Ayehunie S, et al. (2018). Hyperosmolal vaginal lubricants markedly reduce epithelial barrier properties in a three-dimensional vaginal epithelium model.

Pros: Water based lube is great as they are typically gentle enough for sensitive skin and they won’t break down latex condoms or silicone toys. Bio-Match® pH-Balanced Formula Supports Vaginal Health by Promoting Natural pH Levels, Salt & Lactic Acid Besides these natural ingredients, many lubes contain preservatives. Sodium benzoate and citric acid are two such preservatives that are considered to be safe. Hydroxyethylcellulose is another ingredient you might see in lube; it is helpful for those trying to conceive because lubes with this ingredient closely mimic natural vaginal fluids and have been found to be helpful because they don't decrease sperm motility.

Choosing a lubricant for anal, vaginal or any kind of sex may take some trial and error, so you can see what feels best to you and your partner, or just you if you're enjoying "me" time. How your body feels is your best guide, but here are a few points to keep in mind:

While plant-based glycerin is FDA-approved and generally considered harmless (along with sugar-free sweeteners, like sucralose), there are definitely flavored lubricants out there that aren't safe for penetration. Flavored lubes that contain petroleum jelly, for instance, can trap bacteria and cause yeast infections, while certain preservatives—like pentylene glycol, pethylhexylglycerin, and phenoxyethanol—can cause irritation for folks with sensitive skin. Smith also suggests avoiding flavored lubes with artificial flavors and colors if you plan to use it for vaginal or anal play. When connecting with your partner or yourself sexually during pregnancy, lube can help ease any friction-related discomfort and make for a more pleasurable experience. The water base behind the Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant will leave you feeling, well, almost naked. It’s highly recommended by gynecologists and is free from parabens and glycerin. Plus, it’s made with organic aloe leaf juice which helps moisturize and extend the water-based lube’s effectiveness. A 2012 study even concluded that this lube is one of the safest out there, which is especially important during pregnancy. Here's how to use a lube, says Dr. Streicher: “The time to apply lubricant is before you attempt intercourse. You squeeze it on your fingers, and if there’s a penis involved, you apply it liberally to the penis, and to the opening of the vagina [or anus].” It’s important to warm the lube first, she adds: “If you put cold lube on an erection, he might lose it.” Pros: Aloe based lubes are great options as they won’t break down latex condoms and silicone toys. They last longer than water based lubes and aloe is known to have soothing benefits for the skin. Fertility-friendly lubricant is a fast-growing sector of the lube world. Lots of reputable products have emerged in recent years, leading the FDA to create a label denoting which products pass their safety standards. However, while “fertility-friendly” or “sperm-friendly” lube is proven to be less damaging to sperm, it’s not a guarantee of conception.Using lubricant is a great idea for most sexual activity, but for couples trying to conceive (TTC), it can be especially useful. Being TTC often means reducing sex to a routine experience on a regular schedule. This can bring down the usual mood, resulting in vaginal dryness. Additionally, some medications meant to boost fertility can cause vaginal dryness as a side effect. All this can add to the stress and pressure of trying to conceive. Purified Water, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Carob Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Hyaluronic Acid, Carrageenan, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride Never use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline ®) as a lubricant. It is hard to wash off and can irritate your vagina. It can also raise your risk of getting a vaginal infection.

WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil lube has a really impressive ingredient list full of natural components like organic coconut oil, vanilla flavor, and beeswax. This coconut oil-based lube is long-lasting and great for combating severe dryness. While it can’t be used with latex condoms, it’s great for those engaging in solo play or who aren’t using a condom for partner sex. Vaginal estrogen is a hormone medication you can take to keep your vulva and vagina healthy. You can only get vaginal estrogen with a prescription. Talk with your care team to see if this is a safe option for you. Vaginal lubricants usually come in a liquid or gel form. You can buy them online or at your local pharmacy without a prescription.Jess O’Reilly, PhD, is a Toronto-based sexologist and relationship expert as well as the co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay. There are many different types of lubricants and if you don’t know where to start, it can be overwhelming. Lubricants may be water based, silicone based, aloe based, oil based or CBD based. Let’s break those down and discuss some pros and cons of each.