5 Best Flavored And Edible Lubes For Delicious Oral Sex
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In A Hurry? Start With Our Top Flavored & Edible Lube Picks
Let’s dive in mouth-first and give you a taste of what you came for — the very best flavored (and flavorless) edible lubes available right now.
Note: All of our recommendations are free from Cyclomethicone, glycerin, parabens, petroleum jelly, DMDM hydantoin, capsaicin, chlorhexidine gluconate, and added dyes.
These ingredients can be irritating or toxic and some have been linked to certain types of cancers, as we’ll discuss. We also did not include products that contain THC or CBD.
When choosing the best edible lubes, we considered: their intended use, performance, texture, consistency, ingredients, additives (including flavoring, if applicable), and potential allergens.
Additionally, we reached out to every manufacturer to investigate the pH and osmolality for the water-based products we recommended, listing their values with each. We’ll explain what these terms mean and why they’re important.
As a result of our strict safety and performance criteria, none of our recommended products are rated below a 4 out of 5 and represent the absolute best products available.
Click on a product name to jump directly to that product, search by flavor, or start at the top.
Flavored
- Our Top Pick: Aloe Cadabra
→ 5 out of 5 [Buy Now] - Our Top Pick: Almost Naked
→ 5 out of 5 [Buy Now] - Sliquid Swirl
→ 4.5 out of 5 [Buy Now]
Flavorless
- Our Top Pick: AH! YES WB – Organic
→ 5 out of 5 [Buy Now] - Organic Glide Probiotic Natural Lubricant
→ 4.7 out of 5 [Buy Now]
*When you purchase a product using an affiliate link, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!
Have you ever wished that oral sex could taste like eating a lollipop or the most decadent dessert you’ve ever eaten in your life?
Or maybe you’re just hungry and horny at the same time?
If you answered “YES!” to any of these questions, edible and flavored lubricants may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Offering protection against friction and dryness during sex with the added benefit of being safe to swallow, these lubes can add unique flavors to your sexual escapades — but they can also enhance oral sex without all the sweetness if you’re not a fan of dessert.
In this review of everything you need to know about flavored and edible lubricants, we’ll cover:
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.
The Best Flavored And Edible Lubes Available Right Now
Whether your plans for the night include taking a trip to Flavortown with your partner — or not — we’ve found the safest brands of edible lubes that combine great ingredients and amazing formulas that are sure to rock your world.
Offering flavorless and flavored lubes, a sweet dessert is totally optional.
Still, choosing the right edible lube requires a touch of forethought. Before selecting one, ask yourself:
- Will you be using condoms and if so, what kind?
- Do you want an edible lubricant that offers flavor — or doesn’t?
- Do you have allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients?
- Does it matter if a lubricant stains your sheets or clothing?
- Do you plan to use your edible lube during penetrative shower sex?
Features to consider when choosing a flavored or edible lube:
- Texture: Water-based products are generally lightweight and feel more like natural lubrication. Some edible lubes are oil-based, which offers a thicker and more slippery texture.
- Consistency: Those made using oil will offer the most slickness, followed by water-based lubes. The consistency of an edible lube should be thin enough that it won’t cause coughing or choking when swallowed during oral sex.
- Natural Ingredients: It is always better to use lubes with high-quality natural ingredients that won’t cause irritation.
- Few (Or No) Additives: Ideally, you want to look for a lube that keeps its ingredient list short and sweet. None of our recommendations include Cyclomethicone, glycerin, parabens, petroleum jelly, DMDM hydantoin, capsaicin, chlorhexidine gluconate, or added dyes, as they can be irritating or toxic.
- Safe Sweeteners: Although not all edible lubes have flavor, those that provide sweetness should use ingredients that are not sugar-based, particularly if you intend to use the lubricant for vaginal sex. Additionally, you want to select a lube that tastes good!
- Performance: Lastly, we looked at how a personal lubricant performs. Most edible lubes are water-based, so performance comes down to a lube’s overall texture feeling natural, the quality of the flavoring (if applicable), and having a pH or osmolality that won’t disturb that of the vagina if used during penetrative sex — which we verified with each manufacturer. After all, even if a lube works great, if it contains dangerous chemicals or additives, it can increase the risk of irritation and lead to infection, so performance is secondary.
