Everything You Need to Know About Natural Lube

Natural lubricants may have fewer components than typical chemical-based lubricants. Some items may be made entirely of vegan or organic components.

What exactly is ‘natural’?

Some people choose natural lubrication to avoid putting harsh or potentially harmful ingredients on delicate areas such as their vaginal or anal lining.

What constitutes a natural lubricant is fairly debatable. You may want to avoid some chemicals and poisons while looking for a lubricant, just as you would avoid them in food, makeup, and hair products.

For example, if you don't know how to pronounce an item, your body may not know how to handle it.

If a product has a modest number of components and you can pronounce the majority of them, it is likely to be natural.

Is it the same thing as ‘organic’?

There is substantial disagreement regarding whether "natural" also includes "organic."

Organic components are often assumed to be devoid of additions such as synthetic chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, and hormones.

You could come across a lubricant that contains coconut oil, which is natural in the sense that it is derived from fruit found in nature rather than being made in a lab.

However, that coconut oil could not be organic. It might be manufactured from coconuts farmed and processed using chemicals such as insecticides.

If you're searching for a natural and organic lubricant, you may want to go the additional mile and investigate how the components are produced.

How we chose : 

Before coming up with our final list of suggestions, we looked at a variety of natural lubricants. Here's how we choose which to include:


Price. Our selection includes goods at various price points to accommodate the majority of people's budgets.

Ingredients. The items that made the cut are manufactured with safe, natural ingredients that do not include processed oils or chemicals. We chose items that are less prone to irritate the skin.

Reviews. We read the reviews extensively to discover what genuine consumers thought of the items, not simply the brand. We only listed lubes that received positive reviews.

Brands of high quality. We choose well-known businesses that are dedicated to producing high-quality goods. They also required a track record of excellent customer service and commercial standards.

Healthline’s picks for the best natural lubes :

As natural lubricant grows more popular, several firms are developing natural alternatives that you can purchase online or over the counter.

Here are some alternatives to consider : 

Best overall

Aloe Cadabra

Aloe Cadabra is 95 percent organic aloe vera, which is gentle and soothing for your skin.

It’s also safe to use with condoms and dental dams, so it’s a good choice if you’re trying to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).





With only five simple ingredients, this Natural Lubricating Gel is organic, vegan, and hypoallergenic.

It has no taste or smell, so you don’t have to worry about unpalatability or irritants like fragrances.

You can also shop for the water-based option for safe use with condoms.


Another vegan option, Almost Naked doesn’t have any parabens, synthetic fragrances, or glycerin. It’s safe to use with latex condoms and toys.

It does have an “almost undetectable” fragrance from lemon and vanilla infusion, so if you want something that’s totally unscented, pass on this one.



Looking for some luxury with your lubricant? Ãœberlube is a luxury brand lube with only four ingredients.

It’s more expensive than the other options, but if you have allergies or you’re prone to irritation, this might be your best bet for avoiding an uncomfortable reaction.

It’s safe for use with latex condoms but not with silicone toys.



DIY alternatives to consider

You may not even need to go shopping for a natural lubricant; you may already have some possibilities at home.

However, oil-based lubricants may be comedogenic, which means they might clog pores, something you should consider depending on your skin type.

Some home products may work better for you than others, so keep reading to learn about your DIY possibilities.

Sweet almond oil

Sweet almond oil hydrates and calms sensitive skin.

It smells amazing and is safe to consume, making it an excellent choice for both oral and anal sex.

This oil is also long-lasting, so you won't have to reapply it as frequently.

One important caveat: Almond oil should not be utilized with latex condoms. This is true for all oils and oil-based lubes -- the oils can damage condoms.

Consider Viva Naturals Sweet Almond Oil if this seems like a suitable fit.

Avocado oil

Are you getting hungry yet? Avocado oil is another option that may go from the pantry to the bedroom.

It's smooth, has a long shelf life, and has no flavor or odor, making it ideal for oral play.

However, when it comes to functioning, some individuals believe that avocado oil is not as beneficial as other popular options such as sweet almond and coconut oils.

This oil, like others, should not be used if you are wearing condoms.

If you want to give it a shot, La Tourangelle has high-quality avocado oil.

Aloe vera

If you've ever used aloe vera to soothe a sunburn, you know how effective it can be.

Aloe vera increases moisture and decreases skin irritation when used as a lubricant.

Because aloe vera is water-based, unlike oils, it is safe to use with condoms.

Just be wary of aloe-based treatments that contain other chemicals like as alcohol.

If you already use aloe for sun protection and want to explore how it performs as a lubrication, try Seven Minerals' pure aloe vera lotion.

Olive oil

Olive oil is a common substitute that you might obtain in your kitchen.

Olive oil, like other natural oils, can be useful for increasing moisture and minimizing friction.

However, because olive oil is not absorbed by the skin, it might clog your pores if not washed off immediately.

Olive oil should also not be used with condoms or any other latex product, including dental dams.

If this is the best option for you, California Olive Ranch offers an excellent extra virgin olive oil.



Just because something is natural doesn't imply it's completely safe for you.

If you or your spouse are allergic to any of the substances, make sure you avoid them.


If you're not sure, perform this easy patch test before using a new lubricant for play:


  • Use unscented soap to wash your arm. Allow to air dry.

  • Apply a few drops of lubricant to a tiny spot of skin, such as the crook of your elbow.

  • Wrap a bandage around the affected region.

  • After 24 hours, remove the bandage.
If you detect redness, swelling, itching, or blistering on your skin patch, do not use the lubricant.
If you develop a response before 24 hours, immediately wash the affected area with soap and warm water.
If you continue to use the lubrication, keep an eye out for any unpleasant side effects.

Consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling, especially of the tongue, throat, or face
  • hives
  • rash
  • itching

You should also see a doctor if you develop symptoms of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

The bottom line

When it comes to food, you certainly think about what you're putting into your body, so why not think about the lubricant you're using?

By seeking out natural, minimally processed, and sustainably sourced ingredients, you can protect your health, enjoyment, and the environment all at the same time.