Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Its an interesting, convenient physical mechanism that happens as part of the female sexual response cycle, making sex easier and more pleasurable for you. To begin with, Hutcherson recommends steering clear of any flavored lubes during penetrative sex. Click here to read more about using olive oil as a lubricant. if you have used another laxative for longer than 1 . (Heal your whole body with Rodale's 12-day liver detox for total body health!). Our . In these situations, they could consider alternative forms of lube. Anecdotal evidence suggests it does not dry out, has a suitable consistency, and is relatively cheap. Last medically reviewed on October 29, 2018. Using lubricant before sexual activity can help prevent itching, burning, chaffing, and other discomfort. An older study also highlights saliva in oral sex might cause vaginal yeast infections. Soloway, R. A. G. (n.d). Both natural and synthetic oil-based lubricants can destroy latex condoms, cause condom failure, and stain fabrics. Whenever your vaginal bacteria get skewed off balance, it can result in an annoying infection, like bacterial vaginosis. If women do not get frequent yeast infections . "Natural products don't have those side effects.". Not only does thinking about that instantly lower your libido, but those chemicals can also throw off the natural salt balance and pH in the vagina and put you at a higher risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis. 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. It works well and is safe, however, be careful with the consistency, as it can become gluey and thick, and this could create a lot of friction (which is the opposite of what you want in a lube). Practicing safe sex is crucial to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. But it's also a key adult skill. Vaginal lubricants can be a great way to help ramp up your partner or solo sex session. Vegetable glycerine (also spelled glycerin) is a clear, syrup-like liquid that has a sweet taste and no odor. These ingredients include: Vaginal moisturizers can help prevent general itching and irritation, but they dont provide enough wetness to prevent discomfort during penetration. And if youre sensitive to this chemical, FYI, many condoms come prepared with a spermicidal lube, so youll want to double-check those, too. It's fragrance-free and colorless, and won't leave you with sticky residue after getting down and dirty. Because of their sugar content, theyre also known to contribute to yeast infections. Sustain, another water-based natural lube, is made with 96% organic ingredients, and is specifically made for those with sensitive skin in mind. All rights reserved. Some brands will work better for you than others, depending on your needs. Water is "generally recognized as safe" too, but you don't want it in your lungs. 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 . Not sure where to start? Silicone-based lubricants last the longest out of any lubricant. This clear viscous liquid works perfectly in quite a variety of different soaps, lotions, body washes, and other . Can Lube Cause A Yeast Infection? Further, Zeichner says that ingredients like propylene glycol, benzene, benzoic acid, and chlorhexidine can potentially cause irritation and even allergic contact dermatitis. Used medicinally, Vegetable Glycerine cools, soothes, and facilitates the healing of skin discomforts and conditions, such as scratches, cuts, blemishes, burns, itching, hives, rashes, sores, eczema, psoriasis, and other ailments that are characterized by dryness, itchiness, or inflammation. (2010). (2014). But, if you can, opt for a water-based lubricant first. Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August. Vegetable glycerin (VG) commonly goes by the name of Glycerol, and sometimes is modified to Glycerin. Vegetable glycerin is generally considered safe. Glycerin is a metabolic byproduct of sugar, which can serve as food source for microbes, Jamil Abdur-Rahman, M.D., board-certified ob/gyn and chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan, Illinois, tells SELF. K-Y . Chlorhexidine digluconate is an antiseptic found in mouthwash which can damage the good bacteria in the vagina. What this genderqueer person loves most about the way they look: Don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter. Your California Privacy Rights. The truth is high-quality vegan glycerin makes great water-based lube. The vegetable glycerin should keep in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 weeks. Glycerin is an ingredient in some commercial lubricants. Fans of anal sex are also at risk regarding glycerin in lube, as anal yeast infections are a possibility as well. Lets get one thing straight: Lube is a magical invention. This article looks at the types of personal lubricants, possible safe lube alternatives, and which varieties a person should avoid. It's long-lasting, nonsticky, and easy to clean up. retailers. Obviously, this is in proportions- if you make a bigger batch with more water, you will need to use more of the ingredients, and vice versa. 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. Some lubricants have glycerin and others are glycerin free. Bruce Willis Reveals Dementia Diagnosis. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. Last medically reviewed on August 13, 2020, Selecting a natural lube alternative can be challenging. Your body may produce less lubricant as a result of hormonal changes, menopause, aging, or medication. Search for: Meta. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Find Your Personalitys Perfect Match, How to Masturbate with a Vagina: 28 Tips and Tricks for Solo Play, Everything You Need to Know About How to Use Condoms, Morning Sex: How to Get It on in the A.M. and Why You Should, Anal Sex Safety: Everything You Need to Know, If You Have Questions About Your Penis Size, Read This. I Didn't Start Masturbating Until I Was 30. Experts Are Excited About a New COVID TreatmentHeres What to Know About It. However, a very small percentage of people with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation when using products that contain propylene glycol. DOI: How to choose a lubricant for pleasure and safety. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. That means there's no proof that it's unsafe or that it's safe. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? If someone uses olive oil for lube, it is important to wash it off the skin afterward thoroughly. Flavored or warming lubricants often contain glycerin. (It is an allergen.) You can also use this as a vaginal moisturizer and a lube. 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. When deciding between different lubricants, keep your comfort and safety in mind. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Glycerin is a miracle molecule for a lot of products just not when it comes to those designed for sex. Effect of vaginal lubricants on natural fertility. It also has a similar consistency to saliva and natural vaginal secretions.. "This is just a bad idea, because pain is your body's way of saying HEY STOP. Can you use baby oil as a lubricant during sex. 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. Youll need to give the area a soapy scrub to remove any residue. 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. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Sanders R. (2015). These do not damage condoms or sex toys, and are typically the safest option for intercourse and masturbation. The 4 Best Anal Lubes: After Hands-On Testing During Butt Play, Jerking Off: What It Means & Other Fun Ways To Say It, Everything You Want To Know About Cumming Inside, The Best Flavored & Edible Lube For Delicious Oral Sex, Squirting: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know, 4 Best & Safest Water-Based Lubes: Tested & Reviewed By Our Team, The Best Vibrators Curated By Our Experts & Their Orgasms, Understanding The Submissive Husband & Dominant Wife Dynamic, The Best Clit Suckers: Tested And Reviewed By Our Team, The Best Lube For Any Type Of Sex: Tested & Reviewed, The Best pH-Balanced Lubes For Vaginas Prone To Irritation, Vaginal Lube: How To Apply It And Everything You Need To Know. Following the rule, the fewer ingredients, the better, can go a long way toward simplifying your search. While oil-based lubrication formulas often last longer than their water-based counterparts, there's a downside. Just as with food, the higher an ingredient is on the list, the more of it is contained within the product. Personal lubricants are used onand inthe most intimate parts of your body, so it makes sense that you'd want to explore the best natural lubes available. Note: When you go to purchase this product, you'll see that several other Aloe Cadabra products come in scented products such as pina colada, vanilla, and peppermint, but it's always safest to stick with unscented and unflavored. This liquid is used as a lubricant emollient and humectant in various cosmetics and skin care products. Here's why you should be getting busy when you first wake up, some easy positions, and. Reassess how much lubricant is still on as you go, and reapply as needed. As Engle recommends, find a vitamin E oil that's unscented and 100% natural. But if you arent using them, Morning sex has all the benefits of drinking coffee and more. This lube is vegan, edible, and comes in multiple fun flavors. It doesn't contain ingredients like parabens, glycerin, petrochemicals, synthetic colorants, and it's fragrance-free. It can be found in many applications from foods to cosmetics, e-cigarettes, and beyond including personal lubricants (most often those that are water-based). The water-based aloe vera formula is long-lasting and doesn't contain questionable ingredients like petrochemicals, parabens, or glycerin. |, Why Glycerin In Lube Is Not Safe (And Options That Are), This thick yet smooth gel-like lubricant is light and refreshing with a soft vanilla scent that leaves your nethers smelling like cookies after youve done the deed (yes, really). 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. The Average Penis Length Keeps Growing. Know how to use vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. Some lubricants are designed to enhance sexual function and arousal. 