Key takeaways
Check the intended use, ingredients and compatibility with your toy or condom. Research findings need context; a single ingredient or value does not establish personal suitability.
Lubricant is perhaps the most under-discussed product in the intimacy industry. This guide explains the research, what to look for when choosing a lubricant, and the three main types.
Why does osmolality matter?
Osmolality measures the concentration of dissolved particles in a fluid. It is different from viscosity, which describes how thick a fluid is.
A hyperosmolar lubricant can draw water out of cells. Laboratory findings raise questions about tissue effects, but do not establish that every user will develop irritation or infection.
WHO/UNFPA specifications (2020)
The 2020 WHO/UNFPA procurement specifications include:
- Water-based osmolality below 1,200 mOsm/kg
- pH 5.0 to 7.0, preferably with low buffering capacity
- Condom compatibility testing
These specifications concern procurement for reproductive health programmes. They are not a certification of Aia products or a guarantee of individual tolerance.
What does peer-reviewed research say?
A 2019 laboratory study in The Journal of Infectious Diseases examined effects on vaginal cell models and barrier-related markers. Laboratory results cannot directly establish infection risk in people.
A 2023 trial found improved sexual-function scores after four weeks in all five lubricant groups, including the higher-osmolality product. Adverse events were reported. It did not show that only WHO-aligned products worked or that cell damage was absent.
An exploratory analysis published in 2024 studied 50 participants from that trial. It found no significant change in the measured vaginal bacterial communities over four weeks. This is not a long-term guarantee for all lubricants.
The 3 main lubricant types: pros and cons
1. Water-based
What it is: Water as base + thickener + optional additives.
Pros:
- Often suitable for condoms and silicone toys; check the specific product instructions
- Easy to rinse off
- Available in different textures
Cons:
- Dries faster (sometimes needs reapplication during a session)
- Not suitable underwater (dissolves)
For whom: The default choice for most situations. Especially for silicone toys.
2. Silicone-based
What it is: Silicone polymers (dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane).
Pros:
- Long-lasting, much less reapplication
- Works underwater (shower, bath)
- Feels "smoother" and thinner than water-based
Cons:
- Can damage silicone toys; follow the toy manufacturer’s compatibility instructions
- Harder to rinse off (lingers on skin and fabrics)
- Not automatically suitable for every toy material
For whom: Partner sex without silicone toys, underwater use, anal use.
3. Oil-based
What it is: Plant-based or synthetic oil.
Pros:
- Long-lasting lubrication
- Rich-feeling
Cons:
- DO NOT use with latex condoms: oil breaks down latex
- Hard to rinse off
- Compatibility with toys depends on the material
- Use only products intended for the specific intimate application
For whom: only where the lubricant’s instructions allow the intended use. Massage oil is a separate product category and is not interchangeable with intimate lubricant.
Ingredients to check
Water-based lubricants differ in formulation. Look at the complete product and any ingredients you know you react to.
Glycerin (and propylene glycol)
Glycerin and propylene glycol can influence osmolality, depending on concentration. Their presence alone does not establish that a product will cause a yeast infection. Seek individual advice if symptoms recur.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives. A paraben-free label alone does not establish that a lubricant is safer or better tolerated.
Nonoxynol-9 (N-9)
Nonoxynol-9 is a spermicide, not protection against HIV. Choose a plain lubricant without a spermicide when that is the product you need.
Synthetic fragrances and flavors
Fragrance, flavouring and cooling or warming ingredients are optional additions. Choose deliberately and stop using the product if it causes discomfort.
Chlorhexidine, cinnamates, parabens, carrageenans
Check the ingredient list, especially for a known allergy. Findings about one substance or laboratory formulation do not automatically apply to every finished product containing it.
pH value and the vaginal microbiome
Vaginal pH varies with factors including hormonal stage. Research on a particular formulation cannot support a claim that every neutral-pH lubricant permanently disrupts the microbiome.
Match the product to its stated use rather than using pH alone as a safety test. For a specific health concern, ask a healthcare professional which formulation is appropriate.
For a deeper read on natural formulations: our guide on natural lubricants.
Aia* at Odes
Aia* is a separate brand stocked by Odes. Aia* Lubricant is water-based, contains glycerin and is suitable for silicone toys and latex condoms. We do not have confirmed pH or osmolality values.
Aia* Stimulating Gel contains menthol for a cooling effect during external clitoral stimulation. Follow its own application instructions.
Aia* Massage Oil is intended for massage on body skin. It does not replace intimate lubricant.
