Experimentation in the bedroom is fun! But, there are some things that shouldn’t be messed with and one of those is your lubricant. Lube is a slippery little miracle that removes friction, helps transfer sensation and just generally makes things feel amazing!
And, it is used by women a lot. A 2014 study at Indiana University found that 65.5% of women used a personal lubricant at some point in their life, including 20% of respondents using one within the last month at the time of the study. But, looking at the ingredients list on commonly available lubes can be scary.
I’m talking about glycerin, glycols, acetate and parabens here. So how can we avoid these not so nice ingredients? Easy. Use a natural oil as lubricants instead.
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Product
Details
Our Rating
Pros
- Tasteless and odorless
- Won’t block pores
- Silky, non-greasy texture
- Seriously good for your skin and hair too
Cons
- Dries quickly and may need reapplying
- And, of course, you can’t use it with condoms
Our #1 Rated
Pros
- 100% coconut oil with no additives
- Super thick and long-lasting
- The best natural oil for long play sessions
- Can be used in 100 different ways
Cons
- Comedogenic and likely to block pores
- Will leave a thick residue on toys
- Honestly, it’s annoying to get out of the jar
- It can’t be used with condoms
Our #2 Rated
Pros
- Light, silky texture
- Won’t clog pores or leave a sticky residue
- It soothes irritated skin
- Least likely oil to stain your sheets (but, I would still use a towel just in case)
Cons
- Almond oil is a high allergy product
- The sweet smell can be overpowering for some
- Fast drying
- Not safe for use with condoms
Our #3 Rated
Pros
- Natural, unscented lube
- Soothing feel
- Long lasting thickness
- Chemical free
- Safe for toys and condoms too
Cons
- Many people are sensitive to aloe
- Water-based so will dry once friction stops
- Not odorless or tasteless
Our #4 Rated
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and moisturising
- Good for dry and sensitive tissues
- Long-lasting
- Plant-based
- No scent
Cons
- Starts out very thick
- Tricky to wash off
- Can’t be used with condoms
Our #5 Rated
What Are the Benefits of Using a Natural Oil As a Lubricant?
Well, number one is that there is nothing like the feel of oil on your genitals! What feels better? A massage with oil or a massage without? With oil right? Well, the same goes for your genitals! Natural oils are also naturally moisturising, long lasting and they can be used for watery sessions too in the bath or shower as they won’t dissipate in water alone.
But, what I find the most important benefit is that they are all natural and don’t contain many of the added ingredients that other lubricants do. A lot of people, myself included until recently, assume that water-based lubricant is the healthiest option as it is made primarily from water. But that isn’t the case.
Water-based lubes are loaded with added ingredients like thickeners, humectants and anti-microbial ingredients.
All of these additives can make them a nightmare for people with skin sensitivities. And even worse than that, a 2002 study on personal lubricant found that many of the top-selling water-based lubricants on the market may cause damage to the skin.
This then puts users at a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases. So, I bet that coconut oil in the pantry is looking pretty good right now huh? Now, I get it that natural to some people is different from others, so I have a little rule to help you out. If you are looking at a label and you can’t pronounce it… denounce it!
And, treat your vulvas, vaginas, or penises like the queens and kings they are. Oh, and did I mention that natural oil for lube doubles as a massage oil right? So, you know, while you have it out, your partner might as well give you one.
As mentioned you can use the oils also for massages. You don’t know how to give one? Check these erotic massage techniques!
What About the Cons?
Oh, I’m so glad you asked because there is one very, VERY important thing that you need to know about oil. It can not be used with latex condoms, latex diaphragms or latex sex toys. Oil breaks down latex causing condoms to tear and break. So, if you want to still use an oil lubricant then look for a non-latex condom alternative like polyurethane.
Another very important thing to know is that natural oils aren’t the best idea for anyone prone to yeast infections, and that includes you too men!
Yes, you can get yeast infections too. And yes, oils on your genitals can cause them. Most oils leave residue on the skin and this can harbor bacteria if it is not thoroughly removed. Most oils go rancid fairly quickly and any residue that is left in the folds of the skin can create an environment that is susceptible to infection.
