Which Condoms Work Best With Coconut Oil Lube?

What’s a better trio than sex, condoms, and lube?

Condoms are excellent in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). And lube makes sex more pleasurable and safe (by eliminating friction-related injuries that cause infections and spread STDs).

But here’s the catch: 

You need to select condoms that pair well with your choice of lube. 

For instance, when using coconut oil as lube, you shouldn’t use a latex condom.

Find out how coconut oil interacts with condoms and the pros and cons of coconut oil as lube. We’ll also introduce you to the best coconut-based lubricant for your hot and heavy enjoyment.

Can You Use Coconut Oil as Lube with Condoms?

Short answer: It depends on the condom.

You can use coconut oil with polyurethane, nitrile, and natural membrane (lambskin) condoms (more on this soon).

But coconut oil lube will be incompatible with a latex or polyisoprene condom. Any oil based lubricant (e.g., olive oil, almond oil, or store-bought lube) can cause latex condoms to deteriorate, which could lead to a breakage situation.

Let’s take a closer look at these two scenarios.

Why Is Coconut Oil as Lube Incompatible with Certain Condoms?

As mentioned, latex condoms and oil based lube aren’t buddies.

Why?

In a study, couples tested different combinations of condoms and lubes in the bedroom. The result was that latex condoms with oil based lube broke more frequently.

The research doesn’t indicate that oil-based lube will definitely or immediately destroy your condom. It also doesn’t point fingers at coconut oil in particular. 

But, in matters of reproductive health, birth control, and sexual health, it’s definitely better to be safe, not sorry!

Important note: 

A polyisoprene condom is made of a petroleum-based synthetic polymer – a synthetic version of natural rubber latex with very similar properties. So, the “no oil based lube” rule applies to a polyisoprene condom too.

3 Oil-Friendly Condom Options to Try

Luckily, latex isn’t the only option for condom-reliant peeps. (Phew!)

You may consider three alternative options:

1. Polyurethane Condoms

Since latex is a common allergy, polyurethane (latex-free) condoms are widely available. These super-thin plastic condoms are A-okay to use with oil based lubes like coconut oil. 

But there’s a catch: 

A polyurethane condom is slightly more likely to slip or break than a latex condom. 

So, don’t rely on them as a primary method of birth control. Use them with partners whose sexual health status you know. Otherwise, you run the risk of an unexpected pregnancy or nasty STD.

2. Nitrile Condoms

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber material used in internal condoms.

Um, what are internal condoms?

These are condoms inserted during vaginal or anal sex rather than covering the penis or toy. And, yep, nitrile is oil safe.

3. Natural Membrane Condoms

Natural membrane condoms are made from sheep’s intestines and are compatible with coconut oil lube. 

They’re great if you want to go the all-natural route. But remember, they’re definitely not vegan-friendly. 

Important: 

Natural membrane condoms are an effective birth control method but don’t prevent STIs and STDs. 

Help, What Else Can I Use as a Lube?

Uncertain what you can safely use as a lubricant with your condoms?

Here’s a quick overview of different lubricating substances and whether you should consider using them.

These lubricating substances CAN be used:

• Water based lube: A water based lubricant is body safe and compatible with latex barriers.

• Silicone lube: Silicone lubricant is suitable for internal use, latex barriers, and a non-silicone toy (like plastic, steel, and ceramic).
  
  
• Olive oil: Olive oil (the virgin kind only!) is a suitable lubricant but isn’t compatible with latex condoms.
  
  
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a common ingredient in store-bought lubes. It’s soothing, cooling, and compatible with all condoms and toys.

These lubricating substances CANNOT be used:

• Baby oil: Baby oil contains mineral oil, a petroleum by-product. This makes it an absolute no-no for any type of sexy time. All mineral oil types are likely to cause a vaginal infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a nasty yeast infection.
  
  
• Petroleum jelly: Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is another petroleum-based heck no for use as a vaginal or anal lube. It degrades latex condoms and is another culprit for causing bacterial vaginosis.

So, what about coconut oil – is it safe to use as lube? Let’s investigate.

2 Reasons to Say Yes to Coconut Oil as Lube

First, let's cover a few basics.

