.Lubricant, or better known as lube, can be used by anyone. There are a lot more reasons to use it than one might think, like the fact that it can make having sex safer, enhance pleasure, and work around dryness. On the market, it’s typical to find silicone-based products. However, we understand some people could have apprehensions towards since it’s a synthetic product. How about natural lube?
In this article, we’ll be going through some natural alternatives or ingredients to look for in products that you may be considering.
Natural vaginal secretions
With enough foreplay, the female body actually makes it possible for sex to be both comfortable, safe, and pleasurable with natural lube. Obviously, this isn’t really a product per see. It still varies from person to person and their preferences. But it’s crucial to be aware that this is as natural as it gets.
What is natural?
There’s not really a strict definition on “natural” but a lot of people prefer products that are less synthetic because some chemicals could pose risks to people. These chemicals could include parabens, petroleum, glycerin, and other synthetic compounds. Therefore, we could generally assume that products with simpler and non-toxic or even naturally occurring ingredients would qualify as “natural” lube.
Water-based products
Water-based products are an alternative to silicone. They are neutral in both taste and smell. So you’re assured of palatability and the absence of irritants that come with undisclosed fragrances. Unlike other forms of lube, they’re safe to use with condoms and other silicone products because they don’t break down the material.
A notable natural ingredient for water-based natural lube is aloe vera which is a plant that is known for its cooling properties and water content. A lot of lube products on the market can contain this but they often come with alcohol. If you have sensitivities to that, make sure to check the ingredient list!
Aloe vera-based DIY alternatives
A water-based DIY alternative is simply pure aloe vera. It’s been used on skin add hydration and reduce skin irritation (often with sunburns). It is also water-based, so this all-natural lube won’t damage latex. It is safe to use with condom. If you want to go completely natural, this may be the way to go.
Coconut or plant-oil based products
Oil-based products are also very common. Most of the time, it would be coconut, sunflower, or other plant-based oils used in lubes. It’s important to note that oil-based natural lube products cannot be used with latex or plastic products because oil and fat damages latex and silicone.
There are DIY alternatives for this but it’s best to go for ones that have either worked for your skin before or have not been processed as much.
Oil-based DIY alternatives
The first possible alternative is avocado oil. It’s best to get unprocessed avocado oil since it’s smooth and neutral in taste and smell. It has lasting power but isn’t quite as effective as more popular choices.
The second possible alternative is coconut oil, particularly virgin coconut oil. This product has proven to be great for moisturizing and doesn’t require a lot of cleanup. It absorbs into the skin but could possibly stain sheets. Virgin coconut oil just means it’s unrefined and is in its least processed form.
Other natural oils like sweet almond oil or ghee could also make for effective natural lube but there are some oil-based products to avoid. As a rule of thumb, go for the least processed variant.
Oil-based products to avoid
Anything based on petroleum or mineral oil increases chances of infection. This includes baby oil, which is very accessible. The same goes for refined oils such as canola or vegetable oil. It leaves residue that could build up and risk infection, while also staining your sheets.
Petroleum jelly also isn’t as effective as it might seem because it makes things greasy and not slippery which isn’t the ideal effect. The same follows for essential oils that aren’t meant to be used anywhere your body could ingest them due to their incredibly high concentration.
Potential hazards
There are certain chemicals to avoid entirely such as chlorhexidine gluconate, cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane, parabens, and undisclosed flavors or fragrances because these risk disrupting the needed bacteria on the body. Some of these even cause fertility problems, endocrine disruption, and reproductive harm brought about by irritation or allergic reactions.
Conclusion
In general, make sure to do your research and review available information on whatever product you decide on. Try to avoid unnecessary fancy effects like flavors or sensations or colors that could be a marketing ploy and introduce even more chemicals. When it comes to products that go on your skin, simpler is almost always better and a patch test before actually using the product won’t hurt anyone.
Learn other Sex Tips here.
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