Lube For The Biome’
Using coconut oil as lube might seem like a great idea. It’s cheap, organic, and natural. Plus, it can help limit unwanted genital friction and reduce the incidence of tears and breaks in the genital skin. However, when it comes to your vaginal health, coconut oil is not the best choice. Here’s why:
The Problem with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial properties. While this can be beneficial when ingested or applied topically to inflamed areas, it can cause significant issues for your vaginal microbiome. The vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem primarily dominated by Lactobacillus, a genus of bacteria vital to maintaining a healthy vaginal environment.
Lactobacillus bacteria create an acidic environment by producing lactic acid through the fermentation of glucose, making it difficult for invasive pathogens to thrive. When you introduce coconut oil into this environment, its antibacterial nature can disrupt the balance by reducing Lactobacillus levels. Additionally, coconut oil is alkaline, which further disturbs the acidic environment necessary for a healthy vagina. This disruption can lead to a higher susceptibility to yeast infections, chronic bacterial vaginosis (BV), and vaginal inflammation.
Alternatives to Coconut Oil
Don’t fret! There are plenty of natural lubricants that are safe for your vaginal microbiome and just as effective. Here are my top three recommendations:
Aloe Cadabra
Why It’s Great: Aloe Cadabra is 95% organic aloe vera, which is gentle and soothing for your skin.
Benefits:
27,000 positive ratings
Safe to use with condoms
100% vegan and edible
Doesn’t contain parabens, petroleum, or silicone
Sliquid Organics Natural Lubricating Gel
Why It’s Great: This gel has only five simple ingredients and is organic, vegan, and hypoallergenic. This is my personal fave.
Benefits:
No taste or smell, avoiding unpalatability or irritants like fragrances
Organic ingredients
100% vegan
Hypoallergenic
Maude
Why It’s Great: Maude’s ultra-hydrating Shine lubricant is made in the USA with organic ingredients, including aloe, for natural and pH-balancing hydration.
Benefits:
Organic, aloe-based, and free from glycerin and parabens
Contains mushroom extract, quinoa seed extract, and oat kernel extract
Choosing the Right Lubricant
When searching for a natural lubricant, it’s essential to avoid certain chemicals and toxins that you wouldn’t want in your food, makeup, or hair products. Specifically, steer clear of lubricants containing parabens, petroleum, glycerin, and other sugars. These substances can be harsh or potentially unsafe for sensitive areas like the vaginal or anal lining.
Want To Learn More?
Watch or listen to the vaginal microbiome podcast with Dr. Moira Bradfield Strydom. With a keen interest in recurrent vaginal infections, optimal vaginal and genitourinary health, hormones, and the genitourinary microbiomes, Dr. Moira brings a depth of knowledge to the conversation. Having recently completed her PhD focusing on the vaginal microbiome and its impacts in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, her insights are invaluable.
