Allergic Reaction To Lube? Find Out Why & What To Do
When your immune system identifies a personal lubricant as a threat, it responds with a series of uncomfortable physical symptoms that can include itching, swelling, redness, minor rashes, major hives — or worse.
Here’s what you need to know about lube allergies:
- An allergy to lube can cause burning, itchiness, skin irritation, redness, swelling, skin that’s hot to the touch, and rash or hives on and around the genitals, anus, and surrounding areas.
- Lube allergies tend to be caused by specific ingredients and the immune system releasing histamine in response — and it’s important to note that allergies can arise at any point in life.
- Silicone-based personal lubricants are often a good alternative for those suffering from a lube allergy, as this type of product generally has a very short ingredient list and silicones have a low allergen risk.
- Spermicidal lube and expired personal lubricants can contribute to allergic reactions or allergies during and after use.
- Treating an allergic reaction from lube requires paying attention to the symptoms and discontinuation of the offending product, although some allergic reactions may require a doctor’s care.
- A lube allergy is not the same as irritation and does not have to negatively impact your sex life, although you may need to take extra precautions, read labels thoroughly, and stick to particular products that do not cause a reaction.
The last thing we want when trying to have a more comfortable sexual experience is a backfire that ends in our genitals covered in hives and an itch we don’t even want to try and scratch.
But for those of us who are allergic to personal lubricants — myself included — it’s a scenario we know all too well.
— Things To Know —
Allergic Reaction To Lube: What To Know
When your body mounts an immune response to particular ingredients in a personal lubricant, you may experience itching, burning, a rash, hives, or pain — but it’s important to note that an allergy is not the same as an irritation.
During an allergic reaction, the immune system responds to the ingredient (or object) by releasing histamine — the chemical ultimately responsible for the reaction that occurs, such as a rash, itchiness, hives, or pain.
A lube irritation, on the other hand, generally affects only those areas the formula touches and doesn’t result in the body’s release of histamine.
Common allergens found in personal lube may include:
- Nut, flower, or seed-based oils (commonly found in oil-based lubes and often used undiluted as a lube alternative)
- Propylene glycol
- Chlorhexidine gluconate
- Methylparaben (parabens)
- Spermicide (like nonoxynol-9)
- Fragrance
- Dyes
One of the most common allergens found in lube is oil derived from nuts or seeds, as those plants have a considerable incidence of allergy.
Irritation (such as burning) after using lube or a full-blown allergic reaction depends on how your body responds to particular ingredients.
For example, somebody with an allergy to methylparaben (used in standard lubes like K-Y Jelly) may be entirely fine using an all-natural oil-based lubricant instead.
On the other hand, a person with an allergy to aloe — an ingredient often used in highly safe, FDA-approved water-based lubes — would have a strong reaction after using one of them, or any other alternative lube containing aloe.
- Can silicone lube cause irritation or an allergic reaction?
It could, but silicone allergies are extremely rare.
For this reason, if you’re allergic to common ingredients found in personal lubricants, trying silicone lube could be a great place to start and our favorites (tested and approved) are below.
|
Best Overall
|
Lux Pick
|
|
|
|
|
$21.95 (8.5 oz)
|
$29.99 (1.69 oz)
|
|
Description: Bottom Line: A little goes a long way, and this condom-friendly lube feels like silk on the skin. Best of all, it requires little, if any, reapplication and lasts a long time during sexy fun times in water. With gorgeously sleek packaging and the ability to lock the pump to prevent messes, Valm is a clear favorite for us. We took a vote and we think all lubes should lock. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: Featuring a discreet bottle that can remain on your nightstand without drawing attention, this luxurious lube offers a featherweight formula our team loves. With just a few drops, it mimics your body’s natural lubrication for long-lasting and ridiculously waterproof endurance and it’s safe for all condoms and silicone-free sex toys. [Full Review + Video] |
Bottom Line: A little goes a long way, and this condom-friendly lube feels like silk on the skin. Best of all, it requires little, if any, reapplication and lasts a long time during sexy fun times in water. With gorgeously sleek packaging and the ability to lock the pump to prevent messes, Valm is a clear favorite for us. We took a vote and we think all lubes should lock. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: Featuring a discreet bottle that can remain on your nightstand without drawing attention, this luxurious lube offers a featherweight formula our team loves. With just a few drops, it mimics your body’s natural lubrication for long-lasting and ridiculously waterproof endurance and it’s safe for all condoms and silicone-free sex toys. [Full Review + Video]
- Can you be allergic to spermicidal lubricant?
Definitely!
Spermicide can contain a number of antagonizing agents such as nonoxynol-9, which can cause both an allergic reaction or general skin irritation.
- Can expired lube cause irritation or an allergic reaction?
It certainly can.
The chemicals in personal lubricants can degrade over time, giving way to irritants that might cause reactions.
Furthermore, lube is intended to work with the body’s optimal pH, and expired lube can lead to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
The change in chemical structure can also make way for bacteria to enter the body.
Not to mention, expired lube is often less effective and can take on all sorts of unsavory smells, tastes, and textures.
What Does An Allergic Reaction To Lube Look Like?
An allergic reaction to personal lubricant means your immune system is having a targeted response to ingredients in the product that do not agree with your body.
If you’re allergic to lubricant, symptoms may include:
- Itching
- Rash
- Swelling
- Hives
- Burning
- In rare cases, breathing issues and anaphylaxis (most commonly from oils derived from nuts or seeds)
Although the symptoms may be limited to the affected area, an allergic reaction can extend far beyond the genital area depending on the severity of your allergy.
When the immune system responds to something by releasing histamine, symptoms can potentially affect the entire body (although not always).
For this reason, it’s important to remember that an allergic reaction is not the same thing as irritation.
A lube irritation is localized, generally affecting only the areas it came into contact with.
How Long Does An Allergic Reaction To Lube Last?
Depending on your symptoms, an allergic reaction to lube will likely last until you remove contact with the product.
After that, it can take anywhere from a few hours or days to clear up once the allergen has been removed from your skin.
How To Treat An Allergic Reaction To Lube
If you suspect that you’re experiencing a personal lubricant allergy, stop using the offending product and wash it off using mild soap with water.
However, if you still experience effects after discontinuing use, icing the affected area to soothe discomfort or taking an antihistamine (such as Benadryl) may help.
In severe cases, such as full-body hives, topical steroids or injections may be required under a doctor’s care.
Do not apply over-the-counter steroids like hydrocortisone to genital skin without speaking to your doctor first.
When To See A Doctor
Bring the bottle with you if you can so the exact ingredients can be noted and counteracted.
If you’re experiencing itching, burning, or a rash from lube that doesn’t go away after a couple of days, contact your doctor.
Allergic reactions can be incredibly uncomfortable, so call sooner rather than later.
There’s no need to suffer for longer than you need to.
Closing Thoughts
Frustrating as it may be, an allergy to lube doesn’t need to put a damper on your sex life forever.
With the proper intel and a deeper understanding of lube allergies and what can cause them, you can opt for personal lubricants that agree with your body — and your immune system.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Everything Lube hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.
About The Author 
