What Can I Use Instead of Lube? A Lube Alternative Guide

What can I use instead of lube?

The lube, what was once considered an embarrassing add-on for bedtime activity is now a staple tool for bedrooms across all age groups and sexual orientations. And why not, when lube can take your sexual experience to a whole new level by reducing friction and providing a slippery and top-notch penetration sensation? Not to mention it allows men to last longer and helps ladies get ready quickly when they are facing dry situations down there. The thing with lubes though is that, when you need it, you need it now and you need it fast. That’s the problem, sometimes you don’t realize the things you need until they are not there anymore. So, this begs the question, “what can I use instead of lube?” Well, there are a lot of good options, and chances are, you probably have a couple or more of them in your household.

In a perfect world, your room should be stacked with all the best sex tools money can buy. From sex toys, lubes, protection, etc. But unless your name is Christian Grey, you don’t really plan way ahead that much. While not having lube will definitely not stop you from “Netflix and chill”, you know it is always better when things just glide through the right place, right?

So, what can you do if you find yourself in a steamy situation, and you realize your favorite bottle you hide by your bedside drawer is empty? Should you just put your clothes back on and run to your nearest drugstore, while your partner waits in bed, naked, with the possibility of getting out of the mood? Of course not, you can’t take that risk. Fortunately for you, there are a few good lube alternatives out there that you can use. This entry compiles all the best and safest lube alternatives. Read on to know your options. 

Understanding Lubricants

Before you dive deep into the rabbit hole, it is important that you have a good understanding of what actually are lubricants, how they work, and the different types. This can help you find the best lube that your body allows (to avoid complications like allergic reactions and irritations) and personal preferences and know the best lube alternatives for you. 

Different types of lubricants

Yes, there are different types of lubricants, and no, you don’t have to get them all. You just have to understand which ones work for your best. Different types of lubes are also specifically designed for different types of use, whether it’s vaginal or anal sex, sex with condoms, sex toys, etc.

Here are the different types of lubricants you need to know:

Water-based lubricants

Water based lubes are versatile and can be used for almost all types of sexual activities. They are safe to use with condoms and sex toys and are usually the safest options for most people.

You can use water based lubricant for sex and for solo play with a sex toy, be it a dildo, vibrator, pocket pussy, or automatic blowjob machine.

The common disadvantage of a water based lubricant however is that, since they are mostly made up of water, they dry up pretty quickly. And while you can easily reapply some more when you need it, that can get in the way, and possibly affect the mood and momentum.

Moreover, water-based lubricants often come with preservatives. This is to fend off and discourage bacterial growth in the lube. And while fewer bacteria are good, preservatives within the lube may cause some irritation to some people.  For women, these preservatives can interfere with the vagina’s natural good bacteria level.

Silicone-based Lubricants

Silicone-based lubes are best for sex that requires latex-based barriers like condoms. Unlike their water-based counterpart, you don’t need to reapply as often.

Silicone-based lubricants are quite slippery, giving you that smooth glide for more pleasurable sex, be it vaginal sex or anal penetration. 

Silicone also doesn’t get absorbed into the body, making it safe for all types of sexual activities.

Moreover, some gynecologists recommend silicone-based lubes for optimal vaginal health. This is because silicone lubes don’t contain water, they are pH neutral, which means they don’t interfere with the vagina’s natural pH level. This also means that there is less opportunity for bacteria to grow in them. Thus, they are manufactured without the use of preservatives, which means less potential for skin irritation.

The only downside of silicone-based lubricants however is that they may damage your silicone products. So, it’s a no if you are using sex toys since most sex toys are made up of silicone material to mimic human skin.

Oil-based lubricants

As its name suggests, oil-based lubes uses oil base ingredient, rather than water or silicone. What are these oil ingredients? Some examples are CBD oil, coconut oil, and even olive oil.

Oil based lubricants are great for prolonging sexual contact. It’s also the best solution for anyone who can’t be bothered squirting and reapplying often while going at it.

Also, the beauty about oil based lubricants is they can double up as a massage oil. So, if you are feeling extra romantic to your partner, you can use the lube for a sexy massage and soothe those sore and tired muscles. And since the massage oil will make your hands glide freely and effortlessly, you don’t need any massage skills to give a good massage.

