Finding a lubricant that is safe and works well for both you and your partner is a personal journey, so expect to undergo some experimenting. Some homemade lube will work better for a specific type of sex, however, any of your options will in the end effectively do the same thing: make things more slippery. Just keep in mind that you need to be very careful. You should be gentle and cautious any time you put something in or around your genitals, no matter what it is. There’s always a possibility that the foreign substance can mess with your vagina’s PH levels, and there is a risk for yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Depending on the ingredients, you or your partner could have an allergic reaction as well. Even organic lubes that are sold in stores, which have great, natural ingredients, could contain ingredients that lead to a yeast infection. What a lot of people don’t talk about is that aloe vera makes a great lube. It’s very gentle and has neutral properties no matter what type of skin you have. It’s very safe to use anywhere on your body, including your vagina–as long as you make sure the bottle you have contains 100% pure aloe vera gel, and that it doesn’t have any type of sugar or any artificial ingredients. Because knowledge is power, here are several tips to help you get the most out of your Nuru gel experience. Storage But what if you want a natural lube or would rather use something you already have around the house? “You have a few good options, but there are also some things you definitely want to avoid,” says Dr. Crawford. What can you use instead of lube?

If you need to walk into another room partway through, wipe your feet well to avoid falling and injuring yourself. Use plastic or wooden bowls and stirrers never glass! Allergies Nasiri A, et al. (2016). Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial. DOI: Can you use lotion for lube? Probably not the greatest idea. Honey as lube, even though it may seem “natural,” also isn’t the way to go. Gynecologist Talia Crawford, MD, explains why and answers the question, “What can I use instead of lube?” Types of lubricants Skinsations Grapeseed Oil is free from harsh chemicals. It is lightweight with a smooth texture, making it easy to slide all over your skin. Another warning: whatever type of homemade lube you make, don’t expect to be able to keep it around for weeks or months like you do with commercial lube. Even if you store your homemade stuff in a cool and dry place such as a cupboard, the container becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, without any kind of preservative it’ll go bad fast. It’s safe to make your own lube–but use it within a couple of days at the most.A lot of homeopathic circles really believe in all the benefits that egg whites have to offer. People who are within these circles not only use egg whites for lube, but also as a means to encourage fertility and to help their ability to conceive. It can be messy when it comes to application, but if you apply it using a dropper of some sort (or just embrace the messiness), using egg whites should be fine. It’s best to apply them at room temperature, in a bowl or other type of vessel. Oils that are Natural

These include baby oil, massage oil, coconut oil, etc. These lubes can be a good choice for masturbation, but never use oil-based lubes if you’re using condoms. Make sure you only use water-based lube with condoms. Anything oil-based will weaken the latex and may lead to rips and tears. Ready to get lubed up? Yogurt. While this may seem like more of an odd/desperate option, yogurt is perfectly fine to use, as long as you steer clear of the flavored kinds such as strawberry and vanilla. You should also make sure it’s sugar free; only use plain, organic, sugar free yogurt if you have any around.Studies of specific essential oils have shown that they may help relieve pain by numbing or heating the area or by reducing inflammation.

Eguchi E, et al. (2016). The effects of aroma foot massage on blood pressure and anxiety in Japanese community-dwelling men and women: A crossover randomized controlled trial. DOI: Mirmohammadali M, et al. (2015). The effect of massage with oils on the growth of term infants: A randomized controlled trial. DOI: It felt instantly different to the others as well, in that it’s more of a balm, down to the natural ingredients of olive oil and beeswax. This means it’s naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and high in anti-oxidants, making it a great option for anyone looking for something that looks after vagina health at the same time. It purposely doesn’t use the word “lube” to describe itself as it notes it can be used by people in menopause or experiencing prolapse. If you’re not into olive oil as a lube or prefer something water-based, Dr. Crawford has a few suggestions. Need to add a little *spice* to the bedroom? Easy—it's time to incorporate a massage oil into your sex routine on the reg. Some sexual body oils can be used for foreplay and aftercare, and according to Lisa Finn, brand manager and sex educator at Babeland, a sensual massage can "help add new forms of stimulation into our sexual repertoire." Instead of solely focusing on your partner's pleasure points, these body oils allow you to pay attention to other, often less explored parts of the body. "So often we dive right into genital touch that we ignore the other erogenous zones of the body that can really heighten our arousal," she says.Also, before you use any type of lube for the first time (even if you decide in the end to rely on commercial, store-bought lube), you should rub some on your skin and conduct a test to see if it causes any kind of reaction. If it does, or if you’re still nervous, you can consult with your doctor to ask if it’s okay to use a specific product or recipe for homemade lube. In the end, however, there are lots of options, and you’re sure to find something that works great for both you and your partner.

Another win for water here: although there's generally some residue left behind from the non-water ingredients in water lubes, it's generally easy to wash off and it won't ruin your sheets. Oil, on the other hand, is a bit of a nightmare for your upholstery, and should be used sparingly if at all. Oil-based lubricants tend to be the longest-lasting. But don’t use them with latex condoms or dental dams because oils break down latex, making the condom more likely to tear. Shampoo and hand soaps have a basic pH. A vagina’s pH is naturally acidic. This mismatch can cause vaginal burning and, sometimes, infection. Creams and lotions

The verdict: Lubricants

Generally, oil-based lubricants are safe to use, inexpensive, and easily accessible. But, if you can, opt for a water-based lubricant first. Oils can irritate your skin and stain fabric. Pros Certain mineral and vegetable oils, such as olive and avocado oil, are perfectly fine to use as personal lubricant, especially if you’re looking for something that will be efficient for vulvar massage and clitoral stimulation. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you need to keep these oils away if you’re also using condoms, as it could make the condoms break. For this type of home ingredient, whether you reach for it or not may just depend on your intentions for the moment. Natural-based oil lubricants — like avocado, coconut, vegetable, and olive oils — are great for genital massages and all types of sexual play. They’re also safe for the vagina and safe to eat. So, you either realize you’re out of lube and are a little desperate, or you’d like to explore some natural alternatives to KY Jelly. Don’t panic – there are a lot of options! If you rummage around your closet, pantry, and fridge, you’re likely to find some items you can use as lube. Are you still with me? I know those cons sound a little scary but like all things, some oils are just better for your body than others and it’s important to understand the effects that these ingredients can have.