Read a lube’s label before you buy. If you are prone to yeast infections, avoid glycerin and sugars. Never use petroleum or mineral oil with latex condoms. Skip nonoxynol-9, and chlorhexidine if your skin is sensitive. Fragrance, numbing and warming agents also cause problems for many people. A short ingredient list is usually the gentler choice.
This page goes through the ingredients people most often choose to avoid, what they are listed as on the label, and what to buy instead. For the basics of choosing a lube, start with our lube guide.
Ingredients to check for
| Ingredient | On the label as | Why people avoid it | Choose instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glycerin and sugars | Glycerin, glycerol, glucose, sucrose | Some people who are prone to yeast infections find they are better without it | Glycerin-free |
| Parabens | Methylparaben, propylparaben | Preservatives some people prefer to avoid | Paraben-free |
| Petroleum and mineral oil | Petrolatum, paraffinum liquidum, mineral oil | Weakens latex condoms; hard to wash off | Water-based or silicone |
| Nonoxynol-9 | Nonoxynol-9, N-9 | A spermicide that health bodies advise against using often, as it can irritate | A lube without it |
| Chlorhexidine | Chlorhexidine gluconate | A strong antiseptic that can be harsh on sensitive skin | A gentler preservative |
| Fragrance and flavour | Parfum, aroma, flavour | A common cause of stinging | Fragrance-free for internal use |
| Numbing agents | Benzocaine, lidocaine | Hides the pain that tells you to stop | Plenty of plain lube, and go slowly |
| Warming and cooling agents | Menthol, capsaicin, cinnamon | Too strong for some skin | Patch-test first, or skip |
What a gentle label looks like
- Water-based, or silicone if you want it to last
- Glycerin-free and paraben-free
- pH-balanced for internal use
- Fragrance-free and unflavoured
- Says “condom compatible” if you use condoms
- A short ingredient list you can read in one go
How to read a lube label
Ingredients are listed from the largest amount to the smallest, usually by their international cosmetic names. Water or a silicone name such as dimethicone usually comes first. If an ingredient from the table above sits near the top, there is a lot of it. If the bottle gives no ingredient list at all, choose another one.
What about silicone lube?
Silicone lubes usually have very short ingredient lists, often just one or two silicones such as dimethicone, with no water, glycerin or preservatives. That makes them a good choice for many people with sensitive skin. The trade-offs: they need soap to wash off, and they can make some silicone toys tacky. Our water-based vs silicone comparison explains when to use each.
Flavoured lubes
Flavoured lubes are made to taste pleasant, and many use sugars or sweeteners to do it. They suit external and oral play. For internal use, especially if your skin is sensitive, a plain lube is the safer pick. Our how to use lube guide has more.
If a lube irritates you
Stop using it and rinse with plain water. Keep the bottle so you can check the ingredients later. If the irritation lasts more than a couple of days, or you notice unusual discharge, pain or sores, see a doctor.
Water-based lubes in stock
LELOLELO F1L Water-Based Moisturiser 100 ml₹2,799View product
Secret PlayOceanic Wakame and Nori Organic Lubricant 100ml₹2,299View product
EROSWaterbased Lubricant Black 150 ml₹799View product
TENGALubrican Lotion Cool water-based 170 ml₹2,199View product
ControlTropical Lubricant 75 ml₹1,299View productWant to know what the other names on the label actually do? Read what is in water-based lube, with every common ingredient explained.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
Which ingredients should I avoid in lube?
Many people avoid glycerin, sugars, parabens, petroleum, nonoxynol-9, chlorhexidine, strong fragrance, and numbing or warming agents.
Is glycerin in lube bad?
Not for everyone. Some people prone to yeast infections prefer glycerin-free lube. If glycerin-based lube has never bothered you, it may be fine.
What does pH-balanced lube mean?
Its acidity is close to that of the body area it is made for, which many people find gentler.
Is numbing lube a good idea?
No. Pain is a signal to slow down or stop, and numbing lube hides it.
Is flavoured lube safe for internal use?
Many contain sugars or sweeteners. Keep flavoured lube for external and oral play if your skin is sensitive.
For adults 21 and over. Every order ships in a plain, unbranded box with free delivery and cash on delivery.