Water-Based
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
The first ingredient is water or aloe (if glycerin is
the first ingredient it will be very thick and might
be more of a “warming lotion” for oral play).
Can feel cool on the skin and may get a little sticky
after a while.
Can be reactivated by adding water.
Most commonly used and manufactured.
Offers the most variety, including flavors, warming,
stimulating and natural.
Washes from the body quickly.
Does not stain sheets.
Compatible with all toy materials.
pros
Compatible with many condoms and sex toys
Typically, Cheap
Doesn’t stain
Very Easy to clean
Has a gentle natural feel
Cons
It dries up fast
Can also be sticky
Not suitable for shower or other water activities
May cause yeast infections if glycerin is an ingredient
Also be aware of other ingredients in water-based
products that help them last in storage
Lubrication 101
SI Silicone
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
Silicone lubricants include ingredients that end in
“ol” or “cone” like; dimethicone, dimethiconol, or
an ingredient like cyclopentasiloxane.
Never feels sticky.
Creates long-lasting glide.
Can also be used for all-over body massage.
Great to use in water (tub, shower or pool).
Compatible with latex, rubber, glass and plastic materials.
Do not use with most silicone devices.
Pros
Compatible with non-silicone sex toys
Long-lasting lubricant
Water-friendly
Silky texture
Great for anal exploration
Cons
Typically, more expensive than water-based lube
Hard to clean off, Soap and water ought to be used to clean it
Not well suited for silicone toys or Cyberskin sex toys
Hybrid
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
A water-based lubricant with a silicone ingredient
in there somewhere, like dimethicone. It is usually
visually white or creamy looking.
Feels slippery, but thin enough to feel a lot of
sensation.
A unique, water-based lube that does not feel sticky.
Leaves the skin feeling silky smooth when dry.
Often hydrates, protects and traps moisture in the skin.
Compatible with latex, rubber, glass, metal and
plastic materials.
Not suggested for use with most silicone devices.
Pros
Last Longer
Benefits of a couple of lubrication in one
Thicker than silicone-based lube
Very simple to clean
Condom uses safe as long as there is no oil.
Cons
Not very effective for massage
Not always compatible with silicone sex toys
Plant-Based
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
It can be a gel or liquid and contain a blend
of plant-based derivatives instead of silicone
polymers or petroleum products.
Provides a smooth glide and feels very silky.
Some contain a natural form of glycerin that is
derived from vegetable oil or plant cellulose.
Many contain aloe for its healing and
moisturizing properties.
Can be flavored or have a warming sensation.
Many are certified organic, which appeals to many
customers.
Most are compatible with all toy materials. Check
label prior to use.
Natural/Organic
A number of customers prefer products that are
made with only natural or organic ingredients.
There are many different definitions of “natural,”
so be sure to read the bottles and offer versions
that appeal to your customer base.
Glycerin-Free
Glycerin may mimic sugar when added to
feminine chemistry, exacerbating existing
issues in sensitive women, leading to yeast
infections or vaginal irritation.
Paraben-Free
Parabens are a common preservative found
in most beauty products, and some women
develop a sensitivity toward petrochemicals in
the form of skin irritations. Most products with
parabens are banned in Europe.
Thick
Stays on the surface of the skin longer.
Provides more “cushion” or comfortable feeling.
Reduces friction and sensation. It is often ideal for anal
Thin
Allows people to feel more sensation without
as much friction. Perfect for someone who
wants a “kick start” until their own moisture takes over.
Flavored
Designed to enhance oral lovemaking, flavored
formulas are condom-safe and are typically
offered only in water-based formulas. They
can also be used for penetration. Remember they have sugar in them so not good. You can try but not advised
Stimulating
Designed to enhance oral lovemaking, flavored
formulas are condom-safe and are typically
offered only in water-based formulas. They can
also be used for penetration.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a seaweed and makes lubricants
feel exceptionally slippery. It can also heal and
repair vaginal tissue, soothe and relieve vaginal
dryness and add some moisture.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains no preservatives or
parabens and naturally contains antiviral,
antifungal and antibacterial properties like
caprylic, capric and lauric acids and it is
naturally edible. It can be used as a lubricant
or as a ultra-moisturizing massage oil. It is also
non-greasy and soaks into skin quickly. Latex
condoms are not compatible with ANY oil-based
lubricants and should not be used together.
