Oils as Lube: 22 Best Oils for Sex, Must-Knows, & Lube Alternatives to Avoid

Have you tried using any oils as lube? Virgin coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin E oil, baby oil, or something else? Here are the best natural lube alternatives and ones to avoid.

Oils as lube isn’t a new concept. It’s served that purpose for countless years, even before you could buy water-based lubricant in stores. Oils are not only abundant in nature but are also wide-ranging, giving you many options and experiences.

[Read: Perfectly good lube substitutes just as slippery as the real thing!]

A quick history of using lubricants

To start off, we must go way back into the history of using lubricants. This is the kind of stuff you don’t learn in school, so pay attention!

The earliest use of lube dates back to ancient Greeks and Romans when they anointed themselves with olive oil while having sexual intercourse. Today, olive oil is not recommended for use with latex condoms and is not safe to use for sex toys.

[Read: Sexual foreplay – 26 lusty secrets to do it well & make them hot & horny]

Other vegetable oils were commonly used in other cultures. In Japan, for example, gay men used clove oil as a lube for anal sex because it helped the muscles relax.

Another natural lubricant that they used during sex and masturbation was a substance called tororo-jiru, which was made from mashed yams. In China and Korea, they also used the slick liquid from red seaweed as lube.

By the 1800s, lubricant began to take a closer form to what we know today, but it was used as a skincare product. It wasn’t until the 1970s that it was openly and widely associated with sexual pleasure. The first ad for lubricant was shown on the small screen in 1997 and was known as being quite controversial.

Nowadays, we have many different brands and products for different sexual purposes. How amazing is that? [Read: 34 hand job tips & secrets & positions to give a handjob that drives him wild]

What is lube used for?

Lube is a liquid or gel used to prevent unwanted friction during sex. Many women find that lubricant makes sex a lot more comfortable and enjoyable. Sometimes, women experience vaginal dryness leading to pain or discomfort during sex, but sometimes women just want more lubrication than their bodies provide.

[Read: What does sex feel like for a girl & reasons why it feels so good]

Reasons people use lube during sex

One big misconception is that lube should only be used while having anal sex. The truth is that lube can increase your pleasure during all sex if you use it the right way! If you haven’t incorporated it into your sex life, this is your sign to try.

1. It can enhance pleasure

It doesn’t have to be the last resort when you’re experiencing vaginal dryness. You can use it at any time during sex. Did you know that it can delay ejaculation and help the sex last longer?

When used with a condom, lube makes sex feel easier and more natural, which enhances pleasure for anyone involved.

2. It’s ideal for anal sex

Unlike the vagina or penis, the anus doesn’t provide natural lubrication during sex. Applying a lot of lube during foreplay may help you relax. You can also use lube with sex toys to enhance your sexual experience.

3. It makes sex safer

Lube is made to reduce friction and irritation, which lowers the risk of injury during sex. Lube also makes it less likely for the condom to break, decreasing the chances of getting pregnant or contracting STIs. You must remember to use water or silicon-based lubes because these are the types that are safe to use with condoms. Many other types may damage the condom and cause it to break down, so it is best to avoid them and use the right lube type instead.

One important note is that lube is not a form of contraception. Make sure you are well-protected while using lube to avoid unwanted pregnancies. [Read: Why a baby trap is the dumbest idea you could use to keep a guy]

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, but others can have adverse effects when used as lube.

[Read: Is it safe to have sex with a UTI? The guide you shouldn’t ignore]

1. Do not use condoms

Oil-based lubricants are not safe to use with latex condoms. They do not go well together because oil breaks down latex. 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

Although the natural ingredients of homemade lubes are good alternatives for chemical-based ones, these different kinds of oils can be harmful to people with specific allergies.

Do your research and know how your body reacts to different kinds of oils before using them. Make sure to choose and use safe DIY alternatives that will not result in a trip to the ER.

3. Expect the need for a good wash afterward

Oils are capable of clinging to the skin for hours after application, which is the reason why many people use water-based lube over oil-based. If you’re not that squeamish, go ahead with the oil, but please get a good rinse afterward. [Read: How to have wildly enjoyable sex in the shower]

4. Stain alert

Compared to most colorless lubes, some oils often have a natural tinge of color that could stain your precious 900-thread count bed sheets. To avoid staining, make sure to use an additional cover over your bed before jumping right in.

5. Cost

If you’re planning to use fancy types of oils as personal lube, it could be more expensive compared to your standard bottle of store-bought lube.

Oils you can use as lube

Whether you’ve run out of your normal lubricant or you’re just curious about the experience of using oils as lube, the good news is that several oils can be used as a good lube alternative.

Here’s a list of possible oils that you can use as the best natural lubricants.

