Lube Replacement
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Lube Replacement
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Petroleum jelly? No. Coconut oil? Go for it.
Ah, lube. This slippery tool is a major game changer—and for some an essential. What was once considered an embarrassing sex add-on on is, these days, routine, says Alyssa Dweck , MD, a gynecologist in New York. And it’s not too surprising since it can take your orgasm up a notch by easing penetration and minimizing friction so you can last longer, plus it’s always ready to step in when you're facing a dry situation down there (it happens) and need a quick fix. Of course, in order to enjoy all these perks, you’d actually have to have some lube nearby. And when you don't, it’s only natural that you'd want a DIY option when you're totally out of the stuff and sex is on the table.
But you might want to take a beat before you reach for a slippery household substance to take its place. In fact, experts say putting any old lube substitute up there is a major no-go. Even seemingly harmless stand-ins can contain allergens, deteriorate your skin, or interfere with condoms , says Maureen Whelihan, MD, an ob-gyn at the Center for Sexual Health and Education.
The key to finding the right sub when you’re in a pinch is all in the ingredients. They’ll have to be organic, easy to wash out, and have a far off expiration date. Ahead, examples of every substitute that seems like it would be a good fit, but absolutely should never go anywhere near your vagina. And when you’re done committing those to memory, you’ll find the subs with the experts’ seal of approval.
Not only can it quash a condom 's effectiveness, but using baby oil in your vagina can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection, says Lauren Streicher , MD, an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and author of Sex Rx: Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever . (A study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found a link between the intravaginal use of baby oil and Candida species colonization, which can lead to a yeast infection .)
This stuff actually makes for a terrible lubricant, says Streicher. "It's not all that slippery, so for most women, it's not effective," she says. And since it hasn't been specifically formulated for vaginal use, she says there's always a chance that it could irritate your vagina . Plus, since this cooking staple is oil-based, it's not condom-compatible and will cause the latex to breakdown.
It's there and it's wet, so it makes sense that you'd consider using it as a lube when you're in a bind. But Streicher says it's not slippery enough to be an effective lube. So you're just wasting your time (and saliva). Plus, spit facilitates the transmission of STDs and could introduce infection into your vagina, just as unprotected oral sex can, adds Jason James, MD, medical director at Miami's FemCare Ob-Gyn .
It looks like lube, sure, but petroleum-based products can lead to infection, Whelihan says. A study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who had used petroleum jelly as lube in the past month were more than twice as likely as non-users to have bacterial vaginosis . And, like other oil-based lubes, it can screw with condoms.
There are a lot of potential irritants in lotions, like perfumes and propyl glycols (the water-soluble compounds that help lotion stay moist), which can cause swelling, puffiness, and general irritation down there (ouch!), says Whelihan.
Besides having to crack open a few eggs, which will just make breakfast the next day a hassle—egg whites are a no. Are they goopy and slippery? Yup. But they're also perishable, says Dweck. If you eggs have gone bad and you don't know it you end up with a contaminated or rancid substance inside you, which could cause infection. She admits, "plenty of women use this stuff without any problem whatsoever, but the ones I see in my office are those who have add things gone awry," so there's always a chance and she doesn't recommend it's one you take.
Butter is a bad move, too, says Dweck. There's a chance you might not even realize it's gone bad since it's, you know, in between your legs rather than inside you mouth. And even if you taste it first, it's the oils in butter can have a destructive effect on condoms.
“Coconut oil is a favorite of lots of women,” Dweck previously told Women's Health . Beyond the fact that it smells and tastes good, it's also easy to use since it's a solid at room temperature and turns into a liquid with warmer temps (like your body heat).
Just keep in mind that it can deteriorate latex condoms, says Whelihan, so don't pair these two during sex.
When it comes to a natural grab-and-go lube, aloe vera is a great choice. Just be sure that it's actually aloe vera, because some aloe products include ingredients that could irritate your vagina, advises women’s health expert Jennifer Wider , MD. Bonus: This one is totally safe to use with latex condoms.
"Olive oil has an been an old standby for some time," says Dweck. For a the best ~feel~, go for the extra virgin stuff since it's thinner and will spread more quickly and easily. But, she warns, if you're relying on a condom, don't go for olive oil since it will interfere with it. The same goes for canola and sesame oils, which Dweck says are acceptable subs, too.
