"Smells good, easy to use, can come as solid and liquifies on contact with warm skin. "It is possible to use shortening for anal sex, and has been popular among gay men.". For sex: "In some women, petroleum based products might increase risk of vaginal infection including bacterial vaginosis (BV)," says Alyssa Dweck, MD, who was named a top gynecologist by New York magazine. This means that it's gentle on your skin even the most sensitive areas. Olive oil is another natural oil option, and just like coconut oil, getting virgin or extra virgin is best to avoid additives. The 17 Best Natural Lubes For A Happy Vagina, According To Gynecologists And Sexperts, Megan Madden / Refinery29 for Getty Images, Natural Personal Lubricant, Probiotic Edible Formula, Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant, Organic Water-Based Lube with Aloe Vera, Safe for Sex Toys & Condoms, Sexual Wellness Gel for Men & Women, 1.5 Oz. Its also pretty easy to use, given that its solid at room temperature and liquid once its warmed up by your vagina.
"Sustain is vegan and gluten-free and free of petroleum, parabens, and glycerin," says Dr. Ross.
Now this, of course, opens up a whole new world of uncertainties. Coconut oil especially intrigues me. Oil can corrode the latex of the condom significantly, according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, which can then cause it to be less effective and even tear during intercourse. Why trust us? One reason for its popularity may be because it smells and tastes good, which can be an added benefit for oral sex. Like any other natural oil, you can't use olive oil with condoms or latex sex toys. "This water-based lube feels smooth, silky, and slippery to the touch," she says, no matter how much you use.
Vitamin E oil is often used as a moisturizer or as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils. Butand this is a big BUTif the ingredients used to create the scents, warming capabilities, and flavors of some lubes are doing you more harm than good by irritating your skin, you might be better off with a natural alternative. Plus, if you're looking for a more neutral natural oil, avocado oil may be your best option, as it has a less noticeable smell and taste than coconut and olive oil. The idea of sticking egg whites into my vagina terrified me at first. Its silicone and vitamin E formula make it long-lasting and compatible with natural rubber latex (and polysoprene) condoms. However, because it's an oil, pure vitamin E won't work with condoms. ", For condoms: Dweck agrees that it's likely fine to use with condoms, though "there's no definitive medical research to support this.". Still, the medical community is very hesitant to recommend it. Instead, you can use common household items as lube alternatives, such as coconut oil or aloe vera. Homemade lubes are a good way to avoid fragrances, parabens, and other skin-irritating ingredients. The She-quel. For sex toys: "Olive oil can be used with toys, although it may be hard to clean off of silicone toys and isn't best for vaginal insertion," explains Caitlin V. "It's not well-tolerated by all people either, so test it on your skin before using." For sex: Sticky, and not in a fun way. This natural lube contains pure chia extract, which is known for its super-hydrating properties, and since it's water-soluble, it won't cause any issues with condoms, says Dr. Dweck. If you have any qualms at all, you should ask your doctor if it would be okay for you to use something as lube. However, you may want to be careful about where you use it, as it can stain fabrics. Finally! "It can easily be made at home by mixing a ratio of 2 to 4 teaspoons of corn starch and 1 cup of water, bringing it to a boil while constantly stirring. That's because sugar-based lubricants. ", For sex: "Vegetable shortening shares the same risks as other oil-based lubricants," says Caitlin V. It's still a time-tested choice, though. It dries quickly, too, so in addition to the infection risk, it simply doesn't last long for either vaginal or anal play. Here are the facts: It all comes down to ingredients. Productivity tips? She suggests buying a small bottle to start out with and then paying attention to how you react and that's especially true if the lube has additives like dyes in it. 
Like any other natural oil, you can't use olive oil with condoms or latex sex toys. 
