Personal lubricants can reduce friction between a person’s penis, vagina or anus and sexual toys and provide greater sexual comfort and pleasure. Lubricants may also help facilitate sexual function for those living with various health conditions, particularly vaginal dryness during menopause.
Many lubes marketed as organic boast no glycerin, diethanolamine (DEA), or animal-derived ingredients; instead they often feature smooth textures with botanical ingredients like aloe vera or plant extracts for an all-natural experience.
Water-Based
Water-based personal lubricants feel similar to your body’s own natural lubrication and can sometimes contain additional natural or safe ingredients, making this type of personal lubricant particularly comfortable to use during vaginal, anal, and masturbatory sex, masturbation sessions as well as masturbation sessions – they also work well with most condoms and toys while being easy to wash away with water afterward.
They’re non-sticky, won’t stain sheets and can be used with latex and silicone condoms alike – unlike oil-based lubricants which encourage the growth of bacteria.
Lubes can be great options for postmenopausal women experiencing vaginal dryness during sex (1). Research shows that using lubricants may alleviate discomfort and decrease frequency of vulva and anal dryness (1-2). Lubricants are also used as part of pelvic floor training devices (3); it’s wise to consult your gynecologist before beginning using new products in your intimate area, including lubricants (4).
Silicone
Silicone is an adaptable synthetic polymer made up of silica, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon that’s used widely across industries including sealants, cooking utensils, rubber products and lubricants. As this material has long-term performance under stress while remaining waterproof and highly slippery properties it makes an ideal friction-reducing lubricant solution.
Women often prefer silicone-based lubricants over those containing glycerin or parabens as these may cause yeast infections in some individuals and possibly be carcinogenic. When selecting such an intimate product, ensure it’s suitable by reviewing its ingredients list and conducting a patch test on a small area of skin prior to use.
Silicone-based lubes should be clear in color and feature ingredients with “-cone” or “siloxane” as a last name, to identify it as silicone product. Avoid lubricants with additional colors, flavors, or fragrances which could irritate vaginal skin or disrupt balance of vaginal flora; additionally choose one approved by the Food and Drug Administration for personal lubrication to be sure it has undergone similar safety reviews as medical devices.
Aloe-Based
Aloe vera-based lubricants are made with all-natural ingredients and suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies. These thicker alternatives to water-based lubes last longer while remaining tasteless or odourless – except for the faint herbal scent emitted by aloe itself – while being ideal for anal sex, vaginal moisturising, or just to reduce dryness between intercourse sessions.
This all-natural lube is free from glycerin and fragrances to avoid irritating your skin. Constructed using moisturizing organic aloe vera extract for moisturization and vegan-friendly, its slippery yet long-term feel mimicking natural body lubrication is safe with condoms or sex toys alike.
Oil-Based
Oil-based lubes give an experience similar to that of natural body lubrication, with some oils offering aromatherapy or flavor for increased sexual stimulation while others simply providing smoother sliding action. Unfortunately, though, oil based lubes are more difficult to clean out of body orifices and sheets due to residue left behind, and may even interfere with silicone toys; some varieties contain wax which protects against friction while others include fatty acids that soften tissues and provide skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals.
Many women turn to lubricants when visiting gynaecology clinics or having their pap test, and for vaginal dryness or painful sex. Unfortunately, using water-based lubricants doesn’t address the cause of your dryness, which is likely low estrogen levels in your vulva and anal tissues. Water-based lubricants may even dehydrate those tissues by altering its balanced pH balance; be wary of choosing ones containing glycerin or any chemical additives as water-based alternatives may damage tissue cells directly.
