What it is
Intimate-care products include personal lubricants and washes, wipes and sprays for the genital area. Lubricants come in three bases: water-based (easy to clean, condom-safe, can dry out and get sticky), silicone-based (long-lasting, condom-safe, harder to wash off) and oil-based (long-lasting, but they weaken latex condoms).
For the vagina, formulation matters because the lining is thin and relies on protective lactobacilli. Very hyperosmolar lubricants (high in glycerin or propylene glycol) draw water out of cells and have damaged tissue in lab tests; the WHO suggests keeping osmolality below about 1,200 mOsm/kg. The vagina cleans itself, so scented washes, wipes and douches aren't needed and can upset its balance.
How strong is the evidencelimited
Lab studies show hyperosmolar water-based lubricants damage vaginal and rectal tissue explants and some are toxic to lactobacilli, while near-iso-osmolar and silicone lubricants were the gentlest; human outcome data are limited. Mineral oil weakens latex condoms within 60 seconds in burst tests. Spermicide nonoxynol-9 did not prevent HIV or other STIs in trials and increased genital lesions.
The claims you’ll meet5 checked
Lubricant reduces pain and dryness during sexHolds upReduced friction is the core, well-accepted benefit; especially useful after menopause, while breastfeeding or with some medicines.
Any lubricant is safe with condomsFalseOil-based products, including lotions and baby oil, rapidly weaken latex; use water- or silicone-based with latex condoms.
Spermicidal lubricants protect against STIsFalseNonoxynol-9 did not reduce HIV or STIs in trials of more than 5,000 women and increased genital lesions.
Feminine washes keep the vagina clean and balancedFalseThe vagina is self-cleaning; douching is associated with bacterial vaginosis and other infections. Plain water on the outside is enough.
'Body-safe' or 'natural' means gentlerUnprovenUnregulated wording. Osmolality, pH and ingredient list tell you more.
What to look for5
- ✓Water- or silicone-based if you use latex condoms or diaphragms.
- ✓A water-based lubricant with a short list and low glycerin/propylene glycol, or a stated iso-osmolar formula, if you are prone to irritation or infections.
- ✓Silicone-based for longer-lasting glide (not with silicone toys unless the maker allows it).
- ✓Fragrance-, flavor- and warming-agent-free if you have sensitive skin.
- ✓For ongoing dryness after menopause, a vaginal moisturizer used regularly, not only at sex.
What to skip4
- ×Nonoxynol-9 spermicidal lubricants for STI protection.
- ×Douches, scented washes, wipes and 'feminine deodorant' sprays.
- ×Oil-based products, lotions and petroleum jelly with latex condoms.
- ×Warming, tingling and flavored lubricants if you react easily.
How to use it2
- →Apply to both partners or the condom's outside, and reapply as needed.
- →Wash the outer genital area with water or a mild unscented cleanser only.
Take care4
- !Lubricant does not protect against pregnancy or STIs; use condoms for that.
- !Some lubricants can lower sperm movement; if trying to conceive, ask about fertility-friendly products.
- !Itching, burning, unusual discharge or odor warrant a clinician visit rather than a new wash; these can be infections that need treatment.
- !Persistent dryness or pain with sex, or bleeding after sex, should be checked by a clinician; after menopause, prescription vaginal estrogen may help.
The studies3 cited · checked against PubMed
Is wetter better? An evaluation of over-the-counter personal lubricants for safety and anti-HIV-1 activity ↗Dezzutti CS, Brown ER, Moncla B, Russo J, Cost M, Wang L, Uranker K, Kunjara Na Ayudhya RP, Pryke K, Pickett J, Leblanc MA, Rohan LC · PLoS One · 2012Laboratory study (cell lines and tissue explants)
Of 14 over-the-counter lubricants, hyperosmolar water-based gels reduced tissue viability and caused epithelial damage in ectocervical and colorectal tissue, and some were toxic to lactobacilli. Near-iso-osmolar and silicone-based lubricants were the safest.
Mineral oil lubricants cause rapid deterioration of latex condoms ↗Voeller B, Coulson AH, Bernstein GS, Nakamura RM · Contraception · 1989Laboratory study
Sixty seconds of exposure to mineral oil cut the burst volume of latex condoms by about 90%; mineral-oil lotions and baby oil also weakened them. Glycerol and water-based spermicide had no significant effect.
Nonoxynol-9 spermicide for prevention of vaginally acquired HIV and other sexually transmitted infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials including more than 5000 women ↗Wilkinson D, Tholandi M, Ramjee G, Rutherford GW · Lancet Infectious Diseases · 2002Systematic review and meta-analysis
Nine trials in 5,096 women: nonoxynol-9 did not reduce HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia or other infections versus placebo, and genital lesions were more common (RR 1.18). The authors concluded it cannot be recommended for HIV and STI prevention.