The Complete Guide To Choosing The Best Natural Lubricant For Women
When choosing one of the over-the-counter lubricants, there are a variety of options to consider. Below is a guide on how to choose the type of lubricant that is best for your needs.
For many women, a condition known as vaginal dryness can be the issue associated with painful sex as well as a primary factor for distress between couples when it comes to having sex. Vaginal dryness occurs when the natural lubrication in the vagina has dried up and is dependent on many factors.
Some of these factors include stress levels, diet, menopause, hormone changes and a woman’s overall health. When lubrication is lacking it not only makes the act of sexual intercourse painful but can also make you more susceptible to urinary-tract diseases and infections.
The right lubrication for women helps to ease pain and discomfort during sex, assists in removing dead cells in this area and helps to keep any infections away by providing the ideal environment so that important bacteria is able to flourish. One of the easiest ways to combat vaginal dryness as well as improve your current sex life will be to invest in one of the all natural oils and lubricants in order to deal with this common condition.
Even though there are countless over-the-counter lubricants to choose from, it is still important that you select the one that suits you. Below is a list of the different types to help you make a more informed decision.
1. Water-Based Lubricants
When choosing a lubricant for the vaginal area, the water-based lubricants happen to be the safest option. These lubricants are designed to lubricate the area of your vagina in order to ease penetration and most are a safe option even for women who suffer from sensitive skin. One of the other benefits associated with water-based lubricants is that most of them are compatible and safe to use with condoms. The right water-based lubricants can prevent condoms from tearing and protect you from the danger or issue of a condom failure.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
If you have already tried water-based lubricants and you experienced symptoms such as burning, itching or irritation in the area of the vagina after sexual intercourse, then avoid these lubricants. Some reasons behind these symptoms is due to the ingredients in the lubricant which often include chlorhexidine, glycol or propylene that can trigger an allergic reaction.
2. Silicone-Based Lubricants
The silicone-based lubricants are long-lasting which will keep the area of the vagina moisturized for a lot longer in comparison to the other lubricant types. Keep in mind that with the silicone-based lubricants, you are not only limited to using it in the bedroom. The primary ingredient in this lubricant is silicone which doesn’t break down in water. This means you can use this lubricant in areas such as the bath or a pool to make your love-making sessions a bit more adventurous, while at the same time dealing with your vaginal dryness.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
The main ingredient in some of the silicon-based lubricants includes glycerin, which is known for causing yeast infections, if you do not clean the vaginal area correctly after intercourse. If you are already prone to allergies and infections down there, this is not the type of lubricant that you should be using.
3. Oil-Based Lubricants
Many women are under the impression that any type of lubricant that is oil-based is the best choice for lubricating the vagina. This is often the reason as to why many people turn to common household items such as cold creams, petroleum jelly or various type of oils as the replacement for an over-the-counter lubricant.
However, experts in vaginal health suggest that this is possibly the worst choice in a lubricant before you have sex. These are the types of products which can increase the likelihood of the condom tearing, especially at the peak of the act. It is recommended to rather use a good-quality oil-based lubricant. Make sure that the oil-based lubricant you choose is compatible with the condoms that you and your partner use.
For example, a latex condom is not compatible with the oil-based lubricants as they can easily break from the friction during sexual intercourse. You can use this type of lubricant with the polyurethane condoms, but these are not easy to find nowadays.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
If you commonly experience urinary-tract infections, then you should definitely avoid all types of oil-based lubricants. These lubricants are also difficult to cleanse away after sex which can encourage a build-up of bacteria which can result in an infection. In addition, they are not compatible with the latex condoms and when you use condoms to protect you from pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, then this might not be your best choice in a lubricant.
4. Lubricants That Are Fragranced Based
Some women use lubricants to not only deal with vaginal dryness issues but to also add a bit of excitement into the bedroom or their sex life. The fragrance-based lubricants may smell really good, but keep in mind that they also contain loads of chemicals. These are usually a preferred accompaniment when it comes to oral sex. Even though it may seem fun and exciting to arouse your husband or partner with a lubricant that is emitting a sweet and delectable smell, it is suggested to only use these types of lubricants on occasion.
One of the main ingredients in these lubricant types is phenoxyethanol which is a common chemical preservative which is used in many cosmetic and skin care products. Even though this chemical is said to be the type which is less irritating when it comes to the skin, many health experts will tell you a different story.
