The 7 Best Lubes for Sensitive Skin

The best lubes for sensitive skin are water-based and free of potentially irritation ingredients.
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The 7 Best Lubes for Sensitive Skin

Article from Livestrong.com

By Lacey Muinos Updated on June 15, 2023. Medically reviewed by Kimberly Shao, MD

Using personal lubricants (lubes, for short) can enhance sexual pleasure and make for a better experience by reducing friction and dryness during sex. But not all lubes are created equal — especially if you have sensitive skin.

Anyone can use lubrication products, says Amy Wetter, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia. But people with sensitive skin may find that adding the wrong lube to their intimate lives causes more discomfort than pleasure.

“Some ingredients in lubricants can cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes,” explains Christie Cobb, MD, FACOG, a board-certified gynecologist and sexual wellness expert in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Irritation from lubricants can cause symptoms such as vaginal infections, burning, itching and rashes.”

If you’ve had a negative encounter with a lube in the past, don’t let that stop you from giving them another chance. Here’s how to choose the best lube if you have sensitive skin.

How We Chose

We started our search for the best lubes for sensitive skin by tapping relevant medical experts. We spoke to several board-certified gynecologists and a dermatologist who gave their personal recommendations and insights.

We asked them how to choose the right lube to decrease uncomfortable side effects. They recommended the following criteria for a sensitive skin-friendly lube:

• Water-based formula
• Moisturizing ingredients
• Free of potential irritants
• Safe to use with condoms and sex toys
• Doesn’t cause a warming sensation

With their expert advice and recommendations, we were able to narrow down the best lubes on the market that are least likely to cause irritation.

The best lube for sensitive skin is one that is water-based, free of irritants, pH-balanced and safe for use with condoms and sex toys — and this gynecologist-recommend lube checks every box.

“A great choice that is often overlooked is a natural aloe vera gel, which has the same pH as a healthy vagina,” says Barbra Hanna, DO, FACOG, NCMP, a board-certified ob-gyn and menopause practitioner in Wheaton, Illinois. “This contains organic aloe and vitamin E, it’s free of parabens and it can be used with latex condoms.”

While it comes in a variety of fun flavors, the experts we spoke to explicitly recommended against anything flavored or scented because of the potential to irritate sensitive skin. So, stick to the original version of this pick.

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