If you have a container of vitamin E jelly capsules somewhere at home, pop a few and spread the oil as needed, says Dweck. This oil is a little on the thicker and stickier side, but if it's your only option, go for it. Reminder: The oil will pretty much make your condom ineffective, so ditch this idea if you're using one.
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Find out the pros and cons of each.
There's an urgency when it comes to lube. When you need lube, you need it now . So what do you do if things are getting hot and heavy, and you realize you're out of stock? You could put your clothes back on and run to the nearest drug store while your naked partner twiddles their thumbs waiting for you...or you could check your cabinets for a worthwhile lube alternative.
There are a few common household products that can substitute as lube, including Vaseline, olive oil, coconut oil , and other things you might have lying around. We should note up front that they're not perfect; some are better for certain sex acts than others, and some carry risks, like increasing the likelihood of a vaginal yeast infection, or—in the case of oil-based products— eroding latex condoms.
But if you're really in a pinch, we rounded up seven trusty lube alternatives, including the pros and cons of each option. We'll also tell you which lube alternatives work best for which sexy activities. Coconut oil, for instance, is probably better for butt stuff than P-in-V sex.
If household products are a little too D.I.Y. for your liking, we get it! Here are some other lubes we recommend. If not, here's what to know about
“People often forget that vaseline is very safe and effective to use on both penises and vaginas,” says Michael Ingber , MD, a urologist and urogynecologist at Garden State Urology. “Petroleum jelly (which is vaseline) is an emollient, which means it softens skin and helps it heal."
While completely safe to use on the vulva and inside the vagina, “the downside is that it does ‘hang around’ for a while,” Ingber warns. So sometimes after sex, it can be difficult to wipe off, and people may feel a bit "greasy" down there.
Every household (should) have olive oil in it, and while it is safe for vaginal use and anal sex, there are a few risks you should be aware of.
For one, oil-based lubes—both the manmade and olive varieties—can break down condoms. You can, however, use olive oil on synthetic condoms, like those made from polyurethane . (This risk is why many lube companies don't actually make oil-based lubes, instead sticking to water-based or silicone-based). Second, oil is thicker and doesn't easily dissolve in skin. That means it can clog pores, trapping bacteria in the vagina and anus and increasing the likelihood of infection.
That said, using it once or twice while you wait for your Amazon Prime delivery isn't going to kill you. Although it might be worth it to shower afterwards to get all the olive oil off (or out) of you.
Oh, and speaking from personal experience: Be careful with your sheets. Olive oil can stain.
Coconut oil is another natural lube alternative. It carries the same risks associated with olive oil, along with potentially disrupting pH levels inside of a vagina , which can increase the likelihood of getting a yeast infection—especially if your partner is already prone to them. It might be better to try out some anal play if you're using coconut oil.
“Peanut oil tends to be less viscous oil than some of the other vegetable oils out there,” says Ingber. “And studies show when heated to body temperature, it actually becomes less viscous.”
Some folks may actually like this, as it may be more similar to the natural lubricant provided by physiologic sexual secretions, explains Ingber. Nevertheless, like with the other oils, you want to keep an eye out for signs of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Additionally, as it is an oil, it’s not recommended for use with condoms.
Some people keep their medicine cabinets stocked with Vitamin E oil to use as a moisturizer for the skin—and they also turn to the substance as a lube alternative, Alyssa Dweck , MD, a gynecologist in New York, told Women's Health .
At this point, you know the drill with oil-based lube alternatives: They can break down condoms, and some women may experience irritation. So use with caution.
This alternative isn't great if you need lube in a jiffy, as it requires a little bit of work. (Very little, but still more than pouring out oil directly from the bottle.) While there's a little variation with online recipes , the general consensus is to dump four teaspoons of cornstarch into one cup of boiling water. Stir the pot continuously, or your lube will get lumpy. If you like your lube feeling thicker you can add more than four teaspoons, if you like thinner lube then two will suffice. Stir for about 15 minutes, and then let it cool naturally. (You don't want to put it in the fridge to cool or again, you'll end up with some nasty, lumpy lube.) When it's cooled off, pour your new lube into some Tupperware or bottle for safe keeping. Store at room temperature.
“Even though it can be a little bit messy, the texture is silky smooth and cornstarch is naturally hypoallergenic,” clinical sexologist and certified sex coach Sunny Rodgers told Dollar Shave Club , adding that the mixture is "condom compatible."
