These Are the Only Lubes You Should Use if You Have Sensitive Skin, According to Sexual Health Experts
If you own a vagina, you know that the wrong lube can turn a good time into a bad time reeaally fast. That’s why finding the best lube for sensitive skin can feel like a challenge. Itching, burning, redness, soreness, discomfort are all side-effects that can come with a solo masturbation sesh, or partnered sex. You might wonder, how to find the best lube for sensitive skin when there’s a sea of sleek (and sometimes sticky) personal lubricants?
- Lucky Sekhon, MD, board-certified OB/GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and infertility specialist
- Rebecca Alvarez Story, sexologist and founder of Bloomi
- Suzanne Hall, MD, OB/GYN at Eastside Gynecology
You asked and we reached out to sexual health experts on what they recommend. Plus, their insights on how lube helps in the bedroom, what ingredients to look for, and what to skip. Here are the results.
Best lubes for sensitive skin at a glance
- Best unscented: Lulu, Personal Lubricant, $18
- Best for couples trying to conceive: Pre-Seed, Fertility Friendly Lubricant, $20
- Best vaginal moisturizer: Bonafide Health, Revaree, $62
- Best thicker consistency: Sliquid Organics, Natural Gel, $12
- Best ultra-sensitive: Good Clean Love, Love Bionude Lubricant, $12
- Best hydrating: Maude, Shine Organic, $25
- Best scented: The Honey Pot, Vanilla Chamomile Water-Based Lube, $13
- Best coconut oil-based: Foria, Intimacy Sex Oil, $44
- Best plant-based: Coconu, Organic Oil-Based Lubricant, $25
- Best aloe: Dame, Aloe Lube, $18
- Best natural ingredients: Tabu, Organic Lubricant Tabu, Organic Lubricant, $39
- Best for dry skin: Flora + Bast Aphrodisia Intimate Arousal Cannabis Oil, $77
How does lube affect the skin anyway?
Good question. Lucky Sekhon, MD, a fertility specialist and board-certified OB/GYN in New York City, explains that the skin of the vagina and vulva is the most sensitive skin on the body—whatever you put down there is going to absorb faster than other body parts. Lube is supposed to add moisture, but if you're using the wrong kind of lube or have fussy skin, irritation can occur.
"The wrong lubrication or one that does not work with your body will cause irritation or inflammation which will result in a change in your body's pH, resulting in issues like yeast infections or BV," says Dr. Sekhon. "Some signs to look out for would be tingling sensations, redness, or itchiness. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately."
When experimenting with new lubes, do a patch test first (kind of like you would do with a new skin-care product). If you have a bad reaction, don't use it. And, whenever you're done using whatever lube you use, be sure to wash it off thoroughly. The same goes for the best lubes for anal sex.
I have sensitive skin—what ingredients should I stay away from?
Dr. Sekhon says glycerin is the most common culprit for irritation, but it's not the only one. Petroleum jelly, microbicide nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), and propylene glycol can cause issues, too. "[These] are known for trapping and leading to bacterial overgrowth, causing irritation, and sometimes even contact dermatitis," she says.
Suzanne Hall, MD, an OB/GYN at Eastside Gynecology in Detroit, recommends taking caution with anything containing fragrances or flavors, as well as anything that claims to be a cooling or warming lube. "I tend to recommend more natural products, such as a single ingredient oil, like coconut oil in a liquid form," she says. "I find this type of single ingredient oil to be less irritating, though should any irritation occur in a single ingredient product, you know exactly what ingredient caused the irritation. With the multiple ingredients in commercial lubricants, you can’t tell which of the several products may have caused the irritation."
Just note, if you do use oil-based lubes, they can damage sex toys and condoms. Not all of them do, but some, so do your research beforehand.
Now without further ado, here are the best lubes for sensitive skin to stock in your pleasure chest.
The 12 best lubes for sensitive skin
Lulu, a no-frills water-based lube,is glycerin and paraben-free– making it a solid bet for sensitive skin. The container comes with a pump, for no mess application that cleans up easily when you’re done. There’s also no scent, no taste, and no sticky residue left behind—just natural goodness. You’ll love that the 16 fluid ounce container can last up to a year. A bargain for the bedroom indeed.
