Everything Lube Why Glycerin In Lube Is Not Safe (And Options That Are). It's compatible with latex condoms and toys. It also has a similar consistency to saliva and natural vaginal secretions.. But always keep in mind some women can stick anything in their vaginas as lube and be happy campers. (Not that were suggesting you try sticking just anything in your vagina as lube.). You can also use this as a vaginal moisturizer and a lube. Although those special effects can be intriguing, your vagina might struggle when it comes into contact with glycerin. Natural lubes don't always have to be formulated with aloe vera. They dont need to be reapplied as often as water-based lubricants. Glycerin is a plentiful, flexible, and stable ingredient that can be helpful in a number of ways, but not so much when it comes to a sex lube. In foods, this property works well as a carrier for extracts and flavoring agents. Silicone-based lubes are suitable for sexual intercourse as they do not damage latex-based barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms. Both types can become sticky or tacky over time. Cat adds that theres also nothing wrong or shameful about simply wanting a little extra moisture. The truth is high-quality vegan glycerin makes great water-based lube. Problems with Hot Flashes? Here are answers to some of the most common concerns and questions about lubes with glycerin. In these situations, they could consider alternative forms of lube. Either way, thats where lube comes in. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. 2023 Cond Nast. raising the osmolality of a personal lubricant, at risk for genital or anal irritation and infection, can feed the natural yeast (fungi) in your vagina. Other ingredients include agar . 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. You should also limit your use of lubricant with fragrance or flavoring. The women-owned brand wanted to create a totally safe, effective lube that's not only healthy to use but focuses on maximizing pleasure. Glycerin, a sugar alcohol, increases the osmolality of the lube (a technical way to describe the measure of how much of one substance has been dissolved in another substance), and the bottom line is that a high level of glycerin isn't good, says Strgar. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. Engle says, If youre prone to yeast infections, be cautious of coconut oil. Can vegetable glycerin be used as lube? Theres also a ton of debate surrounding parabens, or a group of chemicals used as preservatives. All bodies are different, so if you know you have specific sensitivities, do some research before using natural lubricants. She continues, The more natural, the better. Archie and Cat recommend silicone- and water-based formulas by berlube and Sutil Luxe, while Good Clean Loves Origins Love Oil is an oil-based option with easy-to-pronounce ingredients. 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? We asked sex and relationship experts for the best ways to talk about sex. According to its site, Good Clean Love's organic lube was named the safest lubricant available on the market by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study. Try: Coconu Organic Personal Lubricant, which is made with organic ingredients like sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Is olive oil safe to use as a sexual lubricant? Following the rule, the fewer ingredients, the better, can go a long way toward simplifying your search. You dont want to be putting anything unsafe on or in it, she says. Anecdotal evidence suggests egg whites may be a suitable lubricant alternative. Petroleum or petroleum-based ingredients. One disadvantage is that water-based lubes can dry out fairly quickly. This organic lube lives up to its name. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. If youre dealing with vagina dryness, you may find lubricant especially beneficial. Sometimes, people may not be able to get hold of personal lubricants. Effect of vaginal lubricants on natural fertility. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, as Archie points out, water-based varieties tend to dry out quickly, have the longest list of ingredients, and wont work for sex in the shower or anywhere else youll be underwater. Glycerins humectant and emollient properties are beneficial for drawing moisture out of one substance into another. They need to be used regularly in order to ease dryness. And its another one that can cause some vaginal irritation if you happen to be sensitive to it, Abdur-Rahman says. For this reason, glycerin is an ubiquitous ingredient in toothpaste, including many natural and organic brands. Treat yourself (and your partner) to a buzzy toy you'll both enjoy. However, it is important they choose a safe option. Both types of water-based lubricant are cost-effective, easy to find, and safe to use with condoms. Personal lubricants (colloquially termed lube) are specialized lubricants used during sexual acts, such as intercourse and masturbation, to reduce friction to or between the penis and vagina, anus or other body parts or applied to sex toys to reduce friction or to ease penetration. DOI: Steiner M, et al. Women, in particular, are susceptible to problems that may be caused by ingredients in lubes. If you prefer a thicker or thinner lube, decrease or increase the water. 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. 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.. "The best lubricants are those that are iso-osmotic, which means they match the healthy conditions of the vaginathey don't add or subtract any water from the tissue cells or disrupt the healthy bacteria," says Strgar. MORE:9 Highly Effective Solutions For Yeast Infections. Effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility and chromatin integrity: A prospective comparative study. Glycerin can damage the mucus membranes of the genitals or anus, increasing the risk of infections or STI transmission between partners. All-natural lubricants may have a shorter shelf life. Methylparaben is a preservative and known endocrine disruptor. However I always hear it's a bad idea, but could never find any details of why exactly it is a bad idea. Directions: Melt the coconut oil and beeswax on your stovetop until melted using a double boiler. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Not all lube is created equal, and with so many options available, shopping for lube can feel overwhelming. Lube can be a lifesaver in the bedroom. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. If you'd rather go the aloe vera route, Engle recommends Maude's Shine Organic lube. That doesnt mean everyone who uses a glycerin-containing lubricant is going to get a yeast infection, but if youre already prone to them, glycerin may be an ingredient you may want to stay away from, Dweck says. 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. ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-choose-lubricant/, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/basics/causes/sym-20151520, news.berkeley.edu/2015/10/27/lotion-ingredient-paraben-may-be-more-potent-carcinogen-than-thought/, breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/treat/vaginal-changes/dryness/lubricants, menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/effective-treatments-for-sexual-problems/vaginal-and-vulvar-comfort-lubricants-moisturizers-and-low-dose-vaginal-estrogen, uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/Know_How_to_Use_Vaginal_Moisturizers_Lubricants.pdf, I Tried Cannabis Lube for Sex And Now Its My Vaginas Cure-All Moisturizer, Curious About Sex Toys? The right lube can heighten pleasurable sensations, and reduce chafing during an all-night sex marathon, but some formulas contain ingredients that some believe may increase the risk of getting a yeast infection or cause other health problems. 1. Just decarb your flower, add Everclear and the decarbed flower into a jar and shake. Its important to keep an eye out for glycerin using an alias on the label such as glycol, glycerol, glycerine, or even sugar alcohols.. It doesn't contain ingredients like parabens, glycerin, petrochemicals, synthetic colorants, and it's fragrance-free. Just be sure youre buying oil-based plant oils that are 100% organic and 100% pure, Gigi Engle, certified sex coach, sex educator, and Womanizer sex expert, tells Glamour. Its consistency makes it a good lube alternative. MORE:10 Things You Can Do With Aloe Vera, "Many people have had bad experiences with lubes that burn or itch, or feel really sticky during or after use, and that's because of preservative ingredients like these," says Strgar. 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. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, says most lube can be divided into three main categories: oil-based, water-based, and silicone-based. If youre planning on having any type of sexual activity, you may still need to use a lubricant to increase comfort. Silicone lubricants are often good options. vegetable glycerin 1/16 tsp. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support! 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. Greatest Finds From Lululemon's 'We Made Too Much'. The pharmaceutical industry uses glycerol to extract and prevent inert materials from precipitating (coming out of solution to form a solid) when in storage. Some ingredients in lubrications are more likely to result in inflammation or irritation and should be avoided by those who are sensitive. 2023 Cond Nast. All ID Lubricants water-based formulas can be used with any toy that is used . Harsh chemical ingredients found in lubricants can also be toxic to vaginal tissue and its microbiome. 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 . xanthan gum 1/2-1 tsp. (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). 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.