Can You Use Baby Oil As Lube? (6 Major Risks + 3 Safer Alternatives)
Have you run out of your go-to sex lube and looking for a quick substitute?
A look through your pantry and bathroom cupboards may yield interesting lubricant alternatives like baby oil and other mineral oil products.
But you shouldn’t just apply any product to your sensitive vagina or anus.
Bathroom staples like baby oil are useful products for moisturizing skin.
But can you use baby oil as a lube?
Is it safe for masturbation, vaginal sex, and anal sex?
Rest assured, we’ll cover all the baby oil basics and help you determine what should (and shouldn’t) be applied down there.
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Can You Use Baby Oil As Lube?
Baby oil smells great, is affordable, and will make your skin feel wonderfully moisturized.
But, it’s not safe to use as a sex lube.
Why?
Baby oil often contains petroleum-based mineral oil or vegetable oil, making it unsafe to use as a personal lubricant. And as it isn’t water-soluble, you can’t wash it off, which can cause skin irritation.
Moreover, it will degrade a latex condom, putting you at risk of becoming pregnant or contracting STIs.
What Are The Risks Of Using Baby Oil?
Using a suitable personal lubricant is vital for great sexual health and balanced vaginal flora.
Here are a few reasons why you should not be reaching for that bottle of baby oil as a sexual lubricant:
1. Irritates The Vulva
Applying baby oil to the vulva (the outer part of the vaginal area) will irritate the skin as it’s sensitive to moisture and chemicals.
Some of the symptoms include burning, rash, soreness, itching, and discharge.
2. Causes Vaginal Infection
A study reported that women who used petroleum jelly and petroleum-based lubes were more than twice as likely to contract a vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis than women who didn’t.
Moreover, you risk developing a yeast infection when using baby oil and similar products. And the last thing you want is to deal with a pesky and painful infection when trying to have a great time in bed.
| Read more: Eager to try anal sex with your boo? Find out why you should skip Numbing Lubes for Anal Sex. |
3. Breaks Down Diaphragms And Condoms
A pregnancy barrier method like a diaphragm is made with silicone and latex. So, all types of oil, baby oil included, will damage the diaphragm, eventually causing it to disintegrate.
The same principle applies to latex condoms. A study found that baby oil (and other mineral oil products) will cause latex condoms to start breaking down within a minute of using it.
When a condom breaks, you risk catching a sexually transmitted infection or getting pregnant.
| Read more: Learn How To Lube a Condom for Perfect Penetration. |
4. Too Slippery
It’s best not to use baby oil with a condom as the oil makes things far too slippery. As a result, the condom is more likely to slip off during sexual activity.
A slipping condom can lead to irritation, contracting an STI, or pregnancy — just a few things you don’t want to be plagued with during the heat of the moment.
5. Hard To Wash Off
Baby oil acts as a barrier on the skin, making it tough to wash off easily, even with soap and water. You need to scrub a little to get it all off — this can lead to further skin irritation in sensitive areas.
6. Damages Sex Toys
A sex toy made of rubber, latex, or plastic will be damaged when using it with baby oil. It will ruin your sex toy and lead to a vaginal or anal injury.
| Read More: Take sexy time to new heights with Organic Lube. |
What Lubricants Can You Safely Use For Sex?
The safest option for your sexual health is to use a personal lubricant specially designed for vaginal and anal sex.
Many lubes in the market are:
- Made with natural ingredients
- Great to use with a sex toy
- Helpful in alleviating vaginal dryness.
Here are a few to consider for any sexual activity:
1. Water Based Lubricants
New to the world of lube?
A water based lube like Coconu, K Y Jelly, Lola Personal Lubricant, or Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant is great if you’re just starting out.
Pros:
- A water based lubricant can be used safely with a condom, diaphragm, and sex toy.
- It’s ideal for masturbation, vaginal sex, and anal sex.
- It washes off easily and doesn’t stain clothes or sheets.
- Water based lubricant dries out fast and requires frequent reapplication for extended play.
- The Coconu Water Based Personal Lubricant ($24.99) has a silky feel and is made with organic coconut water.
2. Silicone Based Lubricants
If you want a long-lasting play session, opt for a silicone lube. It’s also ideal if you have sensitive skin as it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Pros:
- It’s long-lasting and doesn’t wash off, so it’s great for extended play and shower sex.
- You can use it for vaginal sex and anal sex.
- Silicone lube works with all condom options and non-silicone based adult toys.
- It will damage adult toys and diaphragms that contain silicone.
- It’s tough to wash off and will stain sheets.
3. Oil Based Lubricants
A suitable oil based lube also works well for extended sex.
Pros:
- Oil based lube is ideal for an intimate massage.
- It’s a fun addition for long-lasting penetrative vaginal and anal sex, oral sex, and masturbation.
- It works well in the shower.
- Avoid using an oil based lubricant with latex products, particularly if the ingredients include sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil.
- It stains sheets and doesn’t wash off easily.
- The Coconu Oil Based Personal Lubricant ($24.99) is an organic lube with coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, almond oil, and more.
- The Coconu Hemp Body Oil ($34.99) works on three fronts as a pre-lubricant, lubricant, and massage oil. It’s USDA-certified and contains board-spectrum hemp.
| Read More: Discover the Best Natural Lubricants you need to get your hands on! |
Other Lube Alternatives
We get it. Sometimes you just need a lubricant alternative to stand in during an emergency steamy situation!
Consider the following options when you’re in a pinch and out of your favorite personal lube.
Caution: Don’t use any ingredient if you are allergic to them.
You can find most of these lube alternatives in your home pantry:
- Argan Oil
- Pure Aloe Vera Gel
- Avocado Oil
- Vitamin E Oil
- Extra Virgin (or Cold Pressed) Coconut Oil
- Extra Virgin (or Cold Pressed) Olive Oil
- Shea Butter
Except for aloe vera gel, be mindful when using the other natural oil options with latex and silicone-based products. And remember to wash up thoroughly after playtime.
What Products Should You Avoid Using As Lube?
Aside from mineral oil, baby oil, and petroleum jelly, steer clear of the following items:- Cooking oil
- Vegetable oil
- Honey
- Whipped cream
- Shampoo
- Moisturizer
- Butter
- Saliva
Have A Wild (And Safe Time) Under The Sheets!
When selecting your choice of lube, ensure you’re not getting petroleum jelly and mineral oil products (baby oil included).When in doubt, always consult your gynecologist or family doctor, especially if you’re prone to allergic reactions. After all, your choice of personal lubricant should help you have a fantastic, stress-free time in bed!