Over-exposure to an ingredient such as phenoxyethanol often leads to a condition such as contact dermatitis or even eczema which has been shown in a number of studies. Keep in mind that the vagina is a delicate area, and these harsh ingredients may end up doing more harm than good.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
When you are close to menopause or you are already experiencing symptoms associated with the onset of menopause, you should definitely avoid fragrance-based lubricants. Using the safe lubricants will help to improve your sex life, while fragrant lubricants may just ruin your sex life altogether. In addition, if you already frequently suffer from allergies which were caused from using chemical products along with cosmetics that contained phenoxyethanol, rather avoid using these chemicals on a delicate area such as your vagina.
5. Warming Lubricants
The warming lubricants come in gel and liquid form. The attraction to these lubricant types over and above vaginal lubrication is that they emit a sensation of mild heat, which helps to add spice to your sexual activities. It is believed that warmness that is generated once applied, helps to make you and your partner more sensitive which increases arousal and improves your partner and your orgasm.
Another suggested method of using this lubricant type is to rub a small amount on the exterior of the condom but not directly to the penis or on the outside of your vagina just before penetration. It is suggested to never over use a product like this as it can result in a burning sensation. The primary component in a warming lubricant is usually capsaicin, which is the main ingredient that naturally occurs in chilli peppers. When used synthetically in a product such as warming lubricant, it is used in a diluted form which gives the warming sensation. Which is why you should never go over- board with this product as it could ruin the moment for both you and your partner.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
If you have a sensitive or delicate skin, you should definitely avoid using any type of warming lubricant. This is the type of lubricant that can backfire on you and result in itching and irritation.
6. Organic Lubricants
These are the lubricants that generally promote that they only contain natural ingredients which are very gentle for the delicate area of the vagina which can encourage deep and easy penetration. These lubricants are typically safe for everyone to use. However, with any other product on the market, you should always examine the instructions as well as ingredients that are used in the product before you decide to invest in one. While the word “organic” may sound harmless, it is important to keep in mind that not all ingredients even if they are organic are compatible for use in the genital areas.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
In general, the organic based lubricants are usually safe when it comes to external use when it comes to most women. However, when you use an organic lubricant and you develop an allergy or you experience unusual symptoms that can include a burning or itchy sensation or an excessive discharge, there may be an ingredient that you are sensitive to. It is always important to conduct your own research on any product you decide to use on an area like your vagina.
For many women, a condition known as vaginal dryness can be the issue associated with painful sex as well as a primary factor for distress between couples when it comes to having sex. Vaginal dryness occurs when the natural lubrication in the vagina has dried up and is dependent on many factors.
Some of these factors include stress levels, diet, menopause, hormone changes and a woman’s overall health. When lubrication is lacking it not only makes the act of sexual intercourse painful but can also make you more susceptible to urinary-tract diseases and infections.
The right lubrication for women helps to ease pain and discomfort during sex, assists in removing dead cells in this area and helps to keep any infections away by providing the ideal environment so that important bacteria is able to flourish. One of the easiest ways to combat vaginal dryness as well as improve your current sex life will be to invest in one of the all natural oils and lubricants in order to deal with this common condition.
Even though there are countless over-the-counter lubricants to choose from, it is still important that you select the one that suits you. Below is a list of the different types to help you make a more informed decision.
1. Water-Based Lubricants
When choosing a lubricant for the vaginal area, the water-based lubricants happen to be the safest option. These lubricants are designed to lubricate the area of your vagina in order to ease penetration and most are a safe option even for women who suffer from sensitive skin. One of the other benefits associated with water-based lubricants is that most of them are compatible and safe to use with condoms. The right water-based lubricants can prevent condoms from tearing and protect you from the danger or issue of a condom failure.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
If you have already tried water-based lubricants and you experienced symptoms such as burning, itching or irritation in the area of the vagina after sexual intercourse, then avoid these lubricants. Some reasons behind these symptoms is due to the ingredients in the lubricant which often include chlorhexidine, glycol or propylene that can trigger an allergic reaction.
2. Silicone-Based Lubricants
The silicone-based lubricants are long-lasting which will keep the area of the vagina moisturized for a lot longer in comparison to the other lubricant types. Keep in mind that with the silicone-based lubricants, you are not only limited to using it in the bedroom. The primary ingredient in this lubricant is silicone which doesn’t break down in water. This means you can use this lubricant in areas such as the bath or a pool to make your love-making sessions a bit more adventurous, while at the same time dealing with your vaginal dryness.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
The main ingredient in some of the silicon-based lubricants includes glycerin, which is known for causing yeast infections, if you do not clean the vaginal area correctly after intercourse. If you are already prone to allergies and infections down there, this is not the type of lubricant that you should be using.