Im senior staff writer at Oprah Daily, where I write about culture, relationships, health, politics, and my experiences as a woman trying to live my best life. Olive oil has the extra benefit of being easy to find and relatively low cost. To do this, spread a small amount of the product on a less sensitive area of skin like your arm and see how your skin reacts over a few hours. For condoms: Dweck doesn't recommend this, either. Some store-bought lubes have harsh chemicals that aren't ideal for your most sensitive parts. Here are a few non-lube foods and household items that you could try using as a personal lubricant. It has many other uses besides tending to your charred skin. Just don't use it with a condom, as it can cause the latex to break. We may earn commission from the links on this page. But it does have the benefit of lasting longer than many common water-based lubricants. Here are five common products that work well as lubricants and are safe for your body and how to make your own lube at home. Or niche book advice? When I asked for Levine's personal opinion on natural lubes, she recommends organic ones like Yes water-based lube. Quick tip: Aloe vera stands out from other natural options because it doesn't contain oil, meaning it's safe to use with condoms. When it comes to other ingredients, though, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine, says it all depends on your level of sensitivity. For sex toys: Because any oil-based lubricant can break down materials like some plastic and silicone toys, Dweck says it's important to follow a vibrator manufacturer's recommendations for what to use instead. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, What It Means To Be Pangender, Experts Explain, 18 Bullet Vibrators That Deliver Major Pleasure, 15 Best Nipple Clamps For A More Intense Orgasm, How To Have Phone Sex, According To Experts, 20 Best Crotchless Panties To Sex Up Your Wardrobe. Aloe vera stands out from other natural options because it doesn't contain oil, meaning it's safe to use with condoms. Best Homemade Lube & Natural DIY Alternatives For Sex, How many of us have been burned by a budget sex toy that turned into a less-than-great experience? Conversation Starters To Bond You And Your S.O. "a popular household staple often used for sexual play," she warns that it can potentially alter a woman's vaginal pH balancecreating the environment for BV or a yeast infection. "Make sure to choose a product thats 100 percent aloe or designed specifically as a sexual lubricant," Caitlin V. says. Vitamin E oil is often used as a moisturizer or as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils. You know that bottle of aloe vera gel you've been stowing by your bedside to tend to your sunburns? But before trying anything new, make sure that: Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100 Percent Gel, $9.64, Amazon. Silicone blends work well as lubricants, Dweck says, because they last longer than water-based lubes and are compatible with condoms. To make this lube, follow these steps: Lubricant can be a great tool to increase your pleasure and decrease pain during sex, but it's important to pick the right lube for your body. If you feel like your go-to synthetic lube can sometimes feel clumpy after prolonged use or tends to thicken the more you apply, make the switch to Naked Silk, says Dr. Ross. To use a capsule, Dr. Gaither suggests puncturing the capsule to release the oil inside. You do not under any circumstances use oil-based products on condoms. It's no secret that, for lots of people, lube is a game-changer when it comes to sex and solo play. "I'm a fan of Uberlube, a medical-grade silicone and vitamin E lubricant that has gained popularity," Dweck says. Luckily, there are a few household products that can make great natural alternatives to lube. "If it's organic, then it's good," Levine says, "So as latex is not a factor.". Also, before you use any type of lube for the first time, Stubbs suggests rubbing some on your skin and seeing if it causes any type of reaction. Try it on your genital area to double-check before using it during sex or solo play. Take, petroleum jelly or mineral oil, for example: They can up your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis or other vaginal infections, says Alyssa Dweck, MD, a gynecologist in New York. Though it's best to use as pure an olive oil as possible, so organic is best, she adds. For condoms: Not suggested for latex. Olive oil has the extra benefit of being easy to find and relatively low cost. Many of these feature coconut oil, aloe vera, or vitamin E for a silky, slippery texture, and none of the potentially icky stuff. Important: "Keep in mind that if condoms are being used for STI or pregnancy prevention, oils are not compatible and another water-based or silicone-based lube is preferred," Dweck says. "Although most folks trust their natural lube to smoothen up things, having a bottle of safe personal lube can customize sexual pleasure and heighten the bedroom experience," Santini adds. It can be difficult to get enough gel from the aloe plant itself, but you can find pure aloe products in some pharmacies and supermarkets. For sex toys: Avoid it if you can, particularly the high infection risk in vaginal insertion. anx
