Can You Use Aloe Vera as Lube? (+ Some Worthy Alternatives)

You may know aloe vera for relieving sunburn, healing wounds, and hydrating the skin. 

So when you’re getting hot and heavy and find yourself out of lube, you might feel tempted to grab this wonder succulent for some slip-and-slide. 

But can you use aloe vera as lube?

Is it safe to use down there?

Let’s find out.

Can You Use Aloe Vera as Lube?

Aloe vera gel is usually a safe, natural lubricant. 

You could use it as lube if you:

• Use 100% pure aloe vera gel: Some store-bought aloe gels may contain harmful ingredients like parabens and questionable chemicals. Opt for only 100% pure aloe gel. 

• Want to use sex toys or condoms: Aloe vera gel works well with most plastic and silicone sex toys. Since it’s not oil-based, aloe gel also doesn’t break down latex — so you could use it with latex and polyurethane condoms.

• Are NOT allergic to aloe vera: Do a patch test on your skin (inner elbow) before using aloe gel as lube. You're likely allergic if you experience skin irritation and must not use it as lube. 

• Will NOT engage in anal sex: Aloe’s pH is around 4.5, which doesn’t match the rectum’s pH (usually between 7-8). So using it as anal lube may cause skin irritations or infections. (More about this soon). 

• Are NOT trying to conceive: The cervical mucus pH varies during ovulation, making aloe vera unsuitable when trying to conceive. (More on this soon).

• Are NOT allergic to latex: Aloe leaves contain a natural yellow latex between the gel and the rind. While you can separate the gel from the latex, cross-contamination is possible if the tool (knife, scissors, etc.) you used to extract the gel comes in contact with the latex. 

Hot Tip: 

If you’re allergic to latex, natural rubber latex condoms may not be ideal; try a polyurethane condom instead.

Let’s discuss aloe vera as lube for vaginal and anal sex in detail:

A. Aloe Vera for Vaginal Sex

Unless you’re trying to conceive, you could use aloe vera as a vaginal lube as it matches the normal pH of the vagina (3.8 to 4.5). 

And as long as the aloe gel is 100% pure, you’re unlikely to experience any vaginal infection or irritation.

What if I’m trying for a baby? 

Avoid aloe vera lube. 

Since the cervical mucus pH increases during ovulation to maintain sperm cell viability, you should ideally choose a lube with a higher pH (7 or above) to increase your odds of conceiving.

B. Aloe Vera for Anal Sex

While aloe vera can work for vaginal sex, you shouldn’t use it for anal sex.

As mentioned earlier, the rectum’s pH is usually between 7 and 8. So you need lube with an ideal pH range of 5.5-7 to avoid disrupting the body’s natural pH (aloe’s pH is about 4.5).  

What’s more?

Aloe vera gel has a thinner consistency than conventional anal lubricants and offers much less cushion during penetration. This raises the risk of potential injury during backdoor play.

How Do You Use Aloe Vera as Lube?

If your aloe vera lube only contains 100% pure aloe, take a few dollops and apply it: 

• Inside of the vagina before penetrative sex

• Directly onto a condom before penetration   

• Directly onto a sex toy 

• On the penis or vulva during external masturbation

How to Make DIY Aloe Vera Lube 

Want to make homemade aloe vera lube?

All you need is an aloe leaf and a teaspoon of vitamin E oil.

Follow these steps to prepare your own organic sex lube:

• Trim an aloe vera leaf (about 14 inches long) diagonally. 

• Carefully peel one side of the leaf with a knife or vegetable peeler, starting at the top.

• Drain the yellowish liquid that pours out and scrape the clear aloe vera gel into a blender.

• Add a teaspoon of vitamin E oil to break up the gel’s thick consistency and make it convenient for topical application.

Yays and Nays of Aloe Vera as Lube

Still not sure if you should use aloe vera as lube?

We'll help you decide!

Pros of Aloe Vera as Lube

• Aloe vera gel is a readily available personal lubricant. You can even make your own lube at home with an aloe plant.

• As a water-based lube, aloe vera gel is condom and sex toy friendly.

• Aloe vera gel’s moisturizing properties may benefit sensitive genital skin.

• 100% pure aloe gel can be used for vaginal sex.

Cons of Aloe Vera as Lube

• Aloe vera lube can be sticky and messy, putting a damper on your exciting romp in the sack.

• Due to its pH, aloe vera isn’t a suitable lube for anal sex or when trying to conceive. 

• Some store-bought aloe gel may contain chemical additives like tetrasodium EDTA, DDM hydantoin, and propylene glycol. Worse, some lubes may contain alcohol as an ingredient, which irritates the vagina, causing a burning sensation.

• You may be allergic to aloe vera. Even if you’re not, you may be sensitive to other ingredients in the lube. To ensure no allergic reaction, patch test on your inner elbow and check for any irritation.
  
  
• Most store-bought aloe vera gels are for external use only. Avoid such lubes if your skin is too sensitive.

What Are Some Alternatives to Aloe Vera Lube?

Here are some alternatives to aloe as lube:

• Extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil:  Coconut oil is an excellent lube alternative for sexual pleasure. It can amp up the fun and moisturize dry, sensitive skin.

• Olive oil: Olive oil can reduce friction and vaginal dryness and moisturizes your skin.

• Vitamin E oil: Topical application of vitamin E oil helps moisturize your intimate areas (soothes vaginal dryness), especially if you’re approaching menopause. 

Besides these natural alternatives, you could opt for Coconu’s water-based and oil-based lubricants. 

A. Coconu Water Based Lubricant   

The Coconu Water Based Lube pairs well with condoms, sex toys, and all kinds of sexual plays. 

• It contains 100% natural ingredients like organic coconut water.

• It’s hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and unlike aloe vera gel, it maintains vaginal pH balance.

• It works as a lubricant and a vaginal moisturizer that hydrates the genital tissue.

• It’s free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), alcohol, petroleum jelly, and other toxic ingredients.

B. Coconu Oil Based Lubricant 

Use the Coconu Oil Based Lube for longer intimate sessions and non-latex condoms. 

• It’s made of 100% organic ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, beeswax, cocoa seed butter, etc.

• The coconut oil is USDA-certified organic.

• It contains no harmful ingredients or chemicals.

• It’s ideal for sensual massages and steamy shower sex.   

What to Avoid As Lube 

While there are several natural lube alternatives to aloe vera, you must avoid:

• Baby oil: Baby oil increases the risk of a vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis.

• Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly (think Vaseline and Aquaphor) weakens latex condoms and damages sex toys. It can also cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, etc. 

• Butter: Butter damages natural rubber latex condoms and increases the risk of infection. Plus, it’s messy and can go rancid quickly inside your vag.  

Lube It Up with a Safe Choice 

Look: You could use aloe vera as lube, but certain conditions apply. 

Instead, why not opt for Coconu’s specifically formulated lubes?

It’s 100% natural, enhances pleasure, and moisturizes and protects your skin. 

Sounds like a win!

Grab the Coconu Combo Pack to enjoy the best of both worlds. You get our water-based and oil-based lubes for some mind-blowing fun.