Substitute For Lube

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Substitute For Lube
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In an ideal world, your home would be stocked with the very best lube that money can buy. But one rarely plans ahead for the moment they need a dollop of personal lubricant, whether it's for trying out Kama Sutra-style sex with your partner or playing with your very best vibrator . When it's time, you need the stuff ASAP . The only thing more mood-killing than a frantic fumble through the nightstand drawer is expanding your fruitless search into the bathroom and the kitchen. All thoughts of getting intimate vanish within minutes of squinting at your pantry, wondering un-sexy things like, "is it safe to use coconut oil as a lube substitute?"
You deserve to enjoy sex without worrying whether aloe vera or olive oil will give you a nightmarish yeast infection in the days that follow. And while we can't recommend investing in a good lubricant that's designed for intercourse, medical use, and/or sex toys enough, it can be tough to make it to the store and pick some up before you need it. Fortunately, you do have options close at hand that'll do the trick when you need to get slick quickly. We asked experts what to use if you have no lube, and they told us which household items to reach for in a bind—and what to never apply "down there." Here's the lowdown on the 13 best natural lube alternatives.
For sex: "In some women, petroleum based products might increase risk of vaginal infection including bacterial vaginosis (BV)," says Alyssa Dweck , MD, who was named a top gynecologist by New York magazine."With that said, many people use this without an issue as a lubricant for both vaginal and anal play."
For sex toys: Because any oil-based lubricant can break down materials like some plastic and silicone toys, Dweck says it's important to follow a vibrator manufacturer's recommendations for what to use instead.
For use with condoms: It's important to know that most STI and pregnancy protection devices mix with Vaseline like oil and...well, pregnancy protection devices. "They can’t be used with latex condoms, dental dams, latex gloves, cervical caps or diaphragms," says Caitlin V., M.P.H., clinical sexologist for Royal , a vegan-friendly condom and lubricant company. If Vaseline is all you've got, use a non-latex condom .
For sex: "My go-to natural lube suggestion is coconut oil, Dweck says. "Smells good, easy to use, can come as solid and liquifies on contact with warm skin. It's also well tolerated on skin." Coconut oil's antibacterial and anti-fungal properties may disrupt the vaginal pH balance in some sensitive folks.
For sex toys: As an oil, it's not ideal for regular use with a toy.
For use with condoms: Non-latex condoms only.
For sex: While Dweck calls E.V.O.O. "a popular household staple often used for sexual play," she warns that it can potentially alter a woman's vaginal pH balance —creating the environment for BV or a yeast infection. She also adds that the smell is off-putting for some (those who don't enjoy associating bedroom activities with a big pasta dinner, perhaps).
For sex toys: "Olive oil can be used with toys, although it may be hard to clean off of silicone toys and isn't best for vaginal insertion," explains Caitlin V. "It's not well-tolerated by all people either, so test it on your skin before using." Again, a water-based lube is generally best to use instead.
For condoms: It's okay to use with non-latex options, it's definitely not recommended for conventional latex. " Out of abundance of caution, I suggesting using a backup or alternate product," says Dweck.
For sex: "Corn starch and water is a generally safe, and well-tolerated, water-based lubricant option," Caitlin V. says. She's even got a recipe for it! "It can easily be made at home by mixing a ratio of 2 to 4 teaspoons of corn starch and 1 cup of water, bringing it to a boil while constantly stirring. Boil until it’s at your desired consistency, remove from heat, and continue to stir as it cools for about five minutes."
For sex toys: "The recipe forms a slippery liquid that's protective against friction and safe to use with both condoms and toys," adds Caitlin V. "It takes a bit of work, however."
For condoms: Dweck agrees that it's likely fine to use with condoms, though "there's no definitive medical research to support this."
For sex: The aloe plant doesn't just offer amazing benefits for skin and hair ; it's a good vulva moisturizer, too. "Because of its restorative qualities and soothing, gel-like texture, aloe is a great choice for lubricant," Caitlin V. says. Dweck points out that this makes it a popular ingredient in over-the-counter lube, such as Aloe Cadabra . It's safe for both anal and vaginal sex.
