Ideally, when we are having sex, our bodies produce enough natural lubrication to make intercourse comfortable and enjoyable.
Adequate lubrication helps reduce friction, prevents irritation, and can make intimacy more pleasurable.
However, many women experience times when their bodies do not produce enough lubrication on their own.
In fact, surveys show that around 65% of women report using vaginal lubrication within a given month.
There are many reasons this can happen.
Sometimes it is related to simple factors like dehydration or stress. Other times it may be connected to:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Birth control use
- Low estrogen or testosterone
- Menopause
- Nutrient deficiencies such as low vitamin E or healthy fats
- Vaginal infections or microbiome imbalance
- Low libido or difficulty becoming aroused
And sometimes women simply prefer the added comfort of supplemental lubrication. There is nothing wrong with that.
What is important is not having sex without adequate lubrication, whether that lubrication is naturally produced or supplemented.
But if you are choosing a personal lubricant, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Two Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Lubricant
When selecting a personal lubricant, two factors matter most:
- The ingredients
- The pH
Many lubricants on the market contain ingredients that can irritate vaginal tissue or disrupt the vaginal microbiome.
Understanding what to look for can help you make a healthier choice for your body.
Why Ingredients Matter
If you have ever browsed personal lubricants at a drugstore, grocery store, or adult boutique, you have likely seen dozens of options with colorful packaging and enticing descriptions.
Unfortunately, many of these products contain chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and preservatives that are not ideal for vaginal health.
The vaginal tissue is highly absorbent. What we place in or around the vagina can be absorbed into the bloodstream and can also affect the delicate balance of bacteria that keeps the vaginal microbiome healthy.
This becomes especially important when trying to conceive or during pregnancy, since certain chemicals can affect sperm health and reproductive outcomes.
Because of this, it is important to read ingredient labels carefully when selecting a lubricant.
Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Lubricants
If you are unsure about a product, resources such as the EWG Skin Deep database, the Healthy Living app, or Think Dirty can help evaluate ingredient safety.
If you are reading labels yourself, here are several ingredients that are best avoided.
Dyes, Flavors, and Fragrances (Phthalates)
Flavored or scented lubricants may sound appealing, but they often contain phthalates, chemicals known to disrupt hormones and damage reproductive organs.
These compounds have also been linked to liver, kidney, and lung damage.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that mimic estrogen in the body. Excess estrogen exposure may contribute to hormone imbalance and increase the risk of estrogen-related cancers.
They can also cause irritation and genital rashes in some women.
Petroleum or Petroleum-Based Ingredients
Petroleum products such as petroleum jelly can coat vaginal tissues and interfere with their normal function.
These ingredients may also contain impurities that have been linked to health concerns.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is commonly used as a moisture-retaining agent but can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and eczema in some individuals.
The Environmental Working Group lists it as potentially toxic or harmful.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a type of sugar that can feed yeast and unwanted bacteria in the vagina, potentially leading to yeast infections, irritation, itching, and odor.
Chlorhexidine
This ingredient can irritate vaginal tissues and may cause toxic effects in sensitive individuals.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol has been associated with immune system suppression and potential reproductive toxicity in higher exposures.
Silicone-Based Ingredients
Silicone lubricants often contain compounds such as dimethicone or methyl polysiloxane that coat vaginal tissues and may interfere with normal function.
Why Vaginal pH Matters
The vaginal environment is naturally acidic.
A healthy vaginal pH typically falls between 3.8 and 4.5.
This acidity helps protect against harmful bacteria while supporting beneficial bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus species, which help maintain vaginal health.
When vaginal pH becomes more alkaline, harmful bacteria and yeast can begin to grow.
This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Vaginal itching
- Irritation
- Odor
- Discharge
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Pain with intercourse
Because of this, it is important to choose a lubricant that respects the natural vaginal pH.
If the product does not list its pH on the label, it is usually best to skip it.
My Favorite Non-Toxic Lubricants
After reviewing many products over the years, these are some of my favorite non-toxic lubricants that support vaginal health:
• Good Clean Love
• Sustain Natural
• Hello Cake
These products avoid many of the problematic ingredients listed above and are formulated to support vaginal pH balance.
Lubricants and Fertility
Interestingly, when trying to conceive, the pH conversation shifts slightly.
Sperm thrive in a more alkaline environment, with a pH between roughly 5 and 7.
Because the vagina is naturally acidic, sperm already face a challenging environment when trying to reach the egg.
Certain lubricants can make that journey even harder by interfering with sperm movement and survival.
If you are actively trying to conceive, it may be helpful to use a fertility-friendly lubricant specifically designed to support sperm motility.
One commonly recommended option is PreSeed, but it contains parabens and other ingredients that some people prefer to avoid.
One of my favorite non-toxic fertility-friendly lubricants is:
Ultrasound Gel and Vaginal Health
Another often overlooked source of vaginal disruption is ultrasound gel used during transvaginal ultrasounds.
This gel can alter the vaginal microbiome, sometimes contributing to yeast overgrowth, bacterial imbalance, or irritation.
Women undergoing fertility treatments may experience frequent ultrasounds, which makes this especially important.
If you are having repeated transvaginal ultrasounds, you may consider asking your provider whether they are open to using a lubricant you bring with you.
Supporting the vaginal microbiome with probiotics can also be helpful. Strains such as:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus reuteri
may help restore healthy bacterial balance.
What About Coconut Oil or Natural Oils?
Many people assume natural oils are always the safest option.
For a long time, I personally followed the rule: if I can eat it, I can put it on my body.
This led me to using coconut oil as a lubricant for several years.
However, I eventually began experiencing recurrent yeast infections, irritation, and odor.
It turns out coconut oil has a more alkaline pH (around 7), which can disrupt the naturally acidic vaginal environment.
Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, which may reduce beneficial bacteria in the vagina.
Additionally, oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms, increasing the risk of breakage.
For these reasons, it is important to be cautious when using oils as lubricants.
Supporting Your Vaginal Health
Choosing a safe personal lubricant is just one small piece of supporting vaginal and hormonal health.
Many women struggle with recurring vaginal symptoms, hormonal imbalances, low libido, or fertility challenges, and feel unsure where to start.
If you are looking for deeper guidance, education, and support, I created Womanhood Wellness™, a membership designed to help women reconnect with their bodies and support their health in a more holistic way.
Womanhood Wellness™ Membership
Led by Dr. Leah Gordon, ND, Womanhood Wellness™ is a guided, doctor-led community designed to help women restore balance, vitality, and trust in their bodies.
Inside the membership, you will find support for every season of womanhood, including:
- Hormone balance
- Fertility preparation
- Postpartum healing
- Vaginal and reproductive health
- Libido and intimacy support
You will also gain access to courses, live calls, and a supportive community of women navigating similar experiences.
Learn more about the membership here.
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