Geibel, S. (2013). Condoms and condiments: Compatibility and safety of personal lubricants and their use in Africa. Aloe vera has many antibacterial properties, which means that it can help you deal with other types of wounds on your skin. Plus, it can even ease the symptoms of conditions such as psoriasis and burns. It may also help prevent acne lesions and eczema flare-ups on your face that shaving might trigger. Maintains genital skin health It’s a lot to keep in mind–but you shouldn’t be scared. There’s a lot of options out there for you to create homemade lube that’s completely safe. There’s also a lot of research, and it’s easy to find resources on this subject, as it’s a common question and many people are trying to find natural alternatives for personal lubricant. Here are some of the ingredients you can use and ways you can make your own. Will NOT engage in anal sex : Aloe’s pH is around 4.5, which doesn’t match the rectum’s pH (usually between 7-8). So using it as anal lube may cause skin irritations or infections. ( More about this soon ).

But what if you want a natural lube or would rather use something you already have around the house? “You have a few good options, but there are also some things you definitely want to avoid,” says Dr. Crawford. What can you use instead of lube? The skin in and around your genitals can be especially sensitive, so it's important to think about which products you use as lubricant. However, like olive oil, people should not use virgin coconut oil if they use latex barrier methods of contraception. Egg whites Although silicone and water-based lubricants are safe to use with condoms, they may be more likely than oil-based lubricants to irritate the skin. There are many reasons you might be interested in making your own lube (beyond being in a desperate situation where you’re with your partner and you run out, and you had no idea you were low on lube). Commercial lubricants often contain ingredients that are difficult to pronounce, and if you’re trying to avoid products that don’t have natural, healthy ingredients, it can be tough to find a lubricant that fits this.and below: We don't recommend lubes with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Selected the Best Lubes On top of that, “vulva owners who use it are 2.2 times more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis,” Sparks adds. It’s also “not compatible with latex condoms, and is greasy, not slippery.” Definitely give it a pass. Baby Oil (a.k.a. Mineral Oil) 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." Take a small dollop of the gel, rub it on the inside of your elbow, and wait for a few hours to see if redness, itching, and other signs of irritation appear. It’s usually formulated for external use If you don’t have vitamin E, Rowett suggests an alternative that can be found in many household bathroom cabinets: primrose. “Evening primrose oil can be bought in a bottle, and while it is usually taken orally as a food supplement, can be used as a lube too, especially if you are a woman or person with a vulva who experiences a lot of vaginal dryness and inflammation,” she says.

Shaving cream is full of harmful chemicals and additives that will almost certainly cause irritation and redness. This is a terrible choice for lube. Grab the coconut oil and go live your life without inflamed, angry genitals. Toothpaste Oil-based lubes are usually made using natural oils such as vitamin E or coconut oil. They’re long-lasting and waterproof like silicone. They help with more severe dryness, says Dr. Eilber, but they are not compatible with latex condoms, and they could stain bedding and clothing.

PROS AND CONS

Chocolate Body Butter Lube– Yes indeed, you did read that right! There is in fact a CHOCOLATE lube recipe that is incredibly easy to make AND super delicious 😉 I think your sweetheart will enjoy this one if they have a sweet tooth!

After menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs, leading to decreased estrogen levels. This can cause the skin and tissue of the vulva and vagina to become less elastic, and people may experience vaginal dryness. In the end, if you are going to use any type of ingredient that you’ll find in your close or your cupboard for a little last-minute lube, anything that’s natural and organic is definitely preferable. Chinese Yam If you’ve ever used Vaseline or another petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, then you know it can leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. We appreciate that the bottle is discreet, so it’s easy to keep on your nightstand without anyone realizing it’s lube. Plus, it has a hand pump that makes dispensing it seamless.Want to use sex toys or condoms : Aloe vera gel works well with most plastic and silicone sex toys. Since it’s not oil-based, aloe gel also doesn’t break down latex — so you could use it with latex and polyurethane condoms. Aloe vera is water-based and can improve skin hydration while also reducing irritation. Its consistency makes it a good lube alternative. If you want more ways to spice things up in the bedroom, you need ForePLAY Fixes! We’ll text you & your spouse new, sexy ideas to try each week. Finding a lubricant that is safe and works well for both you and your partner is a personal journey, so expect to undergo some experimenting. Some homemade lube will work better for a specific type of sex, however, any of your options will in the end effectively do the same thing: make things more slippery. Just keep in mind that you need to be very careful. You should be gentle and cautious any time you put something in or around your genitals, no matter what it is. There’s always a possibility that the foreign substance can mess with your vagina’s PH levels, and there is a risk for yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Depending on the ingredients, you or your partner could have an allergic reaction as well. Even organic lubes that are sold in stores, which have great, natural ingredients, could contain ingredients that lead to a yeast infection. Getting hungry yet? Avocado oil is another choice that can make the leap from your pantry to your bedroom.

Or you could just plan ahead for next time by buying some lube from the store that’s specifically designed to safely enhance sex. Household Items to Never Use as Lube During Sex But your skin won’t absorb olive oil, so it can clog your pores if you don’t wash it off right away. Yogurt. While this may seem like more of an odd/desperate option, yogurt is perfectly fine to use, as long as you steer clear of the flavored kinds such as strawberry and vanilla. You should also make sure it’s sugar free; only use plain, organic, sugar free yogurt if you have any around. Because ghee is a form of butter that has the milk solids removed, it does not turn rancid as fast as butter and is safe to leave unrefrigerated for a time. Coconut Oil with Essential Oils Lube– Essential oils have so many benefits, but adding them to your homemade lube might be one of the greatest! Due to their natural properties, they will bring out the best of sensations. Try this recipe out for a sensational experience!However, I think it’s important to talk about personal lubricants. We need to be careful with what we put on and into our bodies. Being cautious of what I put on my skin is a huge part of my storyand one of the main catalysts for my zero waste journey.