3. Oil-Based Lubricants
Many women are under the impression that any type of lubricant that is oil-based is the best choice for lubricating the vagina. This is often the reason as to why many people turn to common household items such as cold creams, petroleum jelly or various type of oils as the replacement for an over-the-counter lubricant.
However, experts in vaginal health suggest that this is possibly the worst choice in a lubricant before you have sex. These are the types of products which can increase the likelihood of the condom tearing, especially at the peak of the act. It is recommended to rather use a good-quality oil-based lubricant. Make sure that the oil-based lubricant you choose is compatible with the condoms that you and your partner use.
For example, a latex condom is not compatible with the oil-based lubricants as they can easily break from the friction during sexual intercourse. You can use this type of lubricant with the polyurethane condoms, but these are not easy to find nowadays.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
If you commonly experience urinary-tract infections, then you should definitely avoid all types of oil-based lubricants. These lubricants are also difficult to cleanse away after sex which can encourage a build-up of bacteria which can result in an infection. In addition, they are not compatible with the latex condoms and when you use condoms to protect you from pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, then this might not be your best choice in a lubricant.
4. Lubricants That Are Fragranced Based
Some women use lubricants to not only deal with vaginal dryness issues but to also add a bit of excitement into the bedroom or their sex life. The fragrance-based lubricants may smell really good, but keep in mind that they also contain loads of chemicals. These are usually a preferred accompaniment when it comes to oral sex. Even though it may seem fun and exciting to arouse your husband or partner with a lubricant that is emitting a sweet and delectable smell, it is suggested to only use these types of lubricants on occasion.
One of the main ingredients in these lubricant types is phenoxyethanol which is a common chemical preservative which is used in many cosmetic and skin care products. Even though this chemical is said to be the type which is less irritating when it comes to the skin, many health experts will tell you a different story.
Over-exposure to an ingredient such as phenoxyethanol often leads to a condition such as contact dermatitis or even eczema which has been shown in a number of studies. Keep in mind that the vagina is a delicate area, and these harsh ingredients may end up doing more harm than good.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
When you are close to menopause or you are already experiencing symptoms associated with the onset of menopause, you should definitely avoid fragrance-based lubricants. Using the safe lubricants will help to improve your sex life, while fragrant lubricants may just ruin your sex life altogether. In addition, if you already frequently suffer from allergies which were caused from using chemical products along with cosmetics that contained phenoxyethanol, rather avoid using these chemicals on a delicate area such as your vagina.
5. Warming Lubricants
The warming lubricants come in gel and liquid form. The attraction to these lubricant types over and above vaginal lubrication is that they emit a sensation of mild heat, which helps to add spice to your sexual activities. It is believed that warmness that is generated once applied, helps to make you and your partner more sensitive which increases arousal and improves your partner and your orgasm.
Another suggested method of using this lubricant type is to rub a small amount on the exterior of the condom but not directly to the penis or on the outside of your vagina just before penetration. It is suggested to never over use a product like this as it can result in a burning sensation. The primary component in a warming lubricant is usually capsaicin, which is the main ingredient that naturally occurs in chilli peppers. When used synthetically in a product such as warming lubricant, it is used in a diluted form which gives the warming sensation. Which is why you should never go over- board with this product as it could ruin the moment for both you and your partner.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
If you have a sensitive or delicate skin, you should definitely avoid using any type of warming lubricant. This is the type of lubricant that can backfire on you and result in itching and irritation.
6. Organic Lubricants
These are the lubricants that generally promote that they only contain natural ingredients which are very gentle for the delicate area of the vagina which can encourage deep and easy penetration. These lubricants are typically safe for everyone to use. However, with any other product on the market, you should always examine the instructions as well as ingredients that are used in the product before you decide to invest in one. While the word “organic” may sound harmless, it is important to keep in mind that not all ingredients even if they are organic are compatible for use in the genital areas.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use It
In general, the organic based lubricants are usually safe when it comes to external use when it comes to most women. However, when you use an organic lubricant and you develop an allergy or you experience unusual symptoms that can include a burning or itchy sensation or an excessive discharge, there may be an ingredient that you are sensitive to. It is always important to conduct your own research on any product you decide to use on an area like your vagina.
