People normally avoid using oils as lube. But did you know that when used appropriately, oils can serve as a good substitute for lubricant?
Oils as lube is not a new concept. It had served that purpose for countless years before you could buy lubricant in the stores. Oils are not only abundant in nature but are also wide-ranging, giving you a great deal of options and experiences.
[Read: 13 perfectly good lube substitutes just as slippery as the real thing!]
Quick history of using lubes
To start off, we must go way back to the history of using lubes. This is the kind of stuff you don’t learn in school! So pay attention!
The earliest use of lubes dates back to ancient Greek and Romans as they anointed themselves with olive oil while having sexual intercourse. It’s far more effective than spit and has much easier access. However, today, olive oil is not recommended to use with latex-based condoms as it will break the material down.
[Read: Sexual foreplay: 26 lusty secrets to do it well & make them hot & horny]
Other vegetable oils are commonly used in other cultures. For example, in Japan, gay men used clove oil for anal sex as it helps the muscles relax. They also used a substance called tororo-jiru made from mashed yams during sex and masturbation. In China and Korea, they also used the slick liquid from red seaweed as lube.
By the 1800s, lubricant began to take form as we know it today, but it was used as a skincare product. It wasn’t until the 1970s that it was openly and widely associated with sexual pleasure. The first ad for lubricant was shown on the small screen in 1997, and was known as being quite controversial.
Nowadays, we have many different brands and products for lubricant for different sexual purposes. How amazing is that? [Read: 34 hand job tips, secrets & positions to give a handjob that drives him wild]
What is a lube used for?
Lube is a liquid or gel used to prevent unwanted friction during sex. Many women find lubricant makes sex a lot more comfortable and enjoyable. Sometimes, women experience vaginal dryness leading to pain or discomfort during sex, but sometimes women want more lubrication than their bodies provide.
[Read: What does sex feel like for a girl & 14 reasons why it feels so good]
Reasons to use lube during sex
One big misconception is that lube should only be used while doing anal sex. The truth is that lube can increase your pleasure if you use it the right way! If you haven’t incorporated it into your sex life, this is your sign to try.
1. It can enhance pleasure
It doesn’t have to be the last resort when you’re experiencing vaginal dryness. You can use it at any time during sex. Did you know that it can also delay ejaculation and help the sex last longer?
When used with a condom, lube makes sex feel easier and more natural, which enhances pleasure for anyone involved.
2. It’s ideal for anal sex
Unlike the vagina or penis, the anus doesn’t often provide natural lubrication during sex. So apply a lot of lube during foreplay may help you relax. You can also use lube with sex toys to enhance your sexual experience.
Lube reduces friction and irritation, and therefore, lowers the risk of injury during sex. Lube also makes it less likely for the condom to break, decreasing the chances of getting pregnant or STIs. However, you must remember to use a water or silicon-based lube because other types may damage the condom and cause it to break down.
One important note is that lube is not a form of contraception. Make sure you are well protected while using lube to avoid unwanted pregnancies. [Read: Why a baby trap is the dumbest idea you could use to keep a guy]
Some things to remember when using oils as lube
Some oils are friendly to your most sensitive parts and may even have some added health benefits. However, others can have adverse effects when used as lube and shouldn’t be used.
[Read: Is it safe to have sex with a UTI? The guide you shouldn’t ignore]
1. Do not use condoms
Oil-based lubricants and condoms do not go well together because oils can damage a condom’s surface. So, if you’re planning to use any type of oil for lube, consider other kinds of birth control to ensure your safety. [Read: Different birth control options to consider]
2. Check for any allergies
Different kinds of oil can be harmful to people with a specific kind of allergy. Do your research and know how your body reacts to different kinds of oils before using them.
3. Expect the need for a good wash afterwards
Oils are capable of clinging to the skin for hours after application which is the reason why most people prefer water-based lube over oil-based ones. But if you’re not that squeamish, go ahead with oil, but please go get a good rinse afterwards. [Read: How to have wildly enjoyable sex in the shower]
4. Stain alert
Compared to lube which is colorless, some oils have a natural tinge of color which may stain your precious 900 thread count bed sheets. To avoid staining, place an additional cover over your bed before jumping right in.
5. Cost
If you’re planning to use fancy types of oils as lube, it could be more expensive compared to your standard bottle of lube.
Oils you can use as lube
Whether you’ve run out of normal lubricant or you’re just curious about the experience of using oils as lube, here’s a list of possible oils that you can use as a substitute for lube.
[Read: Pulling out is completely safe and other bad sex advice]
1. Vitamin E oil
Aside from the soluble gel capsule that we’re more familiar with, Vitamin E also comes in raw oil form that can be used as a lubricant. It is a supplement known for its beneficial effects on the hair and skin and also has a generous amount of antioxidants. The only drawback for using this as lube is that it’s quite pricy, and you’d rather drink it than daub it on your nether regions.
