Lube: All Types and Natural Alternatives

This guide is about lubricants: products containing friction-reducing substances that facilitate insertion into body openings such as the anus, vagina or urethra. Alternative terms include personal lubricant, intimate gel or lubricating cream.
Throughout my many years as a midwife and therapist, as well as through my own sexuality, I have gained experience with the various types and a wide range of products. Although the basic ingredients (water, oil or silicone) have remained the same for decades, the range of products has multiplied, including their additional ingredients.
As a result, there is a huge variety of products that differ in ingredients, applications and other characteristics – and in quality.

In this guide, I would like to explain the different types of lubricants, their properties and differences, and introduce natural alternatives that have proven effective. This will help you choose which lubricant is the right one for you and your intended use.

Contents:

Why Do I Need a Lubricant?

At home, lubricants are usually used in a sexual context: during penetration, both vaginal and rectal/anal, for masturbation and when using sex toys.

Lubricant is also required for other activities involving the insertion of objects, such as using pelvic floor exercisers, performing self-examinations with a speculum and similar procedures.

The use of lubricant becomes particularly important when objects are moved repeatedly inside the vagina, anus or urethra, such as when using FMS dilators for the self-treatment of dyspareunia conditions such as vaginismus or lichen sclerosus, for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, prostate massage or practical childbirth preparation.

Vaginal use is especially important for women who produce little natural lubrication, for example during breastfeeding, in the (post-)menopause or for other reasons.
Unfortunately, I often find that some women feel embarrassed about using lubricants, as if it somehow made them inferior. The widespread belief that a sexually aroused woman is always wet, and that a woman who is not wet is simply not ready for sexual activity, is not correct. Some women naturally have a moist vagina even without sexual desire, while others may be highly aroused despite producing little or no lubrication.

What Different Types of Lubricants Are Available?

There are water-based, silicone-based and oil-based products. Additional subcategories include flavoured lubricants, warming lubricants and products with a mild numbing effect. They also differ according to their intended application, meaning whether they are designed for vaginal, rectal or urethral use.

Water-Based Lubricants: They are particularly well tolerated and gentle on the skin. They are also easy to wash off and do not leave stains on clothing or bedding. Important to know: water-based lubricants are suitable for use with condoms, silicone sex toys and with our application sleeves when these are required for the use of Viball® medical Kegel balls or Massive Balls (products for pelvic floor therapy and erotic use).

Silicone-Based Lubricants: Their main advantage is their long-lasting glide. They are compatible with latex condoms, but for condoms made from other materials you should always check the manufacturer's instructions. Occasionally, silicone-based lubricants may cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin or existing allergies. A major disadvantage is that silicone is highly water-repellent and difficult to remove – it often requires repeated washing to clean it from the skin. It may also leave dark, oily stains on fabrics that are difficult to remove.

Oil-Based Lubricants: Oil-based lubricants are often more liquid, making the term “lubricant” more appropriate than “lubricating gel”. Although they provide long-lasting lubrication, they still play only a minor role in the overall market. One reason may be that they are less versatile. Because many are plant-based, they may irritate the skin or trigger allergies. They also stain heavily and, depending on the oil used, are difficult to remove from textiles. In addition, oil-based lubricants cannot be used with latex products or latex condoms because they break down latex.

Additional Types of Lubricants

The range of available products is extensive. Here is an overview:

• Lubricants for Couples Trying to Conceive
  Designed for couples who are trying to conceive. In addition to providing moisture, these products are formulated to preserve or mimic healthy cervical mucus. They are sperm-friendly because they avoid unnecessary ingredients such as parabens, silicones and glycerine (e.g. Pre-Seed, Conceive Plus or FertiliSafe).
  
  
• Warming (Circulation-Enhancing) Lubricants
  These products contain ingredients that stimulate blood circulation, often capsaicin (chilli extract). The intended effect is to enhance sexual arousal and may also stimulate or strengthen erections. Capsaicin or similar ingredients can be found in the following products:
  Pjur MyGlide, Durex Play Warming, JO Warming Lubricant, K-Y Warming Jelly.
  