Personal Lubricant Ingredients You Need To Avoid
Choosing the right personal lubricant is important if you want to enjoy your bedroom activities. When you choose a lubricant, there are a number of factors that you have to consider including the ingredients which are being used. When you look at the ingredients, it is important that you know about the ones you should be avoiding at all costs. These ingredients can cause a number of problems that you need to be aware of.
Glycerin
Glycerin is an ingredient that actually comes up a lot in personal lubricants, but you need to be careful with this. Glycerin is a humectant which means that it helps to retain moisture. You will generally find more glycerin in lubricants that offer certain effects such as warming and flavors. The problem is that your vagina might struggle when it comes into contact with this ingredient.
Glycerin is a metabolic byproduct of sugar and it is important to know this. The reason is that as a sugar byproduct, glycerin is a food source for microbes. When you use a lubricant that has higher levels of glycerin or any glycerin, you could be contributing to an overgrowth of yeast.
When yeast has enough glycerin, it can cause a yeast infection and this is something that you will want to avoid when possible. Of course, it is important to note that there are a lot of people who use personal lubricants that contain glycerin without having a yeast infection. The people who need to be very careful of this ingredient are those who have had an infection before or are already prone to them. When these people use lubricants with glycerin, the chances of a yeast infection will be much higher.
Nonoxynol-9
Nonoxynol-9 is an ingredient that some people actually look for in a lubricant because it is commonly used in spermicides. This ingredient will help to immobilize the sperm and help prevent a pregnancy. However, when it is part of a personal lubricant, the power of the ingredient will not be limited to sperm.
It is important to note that nonoxynol-9 will kill bacteria in the vagina. This ingredient will not discriminate between the good and bad bacteria which is a major issue. When the bacteria in the vagina is thrown off balance, it can result in a very annoying and painful infection. The most common will be bacterial vaginosis which is something you will want to avoid.
Of course, this ingredient will not always cause a bacterial infection. However, it can also cause discomfort from irritation and inflammation. There are also people who have a sensitivity to this chemical and you need to be aware of this. This is important because many condoms will come prepared with spermicidal lubricant which will increase the amount of this ingredient you come into contact with.
Petroleum And Petroleum-Based Ingredients
Petroleum and other petroleum-based ingredients need to be avoided which means that baby oil and Vaseline cannot be used as a lubricant. When you use lubricants with these ingredients, you will find that they overstay their welcome and are very hard to clean up. This is due to the fact that these ingredients make the lubricant so sticky that they will hang onto you for longer than other types of lubricant.
It is also important to note that some people find their overall pH balance to be affected by the use of these lubricants. When this happens, there is a higher chance of infections such as bacterial vaginosis. While petroleum and petroleum-based ingredients do not regularly show up in lubricants, it is important that you look for them.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol has many functions when it is used in personal lubricants from being a preservative to a humectant. However, this ingredient will also cause irritation when you are sensitive to it. There are also some other concerns with this ingredient that you need to be aware of.
The primary concern is that it is sometimes used as a base for deicing systems such as antifreeze. While this can be very concerning, it is important to note that the FDA has stated that there is no evidence based on the currently available information on the ingredient which suggests that there is a hazard to the public. According to the FDA, this is only the case when the ingredient is used at the levels that are currently acceptable or that might be reasonable in the future.
The FDA also regards this ingredient as generally safe for use in food. This means that you should not have too many issues when you use personal lubricant with this ingredient. If you are not suffering from irritation and the lubricant as the normal amount of this ingredient you should be fine. However, if you do suffer from any irritation or discomfort, you should stop using the lubricant and look for one that does not have this ingredient.
Parabens
There is a lot of debate about parabens or the group of chemicals which are used as preservatives. There is a worry that parabens may be working as endocrine disruptors or that they work in an estrogen-like manner. This means that they will be potentially messing with hormones or increasing the chances of breast cancer.
These are some of the reasons why people are looking to avoid any personal lubricants that have these ingredients. It is important to note that the debate about the harmful effects of parabens is still ongoing and this is why there is a bit of contention around them. However, the FDA has made a statement regarding them which says that they do not currently have any information which shows that parabens have an effect on human health. While this can be reassuring, you should note that the investigation into this is still ongoing.
