No, soap is never safe to use as lube, not even in the shower. Soap is made to strip away oil and dirt, and on the thin, sensitive skin of the vulva, vagina, and anus, it can cause irritation. The NHS names soap as one cause of vaginitis, an inflamed vagina, and advises against scented soaps in or around the vagina.
That goes for masturbation, vaginal sex, and anal sex. Soap also makes a poor lubricant, because it dries out fast and rinses away with water.
Fortunately, you have plenty of alternatives.
Below are three reasons to keep soap out of your sex life, followed by the four types of lube you can use instead.
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Can You Use Soap As Lube?
Listen:
Using soap as lube is never a good idea (emphasis on the word never).
Soaps of any kind — dish soap, hand soap, bar soap, liquid soap, clay soap, calcium soaps, body wash — aren’t designed for internal use or penetration.
Most gynecologists recommend cleaning your vagina gently with warm water instead of applying soap.
So if you shouldn’t use soap to clean the inside of your privates, you certainly shouldn’t use it to lube them up.
What’s wrong with soap?
Let’s dive right in:
1. Triggers Itchiness and Inflammations
Imagine:
Things are getting hot and heavy between you and your S.O. in the shower. You reach for the bar of soap to apply as a lubricant.
Stop right there!
Soap consists of surfactants (surface-active agents) that act as detergents. So yes, soap is great for stripping your skin of dirt, oil, and other pollutants.
But here’s the catch:
These harsh surfactants can irritate the sensitive skin in your genital areas (vagina, vulva, and anus).
Using soap in these areas can lead to inflammation, itching, severe burning, and more nightmares you didn’t sign up for!
You don’t want to howl in pain when the intention is to moan with pleasure, right?
2. It Dries Out Delicate Skin
The pH of your vagina ranges between 3.8 and 5.
But the pH of regular bar soap is much higher, around 9 to 10.
Why should you care?
The high pH level of your soap lube can affect moisture retention and disturb normal vaginal pH, leading to dryness.
Here’s something more worrisome:
The skin around your vagina and anus is thin. So it’s more vulnerable to soap's abrasive ingredients.
It can cause your skin to dry out and crack à la the Sahara desert.
Bottom line: You’ll get worked up about your skin problems instead of getting laid.
Soap isn’t a suitable lubricant in any sexy scenario, whether that’s oral sex, anal sex, shower sex, or sex with or without a condom.
3. Inconsistent and Icky
Soap of any kind is ineffective as a lubricant. Period.
What’s the real story?
Soap dries out quickly without water and rinses away easily with it.
It gets worse:
In the absence of water and during prolonged contact, the skin can absorb soap.
And this can trigger skin disorders such as eczema.
So wash all your soap off. Every last sud.
Craving long sex sessions?
Then stay miles away from soap lube. It isn’t meant to remain slick and doesn’t offer consistent lubrication.
You’ll need to rinse the soap sooner than later. And either rely on natural lubrication or reapply more soap…and more… and some more.
This tiresome routine can spoil your mood.
The worst part?
You’re more likely to end up chafing than climaxing (Ouch!).
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So, what lubrication options can you go for?
What Can You Use Instead of Soap as Lube? 4 Types of Lube
Ready for some P-in-V action?
Here are the different lubricants you can safely use:
1. Oil-based Lubricants
Has anal sex been on your bucket list for some time?
You’re in luck ‘cause oil-based lubes are ideal for anal sex.
An oil based lube has good water resistance and reduces friction, making backdoor sex slicker and more fun.
Most oil-based lubes contain ingredients like:
- Avocado oil
- Shea oil
- Argan oil
- Vitamin E oil
- Virgin coconut oil
- Virgin olive oil
An important detail:
Oil-based lubricants don’t play nice with condoms, diaphragms, or dental dams.
Plus, not every oil-based lube is made to be eaten, so check the label before oral sex. Coconu’s Oil Based Personal Lubricant is edible, and like every oil-based lube it is not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms.
Fret not. They’re still way safer than using soap or mineral oil for lubrication.
Here are a few options to safely indulge in under the sheets:
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Coconu’s Oil Based Personal Lubricant is a silky smooth lube that absorbs into your skin, so cleanup is generally minimal.
Its USDA Certified Organic, hypoallergenic formula works well for anal sex and butt play.
One more thing: It plays well with sex toys.
Do not use with latex or polyisoprene condoms. For use with latex condoms, choose Coconu Water-Based Lubricant.
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Coconu’s Hemp Infused Body Oil is a lightweight lubricant that doubles as a titillating massage oil.
Hemp complements the nourishing oil blend to create a versatile body and massage oil that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. It pleasures your body before, during, and after play. It is not compatible with latex condoms. For use with latex condoms, choose Coconu Water-Based Lubricant.
