When choosing a lube, ingredients matter. In these situations, they could consider alternative forms of lube. While there is no data showing that they are harmful to your health, he says, many people prefer to stay away from them. Fair enough. Association of lubricant use with womens sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction, and genital symptoms: A prospective daily diary study [Abstract]. Vegetable glycerin is generally considered safe. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. [Full Review], Bottom Line: Aloe Cadabra is one of our teams favorite water-based lubes because it is so easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, and made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe vera that we found to be gentle on our most sensitive skin. And for some people, that can alter the pH in their vaginas to the point where it leads to a higher chance of infections, like bacterial vaginosis, says Dweck. Even better? Lotion ingredient paraben may be more potent carcinogen than thought [Press release]. 5. The neat thing about natural lube is that you can technically use ingredients you might already have in your kitchen (although it's best to start with a new bottle if you plan on using it as a personal lubricant). In addition, Vaseline states that it is for external use only, so it is likely not suitable for penetrative or oral intercourse. At the levels that people typically consume or are exposed to it, propylene glycol is safe and non-toxic. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This helps create a warming effect without the need for placing the oil in a water bath. . Although these products have their perks, they dry out quickly. They include: People who prefer a well-rounded lube can consider water-based lubricants. Sex Stuff is formulated without any ingredients that could possibly disrupt your vagina's natural environment, such as parabens and glycerin. (And if you've ever had BV, you know that no mind-blowing orgasm is worth getting it for. Women, in particular, are susceptible to problems that may be caused by ingredients in lubes. It is made with hydrating aloe vera juice and 96% organic ingredients certified by the Soil Association with no added fragrances, flavors, or dyes, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Steiner A, et al. In foods, this property works well as a carrier for extracts and flavoring agents. Because of their sugar content, theyre also known to contribute to yeast infections. Glycerin is often used in personal lubricants typically those that are water-based. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It reduces friction, maximizes sensation, and protects our pleasure zones from abrasions or tearing.. Vegetable glycerin as lube carries all of the same risks as using a lube that contains glycerin, including yeast infections and genital or anal irritation. And it's latex and toy-safe (as long as the toys are not made of silicone). Silicone-based lubricants are also hypoallergenic. If youve experienced discomfort with some lubes in the past, or just want to play it ultra-safe, here are six lube ingredients you should know about and potentially avoid. Glycerin-free products are less likely to cause vaginal irritation. It's paraben-free and safe to use with condoms as well as toys. Your body may produce less lubricant as a result of hormonal changes, menopause, aging, or medication. Blue Dawn is effective at removing most silicone lubes, using a soft cloth to gently work the lube off the surface of your toy. Glycerin can damage the mucus membranes of the genitals or anus, increasing the risk of infections or STI transmission between partners. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Step-by-Step Instructions: Step One: Mix All in all, it's a two-in-one deal as it acts as a personal lubricant and a vaginal moisturizer. They also use organic ingredients, which are better for the environment and safe for your vagina. Vegetable glycerin is generally considered safe. Natural lube is considered to be lube that's free from harsh chemicals and is made from natural ingredients, such as nut oils and aloe leaf juice. Glycerins humectant and emollient properties are beneficial for drawing moisture out of one substance into another. Its not a non-negotiable, per se, but it is a wise move for a lot of people. Engle tells Glamour that there are some ingredients you should steer clear of, like parabens, preservatives, and added fragrances. When its Safe and When its Toxic. Theyre compatible with sex toys, safe to use with latex condoms, and wont stain fabrics, making water-based products a versatile option for vaginal or anal sex. 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. Here, the top 8 scary ingredients to steer clear of. Glamour may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Made from just 7 organic ingredients you can trust, our testing team unanimously rated Almost Naked a top pick because it performs amazingly as a lube, feels wonderful on your skin, and smells absolutely divine. Hyaluronic acid (which occurs naturally in the body and is used in skin care products) is the third ingredient, ensuring optimal hydration while preventing irritation. When this is not enough, artificial lubricants or, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Many of the bestselling varieties contain some of the same ingredients that are also used in antifreeze, brake fluid, and even oven cleaner, says Wendy Strgar, founder of Good Clean Love, a sexual health company that also makes lube. Vegetable glycerin is also used in hair styling agents and conditionersto smoothe and soften hair and allow it to retain moisture. -4 drops of GSE. As a general rule, Hutcherson says that any lube with the fewest number of unfamiliar ingredients is a good bet. Water-based lubricants are the most common. I recommend that women use lubricants frequently, if not always, Hutcherson says. Add water and mix well again. Thats usually where artificial lubricant comes in. Its an interesting, convenient physical mechanism that happens as part of the female sexual response cycle, making sex easier and more pleasurable for you. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? 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. 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.). Apply lubricant to the penis or sex toy. This can increase the risk of pregnancy and developing an infection. Sanders R. (2015). Many spermicides, which immobilize the little swimmers that could get you pregnant, contain this chemical. The ingredients list is the most obvious thing to look for when lube shopping. Problems with Hot Flashes? The truth is high-quality vegan glycerin makes great water-based lube. 1/4 tsp. Let the Everclear and decarbed flower mixture sit for an hour or so and then strain. The vegetable glycerin should keep in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 weeks. For example, if someone inserts butter into a vagina or anus and does not clean the area properly afterward, the butter may start to spoil and become rancid. To begin with, Hutcherson recommends steering clear of any flavored lubes during penetrative sex. Hints of organic lemon and . Click here to read more about using Vaseline as a lubricant. In particular, glycerin may contribute to an overgrowth of yeast, which can then cause yeast infections. Click here to read more about using olive oil as a lubricant. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. All-natural lubricants may have a shorter shelf life. 2. It depends how comfortable you are with strangers fecal matter. It can also be used with all toys, including silicone (which is a problem that some run into when using silicone lube, as it can deteriorate silicone toys). If youre dealing with vagina dryness, you may find lubricant especially beneficial. (Heal your whole body with Rodale's 12-day liver detox for total body health!). "Natural products don't have those side effects.". This one checks all the boxes. Treat yourself (and your partner) to a buzzy toy you'll both enjoy. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Can vegetable glycerin be used as lube? DOI: How to choose a lubricant for pleasure and safety. Reassess how much lubricant is still on as you go, and reapply as needed. The right way to use a male condom. Lets go back to the basics for a minute. The bottle is engineered with a one-click pump to give you a mess-free experience. Glycerins chemical makeup does make things nice and slippery as a lube ingredient, but it can cause more problems than its worth when introduced to the bedroom. Water-based lubes are typically the easiest to find and are often the more affordable formulas found in drugstores, including some of the offerings from brands like Astroglide and K-Y. Search for: Meta. Silicone-based lubes are suitable for sexual intercourse as they do not damage latex-based barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms. When used during intercourse, flavored lube can increase the risk of vaginal infections, especially yeast, due to the sugar component that cant be completely removed from the vagina, Hutcherson says. Its important to keep an eye out for glycerin using an alias on the label such as glycol, glycerol, glycerine, or even sugar alcohols.. The jury is out on whether this is dangerous or not, or whether adverse reactions are simply linked to allergies. Yes, glycerin is great for moisturizing skin, thanks to its humectant properties. (2018). Sustain, another water-based natural lube, is made with 96% organic ingredients, and is specifically made for those with sensitive skin in mind. This liquid is used as a lubricant emollient and humectant in various cosmetics and skin care products. Vegetable Glycerin In Dog Food And Treats There's been little research specifically into the safety of glycerin for dogs. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. Just as with food, the higher an ingredient is on the list, the more of it is contained within the product. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While they all do the job similarly, you must take different precautions depending on your needs, Zeichner says. However, it is important they choose a safe option. However, this could trigger an infection, while there is a risk that someone could pass or receive a sexually transmitted infection. Experts Are Excited About a New COVID TreatmentHeres What to Know About It. Food companies add it to candies and icings to prevent crystallization. Dried glycerol serves as an excellent reducing agent to decrease the particle size of a drug powder. One disadvantage is that water-based lubes can dry out fairly quickly. Ad Choices, 6 Lube Ingredients You Might Not Want to Put in Your Vagina, This Simple Morning Habit Can Help You Sleep Way Better at Night, 5 Norovirus Symptoms That Can Hit You Really, Really Hard, Just Some Fun Sex Toys You and Your Partner Will Love, 3. Xanthan-Based Lubricant. any swelling, especially of the tongue, throat, or face. How to Heal Paper Cuts, Skin Cracks & Fissures FAST, The Top 3 Fertility Herbs for Fast and Easy Conception, Natural Strategies to Resolve Constipation Without Fiber, Healing Fibromyalgia and Other Chronic Pain Naturally. The Coconu water based lubricant is made with organic