An edible version, a certified organic product, and more
Simply put, lubricant makes intercourse feel better, especially for women. A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who used lubricants reported significantly higher sexual pleasure and satisfaction than women who didn’t use them.
But certain lubes come with a tradeoff: They can disrupt your body’s delicate pH down there. “Some traditional water-based lubes contain a sugar-based glycerin ingredient that could contribute to yeast infections,” says Pamela Peeke, MD, a member of the Equinox Health Advisory Board and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She also suggests avoiding artificial fragrance or flavoring, which can cause irritation in women. (Look for anything labeled "fragrance" on the ingredients list which could be a sign it's artificial.)
Today, there are more natural and organic options than ever, says Peeke. Here are a few of the best that are free of glycerin, parabens, and have other benefits to boot.
Sustain Organic Lubricant
This water-based formula is made with 96 percent organic ingredients. It’s also toy and condom compatible (all the water-based formulas on this list are, too), unscented, and it has moisturizing aloe, which means a dime-sized amount should last your entire session.
Maude Shine Organic
Aloe-based and made with some organic ingredients, this lubricant has the ideal osmolality (meaning it matches the vagina’s salt balance) so it won’t cause irritation. Like the other lubes on this list, it's not sticky and the bottle is chic enough to keep on your nightstand.
Good Clean Love Almost Naked
This water-based formula is certified organic and has a slight lemon and vanilla flavor. This brand used "food grade flavors that are certified as safe for ingestion". It was also developed by scientists to mimic the vagina’s natural lubrication.
Sliquid H2O Naturals
Purified water is the first of only five ingredients in this lube, which means it’s one of the simplest on this list. It’s also unscented, and because it’s water-based, it won’t stain your sheets. (Oil-based lubricants might.)