Can You Use Avocado Oil As Lube Or For Anal Sex?
Yes, you can safely use avocado oil as lube for oral, vaginal, and anal sex but there are a few important things to understand beforehand.
Here’s why:
- Oil-based lubricants, including avocado oil, will degrade STI and pregnancy barriers made from latex or polyisoprene, rendering them ineffective while putting you (or your partners) at risk for both.
- Avocado oil as lube can lead to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis if you are prone to either.
- Purity is a concern with avocado oil, as the product is not regulated by the FDA — which means it may contain other, less-safe oils that could lead to irritation or infection.
- Avocado oil is considered to be mildly comedogenic — which means it could potentially clog your pores, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Although it is safe for anal sex, its texture may be a little too thin for comfortable penetration.
Although avocado oil is perfectly safe to use as a personal lubricant in many sexual situations, it isn’t necessarily the best choice for all of them.
Can You Use Avocado Oil As Lube?
You can use avocado oil as lube — safely — in many situations but it may not always be the ideal choice.
Here’s what you need to know about using avocado oil as lube:
- Avocado oil, like all other oil-based lubricants, will degrade STI and pregnancy barriers such as condoms, diaphragms, and dental dams made from latex or polyisoprene, putting you or your partners at risk for both. Additionally, it will degrade latex, rubber, and jelly rubber sex toys.
- Purity is a concern with avocado oil because its production is not regulated by the FDA. This means that unless an avocado oil is labeled as being 100% pure, it likely contains a blend of other oils that could potentially cause irritation or infection.
- Avocado oil is mildly comedogenic so it might clog your pores — leading to breakouts or irritation, particularly among those with sensitive skin.
- Like other oils and oil-based lubricants, avocado oil can put you at greater risk for bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections if you are prone to either.
- Avocado oil is entirely edible and its texture is thin enough to be used during oral sex safely.
- Avocado oil can be used during anal sex as long as it is comfortable to do so, however, it’s important to understand that its texture is thin and lightweight — it doesn’t provide the same amount of cushion a properly formulated anal lube would.
One study found that the majority of avocado oils on the market — including those labeled as “virgin” or “extra virgin” — were not 100% pure avocado oil.
Many included oils of varying origins, including safflower, sunflower, or soybean oil — common cooking oils that aren’t necessarily safe lube alternatives.
Such oils may lead to irritation that could cause discomfort and eventual infection. For this reason, avocado oil is only safe to use as a lubricant if it is 100% pure.
As with all other oil-based lubricants, oils will degrade STI and pregnancy barriers made from latex or polyisoprene.
The only types of condoms that are safe to use with avocado oil are those made from polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin, although the latter offers no STI protection.
If you’re prone to recurring yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, any oil — including avocado oil — may increase your risk of developing a vaginal infection.
Generally speaking, avocado oil can be a good lube alternative as long as your circumstances align with doing so.
Can You Use Avocado Oil As A Vaginal Lube?
You can use 100% pure avocado oil as a vaginal lubricant as long as you’re not prone to recurring vaginal infections, including yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, as oils can put you at greater risk for both.
If you’re pregnant, hormonal shifts increase this risk — so avocado oil as vaginal lube should be avoided.
As we mentioned earlier, avocado oil will degrade condoms, diaphragms, and dental dams made from latex or polyisoprene, putting you and your partners at risk for STIs or unintended pregnancy.
Avocado oil is slightly comedogenic — meaning it may clog your pores — so if you have sensitive skin, it may be best to avoid using it as a personal lubricant.
If avocado oil is not the best choice for you, reach for a body-safe, water-based lubricant, instead.
Can You Use Avocado Oil As Anal Lube?
Avocado oil can be used as an anal lubricant as long as you are not using latex or polyisoprene condoms and the oil’s texture provides enough of a comfortable experience during penetration.
Oils should only be used with condoms made from polyurethane or nitrile during anal sex; although they are safe to use with lambskin condoms, these do not offer STI protection.
Avocado oil has a lightweight, thin texture that may not be comfortable for everyone.
If you need something thicker, shea butter may be a better option as an anal lube alternative — or you can reach for a formulated anal lube.
Finally, sex toys — including dildos used during pegging — should not be made from latex, rubber, or jelly rubber if you’re using avocado oil as lube because the oil will degrade their materials.
What Is Avocado Oil Made From And Is It Safe?
Avocado oil is made from avocados — a fruit commonly grown in Central America and other subtropical regions around the world.
Although many oils are made through the pressing of seeds, avocado oil is extracted from the flesh of the fruit itself — which is turned into a paste and then churned over low heat.
This process is still considered to be “cold” pressing, as minimal heat is used. The slight warmth makes extraction easier without compromising the quality of the oil in any way.
