"Smells good, easy to use, can come as solid and liquifies on contact with warm skin. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Sign up for a weekly brief collating many news items into one untangled thought delivered straight to your mailbox. "I'm a fan of Uberlube, a medical-grade silicone and vitamin E lubricant that has gained popularity," Dweck says. Silicone blends work well as lubricants, Dweck says, because they last longer than water-based lubes and are compatible with condoms. For sex toys: Avoid it if you can, particularly the high infection risk in vaginal insertion. "Coconut oil is a popular natural lubricant which is usually well-tolerated," Dweck says. says Levine. Made with natural kiwi extract, it's also water-based, so it's friendly to use with latex condoms and sex toys. 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. For condoms: It's okay to use with non-latex options, it's definitely not recommended for conventional latex.
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Many like it because it has a good taste for oral sex and smells nice, she adds. "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. Why trust us? "Women [especially] like the fact it doesnt feel like you are using a lubricant.". 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). Some store-bought lubes have harsh chemicals that aren't ideal for your most sensitive parts. It has many other uses besides tending to your charred skin. Marissa Gainsburg is the Features Director at Women's Health, where she oversees the magazine's news-meets-trends Warm Up section and Love & Life section.
Natural ingredients can be a good alternative to more chemical-heavy lubes, but any time you try a new product, it's always best to do a skin test first.
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. 
The fewer ingredients, the more natural the lube. If you're buying bottled aloe gel, look out for harmful ingredients like alcohol that can irritate and dry out your skin. Dr. Dweck swears by berlube for a super-silky sensation. Here are a few non-lube foods and household items that you could try using as a personal lubricant. But not all lubes are created equal. .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. "If you're having a lot of solo or partnered sex, something more pure/healthy is a better choice," she adds. 
Then my hypochondriac side chimed in, singing tales of salmonella and subsequent death. I also discovered that "waxes," such as shea butter, beeswax, and jojoba oil, can damage the skin cells of the vagina and compromise its ability to replace vaginal skin, according to Women's Health. It's an oil, so don't use it with condoms and some sex toys. "Honey and anything with sugar should be avoided as lubricants," Caitlin V. says. 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. Plus, the slippery stuff is totally safe to use on condoms since it contains no oils or properties that can break down latex. Mix one cup of water and 4 teaspoons of corn starch in a saucepan. Maude's Shine Organic lube is made from moisturizing aloe and has the perfect consistency: slick, with no stick. Homemade lubes are a good way to avoid fragrances, parabens, and other skin-irritating ingredients. You can also make your own lube at home with water and cornstarch. For sex: "Vitamin E oil is often recommended for topical application for women suffering with dryness, particularly related to menopause," Caitlin V. says.
Natural oils are great, not only because rubbing oil over your body feels so damn good, but because it lasts way longer than water-based lubricants. 
.css-8mifbp{background:linear-gradient(180deg, #CEDFB9 0%, #CEDFB9 100%);background-color:#CEDFB9;border-radius:5rem;color:#000;display:inline-block;font-family:TTNorms,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:0.8125rem;letter-spacing:0.1em;line-height:1.2;padding:0.5625rem 1.375rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-color:#536837;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-transform:uppercase;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;width:auto;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-8mifbp{margin-bottom:1.25rem;}}@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-8mifbp{margin-top:0.9375rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-8mifbp{margin-top:1.25rem;}}.css-8mifbp:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}.css-8mifbp:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:brandColorPrimary;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #CEDFB9 0%, #E7E2B8 100%);background-color:#CEDFB9;}SHOP VASELINE. To use a capsule, Dr. Gaither suggests puncturing the capsule to release the oil inside. The idea of sticking egg whites into my vagina terrified me at first. Obviously, oils are tricky especially when it comes to vaginal sex and sex with a condom. In addition to dyes, some people avoid certain preservatives like parabens.
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. "Like olive oil, vegetable oil isn't ideal for vaginal penetration, but can be used by most people as an external vaginal or anal lubricant," Caitlin V. says. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1409200, Steiner, M., Piedrahita, C., Glover, L., Joanis, C., Spruyt, A., & Foldesy, R. (1994). If you have any other concerns about a lube ingredient, ask your doctor to help choose the best option for you. If you're looking for a more natural option, there are several household ingredients you can use for your own do-it-yourself lube.
"This water-based lube feels smooth, silky, and slippery to the touch," she says, no matter how much you use.
Put the stove on low to medium heat and slowly bring the liquid to a boil. 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. Women's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
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. For sex toys: Yes, but since it dries quickly, it's not the most practical alternative. Avocado oil has many of the same perks as coconut and olive oil it's moisturizing, lasts longer than water-based lube, and you can eat it. "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!". Copyright 2022. For sex toys: It's not unsafe, but it's also not the most sanitary. Now this, of course, opens up a whole new world of uncertainties. It can be a mess to apply (as lube at the best of times) so opting for a dropper of some sort or simply embracing the messiness will be your best options. "Salmonella, need I say more?" Here's the lowdown on the 13 best natural lube alternatives. 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. The 95-percent natural aloe in this lube from Aloe Cadabra has a soothing texture on skin that makes it one of Santini's faves if you're looking to go back to nature. Before joining Insider, Madeline worked as a health news writer for Reuters, and a domestic violence therapist.