2. Water-based Lubricants
We’ve all been there — you’re in the mood for some steamy sex (or quality time with your sex toy), but discomfort from dryness kills the vibe.
Water-based lubricants to your rescue!
Water-based lube works well with any condom or sex toy, providing an excellent slip-and-slide experience.
What’s in it for you?
It's easy to clean up and non-messy. So you don’t have to do laundry every time you do the deed!
Even better?
Water-based lubes give you mindblowing orgasms and an enviable sex life!
Ready to load up on some high-quality lube?
We recommend:
Coconu’s Water Based Personal Lubricant is a hypoallergenic lubricant designed to last as long as you do.
This water based lube is safe for sex toys, making it perfect for solo nights. It’s FDA 510(k)-cleared, made with organic coconut water, and safe to use with latex and non-latex condoms.
3. Natural Lubricants
Want something that treats your vag with care (instead of chemicals)?
Try a natural lube.
Here are some of the natural alternatives to soap when you’re really in a pinch (hint: you can find most of these in your kitchen pantry):
- Virgin coconut oil
- Virgin olive oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Aloe vera gel
- Avocado oil
- Argan oil
Whether you’re having partner sex or enjoying solo play with sex toys, natural lubes are great for those with sensitive skin.
Why?
They’re free of chemicals, toxins, and additives and contain only natural ingredients that don’t hurt your skin (or your chances of getting laid).
Hot tip:
Always do a patch test for any allergic reactions before using them on your vag or anus.
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4. Silicone-based Lubricants
Unlike the water based lube, silicone based lubricants last longer and rarely need to be reapplied.
You know what that means?
Prolonged shower sex!
Silicone based lubes are also safe with condoms.
The downside?
The lubricant is harder to wash off owing to its long-lasting nature.
Remember:
Silicone lubes don’t play well with any silicone sex toy. So don’t pair them together and ruin the sexy vibes of the night.
What Else Should You Never Use as Lube?
Here are a few other products to AVOID during a good romp:
- Vaseline: Using Vaseline (or any petroleum jelly) as lube will only lead to greasy stains and severe pains. Plus, they’re incompatible with latex condoms.
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Body lotion or hand lotion: Don’t believe anybody who says lotion can spice up your sex life! The chemicals and perfumes in lotions can cause vaginal irritation or even an infection.
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Saliva: STI-causing bacteria and viruses can enter your body through your partner’s saliva. It also dries quickly and causes friction during sex, which can be painful.
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Mineral oil or baby oil: Baby oil and other mineral oil products cause vaginal irritation and infection.
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Butter: If you put butter into your vag (or anus) and don’t clean properly afterward, it can get rancid and cause infection. So save the butter for your cakes and cookies.
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Whipped cream: This contains a lot of sugar that can disturb the vagina's natural pH levels, ultimately leading to infections.
- Grease: Yes, grease helps reduce friction – in automobiles! Ditch this idea and never think of it again.
Soap as Lube FAQ
Can you use soap as lube?
No, not for sex, masturbation or anal play, and not in the shower either. Soap is a cleaner, not a lubricant. It irritates sensitive genital skin, and the NHS names soap as one cause of vaginitis. It also dries out fast and rinses away with water, so it gives very little glide.
Can you use body wash or shower gel as lube?
No. Body wash and shower gel are liquid soaps, often with added fragrance. The NHS advises against scented soaps in or around the vagina, and the NHS also lists soap and shower gel among the things that can irritate the skin of the penis.
Can you use soap to masturbate?
It is not a good idea, whatever your anatomy. Soap can irritate the vulva and the penis alike, and it washes away just when you want the glide to last. A water-based lube is the simple swap, and it is easy to clean up.
Can you use soap as anal lube?
No. Soap is not made for use inside the body, and it gives very little glide, which matters most for anal play. Choose a lube made for intimate use instead, and pick a water-based one if you use latex condoms.
What can you use instead of soap as lube?
A lube made for intimate use. The NHS advises water-based or silicone-based lube with latex condoms. Coconu’s Water Based Lubricant is FDA 510(k)-cleared, made with organic coconut water, and compatible with latex and non-latex condoms. Coconu’s USDA Certified Organic Oil Based Lubricant lasts longer, but it is not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms.
Say No To Soaps and Yes To Vag-Safe Lubes
A good lube can make your day better — right up there with puppies and cheesecake.
Remember:
Don’t use soap as lube — ditch it for good. It’s meant for cleaning, not creaming.
Instead, get your hands on Coconu’s Oil Based Singles today. They conveniently fit into your glovebox or pocket, and you can take them wherever you go.
Do not use with latex or polyisoprene condoms. For use with latex condoms, choose Coconu Water-Based Lubricant.
Ready to slip and slide into an incredible sexual experience?