The downside of oil-based lube is it can’t be used in tandem with a latex condom, as it can cause wear and tear to the latex and cause it to break.

Also, not all types of oil are safe for women, other oil based lubricants can cause irritation to the vagina. 

Understanding Safe Lube Alternatives: Ingredients to Watch Out For

Obviously, you just cannot reach for the next slippery material/substance you can find at home. As a matter of fact, using any household substitute is a huge no. Even seemingly harmless products that you even put in your mouth, can contain allergens that can irritate your skin or interfere with latex condoms.

Thus, the key to finding the right lube alternatives is knowing the ingredients. They have to be easy to clean and wash off, organic, and far off from their expiration date.

No matter what base of lubricant (water, silicone, or oil) or lube alternative you choose, it is best to veer away from any kind of fragrance. Perfumes of any type usually contain allergens and alcohol, which are both extremely harmful to the vagina’s health; they can cause irritation that can potentially dry the skin out.

It is also best to avoid products or lube alternatives that contain spermicide such as microbicide nonoxynol-9, as this can wreak havoc on the vaginal flora, and can lead to bacterial vaginosis due to the imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina.

Also, make sure to opt for lubricants and lube alternatives free of any parabens, which can cause skin irritation like contact dermatitis, especially for people with sensitive skin. Glycerin, for example, is a commonly used ingredient in vaginal lubricants. However, glycerin is a byproduct of sugar, and sugar increases the risk of yeast infections, which is bad news for women with a history of yeast infections.   

Choosing Lube Alternatives

Everybody deserves to enjoy good and safe sex, without worrying if those lube alternatives you tried for the first time will give you nightmare-level skin irritations and yeast infections in the days that follow. And while your best option is to invest in stacks of good quality lubricant that is scientifically formulated and specifically designed for sex, medical use, and sex toys, not a lot of people think of their importance and benefits before they actually need them. Fortunately, you have a few good lube alternatives.

Here are some of them. 

Effective and Safe Lube Alternatives

Virgin Coconut Oil

Women love coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oils. They smell good and taste good, they are also often used as natural moisturizers and good massage oil. With that, it is also a good lube substitute too.

Rich in saturated fats, coconut oil can get thickened and turn into solid at low temperatures, but it can easily turn into a liquid at a slightly warmer temperature, such as body heat, making it a viable natural lube alternative.

What makes coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil, a good lube alternative is that it is extremely versatile. As said earlier, it can be used as a massage oil and moisturizer that you can lather on your skin for a luminous glow. You can also use it to moisturize your hair. That means you can get messy with it with your partner and not have to worry about any repercussions on your skin.

Like most lube substitutes in this list, however, not all coconut oil is created equal. Meaning, not all types of coconut oil are safe for use in your private parts. Your best option is to opt for food-grade coconut oil that is free of any type of preservatives.

However, since it is oil-based, as its name implies, it is not condom compatible and should not be used with any sex toys (made with latex materials), as they don’t go well with each other.

Also, though very few people are allergic to coconut oil, you should be very careful with it. Women with a history of yeast infection should also stay away from using virgin coconut oil, as it can potentially disrupt their vagina’s pH levels can increase the risk of yeast infections.

Sweet Almond Oil

Another safe lube alternative is sweet almond coconut oil, but there are things you need to consider before using it.

First and foremost, almonds are nuts, and a lot of people are allergic to nuts. For some, the allergic reaction can be fatal. So make sure you and your partner don’t have peanut allergies first before you even try this as a personal lubricant.

Second, almond oil is not condom compatible, be it latex or polyisoprene. These protective rubbers can break in the middle of the action, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. With that said, it can degrade sex toys.

If you or your partner is prone to recurring yeast infections, then you cannot use this one too. Plus, almond oil can stain fabrics.

However, if you don’t have a nut allergy or a history of yeast infections, then you can absolutely try almond oil as a lube substitute – it is natural and edible. And like coconut oil, it can work as a skin moisturizer too.

CBD Oil

You can find CBD products almost everywhere nowadays, from food to beauty and health products. But did you know that you can use it also one of the safest natural lube alternatives?

CBD oil is non-psychoactive, meaning it cannot cause the feeling of euphoria (high) and is nonaddictive. Again, if you are going to use it on your body, it is best to opt for a trusted brand, because as with most things in life, not all CBD oils are made equal.

