Let’s talk about LUBE!

🧴The slippery slope of oil-based lubricants:

1. Oil-based lubricants can erode the latex on condoms.

2. Oil-based lubricants can be instigators—vulgar and vaginal irritation, interrupt the healthy bacteria in the vaginal canal causing yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

3. Silicone and oil-based lubricants could damage sexual health devices or pleasure-based toys.

4. Silicone and oil-based lubricants can stain sheets and garments.

💧Water-based lubricants might not be so slick but generally, are better for our bodies and our devices.

1. Water-based lubricants may get sticky because water is less viscous (and thus less slippery) than oil.

2. Water-based lubricants usually need to be reapplied.

🛑 The Alternatives and Avoids List

1. Coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, grape seed oil, hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, and vitamin E oil (all the above preferably organic) can be used as alternatives to water, oil, and silicone-based lubricants.

2. Sugary substances such as honey—even organic honey—whipped cream, etc. should NEVER be used as a lubricant or placed inside or near genital openings. 

3. Soap, shampoo, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), and any kind of hand or body lotions should also be avoided as lubricants.

4. Using scented or “warming”/“cooling” lubricants can cause genital irritation and/or infection and should be used with extreme caution.

5. The following lubricant ingredients should be avoided as much as possible: Chlorhexidine gluconate, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, and spermicides.