What is Lube? The Not-So-Secret Sauce To Mind-Blowing Sex!

Everyone desires stimulating sex — the more electrifying, the better. 

But what’s vital to mind-blowing sex?  

Lube! 

Lots of lube. 

And we don’t mean your body’s natural lubrication.
We’re talking about: 

A personal lubricant — a smooth gel or liquid that prevents friction during any sexual activity.  

Ready to dive into the world of lube?

Jump To:

• So, What is Lube?
• Why You Need a Lubricant
• What Are The Different Types of Lube?
• How To Choose The Right Lube
• How To Apply Lube Properly 
• What Should You Avoid With Lubes?
• What Can You Use Instead of Lube?
• 7 Lube Alternatives To Avoid At All Costs

So, What is Lube?

A sex lube or lubricant is a smooth liquid or gel you (or your partner) can apply to your vagina, vulva, or anal area. 

But why does lube matter?

• It reduces friction and makes you wetter. 

• You can lubricate a sex toy for extra glide and stimulation. 

Even better?

Sex lube fits like a glove for any scenario:

• Vaginal penetration
• Anal sex
• Masturbation (with or without a sex toy)
• Water play
• Foreplay and intimate massages

The possibilities are endless!

Why You Need a Lubricant

Typically, when you get aroused, your vagina produces natural lubrication. 

So you might be wondering:

Why do I even need a lube? 

Great question — here’s why:

• Lube helps with vaginal dryness: Vaginal dryness happens to women of all ages, particularly if you’re going through menopause and your estrogen levels drop. 
  
  It can also develop due to breastfeeding, chemotherapy, just before or after your period, or certain medications.
  
  The good news?
  
  Lube can help you get wetter and ready for penetrative sex.

• A lubricant reduces friction and pain: A sex lube reduces irritation, friction, and pain, making vaginal and anal sex a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
  
  
• Lube heightens sexual pleasure: Even if your body produces vaginal lubrication, a little extra lube can make any sexual experience feel infinitely better.
  
  (Think: the wetter, the better.)  

Fun fact: 

Did you know the first commercial lube (KY Jelly) came out in 1919? 

The creators of K Y Jelly originally intended it to be a surgical lubricant. But today, it’s also a brand of sex lube.

What Are The Different Types of Lube?

Look for these lube types when browsing the aisles:

1. Water Based Lube
2. Oil Based Lube
3. Silicone Based Lube
4. Hybrid Lube
5. Natural Lube

(Psst… there are more than five types of lube!)

1. Water Based Lube

Pros

• A water based lube is versatile and works well in most sexy scenarios.
  
  
• You can safely use it with silicone sex toys and during oral sex.
  (P.S. the Coconu one is 100% edible!)
  
  
• A water based lubricant works with both a non-latex and latex condom.
  
  
• Water-based lubes won’t stain your sheets and will wash off easily.
  
  
• It’s great as an anal lube, especially if you’re using condoms.

Cons

• A water based lubricant doesn’t last long if you use it in the shower.
  
  
• For extended fun, you need to reapply as a water-based lube dries out quickly.
  
  
• If the lube contains glycerin, it can cause irritation and a yeast infection.

Try the Best Water-Based Lube

The Coconu Water Based Personal Lubricant is a 100% natural lube made with coconut water — no harmful chemicals and additives. 

Plus, it’s the best lube for oral sex, as it’s completely edible!

Even better?

Our water based lube:

• Doubles as a lubricant and vaginal moisturizer
• Hydrates sensitive tissues
• Soothes irritated skin

2. Oil Based Lube

Pros

• An oil based lubricant is ideal for extended play as you don’t have to reapply.
  
  
• Most oil based lubricants also work as an intimate massage oil, making sexy times much more fun.
  
  
• It works great with steamy water activities (think: shower sex).
  
  
• It’s ideal as anal lube.  

Cons

• Avoid using an oil based lubricant with condoms — oil degrades latex. This can lead to accidental pregnancies or contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
  
  
• An oil based lube is tough to clean up, and it stains sheets.
  
  The only exception? Coconu’s oil-based personal lubricant. 
  
  This formulation gets absorbed into your body — no staining or clean-up necessary! 

Try The Best Oil Based Lubes

A. Coconu Oil Based Organic Personal Lubricant

Coconu’s Oil Based Lubricant is USDA-certified, hypoallergenic, and made with organic coconut oil.