Also, make sure you choose CBD oil that doesn’t contain any additives and flavorings, as these added ingredients can irritate the skin. While this natural lube alternative is largely safe, some people are allergic to hemp too, so you should consider that as well.

And like most oil-based products, it is not suitable for use with latex materials like condoms and sex toys.

In most cases, however, CBD oil is safe and offers plenty of skin-related health benefits. Not to mention it can help you feel calm.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is not just one of the healthiest oils out there to ingest, it is also a great lube alternative. Since it is thin (thinner than virgin coconut oil), it is easy to lather on your skin and gets spread quickly. And since it is oil, as its name says, it doesn’t dry up fast, which means you can enjoy it without having to reapply it.

Another good thing olive oil is that there is a high chance you already have olive oil in your kitchen.

But again, as an oil-based lube, it doesn’t go well with latex products like condoms and sex toys. Unless you use oil-based synthetic condoms like polyurethane ones.

Another issue with olive oil is that it is heavy and can be absorbed by your skin fast. Thus, it is not ideal for people who often experience acne breakouts, as it can clog the pores and cause irritations, which leads to infections for some people.

Also, be careful with your sheets, as olive oil can stain. 

Avocado oil

Another extremely healthy oil that is comparable to virgin coconut and olive oil, is avocado oil. Like the two, avocado oil is moisturizing, which means it is good for your skin too. Plus, it is natural and edible, free of artificial ingredients. More importantly, as a lube alternative, it is oil-based, which means it can really provide some slippery factor to reduce friction and let you (or your partner) slide in and out effortlessly.

The best thing about avocado oil is it is a neutral natural oil. It has less smell than coconut oil and olive oil and is less noticeable Plus, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Avocado oil, however, leaves some residue and feels sticky after a bit. And like other oil-based lubes, it doesn’t work with latex materials such as condoms and sex toys.

Vitamin E Oil

If you have a jar of vitamin E jelly capsules lying around, then fortunately for you, you already have a quick lube substitute. Simply cut it open and lather it on your private parts. This oil is pretty thick and sticky compared to the oils mentioned above, but if it is your only option available, then there is no harm in trying this one.

At this point, you should already know that oil-based products don’t go well with latex, thus, this should not be used with condoms or sex toys.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is less viscous and actually a lot less viscous when it comes in contact with heat. Even a natural body temperature can make it less sticky. Thus, it can make an ideal slippery tool for sexy time.

As a lube alternative, it is pretty much the same as other oils oil based lubricants mentioned above, such as olive oil; it doesn’t go well with latex materials. People with a history of yeast infection should stay away from peanut oil, the same goes for people who have peanut allergies. 

Aloe Vera

Often used as a facial moisturizer and to soothe the skin for sunburn, aloe vera offers tons of health benefits. This succulent plant is loaded with antioxidants and antibacterial properties. It is even used for treating canker sores, for fast healing of wounds, reducing constipation, reducing dental plaques, and even lower blood sugar levels. But did you know that it can make a good lube alternative too?

Unlike the oil-based lube alternatives mentioned above, aloe vera is water-based. Thus, it is safe to use condoms and sex toys.

Aloe vera is easily sourced too, and they are lots of different products in the market.

When using aloe vera as a natural lube alternative, however, make sure it is 100% pure aloe vera.  Some products in the market include added ingredients that can be harmful to your private areas.

Also, people who are allergic to latex should stay away from aloe vera, as it contains a trace amount of latex that can cause skin irritations. If you are not sure whether you would be allergic to aloe vera or not, then it would be best to do a skin test. Lather a small amount of aloe vera on your skin (on your arms or the back of your hands) and wait for a few minutes to see whether you get a reaction or not. If you don’t see any reaction, then help yourself and lube up with aloe vera.

Common Lube Alternatives You Should NEVER Use

Just because you have read these lube alternatives before doesn’t mean you should also try them. Many of these lube substitutes, though effective in providing that slippery factor you need, are actually unsafe, or even harmful to your private parts, let alone to your health. It is always best to err on the side of caution.

Vaseline

Another incredibly versatile and common household product that is often also used as a lube alternative is Vaseline.

