If you're experiencing vaginal dryness, it's time to take matters into your own hands and search for a solution. Personal lubricants offer temporary relief from vaginal dryness and a way to reduce pain and discomfort during sex.
There are different brands and formulations of personal lubricants. You'll find brands like Durex and KY available from the grocery store and pharmacy, and the more exotic recreational sex lubes are available from sex shops or online vendors.
Deciding on the right personal lubricant can leave your head spinning with all the choices. So, which personal lubricant is the right choice for you?
Let's unpack the different types of lubes and their effect on relieving vaginal dryness.
Water-Based Personal Lubricants
This category of personal lubricants is the most popular and widely available. They typically come in two options: glycerin or non-glycerin-based formulations. We recommend avoiding products containing glycerin. Non-glycerin lube products have a longer shelf life and are less likely to cause irritation.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Safe for condoms
- Don't stain sheets
Cons
- Warming or flavored lubricants usually contain glycerin
- Dries quickly, requiring reapplication
- Glycerin can cause yeast infections
- Glycerin-free products may taste bitter
- It can become tacky or sticky during penetrative sex
Oil-Based Personal Lubricants
You have options for natural or synthetic oil-based lubricants. For instance, coconut and olive oil are natural lubes, and Vaseline or mineral oil are synthetic. These lubes are readily accessible and affordable. They also provide excellent results for lasting lubrication. However, some oil-based products may cause irritation, especially natural oils.
Pros
- Natural oils are great for foreplay and daily use
- They're safe, effective, and non-toxic
- Affordable and easy to find
Cons
- Oil-based lubes will degrade latex condoms, causing breaks
- Synthetic oils may cause irritation
- It takes longer for the vagina to fully excrete the oil, presenting the risk of infection
Silicone-Based Personal lubricants
These lubricants are highly effective and a good choice for longer-lasting lubrication between reapplications. They're smooth and slippery and have no odor or taste. Silicone lubricants are the second most popular option after water-based products and are ideal for use in the shower or jacuzzi.
Pros
- Long-lasting lubrication and less replication
- Suitable for use in water
- Safe for use with condoms
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not suitable for use with silicone-based sex toys
- It's harder to wash off
Natural lubricants
Some women might not find any of the above lubricants suitable for use. For instance, if you're a vegan, you might have a problem using synthetic compounds. If that's the case, you have options for natural lubricants formulated with eco-friendly ingredients or botanicals. These products are niche, usually the most expensive option, and the hardest to find.
Pros
- Natural lubricants are suitable for vegan lifestyles
- Free from chemical ingredients like parabens that are damaging to your health
- Formulated with natural ingredients
- No side effects
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Short shelf life
- Harder to source
- More expensive than other options
Considerations for Choosing the Right Personal Lubricant for You
Like all products, some lubricants are better than others. Look online, and you'll see hundreds of options in all categories. You have options from high-quality brands that cost more or cheaper lubes from smaller companies.
Lubricants have different properties and perform differently depending on the scenario. For instance, some lubes offer cooling or warming properties, and others are made for use in water. Water-based lubricants are more hypoallergenic but less effective than silicone-based lubes and require more frequent application.
Here's a brief guide to choosing the right personal lubricant for your activity.
For women prone to yeast infections – Avoid glycerin-based lubricants. This compound kills off good bacteria and triggers infections.
For women looking to conceive – Avoid spermicide lubricants.
For use with condoms – Avoid oil-based lubricants that degrade latex condoms fast.
For use with toys – Use water-based lubes. Avoid silicone-based products if you use them on silicone toys, as it degrades the surface.
For use in the shower – Silicone-based lubes are water-resistant and long-lasting. Avoid water-based lubes as they wash off.
Personal Lubricant Formulations to Avoid
While oil-based lubricants are highly effective and require less reapplication than silicone or water-based products, they can reduce the structural integrity of condoms, causing breaks. In some cases, oil-based lubricants may spark vaginal irritation.
Avoid using lubricants featuring flavors and textures. These artificial ingredients and colorants may cause irritation or adverse inflammatory reactions. Look at the ingredients label of the lubricant and avoid it if you find any of the following compounds.
- Nonoxynol-9
- Propylene glycol
- Glycerin
- Chlorhexidine gluconate
What's the Difference Between Personal Lubricants & Vaginal Moisturizers?
A vaginal moisturizer prevents general irritation and itching but doesn't provide enough moisture to prevent discomfort during penetrative sex. Moisturizers absorb into the vaginal wall and tissues, requiring repeated applications for lasting relief. Lubricants offer you immediate relief from vaginal dryness during intimate moments.
And Now for Something Completely Different – Try Lubracil
The problem with lubricants is that most only provide temporary relief from vaginal dryness. While they improve sex and reduce pain, they don't do much to stop the day-to-day dryness and irritation.
That leaves you with the option of using Vaginal moisturizers to resolve the problem. However, the need for frequent applications is frustrating, annoying, and somewhat embarrassing. Lubracil offers a different option for personal lubricant, bringing you a sustainable, long-lasting solution to vaginal dryness. It takes a different approach to resolving the problem, giving you a sustainable solution, you can rely on for results.
Unlike the topical lubricants mentioned in this guide, Lubracil is an oral supplement. It's two soft gel capsules taken daily – that's it. With consistent supplementation, you'll notice relief from vaginal dryness in just a few weeks, with long-lasting results.
Lubracil contains sea buckthorn oil, a potent vaginal hydrator containing four essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E to activate the cervical gland and improve vaginal secretions. There's no need to carry lubricant on you or run to the bathroom every few hours to reply.
Lubracil gives your body the nutrients it needs to eliminate vaginal dryness naturally. Give it a try and experience the results for yourself.