Which lubricant for which situation?
| Situation | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Vaginal sex + silicone toy | Water-based, suitable for the toy |
| Vaginal sex without toy | Water-based or silicone |
| Anal sex | A lubricant explicitly suitable for anal use; check toy compatibility |
| Condom + latex | Water-based or silicone, NEVER oil |
| Underwater | Silicone |
| Massage (non-sexual) | Massage oil (not for penetration) |
| Sensitive skin | Check known sensitivities and product instructions |
Natural alternatives: where coconut oil does and doesn't work
Coconut oil is often mentioned as a natural alternative. The nuanced truth:
External use: choose a product intended for massage if massage is your aim. Do not assume a kitchen oil is an intimate lubricant.
With latex condoms: do not use coconut oil or other oils. Check manufacturer instructions for other condom and toy materials.
Natural does not automatically mean safer. Intended use and the finished formulation matter more than that label.
A 6-step plan for the right choice
Step 1: Determine your primary use-case
Sex with partner? Solo with toy? Massage? Decide before purchase.
Step 2: Check the ingredient list
Check for ingredients you know you react to. Fewer ingredients does not automatically mean a better formula.
Step 3: Check osmolality (if listed)
If a value is provided, use the research context above. A missing value does not establish product quality either way.
Step 4: Check pH
Check the intended application; do not choose solely on a pH number.
Step 5: Match with your toys
Silicone toy = water-based lubricant. The wrong combination can damage your toy or, with oil and latex, break the condom.
Step 6: Test a small amount first
Follow the application instructions. A skin test cannot guarantee tolerance on genital mucosa. Stop if the product feels uncomfortable.
Common mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming "expensive" = "good." Osmolality and ingredient list are the markers, not the price.
Mistake 2: Oil-based lubricant with latex condoms. Oil can damage latex and increase the risk of breakage. NHS condom guidance.
Mistake 3: Ignoring toy compatibility. Silicone-based lubricants can damage silicone toys. Follow the toy manufacturer’s instructions.
Mistake 4: Explaining recurring symptoms through one ingredient. Do not diagnose a yeast infection from the ingredient list. Have recurring symptoms assessed.
Mistake 5: Continuing despite discomfort. A warming or cooling effect should not be a reason to ignore pain or irritation. Stop using a product that causes discomfort.
When is dryness a signal for more than lubricant?
Lubricant is a tool, not a solution for underlying causes. Consider a conversation with your doctor or gynecologist if:
- Vaginal dryness lasting a few weeks despite self-care, or affecting daily life
- Pain during sex despite sufficient lubricant
- Postmenopausal symptoms limiting your sex life (GSM: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)
- Medication-induced dryness (antihistamines, antidepressants, birth control)
- Recent treatments (chemotherapy, radiation)
- Psychological stress blocking arousal
A clinician can assess the cause and discuss suitable treatment. Seek advice for unusual discharge or bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause. NHS guidance on vaginal dryness.
Frequently asked questions about lubricant
Do I need lubricant if I lubricate naturally well?
Not necessarily. Lubricant helps with variation, longer sessions, or specific activities (like anal, where natural lubrication doesn't exist). It's a tool, not a requirement.
Can I use vaginal lubricant anally too?
Only if the manufacturer states it is suitable for anal use. A WHO-related claim alone does not establish that. Odes currently does not stock a dedicated anal lubricant.
Is coconut oil safe as a lubricant?
Do not use it with latex condoms. For intimate use, choose a lubricant intended for that application instead of assuming a kitchen oil is suitable.
What's the difference between lubricant and "vaginal moisturizer"?
Lubricant is applied during sexual activity. Vaginal moisturiser is for ongoing dryness and is used according to its own schedule, not necessarily daily.
Is using lubricant a sign of "bad sex"?
No. Using lubricant says nothing negative about your sex life. It is an option for comfort, not a performance measure.
Why do some lubricants give a tingling or warm feeling?
Ingredients like menthol, cinnamates, or L-arginine can cause that sensation. Pleasant for some, pure irritation for others. Try a small amount first.
Conclusion: choose for your intended use
Look beyond marketing. Neither price nor the number of ingredients proves that a lubricant suits you. Check its intended use, compatibility and your own comfort.
For a water-based option, see Aia* Lubricant. The Aia* Intimacy Box contains separate travel-size products: lubricant for lubrication, Massage Oil for massage on body skin and Stimulating Gel for external clitoral stimulation. Each has its own instructions.
