Is it safe?

When it comes to your intimate moments, it's important to prioritize comfort and pleasure. Lubricant can be a valuable addition to enhance your sexual sensations and reduce any discomfort. For those who prefer natural products or are sensitive to chemical ingredients, an alternative lubricant can be an attractive option. In this article, we'll discuss some lubricants that you can use as alternatives and which lubricant should not be used as an alternative at all.

What can be used as a lubricant?

Normally, lubricants based on silicone or lubricants based on water are sold. However, some people prefer a lubricant with natural ingredients, either because they always have them at home or they're hesitant to buy lubricant in stores. Allergies or aversions to ingredients in regular lubricants can also be reasons to opt for an alternative lubricant. If you want to try a natural lubricant, there are several options that are safe to use, such as your own saliva. Consider the following factors:

• Is the product safe for sensitive skin?
• Is the product suitable for condoms and sex toys?
• Can the product cause vaginal infections?
• Does it provide good glide?
• Does it dry too quickly?

Can olive oil be used as an alternative to lubricant?

Olive oil is something everyone usually has in their kitchen cupboard. You probably didn't expect that this oil also works well as a lubricant. It's thick and doesn't dry out quickly. You can use it as a lubricant, but also as massage oil. However, be aware that olive oil can degrade the latex in latex condoms and also leaves stains on your bedding.

What about coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a thick type of oil that can be used as an alternative lubricant. However, some people are allergic to coconuts, so you might be allergic to the oil too. If you can tolerate it, coconut oil is a pleasant and warming oil that smells delightful. Also, note that you shouldn't use this oil with latex condoms as it degrades the latex.

And sunflower oil?

Sunflower oil is also a great alternative to standard lubricants. Sunflower oil is thick, safe, and doesn't dry out. However, it's not safe to use with latex condoms, and it stains your bedding.

Aloe vera gel as a natural lubricant

Aloe vera is a natural substance from a plant, mainly consisting of water and adapted to the pH value in the vagina. The advantage is that aloe vera in spray form goes well with sex toys and latex condoms. In cream form, it softens and smoothens the skin, protecting it from irritations. Just be careful not to use too much as it's quite thick and sticky.

Not for anal use though

Although aloe vera is a good alternative to lubricant for the vagina, it's not suitable for anal lubrication. Aloe vera has a pH value too low for the anus, where this value is around 7 to 8. Additionally, while aloe vera is good for the skin, it's too thin for anal sex, leading to friction.

Shampoo as an alternative lubricant?

Shampoo is not a good alternative lubricant as it's not designed for intimate use. Moreover, the ingredients can cause irritations to sensitive skin down there and even disturb the pH balance of the vagina, leading to infections.

Is body lotion a good alternative lubricant?

Lotions contain many irritating substances such as fragrances and perfumes. These substances can cause swelling, itching, and other irritations. Furthermore, the fats and oils in lotions can degrade your condom or sex toy.

Vaseline: always present but good as a lubricant?

Vaseline is always a topic of debate because it's a good alternative lubricant for the penis. Therefore, vaseline is often used in masturbation. However, vaseline contains ingredients that make it unsuitable for the vagina and vulva. It can even cause infections in these areas.

What are other poor alternatives to lubricant?

The following substances are often used as alternatives to lubricant but should absolutely not be:

• Baby oil
• Soap
• Water
• Liquid soap
• Sunscreen