As the research is still being carried out on parabens, many people recommend that you avoid them. One of the issues you might find when avoiding parabens is that your personal lubricant will no longer have the same shelf-life. This is due to the fact that many manufacturers use parabens as preservatives.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antibacterial which should raise some red flags when you see it as part of a personal lubricant. This ingredient is often found in multipurpose personal lubricants, but it could have toxic effects. There are also many women who suffer from irritation when they use personal lubricants with this ingredient.
The antibacterial properties of the ingredient can also upset the bacterial balance in the vagina. This can increase the chances of an infection and irritation. If you have a sensitive vagina, you will want to avoid this ingredient as it will cause problems.
Quaternium-15 And Polyquarternium-15
This ingredient is often used as a preservative in cosmetic products as well as a surfactant. The problem is that it is also a formaldehyde-releasing preservative and this is very dangerous. Formaldehyde is the chemical which is used in embalming and the preservation of laboratory specimens, not something that you will want to come into contact with.
When formaldehyde is present in sensitive areas, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. As these ingredients will release this chemical, you will want to avoid it when possible. However, it is important to note that this is actually a very common ingredient and not only found in personal lubricants. You will be able to find these ingredients in shaving products, lotions, hair styling products and household cleaning products.
Dimethicone And Cyclomethicone
These 2 ingredients are silicone oils which are added to personal lubricants to give them a smoother and more lotion-like feel. While they are used in many products, there is a debate about the safety of them in personal lubricants. This is due to the fact that they work in a similar manner to petroleum-based ingredients.
These ingredients will coat your skin and affect the way that it normally functions along with the permeability. This means that there is a greater chance of bacteria being caught under this coating which will lead to irritation and an upset pH balance. While these ingredients are approved by the FDA, if you have any sensitivities, you should avoid them.
There are other similar ingredients that you should also look out for which have the same characteristics. These will include Viscasil 5M, Dimethiconol, Methyl Polysilozane and Methyl Polysiloxane. It is also important to note that silicone-based lubricants which use these ingredients will generally be non-biodegradable.
There are a lot of ingredients that go into personal lubricants and you need to take the time to read the label of the one you choose to use. This is due to the fact that there are a number of ingredients that you should look to avoid. If you want to play it safe, you should look for organic personal lubricants which do not contain any sugars or sugar-based ingredients. This is important because these ingredients can increase the chances of bacterial infections such as yeast infections. There are many other ingredients that you should be looking out for as well.
Glycerin
Glycerin is an ingredient that actually comes up a lot in personal lubricants, but you need to be careful with this. Glycerin is a humectant which means that it helps to retain moisture. You will generally find more glycerin in lubricants that offer certain effects such as warming and flavors. The problem is that your vagina might struggle when it comes into contact with this ingredient.
Glycerin is a metabolic byproduct of sugar and it is important to know this. The reason is that as a sugar byproduct, glycerin is a food source for microbes. When you use a lubricant that has higher levels of glycerin or any glycerin, you could be contributing to an overgrowth of yeast.
When yeast has enough glycerin, it can cause a yeast infection and this is something that you will want to avoid when possible. Of course, it is important to note that there are a lot of people who use personal lubricants that contain glycerin without having a yeast infection. The people who need to be very careful of this ingredient are those who have had an infection before or are already prone to them. When these people use lubricants with glycerin, the chances of a yeast infection will be much higher.
Nonoxynol-9
Nonoxynol-9 is an ingredient that some people actually look for in a lubricant because it is commonly used in spermicides. This ingredient will help to immobilize the sperm and help prevent a pregnancy. However, when it is part of a personal lubricant, the power of the ingredient will not be limited to sperm.
It is important to note that nonoxynol-9 will kill bacteria in the vagina. This ingredient will not discriminate between the good and bad bacteria which is a major issue. When the bacteria in the vagina is thrown off balance, it can result in a very annoying and painful infection. The most common will be bacterial vaginosis which is something you will want to avoid.
Of course, this ingredient will not always cause a bacterial infection. However, it can also cause discomfort from irritation and inflammation. There are also people who have a sensitivity to this chemical and you need to be aware of this. This is important because many condoms will come prepared with spermicidal lubricant which will increase the amount of this ingredient you come into contact with.