If this list were a competition, aloe vera would win. You can use it with latex condoms. It's slippery, soothing, and can even help prevent yeast infections as opposed to increase the likelihood of getting one. The only thing (and we can't stress this enough) is that it needs to be 100% pure aloe vera. Jennifer Wider , M.D., previously told Women's Health that many aloe veras contain artificial ingredients that can irritate vaginas.
Additionally, some folks with sensitive skin might have a reaction, so it might be worth it to put a small patch on your skin, wait a few minutes to see if you have a reaction, and if not, go ahead and lube yourself up.
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by Vanya Sharma
last updated - January 26, 2020
✓ Evidence Based
With the growing popularity of natural products in the sphere of health and food, it is only self-evident that natural lube options are more favored than the other synthetic options available out there.
If you wouldn’t eat something which has hard toxins in it, then why would you insert or apply something that is made of unnatural or harsh chemicals. Going for natural lube means using safe substances for the most sensitive parts of your body – which includes the vagina and/or your anal lining.
So, if you are planning a big night and don’t want it to be a turn-off, then it is safe to carry some sort of a natural lube with you. To expand on this, say what if you don’t get turned on? Or to put it rather more precisely, what if you find out that you’ll be requiring more than just foreplay before sex ? For times like these, here is a list of the best natural lube alternatives to give your sex life the boost that it’s been falling short on.
The best natural lube alternatives include coconut oil , aloe vera , saliva, ghee , avocado oil, egg whites, almond oil, olive oil and more. [1]
Coconut oil helps in preventing dryness and also lasts longer than other lubricants. Due to its antifungal properties, it also lowers the risk of yeast infections . Although certain caution is advised while using coconut oil as it can cause the latex in your condom to break and thereby open the door to STIs, STDs, and unwanted pregnancies.
Aloe vera is gentle and so it does not cause any irritation when applied to the sensitive parts of your body. It will be good to only use aloe vera gel that is 100% pure in order to avoid side effects. You can also use aloe vera directly extracted from a house plant. It is also safe to use with condoms as it does not weaken the latex.
As strange as this may sound, Greek yogurt makes for a really good substitute for lube. Thanks to its protein content and high pH value, yogurt also helps in treating yeast infections. You can also use plain yogurt for the same.
An age-old classic, saliva works amazingly as a lube. Just spit a little on your fingers, apply down there, and see how it does the wonders! [2]
A form of clarified butter , most often used in Asian cooking – ghee has many healing properties and is especially popular for its moisturizing and soothing effects on the skin . This is what makes ghee a good option for lube as it can be applied to the sensitive areas of your body without much of a worry. Those who have already used it also say that it is good for oral sex as it tastes nice. Does it?
Do you use any of these? Photo Credit: Shutterstock
The only risk you need to cover with ghee is that it might cause your condom to break – so, maybe not a good choice for a long-lasting effect. Make sure you wash it off unless you want it to smell later.
It is believed that egg whites can be used as a lubricant while having sex, in fact, some people also believe that they help in conception. It is advised to only use pasteurized eggs as a lube to avoid salmonella infections.
This is a type of yam, mostly used in China, Japan, and Vietnam. Because of its sticky and slimy texture – features important for its use as a good and effective lube – nagaimo makes it to this list. It reduces friction and irritation, however, it is suggested to use it with something else like coconut oil so that it lasts longer. Also, in that case, it is suggested to not use it with a condom.
Natural oils like olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil , and margarine can all be used as a natural lube alternative. Certain caution is advised while using them as they may interfere with condoms just the same as coconut oil. [3]
While you’re at it, there are also certain lubes popular for their effectiveness, but should be avoided for one reason or another. Let’s take a look at them below.
A popular would be Vaseline or any other petroleum jelly as a moisturizing lube, but little do we know that what feels soft on your skin, is actually very greasy and bad for your sheets, as well as your health. There are studies that reveal how it can lead to bacterial vaginosis. So maybe, you would want to avoid this one. [6]
Another no-no is the use of baby oil as lube, as most of them have petroleum or some other mineral oil as a base ingredient. If you use it in your vagina, it may increase your chances of bacterial vaginosis. Not just that, but it is also hard to wash off.
Do not grab just about any oil from your kitchen for lubrication, because refined or hydrogenated cooking oils like canola or any other vegetable oil are highly processed. They are usually heated, bleached, and have gone through various chemical treatments. They can also stain your sheets and leave their residue in your body, increasing the risk of infection.
So, this brings us to the end of this list. Hoping this works for you and you have a great time. Please note that even the best of natural products can
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