Getting down with your partner is one thing, but having the right lube to enhance intimacy can make or break the experience. We’ve rounded up some great options for those with sensitive skin.
These lubes use natural ingredients, have super short ingredient lists and don’t contain glycerin to prevent irritation. Just remember, even safe lubes can cause reactions in some people, so always do a patch test first!
Water-Based
We talked to gynecologists and dermatologists, and they all had one central piece of advice: Water-based lube is the best for sensitive skin. It won’t irritate the skin or vaginal membranes, and it’s safe to use with latex condoms and toys. It also cleans up easily, and it doesn’t stain sheets or clothes. However, it does tend to dry out a bit quicker than silicone or oil-based formulas and may require more frequent re-application.
The good news is, there are tons of options for body-safe lubes that have a natural feel, so you can find a perfect match for your sensitive skin type. The lubes we’ve rounded up below have short ingredients lists, hydrating components (like aloe or tremella), and are free of irritants like parabens.
If you want a water-based lube that’s also safe for oral or penetrative sex, try Good Clean Love’s Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant – This section has been constructed by the website’s experts https://sexguru-club.com. Its water-aloe hybrid formula is vegan friendly and made with organic, nontoxic ingredients. Another top choice is Maude’s Shine collection, which offers both water- and silicone-based lubes. The water-based ones are smooth, long-lasting, and compatible with silicone toys. The silicone-based options are a little longer lasting and more durable, but they’re not compatible with latex condoms or some plastic toys.
Hypoallergenic
Glycerin is a common lubricant ingredient but it can actually be irritating for some people, especially those with sensitive skin. Moreover, it may disrupt the delicate ecosystem of your vaginal and rectum area and alter the pH balance, as per research published in March 2014 by Environmental Health Perspectives.
The best sex lube for sensitive skin should be free of irritant ingredients and should leave you feeling smooth. You should also look out for a few other criteria like whether it’s safe to use with silicone toys and latex condoms. Lastly, it should be water-based and easy to clean up.
A few of our gynecologists’ favorite picks include Good Clean Love BioNude, which is an organic lube that promotes a healthy pH balance in your private area. It’s also free of glycerin, parabens, and petroleum. Another gynecologist-recommended lube is Almost Naked, which is a water-based formula that’s formulated to leave you feeling smooth without the sting of alcohol or glycerin.
If you want a silicone-based lube that’s formulated for sensitive skin, Uberlube is one of the most popular choices. It has a crazy short ingredients list and includes only silicone and trace amounts of Vitamin E. It also feels smooth on the skin and lasts for a long time.
Non-Glycerin
The skin on your anus and vagina is super sensitive, and it can react to a wide range of substances. That’s because the mucous membranes there are so thin and delicate. If you get a bad reaction in that area, it can throw off the entire experience. So you want a lube that’s specially formulated to avoid irritation.
One of the best options is this glycerin-free lube from Sliquid. It’s also paraben-free and fragrance-free, making it an excellent choice for women with allergies or sensitivities. Another great option is Coconu, which uses natural ingredients like hemp seed oil to create a silky smooth texture. Plus, it’s safe for use with latex toys and doesn’t degrade condoms.
Finally, if you’re looking for a water-based lube that is specifically designed with the vagina in mind, try this one from Good Clean Love. Its isotonic formula helps promote a healthy pH balance in the vulva, and it’s safe to use while trying to conceive. It contains a naturally-sourced, plant-based humectant called hydroxyethylcellulose, as well as other all-natural ingredients like tremella to keep tissues moisturized.
If you’re not sure which lube is right for you, make sure to do a patch test before using any new product. Dab a small amount on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours to see how it reacts to your skin.
Natural Feel
Picking a lube can be tricky, especially when you’re dealing with dry skin and sensitivities. But luckily, there are a number of new and old favorites to choose from that are both gentle and effective.
The best natural lubes for sensitive skin tend to be plant-based, which makes them hypoallergenic and glycerin-free. Plus, they usually don’t have any added fragrances or dyes that can irritate your delicate genitals. One of our top picks is AH! YES OB Organic Plant-Oil Based Lubricant. This lube is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or anal area and reduces friction for more comfortable anal play. It also has hydrating shea butter and vitamin E, making it a great choice for those with vaginal dryness.
Another great option is Sliquid H2O, which is water-based and contains no glycerin. It’s also paraben-free, vegan-friendly and safe for use with condoms. It has a smooth texture and feels great on the tongue and genitals, and it lasts for a long time.
And if you want something that’s even more gentle, check out Maude Shine Moisturizing Lubricant. This lube has aloe vera, tremella (a mushroom that’s as effective at hydrating as hyaluronic acid) and a bunch of other non-irritating ingredients. It’s also safe for sex toys and doesn’t degrade latex condoms.