  
• Locally Numbing Lubricants
  These products contain either local anaesthetics or essential oils that produce a cooling and therefore mildly numbing effect. They are intended to enable longer-lasting penetration and are often used during anal sex. They may prolong erections, but should be used with caution to avoid becoming a “solution” for pain during sex. Pain is always a signal and should be taken seriously. Examples include: Pjur Med Pro-Long Spray, EROS Action Delay Gel, Durex Prolong and Anal Ease. A special recommendation is Instillagel.
  
  
• Cooling Lubricants
  These products contain essential oils with a cooling effect, such as peppermint. Like circulation-enhancing lubricants, they are intended to create an additional stimulating sensation and are particularly popular for oral sex. Examples include: Durex Play Tingle, Pjur Cool, JO Chill Cooling Lubricant and Sliquid Sizzle Cooling Lubricant.
  
  
• Lubricants with Spermicides
  These products contain sperm-killing ingredients. In my view, they are unnecessary because they are not sufficiently reliable as a sole contraceptive method, while at the same time they may disrupt the vaginal flora and increase the risk of genital infections. Examples include: Gynol II, Conceptrol Gel and VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Gel. In some countries these products are available only from pharmacies or even by prescription.
  
  
• Vegan Lubricants
  These products are intended for people who wish to avoid animal-derived ingredients. The focus is not on creating an additional sensory effect but on supporting the user's lifestyle philosophy. If you are interested in such products, look for certifications from organisations such as Vegan Society, PETA Cruelty-Free or Leaping Bunny. Examples include: YES WB, Pjur Woman Nude, BIOglide and Sliquid Silver.
  
  
• Organic Lubricants
  The same principle largely applies here as with vegan products. They are primarily aimed at people who want to use organic products on and in their bodies. In practice, they are often particularly gentle and well tolerated. Examples include: YES WB, BIOglide, Coconu Organic Oil-Based and Sliquid Organics Silk.
  
  
• Medical Lubricants
  These products are designed for therapeutic purposes. They are used in medical and clinical settings during examinations and procedures, and they also help people with specific needs such as sensitive skin or vaginal dryness caused by breastfeeding or menopause. Examples include: KY Jelly, Pjur Med Sensitive Glide, Gleitgelen® Med and, of course, the fertility lubricants listed above.
  
  
• Perfumed Lubricating Creams
  These products are often available as creams and contain fragrances, commonly fruity scents intended to enhance sensuality. Care should be taken because they may cause skin irritation. Popular examples include: JO H2O Flavored Lubricants, Sliquid Swirl Strawberry Pomegranate, Wet Desserts Topping Lubricant and Pjur MyGlide.
  
  
• Flavoured Lubricants
  The intended effect is similar to that of perfumed lubricants: to provide an extra sensual dimension. They are mainly designed for oral sex. One advantage is that they are made from edible ingredients. I recommend choosing products with natural flavourings and without sugar, as they tend to taste better and sugar can promote bacterial growth. Examples include: Kama Sutra Oil of Love, Intimate Earth Fresh Strawberries, System JO H2O Cool Mint and Pjur MyGlide.

Personal preferences and individual circumstances ultimately determine the best choice.

Applications of Lubricants

In a home setting, lubricants are used for vaginal, rectal and urethral applications.

Vaginal Use: Particular attention should be paid to good tolerability. Ingredients such as fragrances, flavourings, preservatives and potential allergens should be avoided wherever possible. To support the natural environment of the vaginal flora, it is advisable to consider the pH value. For vaginal use, it should be slightly acidic, just like the vagina itself (pH 4.0–4.5). This helps reduce the risk of irritation, itching and inflammation.

Rectal Use: Long-lasting effectiveness is particularly advantageous here. Oil-based lubricants may cause irritation, especially in the anal area. The pH value should be closer to neutral, around pH 7.0.

Use in the Urethra: The urethra is a particularly sensitive area and highly susceptible to infection. Standard lubricants intended for vaginal or anal use are not suitable for this purpose. Instead, the products used should meet two important criteria:

• They must be sterile to minimise the risk of urinary tract infections.
• Ideally, they should contain a local anaesthetic to reduce discomfort and involuntary muscle reactions during insertion.

