Aloe Cadabra All-Natural Water-Based Lube: Hands-On Review
In A Hurry? Discover Why We Recommend Aloe Cadabra
Never used a personal lubricant before or don’t think of yourself as someone who “needs” to use lube?
I’m here to tell you that Aloe Cadabra will change (and blow) your mind – and your tastebuds if you’re inclined.
Made from certified organic ingredients while also being free from nasty stuff like glycerin and parabens (that can cause irritation!), this soothing 2-in-1 vaginal moisturizer and lube has a natural texture this former “lube virgin” loves.
Aloe Cadabra is so great that our entire testing team rated it as one of our top water-based and flavored edible lubes!
- Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
- Available In 18 Delicious Flavors & Scents
- 2-In-1 Vaginal Moisturizer And Personal Lubricant
- 95% Organic Aloe Vera, Non-Sticky
- Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
- No Pump Dispenser
- Not As Long-Lasting As Others
- Not Waterproof
I was given the opportunity to test Aloe Cadabra — and all of its non-seasonal flavors — along with other team members as we rated the best water-based and flavored edible lubes.
Collectively, we spent 17 hours testing Aloe Cadabra specifically during oral, vaginal, and anal sex, as well as masturbation with sex toys.
Although it looks thick upon initial application, Aloe Cadabra is surprisingly lightweight with a texture that mimics natural vaginal lubrication.
It’s also extremely kind to your skin, even if it’s eczema-prone (like mine), thanks to its glycerin- and paraben-free formula.
So without further adieu, let’s explore what makes Aloe Cadabra one of the very best lubes for women — and why our whole team gave this product 5 out of 5 stars.
Our Hands-On Review Of Aloe Cadabra
Once upon a time, I was a self-proclaimed lube virgin.
When I was given the opportunity to try Aloe Cadabra, I jumped at the chance.
As I waited for the product to arrive in the mail, I thought to myself, “Does it even make sense for me to test-drive a lube?”
I’d always been one of those women who never had a problem staying ready…if you know what I mean.
If anything, I had the opposite issue.
Even so, I was excited to try something new just to see what it might lend to my sex life.
And oh, boy…did this water-based lube lend. A LOT!
Centering around aloe vera — an ingredient that’s safe for the vulva, vagina, and anus — this natural lube amplifies both solo and couple’s play while remaining kind to sensitive skin.
When it comes to my lady parts, I prefer to shave but sometimes I can be hesitant about engaging in sexual activity too soon afterward because even my body’s natural lubrication can cause itching and irritation.
However, the fact that Aloe Cadabra is a water-based lube that’s organic and contains soothing aloe vera allowed me to relax and just go with the flow.
I am happy to say that while using both the unflavored and flavored versions during vaginal sex, my skin never reacted once.
That was definitely a first for me — and such a pleasant surprise, since I was somewhat concerned about potential Aloe Cadabra side effects.
For someone who has battled eczema her whole life, having a product I know I can rely on to not contribute to my skin issues is a Godsend!
Other testers on our team enjoyed Aloe Cadabra’s performance just as much — and we’ll talk about that in just a bit.
One thing that’s important to note about Aloe Cadabra relates specifically to the cap design and the lubricant’s overall texture.
During our team’s testing, we found that it’s extremely easy to over-apply this lube, thanks to the size of the hole in the cap itself.
It’s especially noticeable when compared to other lubes we’ve tried:
No matter how careful you “try” to be, you’ll very likely end up with more lube than you intended to use.
The excess lubricant is easy to clean up with a small hand towel, but over time, we experienced significant product waste because of the bottle design and the lube’s texture.
How Aloe Cadabra Performed During Vaginal And Anal Sex
Even though it didn’t last forever and I did have to reapply this lube during vaginal sex, I didn’t personally find that to be a hindrance.
I will state that this is likely because I don’t suffer from vaginal dryness or painful sex — and for that, I’m extremely thankful.
Even when the lubricant began to “dry up” through normal (and safe!) absorption into the skin, my partner had no problem reaching for the bottle and applying more.