Oil Based Lubricants (Natural)
Many people think of oils that can be found in your kitchens such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, olive oils, butter, and much more. Generally, if it’s safe to eat than its safe to put on your body. However, you may want to think twice since oil based lubes can destroy latex condoms. Oil based lubes are safe to use with condoms made from polyisoprene, nitrile, or polyurethane materials.
Pros:
Safe for the vagina
Safe to eat
Low cost
Easily accessible
Good for genital massage
Cons:
Destroys latex condoms
Stain Fabric
Oil Based Lubricants (Synthetic)
Synthetic Oil-based lubes usually refer to petroleum-based products like Vaseline, body lotion, and mineral oil. Just like natural oil-based lubricants, synthetic oil-based lubes can result in breakage of a condom, therefore increasing the possibility that the condom will damage.
Examples of oil-based lubricants include:
Baby oil
Vaseline
Body Lotions
Pros
Slick feel
Pleasant for external masturbation
Highly slippery
Cons
Hard to clean off, stains fabric
Not suitable for condoms
Here are some ingredients to stay away from when selecting the proper vaginal lubricant for sensitive skin.
Glycerin
Although glycerin triggers a warming sensation when applied to the skin, it is also food for yeast because it contains sugar. As a result, lubes that contain glycerin change the PH in your vagina which can lead to yeast infections. If you are sensitive down there you may want to look for a lube that is glycerin free.
Menthol
It is mostly used for its cooling power; however, it can also be too drying, which can cause light tissues in the genital area to dry out. Some may feel a burning sensation if they also are sensitive to menthol.
Bottom line
As you already know, avoiding ingredients like glycerin can reduce the risk of irritation and yeast infections. Sensitive skin lubricants are a great choice for those that suffer from vaginal pain, irritation, and itching.
Lubricant ingredients that may be problematic/irritants
Chlorhexidine Bacteriocidal preservative found in medical lubricants (ie. Surgilube, KY jelly)
Found to significantly reduce Lactobacilli, the protective bacteria in women’s vaginas.
Nonoxynol-9 Spermicide that has been found to increase transmission of HIV, and a known irritant CDC (Center for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Association) do NOT recommend its use for STD prevention.
Glycerin A sugar alcohol used as a preservative, may cause infections, and may be related to cell toxicity. See Osmolality section.
Propylene glycol Slightly sweet tasting preservative found in many lubricants, may be related to cell toxicity. See Osmolality section.
Parabens A weak estrogen, no studies have shown strong link with cancer, but may be concerning to some women. May cause irritation.
Oils Breaks down latex condoms, may be linked to vaginal yeast infections
Note: Olive oil can be an irritant, small studies found that it BREAKS DOWN skin, instead of healing skin (unlike Sunflower seed oil)
Petroleum Also breaks down latex condoms. May lead to bacterial infections.
EDTA Preservative found to disrupt tissue membranes (ie. ID Glide)
Polyquaternium Polymer suspected to be the cause of increased in vitro HIV replication in a small study(found in some Astroglide products)
Astroglide will also hydrate the cells in males and can cause them to explode killing the sperm.
Menthol Alcohol used to create “tingling sensation” (ie. KY Tingling Jelly — no longer available)
Capsaicin Oil of hot chili peppers, also used to “increase arousal” Reprinted from C&EN (2012), Vol 90(5):46-57
Herbal extracts Can be an irritant to some women
Honey is like glycerin it will give you a yeast infection
Ky goes into the cells in the vagina and will push out the water
which in turns makes you raw so no ky jelly
Other factors to consider:
pH: normal vaginal pH is 3.8-4.5, which is important
for vaginal health. Watch for lubes that are too high
or too low in pH.
Osmolality: is the concentration of particles in a
fluid. Certain lubricants contain ingredients that
cause high osmolality (ie glycerin and propylene
glycol), which can damage vaginal and rectal tissue.