Ladies, listen up! It is time to take your sexual health into your own hands, starting with a simple and easy swap for safer, healthier sex. You may not know it, but many lubricants found at the drugstore are usually silicone- or glycerin-based and can cause yeast infections, UTIs and even an increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
The World Health Organization released an advisory note in 2012, calling attention to concerns over the pH and osmolality (or a substance’s ability to draw moisture out of tissues and cells) of lubes. Many lubes contain a much higher pH than a vagina, which can cause bacterial vaginosis. Plus, lubes with a higher osmolality can shrivel up the vaginal tissue due to the cell’s moisture being pulled out. Essentially, the lube breaks down the protective walls of the vagina, making you more susceptible to irritation, infection and STIs.
Natural lubricants are a safer option, but what makes a lubricant “natural?” “The best natural lubricant is a good lover,” jokes Carolyn DeLucia, M.D., FACOG, a gynecologist at VSPOT Medispa in New York City. “Barring that, natural is referring to not synthetic, with ingredients found in nature and may even be organic.” For example, many natural lubricants may contain aloes or naturally occurring oils, like olus oil or even probiotics.
While natural lubes are usually a safer option, DeLucia warns against them when condoms are involved. “When you are relying on condoms for birth control, you must make sure the lubricant you are using is safe and won’t destroy the condom,” she says. Using ingredients like baby oil, mineral oil and petroleum jelly will damage the latex of the condom, causing it to break. “Also, you must always be aware of any sensitivity you may have to one of the ingredients,” says DeLucia. Just because it is natural, does not mean it will not irritate your skin — always do a patch test on the inside of your wrist before sliding it into your vagina.
Below, you will find five popular natural lubricants safe enough to use with latex condoms, sex toys and sensitive skin.
Formulated with aloe and cannabis sativa extract, this pick from Maude is easy to use and even easier to wash off. Founded by Éva Goicochea, the Latinx-owned brand was born after the founder kept coming across the same types of personal care products in the drugstore aisle. They were outdated and not inclusive. Not only does this perfectly slippery formula and fun packaging get us excited, but we love that this brand is female-founded and female-focused, too.
Formulated with organic ingredients including olive fruit oil and vegetable oil, this USDA Organic lube is glycerin-, paraben- and fragrance-free, and will not irritate you or your partner’s sensitive parts.
A bestseller for the brand, this organic lubricant is water-based and contains good-for-your-V ingredients like aloe vera lemon, and vanilla (for a light, tasty flavor). The brand was founded in 2003 and has been ahead of the curb in terms of naturally safe personal care products. This pick, in particular, is safe enough to use with toys, latex and polyisoprene condoms. Plus, the formula is not sticky like other traditional lubes, guaranteeing a mess-free experience.
Because we just can’t seem to get enough of CBD, why not test it out on one of the most absorbent parts of your body — your vagina. Incorporating CBD into your lube can help increase blood flow to the applied area, increasing sensation and arousal. This pick from Kush Queen is water-based, non-GMO and safe to use with latex condoms.
If you couldn’t guess from the name, this lube is formulated with 95 percent organic aloe vera and will create some bedroom magic. pH-balanced, rich in vitamins and nutrients for your vagina, and chemical-free, this lubricant is 100 percent edible and vegan, too.
We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission. Prices mentioned in article are accurate as of time of publication.