For condoms: Safe. "Make sure to choose a product that’s 100 percent aloe or designed specifically as a sexual lubricant," Caitlin V. says. And, of course, "those who are allergic should avoid aloe-based lubricants."
For sex: Essentially the same deal as olive oil across the board. "Like olive oil, vegetable oil isn't ideal for vaginal penetration, but can be used by most people as an external vaginal or anal lubricant," Caitlin V. says.
For sex toys: It's generally compatible with silicone, glass, and metal sex toys, according to Caitlin V. Just make sure you know what material your vibrator is made of, especially if you're using vegetable oil.
For condoms: It's oil, so no latex. "Keep in mind that polyurethane and polyisoprene are effective against most STIs, and lambskin condoms are effective against pregnancy but not all STIs," Caitlin V. adds.
For sex: "Vitamin E oil is often recommended for topical application for women suffering with dryness, particularly related to menopause ," Caitlin V. says. (Dweck suggests puncturing a capsule to try as a vulva moisturizer or massage oil , after you've conducted a skin patch test).
For those who are trying to get pregnant , Caitlin V. offers a caveat for DIY alternatives like olive, vegetable, or coconut oil: "Oil-based lubes may also slow down sperm , so they're best to avoid if you are trying to conceive. And, they can stain your sheets."
For sex toys: The same rules for oil-based vs. water-based apply.
For sex: "While some women have used vaginal yogurt insertion for yeast infection, there is no evidence of efficacy as cure," Dweck points out. It can be used for sex, she says, it's another situation where "the odor could be a turn-off for some. It's also not particularly slick."
If you do use it, Caitlin V. says, "Be sure to use only plain, non-flavored and unsweetened yogurt, and avoid anything with fruit or added sugar."
For sex toys: It's not unsafe, but it's also not the most sanitary.
For condoms: Dweck says it's "likely not condom compatible."
For sex: "Vegetable shortening shares the same risks as other oil-based lubricants," says Caitlin V. It's still a time-tested choice, though. "It is possible to use shortening for anal sex, and has been popular among gay men."
For sex toys: Avoid it if you can, since it may degrade certain materials.
For condoms: Not suggested for latex. " If other options are available, such as silicone or water-based lubricant, it's best to avoid shortening all together," Caitlin V. adds.
For sex: People definitely do use it as a lube substitute. But according to Caitlin V., "petroleum-based lubricants like baby oil and Vaseline should only be used as a last resort. Greasy, hard to wash out, and can linger in the body for days after sex, creating an inviting environment for bacteria." There is less infection risk for anal sex, however.
For sex: While you certainly can't beat it for convenience, it's not a top choice. "Newsflash, the oral cavity probably has more bacteria than the vagina! With that said, women and men have been using saliva for lube in a pinch for decades," says Dweck. It dries quickly, too, so in addition to the infection risk, it simply doesn't last long for either vaginal or anal play.
For sex toys: Yes, but since it dries quickly, it's not the most practical alternative.
For condoms: "It's compatible with condoms, unless there is a food substance in their mouth, which could potentially alter compatibility," Dr. Dweck says (the imagination runs wild).
Please don't put these on your private parts:
For sex: The chemicals and artificial fragrances aren't meant for your most sensitive parts. "The surfactants in shampoos and other soaps can strip your skin of its natural protective oils, and therefore makes them a bad choice for lubricant," Caitlin V. advises, while Dweck simply says, "ouch!"
For sex toys: Avoid it if you can, particularly the high infection risk in vaginal insertion.
For condoms: "I can't advocate it, especially for women with sensitive skin," says Dweck.
For sex: Sticky, and not in a fun way. "Honey and anything with sugar should be avoided as lubricants," Caitlin V. says. Like petroleum-based substances, she says, "sugar can cause a pH imbalance in the vagina which can lead to irritation and infection."
For sex toys: Did you hear what we said about the bad kind of sticky?
For condoms: "I wouldn't imagine it's compatible with condoms," says Dweck.
For sex: " Although it’s a common choice for male masturbation, many lotions contain chemicals that can irritate the skin and may not be good for your overall health, such as parabens and glycerin," says Caitlin V. However, Dweck allows that it "depends on the individual person and the moisturizer."
For condoms: Dweck doesn't recommend this, either. Sure you don't have any corn starch lying around?
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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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