Ingredients: Purified water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium PCA, potassium sorbate, propylene glycol, citric acid
Size options: 8 fl oz, 16 fl oz
Pros:
- Not sticky
- Fragrance-free
- Compatible with latex
Cons:
- May need to reapply
Dr. Sekhon recommends this lube to anyone with sensitive skin, especially if they’re trying to conceive as it is supposed to support sperm survival. “Yes, it is used by those trying to get pregnant, but that makes it one of the most widely studied lubricants,” she says. Amazon has almost 14,000 five-star ratings, too.
Ingredients: Purified water, hydroxyethylcellulose, pluronic, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, carbomer, methylparaben, sodium hydroxide, arabinogalactan, potassium phosphate, propylparaben
Size options: 9 applicators in 1.4 oz tubes
Pros:
- Slick
- Compatible with latex and polyurethane condoms
Cons:
- Contains propylparaben as a preservative
- Requires the use of an applicator
Dr. Hall’s pick isn’t a lubricant, but rather a vaginal moisturizer in the form of a vaginal insert that’s designed to be used every two to three days to restore vagina’s natural lubrication. “This product uses a safe and natural product, hyaluronic acid (also used in many cosmetic products) to provide relief from vaginal dryness, for comfort with intimacy,” she says. “It helps rejuvenate vaginal tissue, causing the vaginal tissue to replenish its own natural moisture.” Use it instead of estrogen-based treatments to balance your pH and heal already irritated skin–science proves that hyaluronic acid really does work because it retains moisture in the vaginal lining. Think of it as prep work for the fun between the sheets.
Ingredients: Each vaginal insert contains 5mg of hyaluronic acid sodium salt in a base consisting of a mixture of semi-synthetic glycerides, which help it retain its shape.
Size options: 1 box contains 10, 2 gram inserts
Pros:
- No mess
- Hormone free
Cons:
- Expensive
Rebecca Alvarez Story, MA, a sexologist turned founder and CEO of the sexual wellness brand Bloomi, is a fan of this water-based lube. “It’s unscented and formulated for the most sensitive tissue ensuring ideal performance with no irritation or adverse reactions,” she says. Since research shows that green tea extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, you’ll feel confident that even the most sensitive areas are in the clear.
Ingredients: Organic aloe barbadensis decolorized leaf juice, plant cellulose (from Cotton), natural tocopherols (Vitamin E), cyamopsis (guar conditioners), organic extracts of hibiscus, flax, green tea, sunflower seed, potassium sorbate, citric acid (citrus fruits)
Size options: 2 fl oz, 4.2 fl oz, 8.5 fl oz
Pros:
- Not sticky
- Anti-inflammatory
- Great viscosity
Cons:
- May need to reapply
Good Clean Love gets the seal of (expert) approval again. This time, Story recommends a water-based formulation that’s designed with ultra-sensitive skin in mind. The hypoallergenic formula is fragrance-free and contains no weird chemicals, dyes, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, or anything else suspect—it’s also gluten-free, glycerin-free, and about as good as it can get. Perhaps because it is made with patented Bio-Match technology that is said to mimic your body’s natural chemistry.
Ingredients: Purified water, hydroxyethylcellulose, xanthan gum, Carrageenan, sodium chloride, lactic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, ceratonia siliqua gum, potassium chloride, calcium chloride
Size options: 3 oz
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Compatible with latex and devices
Cons:
- May wash off in the shower
- Sticky
Maude also makes a silky-smooth lube that’s infused with aloe and mushroom extract that will soothe skin rather than irritate it. This organic lube is also great at providing just the right amount of moisture. One 5-star reviewer wrote, “ Shine is superior at alleviating dryness.”It also comes in an unassuming bottle with a convenient pump so you can leave on your nightstand–easy access.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, propanediol, mushroom extract, gluconolactone, sodium hyaluronate, Chenopodium quinoa seed extract, cannabis sativa seed extract, linseed seed extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, oat kernel extract, hydroxyethylcellulose, xanthan Gum, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid.
Size options: 2 fl oz, 4 fl oz, 8 fl oz
Pros:
- Organic
- Easy to clean up, no residue
- Compatible with latex and devices
- Not sticky
Cons:
- May need to reapply in the shower
If you do want to add some flavor to playtime, check out this USDA organic lube from The Honey Pot. It is a bouquet of plant extracts like grapefruit, lemon and rosemary, making it the natural lube du jour. The formula is moisturizing and pH-balanced to support your health. Plus, unlike other flavored or scented lubes, won’t leave you itchy, red, or burn-y.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract,*agave leaf extract*, flavor (aroma)*, carrageenan, lemon extract*, grapefruit fruit extract*, juniperus communis fruit extract*, rosemary leaf extract* (*Certified Organic Ingredients)
Size options: 6.44 fl oz
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Sweet flavor and scent
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- May need reapplication
For an oil-based option, Story recommends this sexy oil by Foria. This two-ingredient formula swaps out bad stuff, like glycerin or parabens, for organic coconut oil and broad-spectrum extract from organic hemp a.k.a. CBD, which is said to ease tension. The natural lubricant goes on smooth, it is an oil after all, and can be used for both vaginal and anal penetration.
Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, USDA-certified broad-spectrum hemp extract (CBD)
Size options: 112mL
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- pH balanced
- Natural ingredients
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not compatible with latex
When looking for lubricants, Story recommends aiming for anything plant-based that won’t mess with your natural microbiome. She suggests Coconu, which is one of the only USDA-approved organic lubes on the market and uses a blend of sunflower and coconut oil to add moisture–making it the go-to product for new-moms who are particularly careful. Since this product is also free of chemicals and parabens, those using it will feel at ease knowing that nothing unwelcome is absorbed into their body. (This is especially important if you’re breastfeeding.) You’ll also love its delicate sweet scent, courtesy of organic sweet almond oil and shea butter. Reviewers refer to this oil-based lube as a “game changer” that “works wonders.”
Ingredients: Organic sunflower seed oil, organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic shea butter, organic cocoa seed butter, organic sweet almond oil, organic kukui seed oil, organic sea buckthorn oil, tocopherol (non-GMO)
Size options: 3 oz
Pros:
- USDA certified organic
- A little goes a long way
- Plant-based
Cons:
- May stain sheets
- Not compatible with latex
Dame makes a dreamy water-based, aloe infused lube that slides and glides with ease. It’s safe for everything including toys, contraception and most condoms. Best of all, the natural extracts–quinoa seed, hemp seed, green tea–help reduce any inflammation. The pH-balanced formula is definitely a win for anyone with a sensitive vagina. And for those who are a bit clumsy, it comes with a cover to allow for more grip in the heat of the moment or when things get slippery.
Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, propanediol, mushroom extract, gluconolactone, sodium hyaluronate, quinoa seed extract, hemp seed extract, linseed extract, green tea extract, oat kernel extract, hydroxyethylcellulose, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid
Size options: 4 fl oz
Pros:
- No residue
- Pleasant smell
- A little goes a long way
- Not sticky
Cons:
- May need to reapply
- May wash off in the shower
Here’s another FDA-approved organic lubricant. Tabu’s lube is formulated with feel-good ingredients researched and recommended by GYNs and menopause experts. These include organic aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and natural plant extracts such as passion flower and peony root, and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Thanks to ingredients like allantoin, which is found in chamomile, the formula works wonders at moisturizing without irritating. Organic aloe leaf ensures that there is no friction when using the water-based lube and that the application is smooth sailing. It comes in a chic dropper that looks great in your medicine cabinet, on your nightstand—wherever things might get hot and heavy.
Ingredients: Organic aloe leaf, hyaluronic acid, organic passion flower, organic peony root, tocopherol (Vitamin E), allantoin, lactic acid, hydroxyethylcellulose, organic stevia, sorbitol, potassium sorbate
Size options: 2 fl oz
Pros:
- FDA cleared
- Hypoallergenic
- Compatible with latex and silicone
- Easy to clean
- Sweet in taste
Cons:
- Expensive
- May not work as well in the shower
You’ll certainly want to keep Flora + Blast Aphrodisia oil close at hand. The decadent oil goes on smooth and not greasy, thanks to cocoa butter. This fatty acid is lauded for its ability to hydrate and repair skin. A little goes a long way and will leave you comfortable before and after use. The all-natural product has a light herbal scent (almost citrus-y) scent.
Ingredients: Cannabis sativa extract, cacao Butter: Gives the formula, Cannabis Sativa Essential Oil
Sizes: 1.7 fl oz
Pros:
- Moisturizing
- Adapts to body temperature quickly
- A little goes a long way
- Non-greasy
- Vegan
Cons:
- Expensive
- May need to reapply more frequently
- Herbal scent not for everyone
- Chen, Junya et al. “Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid vaginal gel to ease vaginal dryness: a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group, clinical trial.” The journal of sexual medicine vol. 10,6 (2013): 1575-84. doi:10.1111/jsm.12125
- Reygaert, Wanda C. “The antimicrobial possibilities of green tea.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 5 434. 20 Aug. 2014, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2014.00434
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