By Juliette Tang
There are a number of questions you might ask yourself before spreading something on your genitals, the most relevant being, “Is this edible?” Because, if you wouldn’t eat a tube of KY, you might want to think twice before using it on your southern hemisphere.
Many people have no health problems associated with synthetic personal lubricants, but others find that using lubricants with propylene glycol, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and silicone increases their susceptibility to irritation and infection. For some, synthetic lubricants have been found to increase the chances of yeast infection and UTI. For those with allergies and sensitivities, certain chemicals found in lubes can cause pain and discomfort during sex, and not in the good way. And, most frighteningly of all, the chemical nonoxynol-9, a spermicidal contraceptive, has been found to actually raise a person's susceptibility to HIV.
Fortunately for the health-conscious, we live in a city that has the natural, eco-friendly alternative to almost any health and body product on the market, including personal lubricants. Not only are these products gentler on the body, but they are also gentler on the environment, as they use natural ingredients that can be sustainably harvested (and most have recycled, or at the very least, recyclable packaging). Each of these lubricants are different. Some are water-based, some are oil-based, and some contain plant-derived glycerin (which helps lube last longer). Here are 7 of our favorite natural lubricants, what makes them unique, and where you can get them.
All Natural, Glycerin Free
Firefly Organics is a 100% natural lube available online only. It contains shea and cocoa butter, but because of its oil-based formula, this lubricant is not safe for use with latex condoms. Firefly is the most natural lubricant on the market, with no preservatives and completely glycerin free, and because of this, it has somewhat of an abbreviated shelf-life. In a completely unrelated note, Firefly was recently voted the #1 personal lubricant by PlayBoy Magazine.
Mostly Natural, Glycerin Free
Sliquid Organics makes some great organic lubricants in water, cream, and gel form. Their most natural formula is water based, glycerin free, containing organic plant extracts like hibiscus, flax, sunflower seed, and green tea. For anal play, use the thicker, slicker gel formula. You can find Sliquid at Good Vibrations (603 Valencia). Safe with latex condoms.
With its flashy packaging, Yes is the best-looking lubricant on the market, organic or otherwise. Yes contains natural ingredients like flax, guar, locust bean, and xanthan gums, which keep the water-adhesive properties long and lasting without help from glycerin. This product is certified organic by the Soil Association and the Vegetarian Society. Made in the UK, this product is available online. The water-based formula is safe with latex condoms and toys; the oil-based is not.
Mostly Natural, with Plant Glycerin
Good Clean Love is the nicest smelling lubricant on the market. Made with a 95% organic formula, Good Clean Love lubes utilize whole cinnamon sticks, flowers, vanilla beans, and organic peppermint to create lovely-scented and feeling lubricants that are fun and safe to use and possibly even good to eat. Available at href="http://www.wholefoods.com" target="_blank">Whole Foods locations in San Francisco. Safe with latex condoms.
Aloe Life, available at Rainbow Grocery (1745 Folsom) and at all Whole Foods locations in San Francisco, is a natural, organic lubricant containing aloe vera, calendula, allantoin, vitamins A, E, D and zinc. Specifically designed for those experiencing menopause, this gel lubricant is "great for active adults experiencing dryness." Headquartered in Santee, CA, AloeLife is relatively local as well. Safe for use with latex.
Emerita has been making popular water-based lubes with plant essences since the hippie-fied 1970s. Rainbow Grocery carries this brand, which has been said to remedy vaginal itching as well as dryness. Emerita products are safe with latex condoms.
Probe Personal Lubricant, which can be found at Rainbow and Good Vibes, as well as online, is probably the simplest lubricant you can use other than spit. Probe only contains three ingredients (glycerin, polyethylene oxide, grapefruit seed extract) and is completely harmless if swallowed. The grapefruit seed extracts that are said to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms. Safe with latex condoms.
Comments (1)
nice... definitely gonna try vanilla lubs... thanks for this..
Posted by harcoutbreton | June 8, 2009 09:43 PM