Natural lubricants tend to be free from glycerin, petroleum jelly and parabens – making them less irritating on your skin. You’ll find them either oil- or water-based – some even contain organic ingredients!
Some lubricants are designed specifically for intimate use and may include warming, cooling or other sensation-inducing ingredients to heighten sexual experience; others simply serve lubrication needs.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may be best known as an effective sunburn salve, but it’s also used as an intimate lubricant. This soothing, moisturizing gel-like substance is safe for use during intercourse and free from irritation – an ideal choice for women looking for ways to minimize irritation during sexual intimacy.
Aloe vera may help heal herpes-caused genital sores. However, those suffering from bacterial vaginosis should seek medical advice to avoid infection.
If you want a lubricant with all of the benefits of aloe vera, look no further than EXSENS’ vegan, paraben- and GMO-free Aloe Vera Water-Based Intimate Lubricant. Safe to use with latex condoms, it won’t disturb your body’s natural pH balance nor damage skin surfaces while its velvety feel adds extra intimacy and nourishment for both partners.
Petroleum Jelly
At any medicine cabinet you can find a small jar of petroleum jelly – one of the best-known natural lubricants, known for both its plain and scented versions.
Dermatologists often suggest applying pure petrolatum to wounds to avoid dryness and scabs, as moist wounds heal more rapidly than dry ones. Some brands even contain essential oils with extra skin benefits such as lavender or tea tree for added hydration benefits.
Petroleum jelly can help prevent chafing by creating a barrier between clothing or body parts and your skin, acting as an anti-chafe barrier and helping prevent diaper rash in babies. If you have an allergy to petroleum products, look for ones without comedogenic qualities which promise not to clog pores; or choose products formulated from beeswax or coconut oil instead for better results.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is widely recognized as an all-natural beauty aid that can moisturize skin and hair, while simultaneously acting as an excellent vaginal lubricant, particularly among women who experience vaginal dryness during sex.
Pham notes that coconut oil lube is cheap, easily available, and does not have the chemical taste and smell associated with commercial lubricants. Furthermore, “it may provide an ideal solution for people experiencing issues with silicone-based lube”, according to Pham.
Dr. Krapf suggests if you decide to try coconut oil for yourself, use only unrefined virgin coconut oil as this type may contain less additives that could irritate your body and alter vulva’s natural pH levels, potentially leading to yeast infections (though this is also true with antibiotics, tampons and anything else that comes into contact with vulva). Furthermore, use sparingly.
Olive Oil
Oil-based lubricants like coconut and olive oils spread easily, making them ideal for oral sex. But to ensure optimal results it’s essential to select an olive oil variety compatible with oral use.
Harvesting and extracting olives (Olea europaea) affects the quality of oil produced from them, depending on how carefully and thoroughly extracted, refined, or blended it may be. All these factors play a part in creating its final form.
People who opt for natural lubricants may also be concerned with exposure to toxic and chemical-laden conventional products, so choosing organic or vegan options may help limit exposure. Manufacturers have now begun producing products made with only natural ingredients; other manufacturers carry only vegan or organic options in their product lines – these options can often be found at health food stores and online retailers.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) oil has an affinity with the sebum your body produces, making it very soothing and nonirritating. Furthermore, its regulation aids with less breakouts and severe acne breakouts.
Jojoba oil, as a natural lubricant, absorbs quickly into the skin, making it less likely to clog pores while protecting intimate areas against friction, heat and irritations.
Jojoba oil can be found in various products from Jane Iredale such as lip balms and mascaras. Look for cold-pressed jojoba oil that uses an gentle method to extract it without using heat or chemicals that could compromise its antioxidant properties. Also available as an ester by mixing the jojoba with fatty alcohol through interesterification to produce an oil-free product.
