5 Reasons to Avoid Vaseline as Lube (+ What To Do Instead)

Let’s get this out of the way:

You should NEVER use Vaseline as lube.

Under any circumstances. Period.

Vaseline as lube can cause infections, break condoms, and damage sex toys. Not to mention it’s tough to clean up.

Crystal?

Let’s discuss this in detail and also explore better lube alternatives.

Also Check Out Get Coconu’s Oil-Based Personal Lubricant — a natural lube alternative you’ll love.  Want to boost intimacy and foreplay fun? Get your hands on Sex Lube! Nervous about your first anal play? Discover some tips and tricks on How to Prepare for Anal Sex.

Can Vaseline Be Used as Lube?

Vaseline is a petroleum jelly product you may have lying around the house, along with other products like baby oil.

It may be your go-to product when dealing with dry skin or chapped lips.

But is Vaseline safe to use as a personal lubricant?
Quick answer: no.

Since Vaseline is a mineral oil product, it can often stay on the skin longer than you wish, leading to skin irritation and infection.

Let’s explore the risks of using Vaseline as lube:

1. Increases Your Risk of Infection

Petroleum jelly doesn’t dry out, so it can be hard to wash off the skin.

You may need to use soap inside your vagina, which could upset your vaginal pH balance — leading to a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal dryness, etc. One study found that women who used Vaseline as a vaginal lubricant were 2.2 times more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis.

Read More: Want the best Numbing Lube for Anal Sex? We've got 20 great options for you.

2. Weakens Latex Condoms

Like any other oil based lube, Vaseline weakens a latex condom and renders it less effective. This is the same with diaphragms and dental dams.

So using Vaseline with a latex condom is a strict no-no as it reduces the effectiveness of the condom, leaving you and your partner at risk of catching a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). This goes double for anal sex, where the risk of an STI is already pretty high.

Moreover, a less effective condom can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

Read More: Find out How to Lube a Condom for Perfect Lubrication.

  

3. Damages Sex Toys

A sex toy is typically made of rubber, plastic, latex, or silicone, all of which can be damaged by an oil-based product such as Vaseline petroleum jelly.

Using Vaseline will ruin or break your sex toy, and using a broken sex toy can lead to potential vaginal and anal injuries down the line.

4. Can Be Messy

Vaseline was never designed to be used as a sexual lubricant. As a result, it can leave grease stains on your clothes and sheets.

Since these stains can be more stubborn than oil or even silicone lube stains, we wouldn’t recommend using Vaseline petroleum jelly as lube.

5. Hard to Wash Off

Remember, Vaseline doesn't wash away easily with water.

So you may need to rub excessively or use soap to get rid of the oil. This can lead to skin irritation, vaginal dryness, and increase your risk of infection.

Instead, you can use the following safe lubrication options.

3 Types of Personal Lubrication Options

There are three main types of lubricants you can buy for most of your needs.
Let’s take a look:

1. Water Based Lubricant

Water based lubricants like Coconu, K Y Jelly, and Aloe Cadabra, are best for people just starting out with incorporating lube into their sexual activity.

Pros:

• Works well with latex condoms, diaphragms, dental dams, and even sex toys
• Provides a nice slip so your sexual intercourse is smooth and without friction
• Washes off easily and doesn’t leave behind any stains

Cons:

• Isn’t ideal for long sexual intercourse sessions as it requires reapplications after a few minutes

Try:

• The Coconu Water Based Sexual Lubricant ($24.99) has a silky, sensuous feel and helps to moisturize sensitive skin.

2. Oil Based Lubricants

If you’re a pro and know what you need to make your sexual activity last longer, try an oil based lubricant.

Pros:

• Is ideal for longer sex sessions
• Can be used in the shower
• Can double up as a massage oil

Cons:

• Can degrade latex condoms 
• Can lead to stains on clothing and bedsheets

Try:

• The Coconu Oil Based Personal Lubricant ($24.99) is made with a mix of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and more to ensure your sexual health.

• The Coconu Hemp Infused Body Oil ($34.99) can be used as an oil-based lube or sensual massage oil.

3. Silicone Based Lubricants

For people with sensitive skin, a silicone based lubricant can provide all the fun of an oil based lube but without skin irritation.

Pros:

• Long-lasting and can be used for shower sex
• Perfect for either vaginal or anal sex
• Works well with condoms and non-silicone sex toys

Cons:

• Can damage silicone-based sex toys
• Can stain clothing and bedsheets

Read More: Discover the Different Types of Lube you can use for achieving sexual intimacy with your partner.

3 Other Natural Lubricant Alternatives

Look, we get it. While Vaseline is not the right choice for a personal lubricant, sometimes you just want to continue having sex with your partner without too much of a pause.

In these scenarios, you can use any of the following organic lube alternatives in a flash.

Note: Be mindful of any allergies you or your partner may have. If you have any doubts about using a particular ingredient, please consult your doctor or gynecologist for expert advice.

1. Pure Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is probably one of the safest alternatives as it’s water-based and, as such, completely fine to use with a latex condom or a sex toy.

The gel can also improve your skin hydration, and the consistency is similar to that of KY Jelly or the Coconu Water Based Personal Lubricant.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil, especially virgin or extra virgin olive oil, is another safe alternative to an oil-based lube.

However, please be careful when using olive oil with latex condoms, as it severely degrades the performance of the condom.

3. Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is safe to be used as a sexual lubricant as it can work well with silicone sex toys and even act as a vaginal moisturizer. Once again, be careful while using it with latex condoms.

Enjoy Your Time Under the Sheets!

When selecting the right lube for sexual intercourse, ensure you aren’t picking anything with mineral oil or petroleum jelly like Vaseline, vegetable oil, or baby oil.

Instead, go for one of Coconu’s organic and safe lubricants to spice up your sex life and have a great time with your partner.