13 Perfectly Good Lube Substitutes Just as Slippery as the Real Thing!

Sometimes, sex gets dry and uncomfortable. If you don’t have real lube on hand, try some of these lube substitutes and alternatives lying around your home.

So, you realized you ran out of lube at the worst possible moment, instead of just picking a random bottle of fluid that may put the user at risk, know what good substitutes for lube serve as alternatives to commercial brands and are safe to use during sex.

The importance of lubricant

Lubricant is an essential commodity that couples cannot go without during sex. Not only does it create extra pleasure and comfort, but it also provides protection from nasty abrasions that come during the act of sex. 

Vaginal tissues are naturally moist, and it usually produces lubrication. Fluid from the cervix and secretions from two pea-sized glands at the entrance of the vagina helps keep it lubricated. During sexual arousal, the vagina produces extra fluid to reduce friction during intercourse. 

Occasional vaginal dryness isn’t uncommon, so there are times when it’s best to use a lubricant. Artificial lube replaces the natural vaginal secretions, and it can reduce any discomfort the partners might have.

When to use an artificial lubricant

So, how do you know when to use an artificial lubricant? Here are some situations when you might have to use it. [Read: Oil as lube? How to know what’s safe to use and what’s to be avoided]

1. She is taking a medication that reduces lubricant

There are certain medications that can reduce the amount of lubricant that a woman produces naturally. So, check the prescriptions that she is taking to see if this is part of the problem. If so, ask your doctor for an alternative.

2. Changes in hormone levels during or after pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth cause a woman’s hormones to go a bit wild for over a year. So, this can also influence how wet she gets during sex. This is something that will come back with time. But meanwhile, you might want to use some artificial lube.

3. Menopause

Just like pregnancy and childbirth can change hormones, so does menopause and perimenopause *the years leading up to menopause*.

As a result, the woman’s vagina doesn’t produce as much lubricant as it did pre-menopause. [Read: Midlife crisis for women – 27 signs, how it hits you and what you feel inside]

4. Long sessions of sexual activity 

Some people love having long marathon sex sessions. While that can be a lot of fun, sometimes a woman’s vaginal lubricant can “dry up.” There are a number of reasons for this, but it’s pretty common.

5. Pain or itching in the vagina

If a woman is experiencing pain or itching in her vagina, then the vaginal tissue can become very dry. That is another situation where you will benefit from using an artificial lubricant.

So, when the unfortunate happens and the woman runs out of her natural lubricant, don’t just go for the nearest slippery liquid in place of a standard lubricant. Read this list instead. [Read: 15 best lubricants hiding in your kitchen]

Tips and precautions in using lube alternatives

There are three types of commercial lubricants. The most commonly-used variant is the water-based lubricant composed of water-soluble glycerin or cellulose-ether solutions.

This type is common for three main reasons: (1) their raw materials are easily obtainable and affordable, (2) they are condom-friendly, and (3) less risk of allergic reactions.

It is best to choose a lube substitute that mimics the commercial brand properties. However, there will be instances when you compromise one or two of the benefits of commercial lube, so it is wise to know the properties of the lube substitute that you will be using to adopt some precautionary measures prior to use.

1. Know if your lube substitute is condom-friendly

As a rule of thumb, only water-based lube pairs well with most types of condoms. So, if you’re planning to use an oil-based substitute for your lube, you risk breaking the condom. It is best to discuss an alternative birth control measure with a partner if an oil-based lube is considered. [Read: How to be a condom know-it-all in five minutes]

2. Know if you have allergies

Good lube substitutes, especially those coming from natural oils, may have allergic effects for some. If you have certain allergies, avoid those kinds of lube substitutes that might trigger them and instead choose a safer alternative.

3. Hygiene and infection risks

Remember, lubricant substitutes are still foreign substances that you’re applying to your genital areas connected to the insides of your body.

Using lubricant substitutes, especially those that can be a potential bacteria breeding ground poses an infection risk which can be mitigated by observing proper washing and hygiene after use.

4. Expect unpleasant stains and smells

Finally, using certain types of lubricant substitutes may leave undesirable stains and smells on your bedsheets.

Some types of oils may be safe for your skin, but leave a tell-tale mark on your bed sheet. Know whether your alternative lubricant is also safe for your bed covers or place an additional cover on your bed if you really want to use that lubricant. [Read: The 7 smelliest body parts that can ruin perfectly good sex]

Good substitutes for lube that work perfectly well

Now that you know how lube works, and why you need it to have pleasurable sex with your partner, let’s take a look at the best lube substitutes and alternatives that work *almost* as well as commercial lubes.

1. Saliva

You’ve probably seen it in porn so many times so you get the idea. Saliva has been the primary lubricant even before commercial-grade lubricant was invented.

Since it is also a form of body secretion, it is the closest thing we can get to a woman’s natural vaginal lubricant.

So if you’re too lazy to rummage the cupboard for other lube alternatives, just access your natural lube substitute and grease your gears with a generous amount of drool.

2. Egg whites

Egg whites are made up of a colloid of protein and water, making them usable as a lube alternative in case you run out of your usual stuff.