We’ve broken down our top edible lube picks by category:
A Note On Our Ratings:
The personal lubricants we’re recommending are the best of the best — none of our ratings go below 4 because we take your pleasure and safety seriously.
Editor's Note: All products reviewed by Women’s Health Interactive are independently researched, vetted, brand-neutral, and deemed to be the very best in their category.
We do NOT accept sponsored or paid reviews.
We are able to fund our team and maintain high editorial standards, objectivity and independence by earning affiliate commissions (*) when you purchase a product that we recommend, at no extra cost to you.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Flavored Lubes
Our top flavored edible lubricant picks:
When you’re in the mood for oral sex with a side of chocolate (or strawberry, or mango…) flavored edible lubes can add an entirely new dimension to the entire experience.
→ Search Lube By Flavor:
Aloe Cadabra: Piña Colada, Naked Strawberry, Mango Passion, Cherry Lemonade, Tahitian Vanilla, Peppermint Tingle, Orange Cream, Banana Cream, Butter Rum, Key Lime Pie
Sliquid Swirl: Cherry Vanilla, Green Apple Tart, Strawberry Pomegranate, Blue Raspberry, Piña Colada, Pink Lemonade, Blackberry Fig, Tangerine Peach
Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant
[Note: Get Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant for only $10.16 and enjoy 15% off sitewide at Aloe Cadabra using code MyOrganicAloe until July 4, 2022 — a specially negotiated discount we secured.]
- Easy To Use, Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
- Non-Sticky, Vegan, Edible, And Available In 10 Delicious Flavors
- 2-In-1 Vaginal Moisturizer And Personal Lubricant Mimics Your Body’s Natural Lubrication
- 95% Organic Aloe Vera Soothes Sensitive Skin
- Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
- Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower
As the best edible lube on our list, Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer is the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to flavored lubes and with ten delicious flavors to choose from, it offers something for every discerning palate — no matter what you’re craving tonight.
Offering 10 lubricant flavors, this product is available in Piña Colada, Naked Strawberry, Mango Passion, Cherry Lemonade, Tahitian Vanilla, Peppermint Tingle, Orange Cream, Banana Cream, Butter Rum, and Key Lime Pie.
They also offer a Natural Aloe formula without any added flavoring at all if you’re not in the mood for a sweet dessert.
Vanessa Russell, one of our writers, reviewed this intensely hydrating lubricant personally:
Vanessa tried their strawberry lube and had this to say about it:
“The strawberry flavor of this lube was faint…definitely perceptible but subtle.
I was surprised and pleased by this. Just because something is deemed ‘edible’ doesn’t mean it has to taste like liquid candy.”
Since Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer uses stevia instead of sugar as a sweetener, you can use this lube for oral sex and vaginal penetration without increasing your risk for yeast infections. Suh-weet!
Although aloe-based lubricants can potentially be problematic for those who have an allergy to latex, Aloe Cadabra ensures that all traces of natural latex are removed from the aloe used in its products.
Made with 95% organic aloe and safe ingredients, it’s also the best flavored lube for sensitive skin.
If you like piña coladas and makin’ love at midnight — or indulging in calorie-free desserts every night of the week, courtesy of your partner — Aloe Cadabra is a dream cum true.
→ Learn more* about Aloe Cadabra or check pricing*.
Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant
[Note: Get the Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant for only $10.40. Use code WHI20 and get 20% off from Good Clean Love — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- Made From Just 7 Organic Ingredients
- Super Long-Lasting And Great For Those Who Prefer A Thicker Water-Based Lubricant
- Sweet But Subtle Lemon-Vanilla Flavor That Isn’t Overpowering During Oral Sex
- First Carbon-Neutral Personal Lube
- Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
- Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower
If you’re not a fan of dessert-like lubricants but still want something with a touch of flavor, Almost Naked from Good Clean Love will hit just the right spot.
Featuring a subtle vanilla and lemon flavor that isn’t overpowering and a silky smooth formula that moves from oral to vaginal sex easily, this product is a multitasker.