We recommend Instillagel®, as it fulfils both criteria exceptionally well.

If the lubricant is intended for use with sex toys, you must of course ensure compatibility with the material, most commonly silicone. Incompatible lubricants may damage the surface of the toy and compromise its safety.

Alternatives to Lubricants

You may dislike lubricants, want to save money or simply have run out and be looking for alternatives in your household. Many common household products might appear suitable at first glance.
As a general rule, however, caution is advised. These substances may irritate the skin of the vagina and anal area, and they can also provide a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.
I would like to discuss the most commonly used alternatives.

Particularly widespread is the use of various cooking oils and fats as lubricant substitutes, including rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, massage oil, baby oil and coconut oil. Oils naturally have a different pH value from mucous membranes. They may clog pores and damage latex condoms, making them porous. The correct pH value helps protect against harmful microorganisms. Every person naturally carries a certain amount of bacteria and Candida (yeast) in the genital area. When the pH balance is disturbed, the natural flora becomes unbalanced and the risk of excessive growth of pathogens increases (see Fuchs, F. et al. (2017). "Impact of personal lubricants on the vaginal microbiota and mucosal integrity." Journal of Sexual Medicine, 14(7), 923–931). The consequences may include bacterial vaginosis, characterised by a strong fish-like odour, genital yeast infections accompanied by itching, and various other infections.
The same applies to the use of petroleum jelly as a lubricating cream. It too increases the risk of infection and damages condoms, making them unreliable.

And what about common household products such as soap, shower gel or body lotion?
These should clearly be avoided. Their pH values are usually designed for the outer layer of the skin and not for sensitive mucous membranes. They also frequently contain additives such as fragrances and colourings.

What Should I Look for When Choosing a Lubricant?

In addition to your personal preferences regarding the features mentioned above, I recommend considering the following aspects:

• Ingredients: Avoid potential allergens, fragrances and preservatives*. If you want to be safe, always test a product first on a small, inconspicuous area of skin, such as behind the ear or on the inside of your forearm. If a skin reaction occurs there, you can safely assume that the much more sensitive genital area will not tolerate the product either.
• Application: What do you want to use it for?
• Compatibility with (latex) condoms and sex toys
• Dermatological Testing: Is it certified as a medical device?
• Test Results from recognised, trustworthy and independent organisations such as Stiftung Warentest.
• Consumer Reviews
• Price

*Citric Acid: Many lubricants contain citric acid, and many people assume that it serves only as a preservative. In lubricants, however, it fulfils several useful functions. In addition to its well-established preservative effect through antibacterial action and the resulting longer shelf life, it helps stabilise the pH value. I have already explained the importance of a slightly acidic vaginal environment. It also helps retain moisture and, through its antioxidant properties, contributes to maintaining consistent product quality. In practical terms, this means that the desired consistency or viscosity remains stable. As always, dosage matters. Excessive amounts of citric acid may cause skin irritation. As mentioned earlier, I have personally tested many products and paid close attention to this aspect.

Once you have made your choice, please also consider the following practical points:

• How should the product be stored?
• How long is its shelf life?
• Thoroughly clean any toys that have come into contact with the lubricant.

I can only advise against being overly economical when making your purchase decision. In my experience, higher-priced products are often of better quality, offer improved tolerability and remain effective for longer. They are also frequently dermatologically tested and certified as medical devices.

Most importantly, however, you should be satisfied with your choice and feel that it meets all of your needs.

Further Guides:

• What Is Dyspareunia? Definitions, Causes and Treatment Options for Pain During Sex
• Hemorrhoids Self-Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, Similar Conditions and All Treatment Options
• How to Perform a Prostate Massage: Instructions, Benefits and Prostatic Fluid Release
• Anal Beads: More Than a Sex Toy
• Anal Fissure: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
• Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
• Kegel Balls: How To Use Them, Effects, Safe Materials And How To Choose
• Lichen Sclerosus: Symptoms, Progression and Measures to Prevent Narrowing
• Sex After Childbirth: How You Can Find Your Way Back to Pleasure Together