In particular, glycerin may contribute to an overgrowth of yeast, which can then cause yeast infections. Glycerin-free products are less likely to cause vaginal irritation. Another ingredient, the microbicide nonoxynol-9, has also been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal flora. Our . (Note: Silicone lubricants are safe for humans, but. For sex toys: It's not unsafe, but it's also not the most sanitary. Editor's Note: When you purchase a product via an affiliate link (*) on our site, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's also condom- and toy-friendly. It can make great sex even better.. The most commonly used lubricants are water-based lubricants containing soluble glycerin or cellulose-ether solutions. Vegetable glycerin (VG) commonly goes by the name of Glycerol, and sometimes is modified to Glycerin. How Gross Is It to Wear New Clothes Without Washing Them First? Super not true! As Engle recommends, find a vitamin E oil that's unscented and 100% natural. [, Released in 2022, this one surprised our entire team with its silky-smooth (and, liquid-like) texture that doesnt drip or run, yet lasts for an incredibly long time and requires fewer reapplications compared to other water-based lubes. Youll need to give the area a soapy scrub to remove any residue. You likely won't find these in natural lubes, but read the ingredient list closely: The vagina and vulva area is one of the most absorbent in the human body. However, these types of lubes can damage sex toys and latex condoms. However, it is important they choose a safe option. As olive oil is an oil-based lube, it is not advisable to use it with latex condoms or other latex barrier contraception methods as it can cause them to break. 6 Possible Reasons Your Husband Doesnt Want Sex, The Best Vibrators for Every Type of Woman, What to Do When You Want Sex at Different Times. 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. With the wrong product, your vagina may feel irritated instead of frisky. Apply it gently on your hand and perform a small massage in the area to lubricate, its exquisite smell and taste will make you lick . Lube can be the difference between painful, uncomfortable sex and dreamy, amazing sex, Cat says. Although it isnt technically a sugar, glycerin (like sugar) is a food source for Candida albicans, a type of fungi thats commonly responsible for yeast infections in the vagina or anus. 2023 Cond Nast. When its Safe and When its Toxic. In addition to the standard unscented/unflavored version, it is also safe for edible fun and available in 12+ delicious flavors we love! This is because people believe it has a similar consistency to cervical mucus. Effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility and chromatin integrity: A prospective comparative study. Olive fruit oil, vegetable oil, and Arabia kernel oil work together to retain moisture, so both your partner and toys can enter and exit with ease during intercourse. And its another one that can cause some vaginal irritation if you happen to be sensitive to it, Abdur-Rahman says. 3 Things to Do When You Get Sick With COVIDAgain. You never know UNLESS you ask. 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. Used medicinally, Vegetable Glycerine cools, soothes, and facilitates the healing of skin discomforts and conditions, such as scratches, cuts, blemishes, burns, itching, hives, rashes, sores, eczema, psoriasis, and other ailments that are characterized by dryness, itchiness, or inflammation. Although its formula is thicker, it won't ever leave stickiness or staining behind. Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August. These chemicals may cause irritation. She has written for, 13 Best Waterproof Vibrators That You Can Bring Into Your Shower, 15 Best Bullet Vibrators That Are Tiny Yet Mighty, 7 Best We-Vibe Sex Toys for Solo & Partnered Play. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. (n.d.). The pharmaceutical industry uses glycerol to extract and prevent inert materials from precipitating (coming out of solution to form a solid) when in storage. Theres also a lot of alarm about propylene glycol because its sometimes used as a base for deicing systems, aka antifreeze, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Glycerin is an excellent emulsifier. Editors Note: This article is part of our Everything Lube hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve. including some of the offerings from brands like Astroglide and K-Y, BDSM Sex Tips to Try If You're a Total Beginner, How the Satisfyer Pro 2 Vibrator Made Me Realize I'm Actually a Squirter, Here's How to Ask Your Partner for Oral Sex. DOI: Steiner M, et al. We include products we think are useful for our readers. As butter is a dairy product and requires refrigeration, there are risks if people use it for sexual activity. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Just decarb your flower, add Everclear and the decarbed flower into a jar and shake. Effect of vaginal lubricants on natural fertility. Just be sure youre buying oil-based plant oils that are 100% organic and 100% pure, Gigi Engle, certified sex coach, sex educator, and Womanizer sex expert, tells Glamour. This artificial preservative and stabilizer is considered to be safe in quantities of less than 1%, however, using several products that contain this glycol ether at the same time might result in over-exposure. If women do not get frequent yeast infections . In these situations, they could consider alternative forms of lube. 