Lubrication 101

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.

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