2. Extra virgin olive oil
Olive oil is one of the most versatile oils in existence. You can use it for cooking and cosmetics, and it sure is a good oil to use as a lubricant. Olive oil is skin-friendly and has antioxidant, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties.
3. Sweet almond oil
This type of oil is quite popular due to its natural sweet, nutty scent. It is the kinder sibling of two almond oil products, the other one being bitter almond oil. Along with Vitamin E and olive oil, sweet almond oil also has skin-friendly properties making it a good choice for lube. The only drawback of sweet almond oil is adverse side effects for people with nut allergy.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is the mother of all oils. It is perfectly edible, has a lot of health and cosmetic benefits, and is gifted with a warm, lightly sweet and mellow scent. Not only that, coconut oil is cheap and can be found in any grocery store. You can imagine why coconut oil tops the list of oils that can be used as lube. [Read: 15 winning lubricants hanging out in your kitchen]
5. Avocado oil
If you’re looking for a more neutral natural oil, why not try avocado oil? It doesn’t have a noticeable smell or taste like olive oil and coconut oil. It’s amazing for clitoral stimulation and vulvar massage. [Read: 17 most intimate sex positions & tips to feel romantic while making love]
6. Ghee
Ghee is clarified butter, which can also be used as lube. It can moisturize and soothe your skin while providing healthy and fatty acids, the perfect choice for sensitive areas. It also tastes great to use for oral sex. [Read: 14 best cunnilingus techniques to give a girl oral sex & make her moan in bliss]
7. Primrose oil
Primrose oil is a lovely herbal ally for relieving vaginal dryness. Did you know that primrose oil can also be used to induce labor?
8. Blended oils
Aside from the oils mentioned, you can also create your own homemade blend of oils to use as lube. Blended oils are usually composed of a base oil comprising the majority of the mixture, and small quantities of other oils for their scent or cosmetic benefits. Blended oils can also be used as a massage oil or as a hair treatment oil.
For the base, coconut oil is highly recommended due to its versatility. Popular additives for blended oils include grape seed oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and sunflower oil.
Oils you must avoid as lube
Now that we’ve listed all the oils that can be used as lube, here are some that should never be used as lube in any given situation. These types of oils may irritate the skin, pose a risk for infection, or have some unpleasant smells.
[Read: 11 tips to make vaginal fisting safer and sexier]
1. Cooking oil
Cooking oil belongs to the kitchen, and it should stay there. You don’t want your privates smelling like a frying pan, and you also wouldn’t want to get your bed linens stained with a big yellow splotch.
2. Butter or margarine
Butter only smells and tastes good on a piece of toast. Using it as lube may increase infection, go rancid, and mix with your bodily fluids. It will lead to instant regret. Did we also mention that it leaves stains worse than cooking oil?
3. Animal fat
Even if you render beef tallow or lard into a semi-pure state, it will never be suited for use as lube. Animal fats have a lot of impurities and carry loads of bacteria and parasites. It also goes bad pretty quickly and gives off a rancid smell when it happens. Nobody wants all of that happening near their private areas. [Read: Nom-non no-nos: 17 foods to avoid before sex]
4. Undiluted essential oils
Essential oils are only good if used in the right quantities and the right blends. Using undiluted ones may not be as safe for the skin inside the vagina and the penis. Some kinds of essential oils may cause irritation and burning sensations when used undiluted. Avoid using them if you’re not that knowledgeable in essential oils.
[Read: How to use lubricants to liven up your sex life immediately]
5. Baby oil/mineral oil
While this is safe to use on your skin as a moisturizer, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for lube. It may leave a stain, damage your sex toys, and cause poisoning and infections. Also, it’s very difficult to wash off.
6. Petroleum jelly
While not an “oil” in the literal sense, petroleum jelly is an oil-based product used for burns and other skin ailments. This makes it safe for use as lube in case you run out of the usual stuff. But petroleum jelly falls on the bottom of the preference list as it has the consistency of axle grease. [Read: 11 perfectly good substitutes for lube that work just as well]
Some things to remember when using oils as lube
Make sure always to check the ingredient lists before you use a lube. If petroleum is listed, it should not be used with condoms. To protect yourself and avoid pregnancy, avoid mineral products that can damage condoms.
Always do a patch test before using oils to make sure they don’t cause any allergic reaction or skin irritation. Oils are not a good choice with dental dams as they may damage them and raises the chances of getting STIs. Oil can cause degradation on silicone toys, so make sure to wash them thoroughly after use.
[Read: Painful anal sex: 31 happy bum tips to make backdoor sex hurt less]
When to stop use and see a doctor
If you get any allergic reaction, pain, burns, or infection, contact your doctor immediately. Be responsible, stay safe, and have fun!
With the right knowledge of which oils as lube are safe to use, along with proper precautions, you can enjoy sex with your improvised oil-based lube.
