Oils as Lube? How to Know What’s Safe to Use & What’s to Be Avoided

People normally avoid using oils as lube because of the threat on condoms. But when used appropriately, oils can serve as a good substitute for lubricant.

Oils as lube is not a new concept. Having served that purpose for countless years before you could buy lubricant in the stores. Oils are not only abundant in nature but are also wide-ranging, giving you a great deal of options and experiences.

Some things to remember when using oils as lube

Some oils are friendly to your most sensitive parts and may even have some added health benefits. However, others can have adverse effects when used as lube and shouldn’t be used. Whether you’ve run out of normal lubricant or just curious about the experience of using oils as lube, here’s a list of possible oils that you can and cannot use as a substitute for lube.

#1 Do not use condoms. Oil-based lubricants and condoms do not go well together because oils can damage a condom’s surface. So, if you’re planning to use any type of oil for lube, consider other kinds of birth control to ensure your safety. [Read: Different birth control options to consider]

#2 Check for any allergies. Different kinds of oil can be harmful to people with a specific kind of allergy. Do your research and know how your body reacts to different kinds of oils before using them.

#3 Expect the need for a good wash afterwards. Oils are capable of clinging to the skin for hours after application which is the reason why most people prefer water-based lube over oil-based ones. But if you’re not that squeamish, go ahead with oil but please go get a good rinse afterwards. [Read: How to have wildly enjoyable sex in the shower]

#4 Stain alert. Compared to lube which is colorless, some oils have a natural tinge of color which may stain your precious 900 thread count bed sheets. To avoid staining, place an additional cover over your bed before jumping right in.

#5 Cost. If you’re planning to use fancy types of oils as lube, it could be more expensive compared to your standard bottle of lube.

Oils you can use as lube

#1 Petroleum jelly. While not an “oil” in the literal sense, petroleum jelly is an oil-based product used for burns and other skin ailments. This makes it safe for use as lube in case you run out of the usual stuff. But petroleum jelly falls on the bottom of the preference list as it has the consistency of axle grease. [Read: 11 perfectly good substitutes for lube that work just as well]

#2 Vitamin E oil. Aside from the soluble gel capsule that we’re more familiar with, Vitamin E also comes in raw oil form that can be used as lubricant. It is a supplement known for its beneficial effects on the hair and skin and also has a generous amount of antioxidants. The only drawback for using this as lube is that it’s quite pricy and you’d rather drink it than daub it on your nether regions.

#3 Extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is one of the most versatile oils in existence. You can use it for cooking, for cosmetics, and it sure is a good oil to use as lubricant. Olive oil is skin-friendly and has antioxidant, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties.

#4 Sweet almond oil. This type of oil is quite popular due to its natural sweet, nutty scent. It is the kinder sibling of two almond oil products, the other one being bitter almond oil. Along with Vitamin E and olive oil, sweet almond oil also has skin-friendly properties making it a good choice for lube. The only drawback for sweet almond oil is adverse side effects for people with nut allergy.

#5 Coconut oil. Coconut oil is the mother of all oils. It is perfectly edible, has a lot of health and cosmetic benefits, and is gifted with a warm, lightly sweet and mellow scent. Not only that, coconut oil is cheap and can be found in any grocery store. You can imagine why coconut oil tops the list of oils that can be used as lube. [Read: 15 winning lubricants hanging out in your kitchen]

#6 Blended oils. Aside from the oils mentioned, you can also create your own homemade blend of oils to use as lube. Blended oils are usually composed of a base oil comprising the majority of the mixture, and small quantities of other oils for their scent or cosmetic benefits. Blended oils can also be used as massage oil or as hair treatment oil.

For the base, coconut oil is highly recommended due to its versatility. Popular additives for blended oils include Grape seed oil, Lavender oil, Tea tree oil, and Sunflower oil.

Oils you must avoid as lube

Now that we’ve listed all the oils that can be used as lube, here are some that should never be used as lube in any given situation. These types of oils may irritate the skin, pose a risk for infection, or have some unpleasant smells.

#1 Cooking oil. Cooking oil belongs to the kitchen, and it should stay there. You don’t want your privates smelling like a frying pan, and you also wouldn’t want to get your bed linens stained with a big yellow splotch.

#2 Butter or margarine. Butter only smells and tastes good on a piece of toast. Using it as lube may increase infection, go rancid, and mix with your bodily fluids. It will lead to instant regret. Did we also mention that it leaves stains worse than cooking oil?

#3 Animal fat. Even if you render beef tallow or lard into a semi-pure state, it will never be suited for use as lube. Animal fats have a lot of impurities and carry loads of bacteria and parasites. It also goes bad pretty quickly giving off a rancid smell when it happens. Nobody wants all of that happening near their private areas. [Read: Nom-non no-nos: 17 foods to avoid before sex]

#4 Undiluted essential oils. Essential oils are only good if used in the right quantities and the right blends. Using undiluted ones may not be as safe for the skin inside the vagina and the penis. Some kinds of essential oils may cause irritation and burning sensations when used undiluted. Avoid using them if you’re not that knowledgeable in essential oils.

[Read: How to use lubricants to liven up your sex life immediately]

With the right knowledge on which oils as lube are safe to use, along with proper precautions, enjoy sex with your improvised oil-based lube.