[Read: “Pulling out is completely safe” and other bad sex advice]

1. Vitamin E oil

Aside from the soluble gel capsule that we’re more familiar with, Vitamin E also comes in raw oil form that is safe to use as a 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 DIY lube is that it’s quite pricy, and you might rather drink it than daub it on your nether regions.

2. Virgin coconut oil

We’re sure you’ve heard that coconut oil is the mother of all oils. It is perfectly edible and has a lot of health and cosmetic benefits. It’s gifted with a warm, lightly sweet, and mellow scent, and it’s safe to use as lube in a pinch.

Not only is it safe to use coconut oil, but it is also 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.

Just a fair warning – its antibacterial properties can disrupt the vagina’s natural PH level. Also, be sure that the coconut oil you use is unrefined. [Read: 15 winning lubricants hanging out in your kitchen]

3. Sweet almond oil

This type of oil is safe and quite popular due to its naturally sweet, nutty scent. It is the kinder sibling of the two almond oil products, the other one being bitter almond oil.

Along with Vitamin E and olive oils, sweet almond oil has skin-friendly properties that make it a good choice to use as a lube. The only drawback of sweet almond oil is adverse side effects for people with a nut allergy.

4. Extra virgin olive oil

Olive oil has many uses and is one of the most versatile oils in existence. You can use it for cooking and cosmetics, and it sure is a good oil to use as a lubricant.

Olive oil is skin-friendly and has antioxidant, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. Just like coconut oil, it’s best to get extra virgin varieties to avoid additives.

5. Avocado oil

If you’re looking for a more neutral natural oil, avocado oil is another option. It doesn’t have a noticeable smell or taste like olive oil and refined coconut oil.

It’s amazing for clitoral stimulation and vulvar massage. Like any other natural oil, you can’t use olive oil with condoms. [Read: 17 most intimate sex positions & tips to feel romantic while making love]

6. Ghee

Ghee is clarified butter, which can also be used as a personal lubricant. It can moisturize and soothe your skin while providing healthy and fatty acids, the perfect choice for sensitive areas. It also tastes great to use for oral sex. [Read: The best cunnilingus techniques to give a girl oral sex & make her moan in bliss]

7. Primrose oil

Primrose oil may be your best herbal ally for relieving vaginal dryness and your best lubricant for both vaginal and anal sex. Did you know that primrose oil can also be used to induce labor?

8. Blended oils

Aside from the oils mentioned, you can also create your own homemade blend of oils to use as a natural and organic lubricant.

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 a massage oil or as a 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.

DIY alternatives that are not safe to use as lube

Now that we’ve listed all the oils that can be used as natural lubricants, 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 unpleasant smells.

[Read: Tips to make vaginal fisting safer and sexier]

1. Cooking oil

Cooking oil is made for the kitchen and should stay there. You don’t want your privates smelling like a frying pan, and you wouldn’t want to get your bed linens stained with a big yellow splotch. Don’t use this oil as a lubricant.

2. Butter or margarine

Butter only smells and tastes good on a piece of toast. Using it as lube may increase infection if it goes rancid and mixes 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 and gives off a rancid smell when it happens. Nobody wants any of that happening near their private areas. [Read: Nom-nom no-nos: 17 foods to avoid before sex]

4. Undiluted essential oils

Essential oils are only good if used in the right quantities in the right blends. Using undiluted oil comes with risks because it may not be as safe for the skin inside the vagina or 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 about essential oils, and find a safer household item to use instead.

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

5. Baby oil/mineral oil

While this is safe to use on your skin as a moisturizer, mineral oil shouldn’t be used as a substitute for lube.

It is possible to use it, but may leave a stain, damage your sex toys, or cause poisoning and infection. Overall, it’s deemed not safe for sex, and it’s very difficult to wash off.

6. 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 because it has the consistency of axle grease. It’s fine to use, but you may want to avoid it and find other safe lube alternatives instead. [Read: Perfectly good substitutes for lube that work just as well]

Some things to remember when using oils as lube

Make sure always to check the ingredient lists before you use any lube. If petroleum is listed, it should not be used with condoms. To protect yourself and avoid pregnancy, avoid mineral products that can damage condoms.

Always do a patch test before using oils to make sure they don’t cause any allergic reaction or skin irritation. Oils are not a good choice with dental dams, as they may damage them and raises the chances of contracting STIs. Oils can cause degradation on silicone toys, so make sure to wash them thoroughly after use.

[Read: Painful anal sex: 31 happy bum tips to make backdoor sex hurt less]

When to stop use and see a doctor

If you get any allergic reactions, pain, burns, or infections, contact your doctor immediately. Be responsible, stay safe, and have fun!

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