Lube alternatives: what to use when you’ve run dry

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Lubricants can be useful in a surprising range of scenarios: from massage and masturbation to sex and the use of sex toys. Sometimes lubricant is a must, other times it just adds that little bit of extra fun. However, there are moments when you may not have a tube of lubricant to hand. Luckily, there are a number of home remedies and lube alternatives that are effective!

The main ingredient of traditional lubricants are water and glycerin, a component of all natural fats. Some lubricants are based on mineral oils and silicone. However, these should be avoided when using latex condoms as they can degrade the condom’s material. There is also a range of “natural” lubricants, which are supposedly mild to skin, but not every alternative is sensitive or suitable for recommendation. No matter if solo sex or sex with your partner: Here’s what you need to know about alternatives to lube.

Do’s: These home remedies are safe alternatives to lube

Aloe Vera: The plant can provide extra moisture for skin, and is a great alternative to traditional lubricants. You may even have one of the decorative plants at home. In that case, simply cut open some leaves and press out the extract for direct application. Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-made gel at a local drug store. By the way, aloe vera is also a great option for treating cuts and burns and should probably belong in everyone’s home pharmacy.

Saliva: Sounds banal, but it’s the most natural lubricant there is. So, if penetration turns into a bit of a sticky affair and you’ve got nothing else to turn to, don’t worry: a little saliva can go a long way. But there’s one important prerequisite: the donor doesn’t have any inflammation in his/her mouth.

Vaginal moisture cream: If you’re suffering from a dry vagina in general, perhaps due to hormonal changes, stress or following an illness, you may already know about specialized moisturizing creams. What you may not know is that the same cream also makes for an excellent alternative to lubricant.

Intimate cream: As the name suggests, intimate creams have been specifically formulated for use on the genital area and thus are usually well tolerated. As such, they also make for an excellent alternative to lubricants.

Massage gel with lubricant: If massage is part of your foreplay, make sure the massage gel is formulated as dual use for lubrication. These products are now available at most drug stores. Importantly, avoid anything that has fat or high lipid contents on the list of ingredients.

Best? Stick to real lube: We recommend…

pjur ORIGINAL

pjur Original This formula is great as a personal lubricant and a massage gel. The silicone molecules remain on the surface of the skin and are not absorbed.

pjur WOMAN AQUA

pjur aqua woman This water-based premium personal lubricant was developed specifically for women to meet the needs of their skin.

Don’ts: Stay away from these sexual lubricant alternatives

Coconut oil, olive oil or butter: Even if coconut oil is being celebrated as the new beauty miracle and supposedly has a calming effect on skin, when it comes to the mucous membrane in the intimate area things are a little different. Coconut oil contains fats, and if used in the vaginal or anal region, it can allow bacteria to flourish. The lining of the anus is very sensitive, so always use something suitable as anal lube alternatives. The same is also true for baby oil and massage oil. Further, if you’re using condoms, oil-based lubricants can also weaken the latex.

Vaseline: This is one of the top choices for lubricant alternatives, simply because most people have a small tin of Vaseline at home. It’s also super cheap, which makes it even more attractive. However, Vaseline removes water from the skin. If applied to the mucous membrane, it can lead to infection.

Soaps, body lotion or shower gel: Most body care products contain perfume, alcohol or chemicals. Although these don’t affect the skin much because they are often quickly rinsed off, soaps, shower gels or body lotions should not be used as lubricants as they actively attack the vaginal flora.

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Author

Frieda worked as a freelance journalist for over 10 years: She used to write about Easter recipes and style icons, about human metabolism and Michelin-rated restaurants. In short: about everything, except for sex. And for a good reason. Frieda always considered herself to be an average sexual person for all those years. Until a breakup persuaded her to stop taking the pill, which she had been on for 14 years. It was then, at the age of 28, that she finally discovered her wonderful sexuality and found her true, unique and hungry libido. Ever since, she has not only practiced a new sexuality. She writes and speaks about it too. And has never been as fulfilled as she is today!