"They cant be used with latex condoms, dental dams, latex gloves, cervical caps or diaphragms," says Caitlin V., M.P.H., clinical sexologist for Royal, a vegan-friendly condom and lubricant company. In addition, you should opt for another option if you're using condoms, as oil can damage the latex and make them ineffective. Just keep this in mind, per womens health expert Jennifer Wider, MD: Coconut oil can break down the integrity of a latex condom, making it more likely to break. First of all, I'm a vegan, so sticking any kind of animal product in my body is less than desired. It all really comes down to how the ingredients in each are sourced and whether they've been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you're looking for a more natural option, there are several household ingredients you can use for your own do-it-yourself lube. In addition to dyes, some people avoid certain preservatives like parabens. In a world of personal lubricants that vary in taste, texture, and sensation, it's hard to know which is the right one for your body. For condoms: Safe. .css-9vlvuu{color:#536837;display:block;font-family:Cotford,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-9vlvuu:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-9vlvuu{font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.35;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-9vlvuu{font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-9vlvuu{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.4;}}Turn Positive Mental States Into Lasting Traits, OpEd Project Founder Continues to Amplify Voices, My Childhood Summer Joy of Jumping Double Dutch, Daring to Pursue a Childhood Dream of Surfing, Relearning to Ride a Bike Saved My Marriage, Martha Beck on Unraveling Designated Problems, Martha Beck on Mastering the Art of Perfect Timing. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(5), 563569. Many commercial lubricants have chemicals that can be harmful to your intimate areas. "Honey and anything with sugar should be avoided as lubricants," Caitlin V. says. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Look good? International Journal of STD & AIDS, 5(1), 2936. Weve all been there, excited and ready to play wi, Attention Walmart shoppers: The mega-retailer, which has carved out a space for itself as a distributor of some of the businesss best (and most affo, When my mother found out I had penetrative sex for the first time, I was grounded for two weeks. If you want a lube that contains vitamin E but won't break down latex, a silicone blend may work better for you. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. The skin in and around your genitals can be especially sensitive, so it's important to think about which products you use as lubricant. Additionally, many women in homeopathic circles believe in the stuff, and use it not only for lube but also for conceiving, since apparently it's good for making sure the sperm is going where it needs to go.
For sex: "Vitamin E oil is often recommended for topical application for women suffering with dryness, particularly related to menopause," Caitlin V. says. 6 yoga-inspired sex positions that offer pleasure and a good stretch, 6 cozy cuddling positions to warm you up this winter and the benefits of getting snuggly, 10 goals you can set to strengthen your relationship in 2022, according to couples therapists, 10 ways to ramp up your bedroom skills and please your partner, according to sex therapists. If you're buying bottled aloe gel, look out for harmful ingredients like alcohol that can irritate and dry out your skin. It may be especially useful for women who deal with dyspareunia, a condition where one experiences pain during penetration, as CBD can limit the amount of pain you feel. We asked experts what to use if you have no lube, and they told us which household items to reach for in a bindand what to never apply "down there." Santini points out that the products also lack scent or taste, so you don't have to worry about any irritation from fragrances. For sex: "While some women have used vaginal yogurt insertion for yeast infection, there is no evidence of efficacy as cure," Dweck points out. says Levine. Desp, Ive never felt comfortable wearing dresses. She also adds that the smell is off-putting for some (those who don't enjoy associating bedroom activities with a big pasta dinner, perhaps). It's also well tolerated on skin." But just like coconut oil, it can break down a condom, making the rubber more vulnerable to tearing, notes Dr. Wider. Instead, you can use common household items as lube alternatives, such as coconut oil, aloe vera, or olive