Wait, it gets better. 

Our lube also:

• Contains anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties 
• Moisturizes skin
• Has fatty acids and vitamins
• Soothes and softens your skin

B. Coconu Hemp Body Oil

The Coconu Hemp Body Oil is the ultimate triple threat as it works as a pre-lubricant, lubricant, and massage oil. 

It also:

• Soothes pain
• Nourishes skin
• Boosts blood circulation and sexual sensations
• Works well with sex toys
• USDA-certified organic product

3. Silicone Based Lube

Pros

• A silicone based lubricant applies like silk.
  
  
• It’s ideal if you have sensitive skin.
  
  
• Silicone lube is super long-lasting, making it suitable for extended play.
  
  
• It’s safe to use silicone-based lube with a condom.

Cons

• Silicone lube doesn’t wash off easily.
  
  
• It might cause irritation if the lube contains glycerin.
  
  
• A silicone based lubricant can degrade silicone toys. 

4. Hybrid Lube

This type of lubricant has the properties of both silicone and water. 

The result? 

A smooth and creamy lube that lasts longer. Plus, it’s easy to clean and pairs well with latex condoms.

5. Natural Lube

Pros

• A natural lube is non-toxic. So it’s great if you have sensitive skin or you’re concerned about what ingredients you put on your lady bits.
  
  This can include pantry staples like virgin olive oil, coconut oil (yup, the one you use in cooking) or store-bought vaginal lubricants that have a few natural ingredients. 
  
  (More on this later.)

Cons

• Be mindful of cross-contamination when using an ingredient from your pantry.
  
  (Psst… always use separate jars for kitchen use and bedroom activities!) 
  

How To Choose The Right Lube 

If you’re new to lube, figuring out which one works best for your sexual health can be daunting! 

But we’re here to help. 

Ask yourself these questions when going lube shopping:

1. How Do You Hope to Use Sex Lube? 

Think about what type of sexual activity you hope to have. 

Are you craving oral sex with your S.O.?

2. What Is Your Skin Type?

Have normal, fuss-free skin? 

Good news: 

You can take your pick of lube! 

But, if you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergies, always check the product labels. Some ingredients can cause allergic reactions, irritation, and pain. 

3. What Are Your Preferences?

Look:

You may not enjoy a particular lube flavor or scent. 

Or perhaps you’re looking for a sensation-producing lube like numbing, tingling or warming. 

Whatever it is, be sure to think about your personal preferences before settling on one lube.

Hot tip: Ask your partner to weigh in on likes and dislikes before making a purchase. Not only will you get important feedback, but it’ll help build anticipation for what’s to come. Win-win, right?

Not sure what lube you want?

Try Coconu’s Water Based Singles and Oil Based Singles to see what works best for you. 

Each lube comes in a box with 14 single-use packs. (P.S. they’re great for travel!)

How To Apply Lube Properly 

There is no “correct” way to apply lube. 

But here are a few tips:

• Squeeze out a dollop: Squirt the lube into your palm. A little goes a long way, and if you need more lubrication, just reapply.
  
  
• Warm it up: No one wants to feel cold lube on hot skin just when foreplay is getting hot and heavy! So warm that lube up between your palms or fingers before applying it to your vagina, anus, penis, or adult toy.
  
  
• Use with a condom: Apply some lube to the outside of the condom after sliding it on. Be sure not to apply lube to the penis shaft, as the condom can slide off during penetrative sex.
  
  
• Reapply as needed: Having a long sesh? Use more lube during an extended round of sex.  

What Should You Avoid With Lubes?

Not all sexual lubricants are equal. 

Some lubes can flare up allergic reactions, infections, and irritation and jeopardize your sexual health. 

Our point?

When hunting for the right lube, keep a close eye on the ingredients listed. 

Use these tips:

• Avoid synthetic oils: Stay away from synthetic oils or anything with petroleum listed as an ingredient. 
  
  Products like petroleum jelly, baby oil, and mineral oil can cause inflammation, irritation, and infections (more on this later).
  
  
• Be mindful of the ingredients: Thoroughly check the ingredients in flavored lube or lube that has warming or tingling effects. 
  
  If you can’t pronounce the words, chances are it shouldn’t go anywhere near your vagina. The last thing you need is a yeast or bacterial infection.
  
