6 Things You Should Never Use As Lube

6 things that may seem like a good alternative for lube but are not

1 min read
6 Things You Should Never Use As Lube

So, you are in the middle of a sexy rendezvous - whether with yourself or your partner(s), and you realize you’ve run out of lube. Naturally, you look around for some slippery alternative that would do the trick. Not so fast!

We don’t mean to spoil the mood, but not everything that’s slippery is a good idea. Many slickly products around the household contain irritants and are not friendly to use in your most sensitive parts.

While there are some safe options such as pure aloe vera gel, it’s good to know what to avoid. Because it’s important that what you put into your body is safe, natural, and doesn’t ruin the fun (or your sexual health). And choosing the right lube can make or break the experience.

We’ve rounded up 6 things that might seem like a good alternative, but actually are NOT.

1. Saliva

While highly convenient, spit is not the best or safest choice to use as a lubricant. Many STIs are spread through saliva. Saliva can also disturb the natural vaginal pH, increasing the risk of developing a vaginal infection. And besides, it does not have the properties of a good lube. Spit is not slippery enough and it dries quickly.

2. Vaseline

Vaseline is slippery, a good moisturizer, and stays long on the skin. And unfortunately, many people think it can be used as a lubricant. However, it can cause more harm than good. Vaseline is made from petroleum jelly, an oil-based substance which weakens condoms, leaving you unprotected from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. It can also damage your sex toys. Plus, its sticky nature makes it hard to wash off and it can cause a vaginal or anal infection. A study published in the Obstetrics and Gynecology journal found that women who use petroleum jelly as a lubricant are more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis. So, keep using Vaseline for your chapped lips, but keep it away from your sex routine.

3. Oils

Whether it’s olive oil, mineral oil, baby oil, or any other oil-based substance, oils can break down latex condoms and lead to a build-up of bacteria in the vagina. A study conducted among women in the US in the US linked the intravaginal use of oils with the possibility of developing a yeast infection. Plus, any oil-based lubricant is difficult to wash from your sheets and can damage your toys. While slippery and great for massages and foreplay, oils do not make a good lubricant.

4. Lotions

Although lotions are great for moisturizing the skin, this may not be the case for your genitals. Many lotions contain perfumes and chemicals that can irritate your skin. And they are created for external use only. Don’t risk putting them on your most sensitive parts.

5. Liquid Soaps

Liquid soaps, bar soap, shampoos, or hair conditioners are all slippery but you should avoid using them as lube. The surfactants in shampoos strip the skin of its natural oil, making it a bad choice for a lube. Also, all these products may contain perfumes and preservatives, which irritate sensitive skin. And putting them inside the vagina would constitute as douching, which breaks the vaginal pH balance and removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protects you from infections and STIs.

6. Foods

We have nothing against bringing food in the bedroom - it can definitely spice things up ;) But before buttering up your croissant... Don’t. Due to its oily nature, butter is one of those foods that might seem like a good idea to use as lube. However, it’s a dairy product that contains casein proteins from milk, which means it can go rancid. And as a general rule, you don’t want anything that might easily go rancid near your private parts.

Also, while other food products like whipped cream, honey, and melted chocolate are used to indulge in many bedroom fantasies, they are not safe to put inside your body. The sugary nature of these products will disturb the vaginal pH and make it a ground for bacteria to grow. You can stick to licking whipped cream off each other’s body, but do not put it IN your body.

Now you know what to avoid!

But it’s always best to be prepared for whenever the mood strikes, so you’re not left checking through your house and internet for something safe to use as an alternative. That would be a turn off. Instead, stock up on the Frenchie oh la la aloe vera lube. This au naturel aloe vera lube will make you say au revoir to friction and oui oui to mind-blowing pleasure.

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