Coconut oil primarily comes in the form of refined coconut oil (processed) and unrefined coconut oil (or virgin coconut oil). 

It’s best to avoid refined coconut oil and opt for unrefined coconut oil, as it has no chemicals, preservatives, or toxins.

Two factors make unrefined or virgin coconut oil a great vaginal and anal lube:

• It’s long lasting – providing a smooth and comfortable glide for penetration and other kinds of play.
  
  
• It’s moisturizing – great for sensitive skin, improving skin elasticity, and it makes a fantastic vaginal moisturizer for combating vaginal dryness.

4 Reasons to Steer Clear of Coconut Oil as Lube

As wonderful as virgin coconut oil is, there are a few factors to be aware of when using it as a personal lubricant:

1. It’s Incompatible with Some Sex Toys

Some reports say coconut oil degrades silicone sex toys, but that's not true! 

High-quality, body-safe silicone sex toys will be totally fine with pure coconut oil and other oil-based lubes.

However, some cheaper sex toys are made of petroleum-based plastic or latex, not 100% silicone. 

If you use coconut oil on a “mystery plastic” sex toy, it may degrade over time. 

But you shouldn’t be putting low-quality plastic in your vagina anyway! Get yourself a silicone toy – you deserve it!

Hot Tip: 

If your silicone sex toy has plastic components (think buttons, dials, and cables), cover them with masking tape or clean them carefully after use.

2. It May Cause a Vaginal Infection

Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

Yes, that sounds great, but your vagina is a self-cleaning and delicately balanced area. 

Coconut oil may kill off some of the healthy flora in your vagina, leading to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

3. It May Cause Allergic Reactions

If it’s your first time using coconut oil, it’s best to apply some to a small area of your skin before using it for vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You could have a coconut allergy you didn’t know about.

A small test spot on your inner forearm is certainly a more comfy option than finding out the hard way – with coconut oil smeared all over your vulva or penis.

4. It Could Stain Your Sheets

Like most oil-based lubes, pure coconut oil can leave dark, oily stains on your bedding. 

Funny enough, you can also use coconut oil mixed with baking soda to remove oil stains. What a versatile substance!

Hot Tip: 

Boost the benefits and ditch the downsides of coconut oil as lube by using a store-bought coconut oil based lubricant like Coconu.

Keen to know more?

Best Lubricants for Your Sex Sesh (With Non-latex Condoms)

Here are two coconut oil based lubricants to keep by your nightstand:

1. Coconu’s Oil Based Personal Lubricant

This oil based lubricant harnesses the magic of coconut oil to make all your sexy activities even better. It’s formulated for internal use (for vaginal or anal sex) but also doubles as a massage oil!

Coconu’s oil based lube is:

• Made of 100% natural, edible, cruelty free ingredients (like coconut oil, shea butter, and sweet almond oil – Yum! Perfect for oral sex)
• Free from alcohol, parabens, phylates, gluten, dyes, and fragrances
• Organic (USDA-certified) and non-GMO
• Hypoallergenic (perfect for sensitive skin)
• Silky, not sticky
• Highly absorbent to combat dryness

2. Coconu’s Hemp Infused Body Oil

This body oil combines the incredible benefits of coconut oil and hemp into this luxurious triple-threat massage oil, lubricant, and skin and vaginal moisturizer. 

The relaxing, skin-soothing, and satin-smooth formula will “wow” when you’re getting down.

This hemp and coconut love oil shares all the amazing features of the oil based lube, plus it comes in sustainable plastic-free packaging.

Side note: 

If you’re super attached to using latex condoms, check out Coconu’s Water Based Lubricant! 

Alternatively, stick with oil-based and use a polyurethane condom.

Glide Into Bed the Safe Way

Straight-up, out-the-jar unrefined coconut oil can work as a lube. But, unlike silicone lube and water based lube, oil based lubricant may not be the safest option when paired with a latex condom.

But there’s no need to turn your back on the benefits of coconut oil.

Our recommendation?

Switch to polyurethane condoms and pick up a Coconu Oil Based “Make A Date” Bundle. It’s an all-natural lubricant set that contains a full-sized bottle of the Oil Based Lube, three single-packet oil based lubricants, and much more!