And don’t forget that oils can stain, and some of these products will be unforgiving on your fabrics! I suggest sacrificing a few of your least favorite towels or blankets and using these to safeguard your actual bedsheets.
Which Natural Oils Are Safe to Use As a Lubricant?
Are you still with me? I know those cons sound a little scary but like all things, some oils are just better for your body than others and it’s important to understand the effects that these ingredients can have.
We only get one body after all!
Stick to natural almond oil, or grapeseed oil if you want something light and silky that won’t clog your pores. Coconut oil is another amazing option that will last and last as it is so thick and slippery.
What About Olive Oil?
Now olive oil as lube isn’t recommended unless you are desperate. Hey, it happens! Olive oil will pretty much turn your body into a slip and slide, as it is very smooth and long-lasting.
However, it will leave a very thick residue that can block your pores and cause an infection. It can also remain in the vagina for a long time afterwards, even if you try to clean it out so I would stick to external play only. And only if you are desperate… promise?
Which Ones Should Be Avoided?
There are some instances where wetter isn’t always better! Avoid any natural oil that is thick or greasy as these are the most likely to leave that risky residue.
There is a reason canola oil lube isn’t a thing.
It is way too thick and will clog your pores without fail. Not ideal! Also steer clear of baby oil, mineral oils or other petroleum-based oils that will be drying to the skin.
Here Are the Ones We Recommend for a Natural Ride
While simple store-bought oils work too, it might be easier to buy them in personal lubricant form as they are specially formulated for that purpose. And, they still have all the benefits too! So, I snuck in a few that are natural, organic and super good for you.
Maple Holistics Pure Grapeseed Oil
Natural Oil as Lubricants
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Many people know of this oils amazing moisturising benefits for hair and skin and the question gets asked a lot, can you use grapeseed oil as lube? And, the answer is… yes. Whoo! Maple Holistics Pure Grapeseed Oil is made from 100% grapeseed oil and nothing else, so you don’t need to worry about any extra additives or chemicals.
Grapeseed oil is an ideal natural lubricant for couples as it is tasteless and odorless so can be used for all sorts of activities. And, it is safe to ingest, so don’t worry if you end up with some extra on your tongue. It’s good for you!
This is a light oil with a thin, silky texture that absorbs into your skin leaving your skin feeling silky, glowy and straight up lush! And as it is so light, it also has a low comedogenicity so it won’t clog your pores. And, that means it is entirely safe for sex.
In fact, it adds moisture to the skin, so you will find that you are left with an amazingly smooth and soft vulva afterwards. So, I recommend clearing your schedule as you will likely be stroking that baby for hours afterwards too.
Now, due to grapeseed oil being so thin, you might find that it dries too quickly and you need to reapply some while you play. But being fast drying and absorbent means you won’t need to worry about cleaning up afterwards.
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Pros
- Tasteless and odorless
- Won’t block pores
- Silky, non-greasy texture
- Seriously good for your skin and hair too
Cons
- Dries quickly and may need reapplying
- And, of course, you can’t use it with condoms
Terrasoul Superfoods Coconut Oil
Natural Oil as Lubricants
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- Price
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I’m sure you were waiting for this one. Well, it is here but comes with a warning. I’m sure you have all heard that coconut oil is a miracle supplement right?
So, this is a handy item to have in the house regardless of whether you use it as a natural lubricant or not. This Terrasoul Superfoods Coconut Oil is an organic, refined coconut oil with no added ingredients. Just 100% fantastic coconut oil.
As a lubricant, this is thick, long-lasting and perfect for marathon sex because it won’t dry out. So, if you are looking for a lubricant that will last as long as you do, this should do the trick. And, then, of course, you can use it as a face moisturiser, a hair mask and in your dinner!
The problem is, coconut oil has antibacterial qualities which can disrupt the natural PH level of your vagina. You see, coconut oil doesn’t discriminate, so it will go after the good bacteria too which can result in a yeast infection.
So, if you are prone to these, coconut oil as lubricant should be a no-no. I also don’t recommend it for use with toys as it will be super difficult to remove and, let’s face it, who has the time to be scrubbing that off afterwards?