In fact, each reapplication only turned him on even further because he knew it meant extended playtime!
The texture of Aloe Cadabra feels natural — very similar to natural vaginal lubrication, only in a much greater supply that’s available on demand.
The lube itself is cool to the touch when it first comes out of the bottle (as are most lubes), but warming in your hand for a few seconds is enough to take the chill out before application.
Although Aloe Cadabra has a pH balance specifically for vaginal use, I did try using it as an anal lube — even though we strongly advise against using improperly balanced lubes anally.
I was curious and felt there was no better time than the present to give it a whirl.
As an anal lube, Aloe Cadabra performed about as well as I expected — which wasn’t all that great.
Although it didn’t cause irritation, I found the texture to be too lightweight and thin for comfortable penetration.
Luckily, there are plenty of appropriate (and better!) anal lubes to choose from.
How Aloe Cadabra Performed During Oral Sex
Whenever something is flavored, I get a little nervous because oftentimes the taste is downright gross or straight-up overpowering.
The flavor of this lube is faint…definitely perceptible but subtle.
I was personally surprised and pleased by this.
Just because something is deemed “edible” doesn’t mean it has to taste like liquid candy.
Curious about the way Aloe Cadabra tastes? We were, too — so we taste-tested more than 10 flavors ourselves!
Additionally, because it’s sweetened with stevia, Aloe Cadabra doesn’t taste like diet soda the way lubes that use aspartame for sweetness so often do (like Sliquid Swirl, for instance).
The flavor of this lube is light, however, and some of our testers found that they needed to apply more product to achieve a stronger taste during oral sex.
One flavor — Peppermint Tingle — is worth mentioning as somewhat of a warning, if nothing else.
Although this lube tastes a bit like a candy cane as its name suggests, it also creates a tingling sensation wherever it’s applied.
You’ll feel it on your tongue when the lube is in your mouth, but your partner will experience that same sensation on their genitals, too.
How Aloe Cadabra Performed With Sex Toys
When it was time for solo play, I enjoyed using the unflavored regular aloe version with my trusty vibrator — I prefer using the flavored options only with a partner because the taste is wasted if it’s not going into anyone’s mouth, right?
Not only was it a different experience for me — in a good way — the silky feel actually motivated me to extend the duration of my playtime because I didn’t want it to end!
Aloe Cadabra is completely safe for use with toys of any material, and it’s easy to clean up afterward, too.
As I noted earlier, the overapplication of Aloe Cadabra is easy to do.
If you’re using a clit sucker or other sex toy that only needs a tiny dab of lube, my best advice is to keep your finger over the bottle opening to prevent too much lube from dispensing.
What Is Aloe Cadabra?
Aloe Cadabra reduces friction to make masturbation, penetrative sex, and oral sex more comfortable and enjoyable, but it also works as a daily moisturizer for those struggling with vaginal dryness.
Made from body-safe ingredients, Aloe Cadabra is perfectly pH-balanced (3.8 to 4.2) for vaginal use with an osmolality of 172 mOsm/kg, featuring a lightweight texture that feels like the lubrication your body produces naturally.
As our team discovered during its rigorous testing process, Aloe Cadabra does require occasional reapplication during lengthy sex sessions — but the same holds true for most water-based lubricants in general.
Aloe Cadabra uses only natural flavorings in those products that contain it, which are sweetened with stevia to taste more like real sugar — not diet soda.
How To Use Aloe Cadabra
Applying a small amount of Aloe Cadabra to your fingertips and/or sex toy is enough to get things going and the sleek, silky feel made my own experience extremely pleasurable.
Even a first-time player in the lube game will have little trouble figuring out how to use this product.
Because it is water-based, it’s perfectly fine to use as much lube as you want — it won’t stain your sheets and any excess is cleaned up easily with a small hand towel.
And it’s perfectly safe to leave on your skin after you’re done using it.