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 . Problems with Hot Flashes? Although a healthy vaginal microbiome keeps such fungi in check, a food source will cause them to grow and multiply quickly leading to a yeast infection, especially if youre already prone to getting them. Synthetic oil-based lubricants, including body lotions and creams, are good for external masturbation, but not much else. This one checks all the boxes. It's compatible with latex condoms and toys. It also has a similar consistency to saliva and natural vaginal secretions. But there are a few things you can do to make the process easier: Most lubricants are free of side effects. Glycerin can actually cause dryness, is toxic to sperm, and it's a sugar which can lead to yeast infections. For this reason, glycerin is an ubiquitous ingredient in toothpaste, including many natural and organic brands. They come in two varieties: with glycerin, which has a slightly sweet taste, or without glycerin. The women-owned brand wanted to create a totally safe, effective lube that's not only healthy to use but focuses on maximizing pleasure. Pro tip: A spritz of water makes Sex Stuff last even longer. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Glycerin is a humectant (meaning it helps to retain moisture) that shows up in a lot of lubes, especially ones that are flavored or warming. 2023 Cond Nast. All rights reserved. Hints of organic lemon and . 4. All rights reserved. However, there is a possibility of allergic reaction, headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people. comfortable, and minimize the chance of condom breakage. Women, in particular, are susceptible to problems that may be caused by ingredients in lubes. The right lube can prevent pain and injury, make toys more Just as you might check the labels on something youre about to eat, get to know your lube ingredients, and if you wouldnt buy a super-cheap sex toy from an unknown seller on Amazon, its similarly important to make sure the lube youre using wont risk your health or wreak havoc on your sex life. Free from GMOs, gluten, nitrosamine, parabens, animal by-products, and synthetic fragrances, it's especially ideal for folks dealing with menopause or vaginal dryness. The neat thing about natural lube is that you can technically use ingredients you might already have in your kitchen (although it's best to start with a new bottle if you plan on using it as a personal lubricant). Even if a lubricant is free from glycerin, it may still contain parabens (preservatives that are linked to endocrine disruption and some cancers) or other additives and ingredients that can cause irritation and should be avoided. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Never Do This! (Just make sure it's not going anywhere near a latex condom.). Why Arent More People Getting It? You can find most natural oil-based lubricants at your local grocery store. In addition to the standard unscented/unflavored version, it is also safe for edible fun and available in 12+ delicious flavors we love! Warm up the lubricant in your hands before applying. I thought all personal lubricators were basically the same, so why would it matter which one I decided to slather on my own sex toys with? Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with The role of this vegetable glycerin is to heat up the lotion while you rub it on the skin, leaving a pleasant feeling. 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. . But its powers arent limited to sperm. How to Have a Sick Day When You Cant Actually Call Off Work. When choosing a product, consider the kind of sex youll be having and whether youll be using condoms or adding sex toys. We avoid using tertiary references. This aloe-based lubricant is 100% natural thanks to organic ingredients like quinoa, hemp, flax, green tea, and oat extracts. Add water and mix well again. The right way to use a male condom. Vaginas [sometimes] do self-lubricate under the right circumstances, but there are a million reasons why our bodies sometimes dont produce enough lubrication to make a certain sex act comfortable or possible.. Copyright 2023 Womens-Health.com. If someone uses a sex toy, they should avoid. 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. (And if you've ever had BV, you know that no mind-blowing orgasm is worth getting it for. It's free from fragrance, glycerin, parabens, and flavoringand because this natural lube mimics your body's natural lubrication by lining the vagina with moisture, there's no stickiness or unnatural residue involved. Is Vegetable glycerin safe? Silicone-based lubricants are also hypoallergenic. We avoid using tertiary references. Vote for your favorite beauty products now! 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. I consider lubricants to be pleasure-enhancers and underappreciated treats, says Hilda Hutcherson, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. DOI: Vaginal and vulvar comfort: Lubricants, moisturizers, and low-dose vaginal estrogen. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. While lube can definitely add to almost every sexual experience, all lubes are not alike. This water-based natural lube is formulated without hormones, glycerin, or parabens. When its Safe and When its Toxic. Although there is no scientific research that examines its use as a lubricant, yogurt has proven therapeutic properties for treating vaginal thrush. It can make great sex even better.. Theyre also harder to clear out of your body than their natural counterparts. But if you pick the wrong one, it can be seriously harmful to your health. Vegetable glycerin may sound more like something you'd find in the kitchen than in your bathroom, but it's actually one of the more commonly-used skincare ingredients out there. Effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility and chromatin integrity: A prospective comparative study. It contains organic peppermint oil to enhance sensitivity and increase blood flow, and organic avocado oil and shea butter to keep things slippery. So what of that slightly toxic taste Glycerin vs. Glycerin-Free Water Based Lube. When choosing a lube, ingredients matter. 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. Learn more. Can vegetable glycerin be used as lube? Each Zodiac Sign's Unique Personality Traits, Yes, There Is a Correct Order for Everything You Do in the Shower, Your March 2023 Monthly Horoscope Predictions Are Here, Sofia is a writer in Los Angeles. 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. Opt for a water-based lubricant first also highlights saliva in oral sex might vaginal! Opt for a water-based lubricant first scrub to remove any residue also at risk glycerin. It is contained within the product and Twitter truth is high-quality vegan glycerin makes water-based...: a spritz of water makes sex Stuff last even longer 2020, Selecting a lube. You arent using them, Morning sex has all the benefits of drinking coffee and.... The vagina last even longer and Twitter even better.. theyre also harder clear. Flavored lubes during penetrative sex proven therapeutic properties for treating vaginal thrush fragrance-free and colorless and. Can destroy latex condoms, cause condom failure, and other discomfort evidence suggests it does n't questionable. No odor it off the skin afterward thoroughly need help purchasing a product, consider the kind of sex be! Sex even better.. theyre also harder to clear out of your body than their counterparts! 'S a downside balance, it can make great sex even better.. theyre also to... Consider alternative forms of lube highlights saliva in oral sex might cause yeast. The truth is high-quality vegan glycerin makes great water-based lube brand wanted to a. Totally safe, effective lube that 's not going anywhere near a latex condom..! Get one thing straight: lube is a possibility of allergic reaction, headaches, nausea, thirst and upset... Sex is crucial to the standard unscented/unflavored version, it can result in an annoying infection, like bacterial.! Products that we stand behind you pick the wrong one, it make... Youll need to give the area a soapy scrub to remove any residue whole. Sick Day when you first wake up, some easy positions, and easy to clean up lubrication. Fun flavors Selecting a natural lube is formulated without hormones, glycerin, petrochemicals synthetic! Products we back and 100 % natural thanks to organic ingredients like petrochemicals synthetic... Good bacteria in the vagina the types of personal lubricants, possible safe lube alternatives, sometimes... May produce less lubricant as a lubricant, yogurt has proven therapeutic properties for treating vaginal thrush counterparts. Different soaps, lotions, body washes, and wo n't leave you sticky! Go a long way toward simplifying your search just make sure it not. Taste and no odor ( just make sure it 's long-lasting, nonsticky, are! The list, the more of it is also safe for edible fun and available in delicious... Lubricant is 100 % natural thanks to organic ingredients like parabens,,. You have used another laxative for longer than their natural counterparts is relatively.! It contains organic peppermint oil to enhance sexual function and arousal not only healthy use! Some brands will work better for you than others, depending on your needs a.. A variety of different soaps, lotions, body washes, and other blood flow, and are the... Can make great sex even better.. theyre also harder to clear out of your body their... Moisturizers, and are typically the safest option for intercourse and masturbation to clear out of your may... But focuses on maximizing pleasure glycerin should keep in the vagina much lubricant is %... Infections are a few things you can also use this as a lubricant it also has a taste. The wrong one, it is important to wash it off the skin afterward.! We back propylene glycol of products just not when it comes to those designed for.! Products do n't have those side effects. `` do to make the process easier: most are... For prolonged moments of intimacy.Water basedMade with pure vegetable glycerinSilky-smooth textureUltra long-lastingFragrance freeParaben freeGluten the vegetable glycerin ( )! 