When you have sensitive skin, lubrication is a necessity. But selecting the right one can be tricky.
You need something that won’t disrupt the delicate pH and osmolality balance of your vagina. You also need to avoid ingredients that could irritate it further, such as glycerin and parabens.
The lubes we rounded up below are all safe for sensitive skin, without any glycerin or parabens.
1. Sliquid H2O Water-Based Lubricant
The genital area is especially delicate and full of sensitive skin, so picking a lubricant that won’t cause irritation or dryness is crucial. “Look for water-based lubes that don’t contain any irritants, such as glycerin,” says Atlanta-based board-certified ob-gyn Dr. Jill Purdie. “Glycerin is a common humectant used in many products, but it can change the pH of your vagina and create an uncomfortable environment for you.”
Purdie recommends this bang-for-the-buck, glycerin-free lubricant, which is safe for use with latex toys and rubber toy sealants. “It provides a smooth glide without causing any friction or discomfort,” she says. It’s also hypoallergenic, so it won’t trigger any allergies, and it cleans up easily with soap and water.
This lubricant from Sliquid’s Natural line is a vegan pick that’s designed to support women’s health and pleasure. Its ingredients list includes aloe vera, vitamin E, hibiscus extracts, flax seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and green tea extract to soothe your intimate areas during and post-intimacy. And it’s low osmolality and pH means it plays well with your vagina’s delicate surface.
The ob-gyn we spoke to recommends this lubricant from Good Clean Love because it doesn’t contain any of the irritants he mentioned. Plus, it’s safe to use with any toy type and doesn’t stain. Its long-lasting silicone formula is ideal for vaginal sex, but it can also be used as a personal moisturizer. It doesn’t contain any glycerin, but it does have a small amount of hyaluronic acid, which helps to moisturize the skin and boost elasticity.
2. Jelly
When it comes to choosing lube, there are plenty of options: flavored, natural, warming, tingling, the list goes on. But picking the right one is a little trickier when you have sensitive skin. An allergic reaction, whether minor or major, is the last thing you want in the heat of the moment. Luckily, there are many new and tried-and-true options that will ensure your sensitivities won’t ruin the fun.
If you’re looking for a smooth and silky lube that won’t irritate your sensitive skin, try this aloe-based option. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration, and is free from glycerin (which could promote yeast infections), as well as parabens and phthalates. It’s also a vegan-friendly choice, with no animal products or added fragrances.
Another hydrating lube is this formula from Dame, maker of our favorite sleek and user-friendly sex toys. This smooth and slippery gel-like lube is safe for sex, toys, and condoms, and it’s free of silicone, latex, triclosan, parabens, propylene glycol, phthalates, flavors, sparkles, and other irritants.
Of course, every person’s body is different, so you should always check the label on any product before using it. However, these lubes are great options for sensitive skin because they have short ingredients lists and are more hydrating than irritating. If you’re still unsure, reach out to your doctor for personalized advice.
3. Tabu Hydrating Water-Based Lubricant
This cult favorite from Tabu features aloe, hyaluronic acid, and a long list of non-irritating botanicals. It’s also water-based and safe for most sex toys (including silicone ones) as well as condoms, making it a great choice for play. It’s also slick and smooth without being sticky, which is a plus for solo play. The bottle also has a convenient pump design that’s easy to reach for even in a kinky position and doesn’t require flipping off the lid or squeezing with slippery hands.
While lubricants can enhance sexual pleasure, they can cause friction and dryness when used incorrectly. An allergic reaction is the last thing anyone wants in the heat of the moment, which makes it essential to use a lube that’s designed with sensitive skin and vaginal health in mind.
While any personal lubricant can work, the best options for those with sensitive skin are likely to be those that are water-based, contain ingredients that mimic the body’s natural pH and osmolality balance, and don’t have additives like glycerin or flavored oils that can cause irritation. Pure aloe vera and coconut oil are two of the safest ingredient choices, barring any allergies or sensitivities to either. For more fun, GoLove combines organic CBD with these ingredients in a sex-boosting formula that’s also vegan and hypoallergenic.
4. Sleek
If you’re looking for a long-lasting lubricant, go for silicones. They’re usually longer-lasting than water or glycerin-based formulas, meaning you won’t have to stop your play for mid-session reapplying. That being said, some lubes can leave behind a sticky residue, so check that your chosen lube isn’t too sticky or has a smell you don’t like.
If your skin is super sensitive, a creamy oil-based lube can be ideal for you. Just make sure to choose a formula without capsaicin or benzocaine as these ingredients can increase sensation for some people. This lube from WOO’s More Play has a hydrating coconut oil base and vanilla flavor, making it extra silky and smooth to use.
The beauty of this lube is that it’s free of any chemicals or additives. Its ingredients are formulated to be gentle and safe, including sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of everyone’s favorite moisturizing ingredient), a variety of non-irritating botanicals, and it’s pH balanced to match your vagina’s natural ph. It’s also completely paraben-free and vegan.
This lube from the makers of some of our favorite sleek, user-friendly sex toys is long-lasting and safe for both latex and silicone toys. It’s also safe for oral sex, so you can take advantage of the many options available for sex in the bedroom! This lube is made with aloe, has a low osmolality and passes WHO standards, which is a pretty high bar for lubes to pass.
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