This might be TMI, but after my first time using Aloe Cadabra with a partner, I was so exhausted that I passed out for the rest of the night — without cleaning up after sex.
When I woke the next morning, I was afraid I’d have a scary situation “down there” in terms of mess or skin irritation.
My fears were (thankfully) unfounded.
The product had absorbed into my skin effortlessly, leaving it soft and moisturized — with no irritation or signs of a rash anywhere in sight.
→ For more, read:
Aloe Cadabra Features
Aloe Cadabra is one of our team’s favorite water-based and edible lubricants because it feels natural during use, offers an unflavored version in addition to more than 12 delicious flavors, and it’s kind to even the most sensitive skin — like mine.
I’ve dealt with eczema forever and was pleasantly surprised that this lubricant was gentle and caused no irritation during use.
Safety is a huge concern of ours — not just for the sake of our own team but for those who will use the lubes we personally recommend.
Before considering any water-based lube for potential testing and review, we thoroughly analyze each product, weighing its:
- Body-safe ingredients
- Overall formula
- pH and osmolality
- Versatility (including whether it’s safe for oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex)
- Ease of use
- Ease of cleanup
- Bottle design and function
- Performance during sex
Water-based lubricant should always be made from safe ingredients, be pH-balanced for the body part(s) it will come into contact with and have a safe osmolality, too.
Additionally, it should offer at least some versatility as far as use — ideally being safe for both oral and vaginal sex (especially if flavored) while providing a comfortable experience that won’t lead to irritation later on.
Aloe Cadabra’s features include:
- NSF-certified organic aloe base
- Lightweight texture that feels natural
- pH balanced for vaginal use and safe osmolality
- Glycerin and paraben-free formula
- Edible with 12+ flavors
NSF-Certified Organic Aloe Base
Aloe Cadabra contains between 95 and 97% organic aloe vera certified by the NSF, the concentration of which varies between its products based on the overall ingredient list (including flavorings and/or stevia).
The aloe used in Aloe Cadabra goes through a filtration process to remove any and all traces of latex (found naturally in the rind of aloe leaves), so it is considered safe for those with an allergy or sensitivity to latex.
Lightweight Texture That Feels Natural
Aloe Cadabra has a texture that feels similar to the vaginal lubrication produced by the body naturally — only in a much greater supply.
The consistency is slippery and smooth without being watery — so it won’t drip all over the place but it feels more like “you” during use.
pH Balanced And Safe Osmolality For Vaginal Use
Aloe Cadabra has a pH (3.8 to 4.2) balanced for the vagina and an osmolality of 172 mOsm/kg, (a threshold set by the World Health Organization to prevent skin irritation or damage) means it’s gentle and kind to vaginal skin and won’t lead to irritation (or infection).
Because it’s pH-balanced for the vagina, Aloe Cadabra is not necessarily ideal for anal sex (which requires a lube with a higher pH of 5.5 to 7).
Edible With 12+ Flavors To Choose From
Aloe Cadabra offers an unflavored natural aloe lube along with more than 12 delicious flavors — including limited seasonal varieties.
At the time of this writing, Aloe Cadabra is available in Watermelon, Piña Colada, Naked Strawberry, Mango Passion, Cherry Lemonade, Tahitian Vanilla, Peppermint Tingle, Orange Cream, Banana Cream, Butter Rum, Key Lime Pie, and Lemongrass, along with limited edition seasonal flavors Pumpkin Spice, Candy Cane, and Gingerbread.
It’s worth noting that Peppermint Tingle does exactly what its name suggests — it will make your tongue (and any other parts!) tingle during use.
The Pros And Cons Of Aloe Cadabra
After looking at all the Aloe Cadabra reviews and the buzz surrounding it, I already knew I was easily one of many to give this product a well-deserved and big thumbs up.
Of course, nothing’s perfect…so if you’re wondering whether this is the best water-based personal lubricant for you, the following pros and cons might help you make a decision.
