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. 2023 Cond Nast. 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. According to Zeichner, petrolatum and petroleum jelly can interfere with the proper functioning of the skin, alter the vaginas natural pH, and contribute to bacterial overgrowth. Association of lubricant use with womens sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction, and genital symptoms: A prospective daily diary study [Abstract]. Even with water-based lubricants, steer clear of products that contain glycerin, parabens, or fragrances, which can be irritating. 5. 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. Synthetic products may irritate your vagina. Some companies have produced organic or vegan lubricants made of botanicals or other eco-friendly ingredients. "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. whether its solo or partnered. New research done by Johns Hopkins University, a leading medical research institution uncovered "groundbreaking discoveries in animals and humans that certain chemicalsincluding glycerin (glycerol), a common base for personal lubricantscan damage or irritate vaginal and rectal epithelial cells, potentially increasing the transmission of . A high-osmolality lube can damage cell walls and mucus layers that normally act as a barrier for STIs. Its totally normal if you favor one over the rest, or if you like to switch things up depending on the situation. Vegetable glycerin is a sugar-alcohol compound derived from palm, soy, or coconut oils which, on the surface, sounds perfectly natural (and safe). Plus, its fun! Reassess how much lubricant is still on as you go, and reapply as needed. (Note: Silicone lubricants are safe for humans, but. How much you use and how long your lubricant lasts will determine whether or not youre going to have any fun during your afternoon romp. But if you pick the wrong one, it can be seriously harmful to your health. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. 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. DOI: Vaginal and vulvar comfort: Lubricants, moisturizers, and low-dose vaginal estrogen. According to Archie and Cat, sex educators and lube enthusiasts at Minneapolis sex toy shop Smitten Kitten, people of all genders can use lube for practically any type of sex, whether its solo or partnered. ", Even though many of these side effects sound off-putting, generally speaking, lube is pretty great and its gynecologist recommended. Receive our passionately crafted, medically reviewed articles and insights the stuff nobody else talks about but you want to know delivered right to your inbox. You'll have an active alcohol tincture that has extracted most of the THC or CBD from the plant, because alcohol is a very effective solvent. While the type of lube you choose is based on personal preference, being as body-safe as possible is priority number one when testing out new intimate products and sex toys. Made from just 7 organic ingredients you can trust, our testing team unanimously rated Almost Naked a top pick because it performs amazingly as a lube, feels wonderful on your skin, and smells absolutely divine. Glycerin raises the osmolality of a lube pulling moisture from your body because its humectant properties draw moisture toward the solution putting you at risk for genital or anal irritation and infection in the process. (And Ones That Wont), Is Lube Safe To Use During Pregnancy And Options That Are, Why Parabens In Lube Are Not Safe (And Options That Are). 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. They are not nearly as safe to drink. if you have used another laxative for longer than 1 . This is pretty unlikely, but is still something to take into consideration, as it has been reported.. 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. Can Lube Cause A Yeast Infection? Read on to discover why it may not be safe, and alternative lubricants to use during sex. Try: Coconu Organic Personal Lubricant, which is made with organic ingredients like sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. It contains organic peppermint oil to enhance sensitivity and increase blood flow, and organic avocado oil and shea butter to keep things slippery. Lube can be a lifesaver in the bedroom. 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. 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. It is made with hydrating aloe vera juice and 96% organic ingredients certified by the Soil Association with no added fragrances, flavors, or dyes, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Our favorite water-based lubricants below are all glycerin-free: Bottom Line: 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). Plus, it cleans up easily, so you don't have to worry about making a mess on your bed (or wherever!). We asked sex and relationship experts for the best ways to talk about sex. In foods, this property works well as a carrier for extracts and flavoring agents. 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. Directions: Melt the coconut oil and beeswax on your stovetop until melted using a double boiler. 3 Things to Do When You Get Sick With COVIDAgain. "Natural products don't have those side effects.". When choosing a lube, ingredients matter. 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. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Thanks to its excellent quality, with a small amount it provides a long duration giving greater pleasure. Sex Stuff is formulated without any ingredients that could possibly disrupt your vagina's natural environment, such as parabens and glycerin. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Oils can irritate your skin and stain fabric. 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. So what of that slightly toxic taste Glycerin vs. Glycerin-Free Water Based Lube. Yes, glycerin is great for moisturizing skin, thanks to its humectant properties. -1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum. It has antibacterial properties, so it can throw off pH. 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). Also known as glycerol, glycerin is a type of sugar alcohol and humectant, a substance that attracts water from the skin or air that surrounds it. 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. They also have a longer shelf life. In addition, Vaseline states that it is for external use only, so it is likely not suitable for penetrative or oral intercourse. Other uses of Vegetable Glycerin and Propylene Glycol. No using Vaseline or baby oil as a lube! 46 128 Vaping propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine may lead to lung inflammation Download PDF Copy By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MD Oct 18 2019 Researchers have found that using e-cigarettes with the. . 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.. But, if you can, opt for a water-based lubricant first. When choosing a product, consider the kind of sex youll be having and whether youll be using condoms or adding sex toys. Once you've removed the soap from the top of the mixture, transfer the liquid vegetable glycerine to a glass bottle. 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. Im kind of embarrassed to admit that my lube literacy hasnt always been great, and I never used to give it much thought beyond the jar of coconut oil I kept in a drawer next to my bed, which actually isnt even a great lube after all. This aloe-based lubricant is 100% natural thanks to organic ingredients like quinoa, hemp, flax, green tea, and oat extracts. These include aloe vera, yogurt, olive oil, and virgin coconut oil. Whether youre a first-time buyer or looking to expand your lubricant collection, theres one out there for you, guaranteed. (2018). 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. Although there is no scientific research that examines its use as a lubricant, yogurt has proven therapeutic properties for treating vaginal thrush. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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 . However, someone can simply reapply more when needed. All our eco-friendly cleaning products are ethically sourced and guaranteed to be of the . 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. Treat yourself (and your partner) to a buzzy toy you'll both enjoy. Here's how make your next solo session a steamy one. If youre dealing with vagina dryness, you may find lubricant especially beneficial. It also has a similar consistency to saliva and natural vaginal secretions.. Women, in particular, are susceptible to problems that may be caused by ingredients in lubes. Oil-based lubricants are safe to use if people engage in sex without a barrier method of contraception. If you'd rather go the aloe vera route, Engle recommends Maude's Shine Organic lube. 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