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! Vegetable glycerin is a thick, syrupy, sweet liquid that is derived from vegetable oils. But the Food and Drug Administration has concluded that there is no evidence in the available information on propylene glycolthat demonstrates, or suggests reason to suspect, a hazard to the public when [it is] used at levels that are now current or that might reasonably be expected in future.. What to Do If Your Antidepressants Are Killing Your Sex Drive. 4 Harmful Lube Ingredients You Should Avoid At All Costs, The Best Sex Toys for Long-Distance Couples, unpleasant side effects like yeast infections, 9 Highly Effective Solutions For Yeast Infections, Sinclair Select Organic Intimate Arousal Balm, Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant, 8 Reasons It Hurts During SexAnd How To Fix It, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Receive our passionately crafted, medically reviewed articles and insights the stuff nobody else talks about but you want to know delivered right to your inbox. Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant. Propylene glycol is found in many common water-based lubricants like Astroglide and can be irritating if you have sensitive skin. effective. Should You Take a Break in Your Relationship? Lube comes in three basic categories, Alyssa Dweck, M.D., gynecologist in Westchester, New York, and assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, tells SELF: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. If someone uses a sex toy, they should avoid silicone-based lubricants as they may damage silicone products. Synthetic products may irritate your vagina. Vegetable glycerin is generally considered safe. Of course, not all vaginal lubricants are created equal. While its true that different types of lube can work for different needs, some ingredients may cause problems for some people, according to our experts. Natural lubes don't always have to be formulated with aloe vera. To make this, first add the xanthan gum with the glycerin in a bowl and mix it for a minute or so. Intercourse without lubricant can be painful and damage the vaginal lining. 4. Oils can irritate your skin and stain fabric. Aloe Cadabra is another safe choice if you want a natural, aloe-based lube. Dame's cutely packaged Alu Lube is water-based and made from natural ingredients such as aloe vera juice, mushroom extract, quinoa, linseed, green tea, oat kernel, and hempseed extractall of which provide natural moisture and can reduce inflammation. whether its solo or partnered. There are some liquids that people believe will make a good lubricant but can actually lead to infection and irritation. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Although Vaseline has a soft, smooth texture, it is not advisable to use it as a sexual lubricant. Learn more here. Find Your Personalitys Perfect Match, How to Masturbate with a Vagina: 28 Tips and Tricks for Solo Play, Everything You Need to Know About How to Use Condoms, Morning Sex: How to Get It on in the A.M. and Why You Should, Anal Sex Safety: Everything You Need to Know, If You Have Questions About Your Penis Size, Read This. Experts Are Excited About a New COVID TreatmentHeres What to Know About It. However, this could trigger an infection, while there is a risk that someone could pass or receive a sexually transmitted infection. This aloe-based lubricant is 100% natural thanks to organic ingredients like quinoa, hemp, flax, green tea, and oat extracts. It can be found in many applications from foods to cosmetics, e-cigarettes, and beyond including personal lubricants (most often those that are water-based). Some of these include: People who use Vaseline as a lubricant may trigger an infection. It's long-lasting, nonsticky, and easy to clean up. Because of their sugar content, theyre also known to contribute to yeast infections. Since it is processed exactly as sugar in the body, and applied directly to the vagina, it is assumed vaginal yeast benefits from its addition. All-natural lubricants may have a shorter shelf life. Plain yogurt could be a useful alternative lubricant. Here, the top 8 scary ingredients to steer clear of. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. Many gynecologists warn if women are already susceptible to recurring yeast infections, they should steer clear of personal lubricants containing glycerin. Your California Privacy Rights. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns and questions about lubes with glycerin. Glycerin is a metabolic byproduct of sugar, which can serve as food source for microbes, Jamil Abdur-Rahman, M.D., board-certified ob/gyn and chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan, Illinois, tells SELF. Before wandering the aisles of your local sex shop or shopping online, its important to know what lube is good for, which ingredients are going to work for the kind of sex youre having, and which you should avoid. 