Aloe Cadabra Lube Pros:
- NSF certified 95% organic aloe
- 2-in-1 personal lubricant and vaginal moisturizer
- pH-balanced (3.8 to 4.2) for vaginal use with a body-safe osmolality of 172 mOsm/kg
- Free from both glycerin and parabens
- Good for sensitive skin
- FDA-approved
- Made entirely from safe ingredients, including natural flavorings sweetened with stevia (flavored versions only)
- Edible for oral sex
- Non-sticky formula cleans up easily after use
- Can be used with condoms, diaphragms, dental dams, and all sex toys
- Will not stain fabrics
Aloe Cadabra Lube Cons:
- Not as long-lasting as other lubes (such as silicone, for instance) and will likely require reapplication
- Although the unscented aloe version has no added fragrance, some testers on our team noticed a strong (but natural) aloe scent — which is bothersome if you don’t enjoy that
- Doesn’t come with a pump dispenser and the size of the hole in the cap makes overapplication a common occurrence
- pH balance (3.8 to 4.2) is too low for it to be used as an anal lube (which should ideally be in the 5.5 to 7 range)
- Will dissolve in water and rinses away too easily to be used in the bath or shower
As with all personal lubricants, it is always smart to patch-test new products if you have sensitive skin.
Honestly, when I considered the “cons” of this product, I found that I had no real problem with any of them.
Sure, Aloe Cadabra doesn’t come with a pump dispenser but that’s a “first-world problem” I can deal with.
Some testers on our team were annoyed (to say the least) by how easy it is to overapply this lube, however.
Other products we tested feature a cap with a very small hole for distribution, which limits the amount of lube that pours out so you can apply them neatly.
If you only want a few small drops of Almost Naked, for instance, it’s very easy to obtain exactly that — and nothing more.
While Aloe Cadabra’s thicker texture is likely the reason for its larger cap hole, it also means you’re generally going to end up with far more lube than you actually need — every time you use it.
(And sometimes, it even makes a bit of a “fart” sound when it squeezes out — which is nothing if not entertaining in the heat of the moment.)
Thankfully, this lube is easy to clean up and won’t stain fabrics — so our best advice is to keep a small hand towel close by to remove any excess and have a sense of humor about it.
There’s nothing more intimate than sharing a little laughter with your partner during sex mishaps, am I right?
Is Aloe Cadabra Safe?
When used as directed (for oral and/or vaginal sex), Aloe Cadabra is completely safe with little risk for side effects.
The fact that each bottle is made up of over 95% organic aloe vera is one of the biggest selling points for this product and one of the reasons why it was named Best Overall in our review of the best lube for any type of sex.
Aloe vera gel can be used vaginally, as well as externally on the vulva and anus, offering soothing hydration that feels completely natural.
Many aloe-based products might not be suitable for those with a latex allergy, as aloe plants contain natural latex.
However, a representative from Aloe Cadabra told us that “only decolorized aloe derived from the inner leaf gel is used in the production of Aloe Cadabra.”
This means that the gel (cleanly removed from the latex found in the rind) first goes through a filtration process to remove impurities (like potentially toxic anthraquinones) and any latex that might be present before the lube is manufactured.
Aloe Cadabra Ingredients
Beyond its signature aloe vera base, let’s take a closer look at the other key ingredients you’ll find in the unflavored version of this personal lubricant.
- Vitamin E Oil: This ingredient’s natural ability to lubricate while soothing the vaginal lining makes it perfect for combatting issues like vaginal dryness and painful sex, as well as symptoms often brought on by menopause.
- Xanthan Gum: This sugar-like compound is organic-compliant and used in many products like medicine and laxatives. In lubricant, it serves as a thickening and stabilizing agent — put a small amount on the back of your hand and flip it upside down…it won’t budge.
- Citric Acid: This is a widely-used ingredient naturally found in many fruits and veggies. Aloe Cadabra uses it as a means of balancing the lubricant’s pH.
- Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate: Found in a variety of berries and fruits, this is a popular preservative combo safely used in many cosmetics and skincare products.