Crack a few eggs, separate the yolks and leave the whites in a bowl or other vessel of choice for your use.

Be careful though. Egg whites are a bit messy to apply and there’s a risk of salmonella. It is wise to do oral sex before application and have a good rinse after the act.

3. Aloe vera gel

That bottle of aloe vera gel you have sitting in your medicine cabinet is not only good for skin allergies and burns but can also be used as a lubricant for sex. Aloe vera is a very neutral compound and friendly to most skin types including the insides of the vagina. [Read: How to make yourself wet – 19 ways to get yourself all lubed up]

Not only that, aloe vera has anti-bacterial properties helping you lessen the risk of infection down there. If you are planning to use aloe vera as lubricant, it is advisable to use 100% of the pure stuff rather than those with additives.

Additives such as sugar, latex, scents, and other artificial ingredients may invite bacteria or cause irritation later on.

4. Plain yogurt

By composition, plain yogurt is a mixture of milk protein and fat products giving it lubricating properties similar to natural oils and egg whites.

Just like other lube alternatives, it can be a mess to use, so consider extra towels over your bed prior to use and a good rinse afterward.

5. Plain skin moisturizer

Skin moisturizer is also a good substitute for lube since it pretty much contains similar ingredients to your bottle of commercial lube. The only drawback is that it might cost you more and it dries faster with friction compared to lube designed to withstand the rough action of sex.

If you are planning to use skin moisturizer as lube, choose the plainest one available without any artificial scents, oils, and other compounds that wouldn’t be that friendly to the vagina.

6. Seaweed massage gel

Seaweed is a good source of water-based gelatin similar to aloe vera and is used to create long-lasting massage gels for erotic massage.

It is also skin-friendly and serves as a good moisturizer. The only drawback of this substitute is you’ll have to purchase it in bulk as it is mostly used in large quantities. [Read: Sensual massage techniques to leave your partner wanting more]

Natural oils as lube alternatives

There are certain types of natural oils suitable as an alternative to lube. However, couples should remember oils could damage condoms. Consider choosing another form of protection when using natural oils.

7. Coconut oil

Coconut oil can also be used as a good substitute for lube. It is easy to acquire and a staple ingredient in many food and cosmetic products.

Not only that, coconut oil has a pleasing, mellow smell to it, is good for your skin, and has properties for preventing yeast infections. [Read: How to use lubricants to liven up your sex life instantly]

8. Extra virgin olive oil

Considered the “queen” of all oils, extra virgin olive oil is also a good substitute for lubricant. Due to its herby aroma, health benefits, and rejuvenating effect on the human skin, ancient Mediterranean cultures have used this as a base for soaps and cosmetic products.

We wouldn’t be surprised if it has been used as a lubricant as well. Extra virgin olive oil is very mild and won’t cause any irritations to the vagina.

9. Almond oil

Almond oil is the third contender for oil-based substitute lubes. Compared to other natural oils, almond oil stands out due to its pleasant nutty sweet scent.

It is also mild on the skin and doesn’t leave any color stains on the fabric. However, people with nut allergies should be careful around almond oil.

10. Petroleum jelly

If you’re not using condoms or if you don’t mind a little bit of thickness, then petroleum jelly is another cheap and easily obtainable lubricant substitute.

It is a semi-solid mixture of oils, minerals, and wax used for burns, dry skin, and irritation. In its natural state, it may seem waxy, but a little application of body heat softens it up and it functions the way normal lube does. [Read: The causes of painful sex for women and what you can do about it]

11. Vitamin E

You might be wondering how those amber-colored pills can be used as lube but inside those tiny pockets of soluble gelatin is an amount of oil to serve the purpose. Vitamin E comes in pure oil form or as the more common pale amber pill in bottles.

It is arguably more expensive to use this as lube but if you don’t have any other choice then you can have this as an option.

Vitamin E is made up of omega fatty acid compounds that have antioxidant properties. Aside from this, it is good for the skin and contributes to healthy hair growth too.

12. Cornstarch and water

If you are in a hurry, then this might not be the best lube alternative because it requires some work. You can combine four teaspoons of cornstarch into one cup of boiling water. Stir the pot continuously. If you don’t, the lube will get lumpy.

For thicker lube, you can add four more teaspoons, and if you like it thinner, then use only two.

Stir the cornstarch and water for about 15 minutes and then let it cool naturally. Just don’t put it in the refrigerator or else it will get lumpy. When it’s cooled off, pour the lube into a bottle for safekeeping and store it at room temperature. This lube is very condom-compatible.

13. Vegetable oil

You can use this in the same way as you would olive oil. This isn’t ideal for vaginal penetration, but it can be used as an external vaginal or anal lubricant. 

The drawback to this is that because it’s an oil, it’s not good to use with latex condoms. But if you don’t need to use them, then vegetable oil is something that most people have in their kitchens, so it could be a good alternative when you’re in a hurry to find something to use.

[Read: Stealth sex – What it is, 19 ways to prevent stealthing and why men do this]

Found out that you’ve run out of lubricant in the middle of sex? Never fear. With a little bit of improvisation, you can use several common household items as good substitutes and alternatives for lube.