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Lube for Sensitive Skin

Lube for sensitive skin means fragrance-free, glycerin-free and paraben-free picks with short ingredient lists for bodies that react easily.

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Lube for sensitive skin: short lists, fewer surprises

If you often get irritation, a lubricant with fewer ingredients is easier to troubleshoot. Start by avoiding what you already know bothers you, then look for fragrance-free and dye-free formulas that claim to be hypoallergenic. Many makers also highlight being free of parabens, propylene glycol or glycerin; those claims are worth checking on the specific product.

Parabens are the most common lubricant preservatives and can irritate or sensitise some people, according to the WHO. Nonoxynol-9 spermicide additives have significant irritant effects and the WHO does not recommend them. Glycerin can raise osmolality, though the link to yeast infections is theoretical and not proven in clinical studies.

Patch test on your inner forearm first, and stop using anything that stings, burns or itches. A pH balanced formula can also be gentler for some people. Our sensitive skin guide lists the ingredients to check, and the aloe and natural collection often has shorter lists.

Ingredients and concentration

Ingredient or featureWhy it can matterEvidence
Fragrance and flavorCommon irritant for some people~ Individual
ParabensCan irritate or sensitise in some people~ WHO 2012 note
Nonoxynol-9Irritant; not recommended✗ WHO 2012
Polyquaternium-15WHO advises avoiding✗ In-vitro data
GlycerinRaises osmolality; infection link unproven~ Weak or theoretical
Osmolality above 1,200Linked to tissue irritation in lab tests✗ Above WHO limit

Source: WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 Advisory Note, 2012

Osmolality of selected gels in the lab (mOsm/kg)

WHO ideal is 380 or lower; 1,200 is the interim upper limit

AstroglideAstroglide: 61136113K-Y JellyK-Y Jelly: 25102510PRÉPRÉ: 502502Good Clean LoveGood Clean Love: 269269Sliquid OrganicSliquid Organic: 106106
Source: Dezzutti et al., PLoS One, 2012 (formulations c. 2010)

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Sensitive skin: questions

What is the best lube for sensitive skin?

There is no single best formula, but a short, fragrance-free ingredient list without the things that bother you is the usual starting point. Patch test first and see a clinician if irritation keeps coming back.

Is glycerin-free lube better?

It can be, since glycerin raises osmolality. Evidence linking glycerin to yeast infections is weak, so treat it as a precaution.

How do I patch test a lubricant?

Apply a small amount to the inner forearm and wait a day. If you see redness or itching, avoid the product.

When is irritation a reason to see a doctor?

If it persists after switching products, or you notice pain, swelling or unusual discharge, see a clinician.

What should I avoid if my skin is sensitive?

Start with fragrance, flavors, warming or cooling agents and anything you have reacted to before. Parabens and spermicide additives are also commonly avoided.