Additionally, the flavored variations of Aloe Cadabra’s vaginal moisturizer and personal lubricant include the following safe ingredients, as well:
- Organic Vanilla Planifolia Concentrate: Extracted from the bean of the vanilla plant, this skin-conditioning agent works to condition, protect, and smooth skin.
- Organic Essential Oils And/Or Organic Stevia: These ingredients are added to the flavored Aloe Cadabra products for taste and scent.
Still thinking to yourself, “Is Aloe Cadabra safe?”
The easy answer is: Yes.
In fact, it’s the best overall lube for women for this reason, and being made from body-friendly ingredients, it’s also safe to use during pregnancy.
Aloe Cadabra Side Effects
Although allergies to any lube’s ingredients can and do occur, we noted no side effects after using Aloe Cadabra on our genital (and sometimes anal) skin.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve dealt with eczema my entire life so my skin is ultra-sensitive when it comes to just about anything.
In fact, I fully expected to experience at least some type of side effect after using Aloe Cadabra, but I’m happy to report that none occurred.
It caused absolutely no irritation or discomfort.
Aloe Cadabra Vs. Other Popular Water-Based Lubes
Aloe Cadabra is especially versatile because, in addition to its signature unscented and unflavored aloe version, it’s available in more than 12 delicious flavors — all safely sweetened with stevia.
Let’s take a closer look at how Aloe Cadabra compares to other edible, water-based lubricants.
Aloe Cadabra Vs. Sliquid Swirl
If you’re looking specifically for a flavored lubricant that offers a variety of taste sensations to suit any palate while ALSO being free from glycerin and sugar-based sweeteners, Aloe Cadabra does have one major competitor: Sliquid Swirl.
Our team not only tested both of these products, but we also tried every single flavor available in each.
Aloe Cadabra Vs. Sliquid Swirl:
- Aloe Cadabra is available in more than 12 flavors (including some limited seasonal varieties, like Pumpkin Spice) compared to the 8 offered by Sliquid Swirl
- Aloe Cadabra is sweetened with stevia, which has a taste more akin to real sugar; Sliquid Swirl uses aspartame — the same type of sweetener commonly found in diet sodas (which gives it a similar taste, to some)
- Sliquid Swirl is ONLY available in flavors; Aloe Cadabra offers an unflavored version that’s equally edible if you’re not in the mood for any sweetness at all
- Sliquid Swirl has a much thinner texture that feels silkier compared to Aloe Cadabra, but that also makes it runnier when applied — so it can be messy
- Aloe Cadabra and Sliquid Swirl are both glycerin- and paraben-free and fully compatible with condoms, diaphragms, dental dams, and all sex toys
- Both lubes have a pH that is vagina-safe: Aloe Cadabra is 3.8 to 4.2 and Sliquid Swirl is 4.1 to 4.4
- The osmolality of all of Sliquid Swirl’s lubes is below 1200 mOsm/kg (within the upper limit of WHO recommendations although the lower the better), but Aloe Cadabra has a much lower osmolality of 172 mOsm/kg
Aloe Cadabra Vs. Other Brands
After testing a number of water-based lubricants, here’s how Aloe Cadabra stacks up against some other popular brands:
- Almost Naked: This lube uses an organic aloe vera base (just like Aloe Cadabra does), and although it includes “natural flavoring” in its ingredient list, it has far more of a scent than it does any actual flavor. Additionally, in our experience, Almost Naked is much easier (and neater!) to apply because of its gel-like texture and the considerably smaller hole in its cap.
- AH! YES WB: Featuring a 96% organic aloe base, this lubricant is thicker and longer-lasting when compared to Aloe Cadabra, but it is unscented and unflavored. Although AH! YES WB is safely edible, if you’re searching for a lubricant with sweet flavoring, Aloe Cadabra is the better option you’ll want to reach for.
- Sliquid H2O: Sliquid certainly lives up to its name, featuring a thin and lightweight texture with a runny consistency that’s exactly like…well, liquid. It’s a great lubricant that’s free from scent and flavor and although it performs well, if you’re looking for something thicker, Aloe Cadabra is the one to reach for.