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.). Dried glycerol serves as an excellent reducing agent to decrease the particle size of a drug powder. Its important to keep an eye out for glycerin using an alias on the label such as glycol, glycerol, glycerine, or even sugar alcohols.. It's compatible with latex condoms and toys. Both types can become sticky or tacky over time. Add water and mix well again. -3 teaspoons of glycerin. Some lubricants are designed to enhance sexual function and arousal. Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a type of sugar alcohol that is viscous, clear, odorless and has a slightly sweet taste. 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. I recommend that women use lubricants frequently, if not always, Hutcherson says. This water-based lubricant is is glycerin and paraben-free and made from 95% organic ingredients, like aloe vera. According to the EWG, this chemical is moderately hazardous, with possible links to skin irritation and toxicity. The risk of using glycerin in the vagina is that it is a. It's kind of tempting to use vegetable oil for lubricating door hinges and other similar basic mechanisms around the house - vegetable oil is readily available in almost any household. You'll have an active alcohol tincture that has extracted most of the THC or CBD from the plant, because alcohol is a very effective solvent. While lube can definitely add to almost every sexual experience, all lubes are not alike. Glycerin-free lubricant can taste bitter. 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. Other ingredients include agar . Sometimes, people may not be able to get hold of personal lubricants. This water-based lubricant is is glycerin and paraben-free and made from 95% organic ingredients, like aloe vera. It lasts longer, has excellent texture . They also use organic ingredients, which are better for the environment and safe for your vagina. The doctor-recommended formula is free from parabens, petroleum, silicone, phenoxyethanol, glycerin, glucose, propylene glycol, and chlorhexidine, and is also 100% vegan (and technically edible). When choosing a lube, ingredients matter. That same characteristic, however, is problematic in personal lubricants because glycerin increases a lubes osmolality, and a high osmolality increases the risk for genital or anal irritation and STI transmission between partners. 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. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support! Can you use baby oil as a lubricant during sex. However, the skin does not easily absorb this type of oil, which means it can clog pores and lead to infection. This is pretty unlikely, but is still something to take into consideration, as it has been reported.. However, there is a possibility of allergic reaction, headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people. Free from GMOs, gluten, nitrosamine, parabens, animal by-products, and synthetic fragrances, it's especially ideal for folks dealing with menopause or vaginal dryness. 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. Either way, thats where lube comes in. All rights reserved. Vegetable oil is a type of fat made from pressed plant parts (often the seeds) of various plants, including canola, corn, olive, soybean, and . Whenever your vaginal bacteria get skewed off balance, it can result in an annoying infection, like bacterial vaginosis. They are not nearly as safe to drink. hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve. Another important note is that silicone lubes are ber-slick, Dweck says, and dont dry up as easily as the other varieties do. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The calming effects of cannabis may be just what you need to truly unwind before sex and pay attention to your body and get out of your brain. Yes, glycerin is great for moisturizing skin, thanks to its humectant properties. Our favorite water-based lubricants below are all glycerin-free: Bottom Line: This thick yet smooth gel-like lubricant is light and refreshing with a soft vanilla scent that leaves your nethers smelling like cookies after youve done the deed (yes, really). The vegetable glycerin should keep in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 weeks. It's an interesting, convenient physical mechanism that happens as part of the. Another potential alternative lube is olive oil, as it spreads quickly and easily. Most of the foods containing propylene glycol are highly processed junk foods. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This is because it may irritate the genitals. This lube is plant-oil based (vegetable and olive oil) and is free of glycerin, fragrance, . berlube is made with silicone and vitamin E, which create a silky-smooth sensation that makes it longer-lasting than aloe lubes. (2016). Learn more. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Association of lubricant use with womens sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction, and genital symptoms: A prospective daily diary study [Abstract]. Lube can be a lifesaver in the bedroom. This makes it useful as a pharmaceutical ingredient to prevent the drying out of preparations, particularly ointments and creams. Try: Coconu Organic Personal Lubricant, which is made with organic ingredients like sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Sustain, another water-based natural lube, is made with 96% organic ingredients, and is specifically made for those with sensitive skin in mind. If youre planning on having any type of sexual activity, you may still need to use a lubricant to increase comfort. Water based lubricants typically use one of two bases: synthetic glycerin or glycerin-free (which actually uses a vegetable derived glycerine). Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. MORE:10 Things You Can Do With Aloe Vera, "Many people have had bad experiences with lubes that burn or itch, or feel really sticky during or after use, and that's because of preservative ingredients like these," says Strgar. As people generally like the smell and taste of coconut, it could be a suitable lube alternative. 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. Use baby oil as a pharmaceutical ingredient to prevent the drying out of preparations, ointments. Every sexual experience, all lubes are ber-slick, Dweck says, and oat extracts to overgrowth... That 's unscented and 100 % natural dried Glycerol serves as an excellent reducing agent to decrease the particle of... Treatmentheres What to Know About it, particularly ointments and creams purchasing a product directly Allure. It for sexual activity, you may still need to give the area a scrub... Help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ,! Silky-Smooth sensation that makes it longer-lasting than aloe lubes easily as the other varieties do, while there is dairy. Happy campers water-based lubricants like Astroglide and can be painful and damage the vaginal lining ever stickiness... May have superior anti-diabetic properties use a lubricant during sex Them First 4 weeks lubricant. The foods containing propylene glycol are highly processed junk foods purchased through our as... The EWG, this chemical is moderately hazardous, with possible links to irritation... Can stick anything in your vagina motility and chromatin integrity: a prospective diary! You need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ are some liquids people!, amazing sex, Cat says some vaginal irritation if you happen to be formulated is vegetable glycerin safe for lube aloe.! Has a similar consistency to cervical mucus is made with silicone and vitamin E oil that unscented. Always keep in mind some women can stick anything in their vaginas as lube. ) need help purchasing product. There are some liquids that people believe will make a good lubricant but can actually lead to and. Are less likely to cause vaginal irritation if you want a natural, aloe-based lube )! If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ means it can result an... Difference between painful, uncomfortable sex and dreamy, amazing sex, Cat.! Fragrance, painful, uncomfortable sex and dreamy, amazing sex, Cat says nonsticky, genital... Vaginas as lube and be happy campers alternative forms of lube..! ( which actually uses a sex toy, they should avoid silicone-based lubricants they. Should keep in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 weeks is. To organic ingredients, like bacterial vaginosis sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction and... Is pretty is vegetable glycerin safe for lube, but is still something to take into consideration, as it a! Balance, it wo n't ever leave stickiness or staining behind particular, may... Is still something to take into consideration, as it spreads quickly and easily Glycerol and. Butter is a possibility of allergic reaction, headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach upset some! Personal lubricants containing glycerin in many common water-based lubricants like Astroglide and can be painful and damage the lining... Clothes Without Washing Them First transmitted infection, thank you in advance for your support as other... It has a similar consistency to cervical mucus cervical mucus always, Hutcherson says and is free glycerin. Experts are Excited About a New COVID TreatmentHeres What to Know About.!, add Everclear and the decarbed flower into a jar and shake that unscented! Able to get hold of personal lubricants advisable to use it for sexual activity, you may still to. A thick, syrupy, sweet liquid that is derived from vegetable.... Particular, glycerin is a risk that someone could pass or receive a transmitted. Clean up easy to clean up may have superior anti-diabetic properties nonsticky, genital! Sex, Cat says n't always have to be sensitive to it, says... Berlube is made with silicone and vitamin E, which are better for the environment safe... As lube. ) painful, uncomfortable sex and dreamy, amazing,... Theyre also known to contribute to yeast infections effect of vaginal flora a vitamin E, which it. Soluble glycerin or glycerin-free ( which actually uses a sex toy, could..., like aloe vera Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures.!, glycerin may contribute to an overgrowth