Vaseline is largely safe and quite effective for its intended purpose. However, it is not suitable as sex lube as it carries a high risk of infection that can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis.

Moreover, since it is a viscous material, Vaseline can clog the pores, which leads to dead skin cells getting trapped on your skin, leading to breakout acne, blackheads, and whiteheads in your private area.

Also, as with other oil based lubricants, it doesn’t work well with latex condoms.

Baby Oil

Not only can it render your condom useless, but baby oil can increase your risk of developing infections in your vagina, such as yeast infections.

While baby oil is largely safe as a skin moisturizer, the environment in the woman’s vagina is entirely different from the surface of the skin. Mineral-oil-based products such as baby oil can increase the risk of vaginal infection.

Body Lotion and Soap

While it may sound like a pretty common lube alternative solution, never ever, consider using body lotions and soaps for vaginal or anal sex.

Lotions contain chemicals such as perfumes and propyl glycols (a water-based compound that helps keep lotions moist) which may be good for the skin, but extremely harmful to the vagina. These chemicals can cause discomforts and irritations that can lead to infections.

Petroleum Jelly

Much like baby oils and body lotions, petroleum jelly is specifically made for the skin. It may look like a good lube, but it is not a healthy thing to put inside your vagina.

Petroleum jelly can lead to bacterial vaginosis, and much like other oil-based lubes, it can break the condom.

Egg Whites

While egg whites look very similar to vaginal secretion, they absolutely don’t work like natural vaginal secretion.

Aside from the inconvenience of going to the kitchen to crack open a few eggs and separating the yolks from the white, egg whites should not get anywhere close to your private regions. Why? Well, for two basic reasons:

• Eggs carry salmonella
• Egg whites dry on the surface can leave residue on the skin which can lead to infections

While the risk of salmonella exposure is low when you cook eggs, and industry standards of egg handling have drastically improved to reduce the risk of salmonella in eggs, still you cannot afford that risk on your private parts.

You may have heard of stories of men and/or women using egg whites without problems whatsoever, but those who experience issues really had it bad. There is always that risk you cannot afford to take. 

Butter or Margarine

Though staples in the kitchen, butter and margarine should never be used as lube alternatives.

For one, the oil in butter and margarine is not compatible with condoms.

Secondly, they can get spoilt when not refrigerated.

Third, butter and margarine contain proteins from milk that can get rancid pretty quickly. That means the risk of bacterial growth in your private parts.

Fourth, butter and margarine contain trace amounts of salt and sugar that can easily alter the pH levels of the vagina, leading to irritation and infections.

Shortening

Another common myth that is a terrible lubricant alternative is shortening.

For one, it is not that slippery, which means you get little to no advantage from using it. There is also an increased chance of vaginal irritation. And since it is oil-based, it can break latex condoms. 

Yogurt

Well, yogurt, especially plain and unflavored yogurt is totally safe as a lube alternative for vaginal sex, it is not recommended for anal sex.

Plain yogurt has a pH level of 4.25 to 4.5, which closely matches the natural pH level of a woman’s vagina. However, that can be too acidic for anal penetration. This is because your anus typically has a pH level of 7 to 8. Thus, yogurt can disrupt the anal pH, leading to irritation and potential infections.

And as a dairy product, it can go rancid pretty quickly if it’s not properly washed off after sex.

Yogurt may look like a vaginal cream, but it is pretty messy, and fragrant compared to real lubricants.

Also, yogurt is not condom compatible. 

Spit

You have seen it in porn and you probably thought that was hot of the adult star to spit on the genitals of his/her partner, but in reality, it is not without its pitfalls.

While it totally makes sense to use spit during intercourse, it is absolutely not slippery enough to provide some effective lubricant. Saliva may have its benefits for the body, such as uric acid, digestive enzymes, and electrolytes, but they are only effective for their intended purpose – for the digestive system.

Not only saliva doesn’t provide satisfactory lubrication; it dries up pretty quickly and contains a lot of germs, which can lead to infections.

The Takeaway

That’s it, the best lube alternatives and the common ones you should absolutely avoid.

Remember, sex is beautiful, and with a little lube, you can make it even more pleasurable for you and your partner. Invest in a good quality personal lubricant, and if you run out of it, opt for the safer ones you can find in your kitchen. Don’t just settle for the closest thing your hand can reach.