- Good Clean Love BioGenesis: Specifically formulated for use by those who are trying to conceive, this lubricant is applied with a rather unsexy plastic (yet reusable) applicator. Free from added fragrance or flavoring, it features a lightweight texture that performs well — but it’s only available in a small (2 oz) product size.
- Good Clean Love Liquid: Released in 2022, Liquid has a gel-like texture that’s neatly dispensed from Good Clean Love’s “signature” small cap hole so you can apply as little (or as much) as you need. As another unscented and flavor-free lube, it’s a great option for vaginal sex — but if you’re looking for flavor during oral, Aloe Cadabra offers more than 12 to choose from.
FAQs About Aloe Cadabra
If you’ve got questions about Aloe Cadabra, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked ones below.
How Long Does Aloe Cadabra Last?
If by “last” you mean how long before it expires, Aloe Cadabra’s open shelf life is two years but it also has an expiration date printed on the bottle — so the lubricant will last (and remain fresh) until whichever comes first.
Personal lubricants, in general, last between 1 to 3 years before they expire.
If you’re wondering how long Aloe Cadabra lasts during use or how often it needs to be reapplied, that will depend on how much you use and the type (and duration) of sexual activity.
Does Aloe Cadabra Stain?
Being water-based, Aloe Cadabra will not stain your clothing or bedding — it launders out effortlessly through a normal wash with your favorite detergent.
Can You Eat Aloe Cadabra Lube?
Yes — this product is edible and safe to swallow.
Can Aloe Cadabra Be Used Internally?
Yes — Aloe Cadabra is safe for internal use as a vaginal lube and can be ingested safely during oral sex.
Is Aloe Cadabra FDA Approved?
Yes — Aloe Cadabra has 510(k) certification (# K124044) from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
What Is NSF Certification?
Established in 1944, NSF International is an independent global organization that develops public health standards while also providing testing, auditing, and certifications to products that uphold those standards.
This is done to protect the safety of consumers and the environment.
As this certification applies to Aloe Cadabra, it means that the company’s products are routinely audited, tested, and certified to ensure they meet the health standards established by NSF.
Why Trust Our Review
Over the past 2 years, our team has collectively invested over 160 cumulative hours researching, evaluating, and testing the best water-based lubes.
Several experts on our team personally tested Aloe Cadabra for a total of 17 cumulative hours, carefully scoring it across 25 individual criteria.
Additionally, each tester rated how likely they are to recommend a particular product to others.
After testing was complete, our team came to a consensus on which lubes rated as the best across all criteria.
Aloe Cadabra was one of the winners.
Back in the day, Aloe Cadabra became the first water-based lubricant I’d ever used — I was a “lube virgin” up until that point — although I went on to test many lubes over the years that followed.
As a writer and regular product tester for Women’s Health Interactive, I have also spent hundreds of hours on deep research relating to the safety of personal lubricants and their best uses.
Although I began as a self-proclaimed lube virgin (we all pop that cherry sooner or later), I’ve since grown to become an expert on all things lube — especially Aloe Cadabra, which is one of my favorite products to reach for.
For accuracy and thoroughness, we also have an expert from our medical review board medically evaluate all reviews.
We do not accept paid placements, and all our recommendations are brand-neutral and what we deem to be the best products for the task at hand, with no agenda.
Where To Buy
I consider myself extremely lucky to have found the best water-based lube on my first try.
From the integrity of the company and the natural, organic ingredients to the amazing sensations it brought into my sex life, I can’t sing this product’s praises enough.
- Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
- Available In 18 Delicious Flavors & Scents
- 2-In-1 Vaginal Moisturizer And Personal Lubricant
- 95% Organic Aloe Vera, Non-Sticky
- Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
- No Pump Dispenser
- Not As Long-Lasting As Others
- Not Waterproof
The fact that I get to enjoy so many different flavors is just the icing on a very delicious (and sexy) cake!
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