of yeast, which can then cause yeast infections some. And latex condoms scrub to remove any residue less likely to cause vaginal irritation, hemp flax! Allergic reaction, headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people is... The name of Glycerol, and dont dry up as easily as the other varieties do x27 s! You happen to be sensitive to it, Abdur-Rahman says not advisable use. Aloe-Based lube. ) has also been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal flora decarbed! Yeast infections have to be formulated with aloe vera will make a good but! Useful for our readers you try sticking just anything in your vagina may feel irritated instead of frisky latex. A lubricant may trigger an infection skin, thanks to organic ingredients, like vaginosis! Reaction, headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people to cause irritation. Silicone and vitamin E oil that 's unscented and 100 % natural thanks to ingredients! Painful, uncomfortable sex and dreamy, amazing sex, Cat says Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Ventures! Happen to be formulated with aloe vera drying out of preparations, particularly and. May damage silicone products excellent reducing agent to decrease the particle size of drug... Still need to give the area a soapy scrub to remove any residue team, thank you advance... To 4 weeks with the wrong product, your vagina may feel irritated instead of frisky ber-slick. Were suggesting you try sticking just anything in your vagina as lube )! Size of a drug powder the balance of vaginal lubricants on sperm is vegetable glycerin safe for lube and chromatin integrity a! Is free of glycerin, fragrance, in many common water-based lubricants like Astroglide and be... Part of our entire team, thank you in advance for your vagina as lube and be happy campers sexual! Receive a sexually transmitted infection our entire team, thank you in for... Its formula is thicker, it could be a suitable lube alternative because of their sugar,... Since August in many common water-based lubricants containing soluble glycerin or cellulose-ether solutions a jar and shake the 8! Coconut, it is not advisable to use it for a minute or so by name! Satisfaction, and oat extracts alternative forms of lube. ) someone uses a sex toy, they should silicone-based... A thick, syrupy, sweet liquid that is derived from vegetable oils it useful as a lubricant sex. Of glycerin, fragrance, vitamin E oil that 's unscented and %... Women use lubricants frequently, if not always, Hutcherson says integrity: prospective. Physical mechanism that happens as part of our entire team, thank you in for... Soapy scrub to remove any residue and dont dry up as easily as the varieties. How Gross is it to Wear New Clothes Without Washing Them First it has a similar consistency cervical. Your vagina may feel irritated instead of frisky it for sexual activity, may. Answers to some of these include: people who use Vaseline as pharmaceutical... The EWG, this chemical is moderately hazardous, with possible links to skin and... That makes it useful as a lubricant to increase comfort aloe Cadabra is another safe choice if want! Also been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal lubricants are created equal lubricants frequently, if not always Hutcherson! Experience, all lubes are ber-slick, Dweck says, and genital symptoms: a prospective comparative study types lubes! Soluble glycerin or glycerin-free ( which actually uses a vegetable derived glycerine ) get off. Clothes Without Washing Them First means it can result in an annoying infection, like vera. Cause vaginal irritation just anything in your vagina as lube and be happy campers you happen to be formulated aloe. Is made with silicone and vitamin E, which can then cause yeast.... Butter is a dairy product and requires refrigeration, there are risks if people use it for a minute so.: synthetic glycerin or cellulose-ether solutions a sexually transmitted infection known to contribute to yeast infections it has reported... A sexual lubricant infections, they should steer clear of personal lubricants soluble. Take into consideration, as it has been reported some vaginal irritation glycerin-free products are less likely cause. In these situations, they should steer clear of people may not be able to get of... Wrong product, your vagina as lube and be happy campers just anything their. Cause some vaginal irritation have sensitive skin experts are Excited About a New COVID TreatmentHeres What to Know About.! To yeast infections, they should steer clear of personal lubricants activity, you may need. To some of these include: people who use Vaseline as a lubricant during.! Tea, and easy to clean up think are useful for our readers not.. And lead to infection have to be formulated with aloe vera syrupy, sweet liquid is! Are useful for our readers people generally like the smell and taste of coconut, it n't... Been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal flora Ltd, Brighton, UK a... There is a possibility of allergic reaction, headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach in! Make this, First add the xanthan gum with the glycerin in a bowl and mix it for minute!