The 9 Best Natural Lubes For A Happy Vagina

It’s no secret that, for lots of people, lube is a game-changer when it comes to sex. So you’d probably assume that lubes (‘normal’ and natural lubes) are pretty safe (even good) for your vagina given their myriad other benefits — and most are. But you need to proceed with caution and familiarise yourself with a few things before you use them. Here’s what you need to know about natural lubes.

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Who Should Use Natural Lubes?

“The traditional and most commonly used lubes are water- or silicone-based which won’t disrupt the vagina’s delicate pH balance, which can cause an infection,” says Dr Sherry A. Ross, a gynaecologist and author of  and .

But — and this is a big but — if the ingredients used to create the scents, warming capabilities, and flavours of some lubes are doing you more harm than good by irritating your sensitive skin down there, you might find you’re better off with a natural alternative.

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What Does Natural Actually Mean?

Now this, of course, opens up a whole new world of uncertainties. With so many lubes on the market claiming to be “natural” and “organic,” it’s hard to tell what those labels actually mean for you and your vag.

Here are the facts: It all comes down to ingredients. The fewer ingredients, the more natural the lube.

“In general, both natural and organic lubricants do not contain those extra non-pure additives including synthetic chemicals, dyes, preservatives, artificial fragrances and other toxins,” says Ross.

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What’s The Difference Between Natural And Organic Lube?

The notable difference between “natural” and “organic” lubes really comes down to how the ingredients in each are sourced and whether they’ve been certified.

Organic lubes are made from certified ingredients while natural ones are not. To be truly organic, a lube’s ingredients won’t have interacted with chemicals such as pesticides, fertilisers, and GMOs.

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Can Natural Lubes Give You An Infection?

That said, some natural and organic lubes can be tricky for your vagina and include ingredients that you’ll want to avoid. Take, petroleum jelly or mineral oil, for example: They can up your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis or other vaginal infections, says Dr Alyssa Dweck, a gynaecologist.

9 Natural Lubes You Should Try

To make sure you’re adding only the safest options to your cart, you’ll want to shop from this list of the best natural lubricants. Many of these feature coconut oil, aloe vera, or vitamin E for a silky, slippery texture and none of the potentially icky stuff (plastics, artificial fragrances, and oh, those pesky parabens).

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Pro tip: Always test a bit of lube on your wrist to see if it causes any irritation. If it doesn’t, give it a try on your vulva to double-check before using it during sex.

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