Pro tip: keep a towel or wipe nearby to deal with any excess, and reapply as needed. Think of it less as a one-off product, more as an ongoing accessory to play with.
Mythbusters: Lube Edition
Now it’s time to tackle the questions everyone has about lube, but doesn’t always ask. Consider this your ultimate cheat sheet.
Can I use coconut oil as lube?
“Coconut oil can be good for moisturising the skin and also has antifungal properties. You can use it as massage oil and then move to a genital massage,” says Richards. “However, it is an oil, so don’t use it with condoms, as it can break down the material. There are also coconut-oil-based lubes like Woo, which include other moisturising ingredients such as beeswax.”
Can I use Vaseline as lube?
Tempting, but no. Vaseline and other petroleum jellies aren’t vagina- or condom-friendly. They can upset your vaginal microbiome, trapping bacteria that lead to infections, and will quickly weaken latex. Keep it for your lips, not your bits.
Are silicone-based lubes bad for you?
Short says this is an outdated myth: “‘Silicone’ can sound synthetic, while water-based lubricants feel more ‘natural.’ But water-based lubes require preservatives and stabilisers to prevent bacterial growth, since water itself creates the perfect environment for microbes. They’re also absorbed into the body, along with those added ingredients, which means they dry out faster and often need to be reapplied.”
Silicone lubes, on the other hand, don’t absorb into your skin, don’t require stabilisers, and create a silky, long-lasting barrier. They’re particularly effective if you experience dryness, want longer sessions, or enjoy shower play.
Can I use olive oil as lube?
“Olive oil is natural, but like all oil-based products, it shouldn’t be used with condoms because it breaks down latex,” says Richards. Oils can also linger in the body longer than water- or silicone-based options, sometimes upsetting your pH balance. Maybe save it for your Greek salad, and try Sliquid, which includes sunflower seed oil.
Can I use aloe vera as lube?
“Yes, provided it’s a product made for intimate use,” Richards advises. “Another good option is Maude’s Shine, which is made with moisturising aloe and has a similar pH to the vagina’s natural pH.” Be cautious with raw aloe from the plant, as those gels may contain additives or preservatives not meant for internal use.
Can I use moisturiser as lube?
Nope. Lotions often contain fragrances, alcohol, and ingredients that aren’t vagina-friendly. These can irritate delicate skin and disrupt your pH balance. Keep moisturiser on your hands and body —not inside you. The same goes for facial moisturiser, which should stay on your bathroom shelf and not your bedside drawer.
Does lube expire?
“Be wary of using something that’s been open for more than a year,” Henderson warns. While most lubes don’t have a strict ‘use by’ like food, ingredients lose freshness over time, and there’s more risk of cross-contamination with long-term use. Always check the packaging, as many come with a little ‘12M’ or ‘24M’ symbol indicating shelf life after opening.