Petroleum And Petroleum-Based Ingredients
Petroleum and other petroleum-based ingredients need to be avoided which means that baby oil and Vaseline cannot be used as a lubricant. When you use lubricants with these ingredients, you will find that they overstay their welcome and are very hard to clean up. This is due to the fact that these ingredients make the lubricant so sticky that they will hang onto you for longer than other types of lubricant.
It is also important to note that some people find their overall pH balance to be affected by the use of these lubricants. When this happens, there is a higher chance of infections such as bacterial vaginosis. While petroleum and petroleum-based ingredients do not regularly show up in lubricants, it is important that you look for them.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol has many functions when it is used in personal lubricants from being a preservative to a humectant. However, this ingredient will also cause irritation when you are sensitive to it. There are also some other concerns with this ingredient that you need to be aware of.
The primary concern is that it is sometimes used as a base for deicing systems such as antifreeze. While this can be very concerning, it is important to note that the FDA has stated that there is no evidence based on the currently available information on the ingredient which suggests that there is a hazard to the public. According to the FDA, this is only the case when the ingredient is used at the levels that are currently acceptable or that might be reasonable in the future.
The FDA also regards this ingredient as generally safe for use in food. This means that you should not have too many issues when you use personal lubricant with this ingredient. If you are not suffering from irritation and the lubricant as the normal amount of this ingredient you should be fine. However, if you do suffer from any irritation or discomfort, you should stop using the lubricant and look for one that does not have this ingredient.
Parabens
There is a lot of debate about parabens or the group of chemicals which are used as preservatives. There is a worry that parabens may be working as endocrine disruptors or that they work in an estrogen-like manner. This means that they will be potentially messing with hormones or increasing the chances of breast cancer.
These are some of the reasons why people are looking to avoid any personal lubricants that have these ingredients. It is important to note that the debate about the harmful effects of parabens is still ongoing and this is why there is a bit of contention around them. However, the FDA has made a statement regarding them which says that they do not currently have any information which shows that parabens have an effect on human health. While this can be reassuring, you should note that the investigation into this is still ongoing.
As the research is still being carried out on parabens, many people recommend that you avoid them. One of the issues you might find when avoiding parabens is that your personal lubricant will no longer have the same shelf-life. This is due to the fact that many manufacturers use parabens as preservatives.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antibacterial which should raise some red flags when you see it as part of a personal lubricant. This ingredient is often found in multipurpose personal lubricants, but it could have toxic effects. There are also many women who suffer from irritation when they use personal lubricants with this ingredient.
The antibacterial properties of the ingredient can also upset the bacterial balance in the vagina. This can increase the chances of an infection and irritation. If you have a sensitive vagina, you will want to avoid this ingredient as it will cause problems.
Quaternium-15 And Polyquarternium-15
This ingredient is often used as a preservative in cosmetic products as well as a surfactant. The problem is that it is also a formaldehyde-releasing preservative and this is very dangerous. Formaldehyde is the chemical which is used in embalming and the preservation of laboratory specimens, not something that you will want to come into contact with.
When formaldehyde is present in sensitive areas, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. As these ingredients will release this chemical, you will want to avoid it when possible. However, it is important to note that this is actually a very common ingredient and not only found in personal lubricants. You will be able to find these ingredients in shaving products, lotions, hair styling products and household cleaning products.
Dimethicone And Cyclomethicone
These 2 ingredients are silicone oils which are added to personal lubricants to give them a smoother and more lotion-like feel. While they are used in many products, there is a debate about the safety of them in personal lubricants. This is due to the fact that they work in a similar manner to petroleum-based ingredients.
These ingredients will coat your skin and affect the way that it normally functions along with the permeability. This means that there is a greater chance of bacteria being caught under this coating which will lead to irritation and an upset pH balance. While these ingredients are approved by the FDA, if you have any sensitivities, you should avoid them.
There are other similar ingredients that you should also look out for which have the same characteristics. These will include Viscasil 5M, Dimethiconol, Methyl Polysilozane and Methyl Polysiloxane. It is also important to note that silicone-based lubricants which use these ingredients will generally be non-biodegradable.
There are a lot of ingredients that go into personal lubricants and you need to take the time to read the label of the one you choose to use. This is due to the fact that there are a number of ingredients that you should look to avoid. If you want to play it safe, you should look for organic personal lubricants which do not contain any sugars or sugar-based ingredients. This is important because these ingredients can increase the chances of bacterial infections such as yeast infections. There are many other ingredients that you should be looking out for as well.