Understanding different moisturising and lubricating products
There has been a huge influx of personal lubricants and intimate care products on the market in recent years.
So what goes with what? And what are the pros and cons? How do you choose?
• Water-based lubricants are condom compatible. So are silicone lubricants. Together they make up about 99% of the 200+ personal lubricants I could find on the market. It seems that condoms are what personal lubricants were developed for, and they are usually marketed at males and young people. There are tons of brands to choose form, but most contain basically the same chemicals and preservatives. If you’re allergic to one water-based lubricant, you may find you are allergic to all of them!
• Oil-based personal lubricants are new on the market – Olive & Bee Intimate Cream is the only 100% Australian made oil-based moisturising and lubricating cream that I know about. Oils are not condom compatible, but are actually more hydrating on the skin than water (think lip balm vs water on cracked lips).
• Not all oils are the same – some are “too thick” and more likely to clog pores, e.g. coconut oil. Olive Oil has a low comedogenic rating, which means it is a good absorbable oil on the skin.
• Water based lubricants need to contain a preservative. Any cosmetic with water needs a preservative. Otherwise it would grow bacteria and mould. There can’t be a 100% natural water-based lubricant.
• Oil based lubricants do not need a preservative, hence are good for people who are sensitive to these chemicals, or who would prefer to avoid them
• Silicone lubricants are chemicals.
• Water based and most oil-based products are fine to use with silicone (e.g. a pessary or dilator), but silicone lubricants will degrade silicone products such as a vibrator.
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