Natural personal lubricants offer many advantages over their synthetic counterparts, from being compatible with most condoms and toys, to not containing ingredients which could potentially trigger an allergic reaction.
Traditional lubricants contain synthetic chemicals and preservatives; instead, these have been replaced by natural plant extracts.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has become increasingly popular as an effective skin moisturizer and sunburn healer, especially among intimate areas users. Its water-based formulation does not contain glycerin, hormones or alcohol which could potentially irritate sensitive skin; plus it’s condom friendly as it works equally well when used with latex, rubber or plastic condoms.
It features a pH level that’s close to that of body’s natural lubrication, making it suitable for vaginal and oral sex, but may not provide enough cushion to make anal sex enjoyable.
This gel is free from parabens, phthalates, PEG drying alcohol flavor gluten and animal products as well as dermatologist-tested. Additionally, it’s vegan-friendly and latex-safe; patch tests should be conducted if there are latex allergies. Furthermore, the gel doesn’t degrade silicone-based toys despite drying faster than some personal lubricants and being sticky to some people’s tastes.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an effective natural, plant-based lubricant which can significantly reduce friction during intimate moments. Furthermore, its moisturizing and conditioning qualities leave the vaginal area soft and comfortable.
Coconut oil is packed with saturated fats but remains solid at room temperature, melting into liquid upon contact with skin heat. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that can break down virus and bacteria cell walls to combat HSV-1, HIV, Polio virus and other lipid-coated viruses and bacteria.
Coconut oil is relatively affordable and easily found at most health and grocery stores. Additionally, it can be combined with water-based lubricants for use as personal lubrication; however, those prone to yeast infections or who are susceptible to bacteria/fungal issues should consult an OB/GYN prior to trying coconut oil as personal lubricant; they should also conduct a patch test by applying small amount to inside of arm and waiting 24 hours.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is well known for its deeply moisturizing properties, providing long-term comfort. Additionally, Shea contains vitamins A and E which help strengthen skin elasticity and avoid dryness.
Shea butter contains the highest healing fraction of any natural seed or nut oil, helping reduce inflammation and promote new cell growth in skin tissue. It’s often used as a moisturizer and anti-itch cream, combatting itchy scalps while taming frizzy locks; plus it is also popularly used as an intimate hygiene ingredient since its highly lubricating qualities reduce friction during anal play.
At LIHA, shea butter plays an integral part of our stretch mark oil-gel and baobab oil products to both prevent and visibly reduce stretch marks, as well as our all natural cold saponified solid cleansing products. We source our raw organic shea butter ethically from Nigeria (co-founder Abi hails from there!) and Ghana to ensure optimal quality and ethical trade practices.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant-rich oil that can nourish and hydrate skin. It has been known to reduce dryness, itching and flaking of skin while providing anti-ageing benefits – perfect alone or mixed with other oils such as jojoba or coconut.
When selecting a vitamin E oil, it is crucial that it is pure and free from additives. Many over-the-counter vitamin E products contain additional ingredients which could potentially irritate or cause an allergic reaction on skin.
People use lubricants for various reasons, from relieving vaginal dryness during menopause, making anal sex more comfortable or increasing sensation during intercourse, to increasing sensation during intercourse. When selecting the ideal lubricant, one that doesn’t irritate delicate tissues of the vagina or lead to infection should be used – Dr. Crawford recommends using natural products that don’t contain chemicals such as glycerin and propylene glycol which may irritate and discomfort vaginal walls; she recommends Cliganic 100% Pure Vitamin E Oil which is non-gmo, organic and vegan product!
