Let’s chat personal lubricants. You know, the bottle we keep stashed in our bedside drawer (yes, the one hiding under the stack of books you promised yourself you’d read this year). Most of the time we just grab what looks fine, maybe it smells nice, maybe it was on sale at the local Woolies, maybe you're in a mad-dash avoiding an aisle rendezvous with your ex-situationship.
But here’s the thing; not all lubes are created equal. What’s in your lube matters. Just as much as the skincare you put on your face. Yep, your vulva deserves the same NRG.
One of the sneakiest ingredients lurking in many water-based lubricants is glycerin (a sugar alcohol, fun fact). Sounds harmless, right? But if the goal is smooth & comfy sex (or good sexual health), Glycerin might be doing more harm than good.
Before we all spiral, let’s unpack it. What Glycerin is, why your vulva might not love it and how you can choose better.
What is glycerin?
We’re popping our lab coat to talk about chemistry. Glycerin (a.k.a glycerol) is a sugar alcohol derived from either animal fat or vegetable oils. It’s commonly found in moisturisers, toothpaste, even soap and you guessed it, many lubricants too.
All this Glycerin slander, you may be wondering what it’s actually good for? Well, because it gives that slick, slightly sticky feel that helps to retain moisture. Many water-based lubes rely on it to mimic the body’s own natural lubrication.
Sound familiar? The catch is that sugar alcohols like Glycerin can throw off your vagina’s delicate pH balance, feeding yeast and bacteria like uninvited guests at a house party. Rude.
Is glycerin bad in lube?
In short: for most vulva-owners, yes, it’s better to choose a lubricant that’s Glycerin-free. Glycerin isn’t toxic directly but it can cause some issues if you’ve got sensitive skin or are prone to UTIs. Sensitive queens unite 🤝
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t dump a load of sugar into your diet (Hello, 3pm Coke Zero) or skincare, so why would you treat your vulva any differently?
Whilst Glycerin isn’t banned (it’s technically approved by the food and drug administration). It can become problematic if you’re using it inside or around your vagina. Disrupting your pH and making things a little too friendly for yeast and bacteria.
What are the potential glycerin lube side effects?
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Yeast infections: The dreaded yeast infection. Sadly, we’ve all likely been there. The insatiable itching and burning. The cottage-cheese-eqsue (sorry) discharge. Glycerin could be the culprit. Why? Glycerin increases the risk of Candida, leading to yeast infections.
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UTIs: Even reading the word can make you wince. Flashbacks to back-to-back toilet visits with nothing but a sad (& painful) little drip to show for it. Glycerin-based lubes makes it easier for bacteria to sneak into places it shouldn’t. Irritating the urethra and increasing the chances of a UTI.
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BV (Bacterial Vaginosis): Odour, discharge and discomfort can all be tied back to the villain of this story, Glycerin, and it stems from the same cause. If your vaginal pH and bacteria balance is whack, so is down there.
So, if you’re caught in the vicious cycle of yeast, BV or UTI’s, it’s absolutely worth checking that lube bottle sitting in your bedside table.
Other common lube ingredients to avoid
Now for our favourite game! Spot the red flag.
Here are a few more ingredients you’ll want to give the side-eye to when you’re browsing for your next lube:
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Parabens: preservative offender that mimics oestrogen and messes with your hormonal balance.
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Petroleum or mineral oil: found in some oil-based lubes. It traps bacteria and isn’t safe to use with condoms or some sex toys.
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Nonoxynol-9: Known for causing irritation and micro-tears (yikes!).
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Propylene Glycol: More prone to trigger allergic reactions and longer-term dryness (not the vibe).
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Flavours or scents: Cute. In theory. But they’re a fast-track to infection and can also irritate sensitive skin.
A formula to live by in your lube endeavors: fewer ingredients/cleaner list = safer for your body. Make sure to read the ingredients label thoroughly and understand what each ingredient does before putting it in your body.
How to choose a lubricant that’s right for you?
Time to become your own lube shop detective. When you shop, flip that bottle and check:
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Glycerin free & paraben free
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Compatible with your preferred sexual activity
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No synthetic fragrances or artificial colour
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A brand you trust & feel comfortable with (a shameless plug…)
Everybody’s body is different. What feels amazing for you one week, may irritate you the next. So, experiment, listen to your body and switch things up if your current lube is giving more drama than devotion.
What are some good glycerin-free lubes?
If you’ve made it this far, you already know Glycerin’s not the vibe. But with so many types of lubricants on the shelf, with many culprits hiding in plain sight, how do you actually choose a lubricant that’s right for you?
Water-Based Lubricant:
If you’re new to lube or want something that plays well with sex toys and condoms, water based lube is your new best friend. Natural, easily washed-off, and safe for all kinds of play, that’s an everyday hero if you ask us.
Try our Playmate water-based lube
A sensitive, glycerin free water-based lube made with soothing and moisturising aloe vera. Hydrates, reduces friction, and eases intimate moments.
Oil-Based Lubricant:
Think coconut oils, jojoba and other nourishing blends. Oil-based lubes feel lush and sensual, like your favourite day-spa and the perfect choice for internal or external stimulation and massage. Also great if you're doing any fun activities in the bath or shower as they will stick around and won't wash away as easily as a water-based lube will.
Try our Extra virgin oil-based lube
This luscious oil-based lube is crafted with unrefined coconut oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, and vitamin E for long-lasting glide and skin-loving nourishment.
Your lube should never be the reason you’re googling “burning after sex” at 1am. It should make everything feel smoother, softer and more pleasurable. Say CYA to Glycerin, grab something body-safe, and give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back.
Silicone-Based Lubricant:
Silky, long-lasting, great if you struggle with dryness or want something for bath / shower sex. Just avoid with silicone your fav sex toy (they don’t always play nice together).
Still having trouble deciding? Check out our Quiz
Ready to slip into it? Shop all our lubes