During the next stage, the oil is separated from the water contained within the milled flesh through a high-speed decanting process before it is refined further based on its eventual destination — bottling for culinary purposes or cosmetic applications.
Pure avocado oil has a pleasant scent and a light flavor, however, as we mentioned earlier, many avocado oils are not as pure as the label may lead you to believe and there is no FDA regulation in place to ensure purity.
A product that is listed as being “virgin” or “extra virgin” may contain other, less expensive oils that, while perfectly safe for culinary uses, may not be the best choice for genital use as lube.
As of this writing, purity standards are being evaluated for the manufacture of avocado oil.
What Are Other Lube Alternatives To Avocado Oil?
If avocado oil is not the best choice of lube for you, a store-bought personal lubricant that is body-safe is your best bet.
Other personal lubricants you might consider include:
- Water-based lubricants
- Silicone-based lubricants
- Oil-based lubricants
- Organic/natural lubricants (water or oil-based)
Here’s a cheat sheet for selecting the best lube based on how you intend to use it:
| Lube Type: | Water-Based | Silicone-Based | Oil-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Sex | Yes | Yes | Not usually |
| Vaginal Sex | ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable | Yes | Yes |
| Anal Sex | ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable | Yes | Yes |
| Condom Types | All | All | Polyurethane, nitrile and lambskin only |
| Sex Toy Types | All | All but silicone | All but latex |
| Bath/Shower Use | No | Yes | Yes |
| Does It Stain? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lube Type: |
|---|
| Oral Sex |
| Vaginal Sex |
| Anal Sex |
| Condom Types |
| Sex Toy Types |
| Bath/Shower Use |
| Does It Stain? |
If you’re not sure where to start, read through our in-depth lube guide or take our helpful lube quiz.
We’ll take a closer look at the four main lubricant categories below.
- Water-Based Lubricants
Water-based lube is compatible to use with all condoms, diaphragms, dental dams, and sex toys — making it the most popular and versatile type of lube.
Water-based lube dissolves in water so it’s easy to clean up but it tends to require more frequent reapplication compared to other personal lubricants.
This type of lube cannot be used in the bath or shower, however, as it rinses away too easily.
If you’d like to learn more about them, take a look at the safest and best water-based personal lubricants.
- Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants tend to have a thicker, oil-like texture that lasts a long time and requires less frequent application, even during long sex sessions.
It’s important to note that silicone lubes are not safe to use with silicone sex toys, as the material will degrade.
The texture and consistency of silicone lubricants are ideal for anal sex, and they’re waterproof for use in the bath or shower.
Our review of the best silicone-based personal lubes will help you to find the best product to suit your needs.
- Oil-Based Lubricants
Oil-based lubricants are as long-lasting and waterproof as silicone lubes, with the added benefit of natural, plant-based oils as their primary ingredients.
For this reason, however, it’s important to understand that oil-based lubes often include nut or seed-based oils, which are a concern for those with allergies or sensitivities to such ingredients.
Oil-based lubes will degrade latex and polyisoprene STI and pregnancy barriers and they should not be used with sex toys made from latex, rubber, or jelly rubber.
Additionally, most oil-based lubes are not safe for oral sex as their thick texture poses a choking hazard.
We researched and reviewed the best oil-based personal lubricants if you’re ready to explore them for yourself.
- Natural And Organic Lubricants
Made from natural and often organic ingredients, these lubes may be water-based or oil-based, depending on their formulation.
Those with an oil base may contain oils derived from nuts or seeds so if you have an allergy or sensitivity to either, always check the label carefully before using.
If these sound like what you’re looking for, we found the best and safest natural and organic lubricants.
Are There Any Safe At-Home Lube Alternatives?
If you need a lube alternative right now and you’re exploring your pantry shelf for a solution, there are some options available aside from avocado oil:
- Aloe vera gel (pure)
- Argan oil
- CBD oil
- Coconut oil (virgin, unrefined)
- Shea butter
- Vitamin E oil
Although these alternatives are considered safe for most, they’re not ideal for everyone in all situations.
Never pair an oil-based lube alternative with STI or pregnancy barriers made from latex or polyisoprene because the oil will degrade its material.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to patch test any lube alternative on your inner elbow to watch for allergic reactions before applying it to your genitals.
Bottom Line:
Avocado oil is perfectly safe to use as lube in many situations.
Its light texture leans in favor of being best for oral or vaginal sex, although it may be an option as an anal lubricant if it feels comfortable enough for you.
If avocado oil doesn’t seem like the right fit, take a look at our personal lube guide or explore our full list of lube alternatives to find the best option for your situation and needs.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Lube Alternatives and Everything Lube hubs, in-depth and evolving resources that comprehensively explore 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.
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