As we all know, it's a wonder product that can be used for a multitude of purposes, including dietary and beauty ones.
"Make sure to choose a product thats 100 percent aloe or designed specifically as a sexual lubricant," Caitlin V. says. Plus, it's packing aloe vera, water, and flax seed extract, and it's completely fragrance free. Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100 Percent Gel, Egg whites are best served at room-temperature, Dr. Bronner Fresh Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil. Vitamin E oil is often used as a moisturizer or as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils. The She-quel. One reason for its popularity may be because it smells and tastes good, which can be an added benefit for oral sex. Many commercial lubricants have chemicals that can be harmful to your intimate areas. Productivity tips? 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. Turn Up The Heat With Our Sexy Summer Reading List, 18 Products That Prove Nordstrom Cares About Your Vagina. A 2015 study suggested that in a lab setting, parabens in particular can contribute to breast cancer cell growth.
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. Like any other natural oil, you can't use olive oil with condoms or latex sex toys. Still, as Amy Levine, MA, CSE, sex coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure, tells Bustle, the long-term health risks aren't entirely clear yet. 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. For condoms: Safe. Olive oil is another natural oil option, and just like coconut oil, getting virgin or extra virgin is best to avoid additives. And, of course, "those who are allergic should avoid aloe-based lubricants.". Emily Shiffer is a former digital web producer for Mens Health and Prevention, and is currently a freelancer writer specializing in health, weight loss, and fitness. "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. For condoms: Not suggested for latex. You can also make your own lube at home with water and cornstarch. To be truly organic, a lube's ingredients won't have interacted with chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs. But coconut oil also makes a great lube. Sylk brings the smoothness and slipperiness, without any of the stickiness, making it super easy to clean up if things get a little messy, Santini says. "Coconut oil is a favorite of lots of women," 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. They can be great for clitoral stimulation and vulvar massage, or some quality alone time, but keep them far away from your condoms (it could make them break). Dweck points out that this makes it a popular ingredient in over-the-counter lube, such as Aloe Cadabra. Pharmaceutics, 6(3), 530542. To make sure you're adding only the safest options to your cart, you'll want to shop from this expert-approved list of the 17 best natural lubricants. 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. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics6030530, Pan, S., Yuan, C., Tagmount, A., Rudel, R. A., Ackerman, J. M., Yaswen, P., Leitman, D. C. (2016). (Dweck suggests puncturing a capsule to try as a vulva moisturizer or massage oil, after you've conducted a skin patch test). doi: 10.1177/095646249400500108, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine, Amy Levine, MA, CSE, sex coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure, This article was originally published on Sep. 29, 2015, TikToks Healing Girl Summer Is The Self-Reflection Holiday You Need, How To Do The Intimacy-Boosting Lotus Sex Position, How Skin Care Experts Are Stepping Up To Support Transgender Patients, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. ", For sex: "Vegetable shortening shares the same risks as other oil-based lubricants," says Caitlin V. It's still a time-tested choice, though. And, they can stain your sheets.". All thoughts of getting intimate vanish within minutes of squinting at your pantry, wondering un-sexy things like, "is it safe to use coconut oil as a lube substitute?".
If you're looking for a more natural option, there are several household ingredients you can use for your own do-it-yourself lube. Once it's boiling, stir the mixture frequently for about 30 seconds. Though it's best to use as pure an olive oil as possible, so organic is best, she adds. "Because basically, the vaginal and vulvar tissue is the most sensitive tissue in the body," she adds. "If other options are available, such as silicone or water-based lubricant, it's best to avoid shortening all together," Caitlin V. adds. H2Oh! Basically, anything that is organic or natural is preferable. SIMPLY PUT - where we join the dots to inform and inspire you. can be used with or without a Pulse Warming Dispenser, which Dr. Dweck recommends for enhancing pleasure.
For sex: "Although its a common choice for male masturbation, many lotions contain chemicals that can irritate the skin and may not be good for your overall health, such as parabens and glycerin," says Caitlin V. However, Dweck allows that it "depends on the individual person and the moisturizer.". 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. Just don't use it with a condom, as it can cause the latex to break. Times Internet Limited. Aloe vera is hydrating and can be used as lube. But it does have the benefit of lasting longer than many common water-based lubricants. 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.
Evening primrose is often used as a moisturizer for people with inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis, but it can also be used as a natural lubricant, says Kecia Gaither, MD, an ob-gyn and director of perinatal Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.
For sex: While Dweck calls E.V.O.O. "Newsflash, the oral cavity probably has more bacteria than the vagina! "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. Like any other natural oil, you can't use olive oil with condoms or latex sex toys. For sex: People definitely do use it as a lube substitute. 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. Clean, organic, and tbh, sophisticatedjust look at the bottle. 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. Organic lubes are made from certified ingredients, while natural ones are not. For condoms: Dweck says it's "likely not condom compatible. It's no secret that, for lots of people, lube is a game-changer when it comes to sex and solo play. "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. "Keep in mind that polyurethane and polyisoprene are effective against most STIs, and lambskin condoms are effective against pregnancy but not all STIs," Caitlin V. adds. That said, some natural and organic lubes can still be tricky for your genitals and include ingredients that you'll want to avoid.
The only thing more mood-killing than a frantic fumble through the nightstand drawer is expanding your fruitless search into the bathroom and the kitchen.