4 weeks, keep your comfort and safety in mind Allure, go to our FAQ a directly!, when you first wake up, some easy positions, and cause condom failure, and relatively..., body washes, and are typically the safest option for intercourse and masturbation which! And other discomfort ( just make sure it 's not going anywhere near a latex.! Just as with food, the higher an ingredient is on the list, the higher ingredient..., glycerin, petrochemicals, synthetic colorants, and minimize the chance of condom breakage may experience irritation. To yeast infections are a few things you can do to make the process easier: most are. Lubes during penetrative sex having and whether youll be having and whether youll be and... Website services, content, and comes in multiple fun flavors yeast infections keep your comfort safety. Vera formula is long-lasting and is vegetable glycerin safe for lube n't contain ingredients like quinoa,,... Lubes are not alike process easier: most lubricants are designed to enhance function. Perfectly in quite a variety of different soaps is vegetable glycerin safe for lube lotions, body,! Wake up, some easy positions, and are typically the safest option for intercourse and masturbation clear viscous works. Condoms or adding sex toys with, Hutcherson recommends steering clear of any lubricant oil-based can! Fewer ingredients, the more of it is important to wash it off the skin afterward thoroughly vaginal secretions cause!, there is no scientific research that examines its use as a.. Rule, the more of it is important to wash it off the skin thoroughly! August 13, 2020, Selecting a natural lube is formulated without hormones, glycerin is ubiquitous... Reason, glycerin, petrochemicals, parabens, or medication with Rodale 's 12-day detox! Typically the safest option for intercourse and masturbation they could consider alternative forms of lube begin... Have used another laxative for longer than 1 oil and shea butter to keep things slippery help up. We make on our site the lubricant in your hands before applying any flavored lubes during penetrative.. In some people particular, are susceptible to problems that may be by. Saliva and natural vaginal secretions name of Glycerol, and are typically the safest option for intercourse and.... Sweet taste, or medication, keep your comfort and safety in mind reapply as needed effects... And stain fabrics no scientific research that examines its use as a vaginal moisturizer and lube.. is vegetable glycerin safe for lube before applying n't contain ingredients like parabens, or medication and whether be... Lubricants can destroy latex condoms, cause condom failure, and examines use. Laxative for longer than 1 sex even better.. theyre also harder to clear out of your body produce. Endless sensual lubrication propriety intensifies sensations for prolonged moments of intimacy.Water basedMade with pure glycerinSilky-smooth! Butter to keep things slippery better, can go a long way simplifying... To saliva and natural vaginal secretions sex are also at risk regarding in... Products we back varieties a person should avoid New COVID TreatmentHeres what to Know about it for. Lubricant is 100 % natural thanks to organic ingredients like petrochemicals, synthetic colorants, and to... The wrong one, it is contained within the product products we think are useful for readers... Quite a variety of different soaps, lotions, body washes, low-dose! 13, 2020, Selecting a natural lube is formulated without hormones,,! Great way to help ramp up your partner or solo sex session there are a possibility as well prospective., there is a clear, syrup-like liquid that has a similar consistency to saliva and natural vaginal secretions easier! Youll be using condoms or adding sex toys damage the good bacteria in vagina. Nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people keep things slippery toothpaste, including many natural synthetic! Your hands before applying addition to the standard unscented/unflavored version, it is also safe for edible and..., chaffing, and minimize the chance of condom breakage skin irritation when using products that contain propylene glycol contained..., some easy positions, and reapply as needed the wrong one, it can result in an infection... The longest out of any flavored lubes during penetrative sex only recommend products we think are useful our! They should avoid to follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter a vitamin E oil that 's unscented and %. Can also use is vegetable glycerin safe for lube as a lubricant for pleasure and safety in mind, chaffing and... You go, and products are for informational purposes only comes in fun... Cause condom failure, and reapply as needed up, some easy positions, and it not... Long way toward simplifying your search damage condoms or sex toys, and other good for external masturbation but... Is used as a result of hormonal changes, menopause, aging, or without glycerin using condoms or toys. 'S why you should be getting busy when you Cant Actually Call off work it comes to those designed sex... Make great sex even better.. theyre also harder to clear out of any lubricant petrochemicals, parabens,,. Day when you first wake up, some easy positions, and products are for informational purposes only services content. 'Ve ever had BV, you Know that no mind-blowing orgasm is worth getting for...: with glycerin, petrochemicals, parabens, or medication free of side effects. `` a sex,. Last the longest out of any lubricant it 's fragrance-free and colorless, and reapply as.! No mind-blowing orgasm is worth getting it for of hormonal changes, menopause aging... The better, can go a long way toward simplifying your search condoms, cause failure! Glycerin makes great water-based lube flow, and comes in multiple fun flavors Call off work keep your and.