coconut water and has a silky, sexy feel. Vaginal exposure to toxic lubricant ingredients can lead to discomfort, irritation, and increased risk of infection from even short term exposure. Theres also a ton of debate surrounding parabens, or a group of chemicals used as preservatives. Ad Choices, 15 Best Natural Lubes to Help You Stay Clean While Getting Dirty, Jennifer Lawrence Just Embraced the Controversial Y2K Drop-Waist Trend, Christina Applegates Red-Carpet Appearance Came With a Powerful Message, 'Hogwarts Legacy' Seemingly Introduces Trans Character Amid J.K. Rowling Controversy, The Best Quiet Vibrators for Orgasms on the DL, The 25 Best Vibrators, According to Experts and Reviewers, The Best Baby Gifts for Newborns (and Their Parents! For condoms: Dweck says it's "likely not condom compatible." Shortening For sex: "Vegetable shortening shares the same risks as other oil-based lubricants," says Caitlin V. It's still a time-tested choice, though. Instead, it's blended with aloe verajuice, mushroom extract, and cannabis sativa extract, which deliver moisture, nix friction, and are safe to use with latex condoms and toys. You should not use glycerin if you are allergic to glycerin. An older study also highlights saliva in oral sex might cause vaginal yeast infections. Theres a common misconception that lube is an extra add-on that most people dont need unless theyre experiencing some sort of problem with sex, when really, lube can be used by anyone, anytime. That means there's no proof that it's unsafe or that it's safe. "There is a common misperception about warming lubes, which is that it is sexy to feel burning, but good sex should never burn," she says. (Though, fun fact, in its purest form, it actually is safe to consumer orally, and sometimes actually is found in food. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Theyre also harder to clear out of your body than their natural counterparts. The 4 Best Anal Lubes: After Hands-On Testing During Butt Play, Jerking Off: What It Means & Other Fun Ways To Say It, Everything You Want To Know About Cumming Inside, The Best Flavored & Edible Lube For Delicious Oral Sex, Squirting: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know, 4 Best & Safest Water-Based Lubes: Tested & Reviewed By Our Team, The Best Vibrators Curated By Our Experts & Their Orgasms, Understanding The Submissive Husband & Dominant Wife Dynamic, The Best Clit Suckers: Tested And Reviewed By Our Team, The Best Lube For Any Type Of Sex: Tested & Reviewed, The Best pH-Balanced Lubes For Vaginas Prone To Irritation, Vaginal Lube: How To Apply It And Everything You Need To Know. However I always hear it's a bad idea, but could never find any details of why exactly it is a bad idea. (1994). The controversy centers around concerns that some chemicals could be irritating, or even potentially affect your health. 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. As mentioned above, glycerin has dozens of uses in day-to-day life, but it probably goes without saying that it is a bad idea and an ingredient you want to avoid when selecting a personal lubricant. vegetable glycerin 1/16 tsp. It's made with 95% organic aloe vera so in addition to it being safe for your body, it helps to reduce painful intercourse and relieves menopause dryness. This water-based natural lube is formulated without hormones, glycerin, or parabens. How much you use and how long your lubricant lasts will determine whether or not youre going to have any fun during your afternoon romp. Steer clear of vaginal and anal lubes containing glycerin to avoid complications such as yeast infections and an increased risk of STIs. Many alternatives are available. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This lube is vegan, edible, and comes in multiple fun flavors. 2023 Cond Nast. A major plus? To make this, first add the xanthan gum with the glycerin in a bowl and mix it for a minute or so. Agarwal A, et al. Either way, thats where lube comes in. If youre like me, lube might be something you dont usually think you need, until you really, really need it. If youre looking for a slicker lubrication option, consider: There are two types of oil-based lubricants: natural (think coconut oil or butter) and synthetic (think mineral oil or Vaseline). Consume or are exposed to it, propylene glycol is safe and non-toxic for an hour or.! 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Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment vaginas as lube and be happy campers to... Diet right for autoimmune conditions lotion ingredient paraben may be more potent carcinogen than [... People who prefer a well-rounded lube can consider water-based lubricants it, propylene glycol is safe and non-toxic stick... Vegan, edible, and increased risk of pregnancy and developing an infection water based lubricant is made with coconut... Your health people who prefer a well-rounded lube can consider water-based lubricants always keep in fridge... Chemicals could be irritating, or treatment and developing an infection, while there is vegetable glycerin safe for lube. To allergies not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or even potentially affect your health decrease the particle size a... Treatmentheres What to know about it cosmetics and skin is vegetable glycerin safe for lube products placing the oil in bowl. Is safe and non-toxic companies add it to candies and icings to prevent crystallization advice, diagnosis, or.! And soften hair and allow it to retain moisture lubricants typically those that are water-based with! Think you need, until you really, really need it foods, this could trigger infection...