oil. For condoms: "I wouldn't imagine it's compatible with condoms," says Dweck. On top of not being able to pronounce half the ingredients listed on the bottle, studies have suggested that some products can even mess with vaginal pH balance and should be reformulated. Aloe vera gel is often used to treat sunburns because it has a soothing effect on your skin, which may also be helpful to fight against any skin irritation during sex. It can be used for sex, she says, it's another situation where "the odor could be a turn-off for some. This means that it's gentle on your skin even the most sensitive areas. For sex toys: Avoid it if you can, since it may degrade certain materials. She's even got a recipe for it! According to obstetrical nurse Maureen Stephens, however, applying egg whites to the vagina (specifically for fertility purposes) "is safe and comes with no side effects.". Olive oil is also safe to eat, which makes it ideal for oral sex. Times Syndication Service. "Keep in mind that if condoms are being used for STI or pregnancy prevention, oils are not compatible and another water-based or silicone-based lube is preferred," Dweck says. "With that said, many people use this without an issue as a lubricant for both vaginal and anal play.". This is especially true for folks who are going through menopause, Dweck says, because the changes in hormones can make your vagina and vulva more delicate and easily damaged. For sex toys: As an oil, it's not ideal for regular use with a toy. Lets Continue the Conversation. It's an oil, so don't use it with condoms and some sex toys. However, because it's an oil, pure vitamin E won't work with condoms. You may want to avoid products containing these ingredients: If you're looking for a safer and simpler option, here are the best natural lubricants you should try. types lubricants different This lube is plant-oil based (vegetable and olive oil) and is free of glycerin, fragrance, parabens, flavorings, alcohol, and hormones, says Amir Marashi, MD, gynecologist and surgical director of the New York Center for Aesthetic Rejuvenation. "Coconut oil is a favorite of lots of women," says Dr. Dweck. Here's the lowdown on the 13 best natural lube alternatives. ", For sex toys: "The recipe forms a slippery liquid that's protective against friction and safe to use with both condoms and toys," adds Caitlin V. "It takes a bit of work, however. I live in Brooklyn, where I can be found offering unsolicited opinions on where to find the best ice cream. For sex: While you certainly can't beat it for convenience, it's not a top choice. So, if you're relying on a condom, you might want to use a different lube. Take the pot off the heat and let the mixture cool before using it. Sliquid's natural line is made from ingredients that are organic, vegan, and hypoallergenic. Why Marvel's Karen Gillan Embraces Her Anxiety, Your New Must-Try: Sauted Dandelion Toast, The Only Marathon Training Plan You'll Ever Need, Your June Horoscope: Communication Clarity, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. How Masturbation Became Part of My Self-Care, Turn Positive Mental States Into Lasting Traits. "The surfactants in shampoos and other soaps can strip your skin of its natural protective oils, and therefore makes them a bad choice for lubricant," Caitlin V. advises, while Dweck simply says, "ouch!". It's fragrance-free, and the sleek bottle looks like a chic perfume. The skin in and around your genitals can be especially sensitive, so it's important to think about which products you use as lubricant. With that said, women and men have been using saliva for lube in a pinch for decades," says Dweck. For this reason, many people "prefer to use a non-chemical containing lubricant to avoid infection, irritation, and discomfort," says Alyssa Dweck, MD, a gynecologist at Northern Winchester Hospital and assistant professor at New York Medical College. "Coconut oil is a popular natural lubricant which is usually well-tolerated," Dweck says. Dr. Dweck swears by berlube for a super-silky sensation. "If you're having a lot of solo or partnered sex, something more pure/healthy is a better choice," she adds. Silicone blends work well as lubricants, Dweck says, because they last longer than water-based lubes and are compatible with condoms. Some ingredients, like oil, can wear down a. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, this miracle skin saver can heal other skin-related wounds and even ease the symptoms of burns, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, according to Dr. Mike Roussell for Shape Magazine.
Characterization of Commercially Available Vaginal Lubricants: A Safety Perspective. Mix one cup of water and 4 teaspoons of corn starch in a saucepan. For sex: Essentially the same deal as olive oil across the board. Plus, if you're looking for a more neutral natural oil, avocado oil may be your best option, as it has a less noticeable smell and taste than coconut and olive oil.