it’s not a healthy choice. First off, it serves as a barrier that stays on the vagina walls for days because your body can’t absorb it. Petroleum jelly is also tough to wash off because it’s water-repellent and can clog pores, causing infections.
Further, Petroleum jelly is not recommended for latex condoms because it contains mineral oils, causing them to break. Also, you should never use Petroleum-based products with silicone sex toys as it can degrade the material.
11. Shortening
Shortening is commonly found in the kitchen for food preparation. However, you should think twice before using it for sexual activities. Like other oil-based lubricants, it’s not safe with condoms made of latex. Better keep it in the pantry where it belongs!
Risks With DIY Lube
Most of the natural lubes in this article are generally safe, especially natural ones like aloe vera. They have health benefits in addition to being excellent lubes. However, you should be extra careful when making your lube, even using natural ingredients.
- One risk with DIY lube is infection. The ingredients in DIY lubes can cause urinary tract infections, vaginosis, and yeast infections, among other things. This is especially true with oils.
- Another is allergies. Please perform a skin test first before applying the lube to your private parts. You could be allergic to some of these lube alternatives without knowing it.
To do the skin test:
- Wash your arm with water and pat it dry.
- Apply a few drops of lube onto your skin like the crook of your elbow.
- Cover it with a bandage and wait 24 hours before removing it.
- Remove it immediately if you experience irritation.
You can tell if you’re allergic if there’s redness, itching, and swelling in the area. If you forgot to do a skin test, watch out for signs like difficulty breathing, rash, and swelling of the face, throat, or mouth. See your doctor immediately if the symptoms persist.
You must be careful of cross-contamination, especially with food-based lubes, as they could introduce harmful bacteria to genital areas. Always use clean utensils and containers to reduce infection risk when preparing and applying natural lubes.
Note: To maintain a healthy reproductive system, people should maintain a balanced pH level between 3.8 to 4.5. A high vaginal pH can lead to bacterial vaginosis.
Cleaning and Storage
It’s important to clean toys and genitals to maintain good health and lower the infection risk. Here are some good steps you can follow:
- Gently wash the area with mild, unscented soap and warm water to remove all natural lubricant residue.
- Avoid harsh cleaning agents or scrubbing, which can irritate sensitive skin.
- For food-based lubricants, ensure all traces are thoroughly washed off to prevent bacterial growth.
- For oil-based products, use a soft cloth or sponge to remove oil from the skin. If oil gets spilled on sheets or clothing, use a stain remover before washing it with warm water. Please read the labels to avoid damage. Adding baking soda or vinegar can help remove oil stains.
- Some find their skin dry afterward. I recommend using an unscented moisturizer to help restore the natural hydration.
- Store homemade or natural lubricants in a clean, airtight container and discard them immediately if they change in smell, color, or texture, as these could indicate contamination.
Rachel
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