  Glycerin is one such additive, but also watch out for:

1. Nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide)
2. Chlorhexidine gluconate
3. Propylene glycol
4. Parabens

Remember:

The right lube should help your vagina maintain a healthy pH level of 3.5-4.5. 

The bad news?

Only some lubes will mention the pH level on the pack. 

If they don’t, just look at the ingredients listed (hint: if they contain the harmful additives listed above, avoid them at all costs!) 

Note: Although studies indicate lube slows the speed at which sperm swims, it’s NOT a contraceptive. If you’re trying to conceive, look for a lubricant that doesn’t decrease sperm motility and is pregnancy-friendly.

What Can You Use Instead of Lube?

Here’s the thing: 

It’s always best to use a personal lubricant solely designed for your vagina. 

But we get it — if you’re in the heat of the moment and don’t have a commercial lube handy, it can be pretty darn frustrating! 

The good news?

You can use certain pantry cupboard ingredients when in a pinch. 

Here are a few to consider:

1. Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is known for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. 

Opt for the virgin (or extra virgin) variety if you plan to use this as additional lubrication.

What’s the catch?

Do NOT use it with a latex condom, as it can cause breakage. Avoid using coconut oil with dental dams and silicone toys, too.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil adds moisture to your vaginal walls. But always use extra virgin olive oil during any sexual activity.

Now hold on. 

Use olive oil mindfully, as it can alter the vagina’s pH balance and lead to a yeast infection. 

Avoid using a dental dam, latex condom or silicone sex toys with olive oil.

3. Aloe Vera

You may know and love aloe vera for its incredible hair and skin benefits. 

But it also can substitute as a vaginal lubricant. Aloe vera pairs well with condoms and silicone toys. 

Store-bought aloe vera can have additional ingredients (like alcohol) that can cause dryness and irritation. So double-check before applying it.

7 Lube Alternatives To Avoid At All Costs

Listen:

No matter how dire your circumstances, NEVER ever put these seven products anywhere near your vagina:

1. Butter

Leave a dairy product like butter where it belongs: in your food. 

Why?

Let’s say you applied butter as a lube, had anal or vaginal sex, and didn’t clean properly afterward. 

The leftover butter will quickly turn rancid and — you guessed it — give you a nasty infection. 

2. Baby Oil

Baby oil (or any mineral oil) doesn’t pair well with latex, and it’s tough to wash off. 

But, you know what’s worse?

The horrible infection it will give you if applied inside your vag. Just don’t do it!

3. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil (and other refined cooking oils) go through bleaching, chemical treatments, heating and more. 

So it’s NOT a natural product. 

Bottom line:

Vegetable oil (like palm oil and canola oil) can increase the likelihood of a terrible infection, leave residue on your body, and degrade latex condoms. 

4. Lotion and Moisturizers

Lotions and moisturizers designed for your face or body often contain chemicals like glycerin and paraben. 

They all lead to irritation, inflammation, and infections if you apply them as a lube. 

5. Shampoo

Aside from not being designed for your vagina, shampoo contains plenty of artificial fragrances and additives.

If you do use shampoo as a lube, chances are you’ll double up in agony, feeling like your vagina is on fire. And that’s the last thing you want!

6. Petroleum Jelly

Vaseline is a popular petroleum jelly that works well as a skin moisturizer. 

But due to its viscosity, it’s not a good sex lube option. 

What’s the real story here?

Vaseline will stain your sheets, stick to your vagina, and quickly give you a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

7. Saliva

Your saliva or spit may seem like a good idea in the moment, but it’s best to avoid it. 

Why?

Two reasons: 

• Your mouth has more bacteria than your vagina, so you risk catching an infection.
  
  
• Saliva also dries up quickly, so if you struggle with friction, opt for something more suitable.

Remember: 

The goal should be to enjoy safer sex, so watch what you put in your vagina!

Slip ‘n’ Slide Your Way To Sexual Pleasure

A personal lubricant takes your sexual shenanigans to the next level. 

The best way to find a lube that works for you (and your lover)?

Experiment, experiment, experiment!

But if you need extra guidance, talk to a healthcare professional or sex therapist to find the right lube.  

Meanwhile, if you’d like to give all three Coconu products a whirl, try our best-selling Intimacy Gift Set (thank us later!).