Pros
- 100% coconut oil with no additives
- Super thick and long-lasting
- The best natural oil for long play sessions
- Can be used in 100 different ways
Cons
- Comedogenic and likely to block pores
- Will leave a thick residue on toys
- Honestly, it’s annoying to get out of the jar
- It can’t be used with condoms
Now Solutions Sweet Almond Oil
Natural Oil as Lubricants
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This Sweet Almond Oil by Now Solutions is another thin, silky oil that won’t leave any residue on your skin. Or your sheets for that matter! This oil is made from 100% almonds, so it smells and tastes terrific, making it a great choice for delicious oral sex.
Being so light, it is also one of the safer options for genital use, as it is unlikely to clog pores and cause any bacterial issues. This is another natural lubricant that will dry out completely on your skin leaving it soft, silky and without residue.
It is also super popular as a face and hair oil so make sure you buy a big bottle! Almonds are full of antioxidants which soothe the skin, so if you are prone to irritation, sweet almond oil as lube is an excellent choice for your precious genitals. An extra benefit is that it smells and tastes pretty damn good too. But so does your pussy!
Now, don’t forget that this is almond oil. If you are allergic to almonds, you will be allergic to this too!
Pros
- Light, silky texture
- Won’t clog pores or leave a sticky residue
- It soothes irritated skin
- Least likely oil to stain your sheets (but, I would still use a towel just in case)
Cons
- Almond oil is a high allergy product
- The sweet smell can be overpowering for some
- Fast drying
- Not safe for use with condoms
Aloe Cadabra Lubricant
Natural Oil as Lubricants
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Ok, ok! So, it’s not an oil, but aloe vera is another natural ingredient that has a lot of benefits when used as a personal lubricant. And, I mean, how cool is the name Aloe Cadabra right?
This lube is made from 95% organic aloe vera and vitamin E, both of which are seriously moisturising for the skin. Plus, aloe is extremely soothing for the skin too and will leave your favorite body parts feeling amazing afterwards.
This is a water-based aloe vera lube, but not one of the naughty ones I was talking about earlier. This lube is made from all natural ingredients and is free from petroleum, parabens and chemicals. That means that it body-safe and sex toy safe, and it is even condom safe too!
However, aloe vera is an ingredient that many people are sensitive or allergic too, so try a spot test first on a less sensitive area of skin to make sure this will be ok for you. And remember, unscented does not mean odorless and aloe vera has a very distinct smell and taste that some may not enjoy.
Pros
- Natural, unscented lube
- Soothing feel
- Long lasting thickness
- Chemical free
- Safe for toys and condoms too
Cons
- Many people are sensitive to aloe
- Water-based so will dry once friction stops
- Not odorless or tasteless
Yes Oil Based Lubricant
Natural Oil as Lubricants
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And last but definitely not least is Yes Oil Based Lubricant. This is another specifically formulated personal lubricant made from plant-based materials. The base of the lube is sweet almond oil (sorry again allergic readers), shea butter and cocoa butter, and it’s topped off with a dash of vitamin E.
All those moisturising goodies make this lubricant ideal for dry and sensitive tissues and it is a particularly good option for women with vaginal dryness. This formula is soothing, hypoallergenic and extremely long lasting. But for that same reason, it is difficult to remove from the skin.
Now, this lubricant is thick. So thick that sometimes it gets blocked in its own tube. But, all it needs is a bit of a warm-up in some warm water and it will be free in no time. It is also extremely thick outside the tube but with friction; it melts into a smooth liquid.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and moisturising
- Good for dry and sensitive tissues
- Long-lasting
- Plant-based
- No scent
Cons
- Starts out very thick
- Tricky to wash off
- Can’t be used with condoms
Summary
So, which of these natural oils make the best lubricant? Well, I hate to disappoint, but there is no real answer to that. Our bodies are all completely different and while some ingredients will feel amazing for some of us, for others, not so much.However, I do think that if you want to try a natural oil with the least chance of causing harm, then Grapeseed oil is the way to go.
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