Almost Naked is the first certified carbon-neutral lube and for each bottle sold, the company donates to organizations that reduce greenhouse gases “by an amount equivalent to that bottle’s carbon footprint,” according to Good Clean Love.
So you can feel good about using this lube — inside and out! Take a closer look at Almost Naked below:
One reviewer said:
“I tend to get easily irritated and infections cause my lady parts to hate me. I really love this personal lubrication because it doesn’t irritate me and the fresh light vanilla scent is a nice touch.”
Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant is a bit thicker than your average water-based lube thanks to the inclusion of agar-agar, but that means it lasts longer than average, too.
With a pH of 4.2 to 4.7, Almost Naked is ideal for vaginal penetration if oral sex is only serving as the first course on the menu.
→ Learn more* about Almost Naked or check pricing*.
Sliquid Swirl
Sliquid Swirl
[Note: Get Sliquid Swirl for only $14.44. Use code AFF-WH15 and get 15% off site-wide at Lovehoney — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- 8 Delicious Sugar-Free Natural Flavors
- Has A Light Taste That Enhances Oral Sex Without Overpowering It
- Vegan, Water-Based Formula Is Great For Those Who Enjoy Thicker Lubes
- Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms; No Glycerin Or Parabens
- Guar gum Adds Thickness; No Added Dyes
- Those With Aspartame Allergies Should Avoid This Formula
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
- Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower
Sliquid Swirl features a luxurious water-based formula with a light flavor that’s ideal for those who enjoy sweetness without feeling like they’ve just eaten a pound of chocolate-covered cherries.
In fact, you’ll find no chocolate here — or caramel, for that matter.
Sliquid has an entire line of eight fruit-inspired lubricants to choose from, depending on what you’re in the mood for tonight. Take a closer look:
Although you generally want to avoid using lubricant with aspartame for penetrative sex, Sliquid only uses a trace amount of the ingredient in its Sliquid Swirl line — and that’s a lot safer than one that uses a yeast-infection-causing sugar derivative!
One user tried the Cherry Vanilla flavor and reported:
“Picked up a bottle of this stuff a month and a half ago for novelty purposes, and damn, I’m impressed! Taste is bold without tasting too artificial (granted, we’re talking flavored lube here so ‘a little artificial is pretty much ensured).
Fantastic for oral use, but can also replace regular water-based lube [for penetrative sex].”
They went on to add that like most water-based lubes, “it does dry up and get sticky after a while.”
Additionally, they docked it one star because of the bottle’s overall design, “which can be a bitch to squeeze sometimes (especially when [the] user’s hands are already covered in lube).”
Available in delicious Cherry Vanilla, Green Apple Tart, Strawberry Pomegranate, Blue Raspberry, Pina Colada, Pink Lemonade, Blackberry Fig, and Tangerine Peach, dessert can be on the menu every night of the week.
→ Learn more* about Sliquid Swirl or check pricing*.
Flavorless Lubes
Our top flavorless edible lubricant picks:
- AH! YES WB – Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant
- Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant
Just because a lubricant is edible doesn’t mean it is flavored. In fact, there may be times when you just don’t want to taste anything but your partner — and that’s when flavorless edible lubes are ideal.
Safe to swallow, flavorless edible lubricants offer plenty of slickness — without all the sweetness.
Sometimes, you’re just not in the mood for strawberry shortcake…
AH! YES WB – Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant
[Note: Get AH! YES WB for only $18.69. Use code AFF-WH15 and get 15% off site-wide at Lovehoney — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- Extra-Thick Formula With Guar Gum Provides A Luxurious, Cushiony Texture That Lasts As Long As You Do
- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice Brings Incredible Hydration To Every Sexy Spot
- No Added Fragrances, Flavors Or Dyes Make It Ideal For Those With Sensitive Skin Or Looking For A Flavorless Edible Lube
- Made With 96% Organic Ingredients As Certified By The Soil Association
- Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
- Might Be Too Thick For Those Who Prefer A Lightweight Texture
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
- Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower
Most of the products included in this list are flavored, but for those of you looking for an edible lube made with quality organic ingredients and that doesn’t taste like French vanilla or cotton candy, look no further than AH! YES WB.
This water-based personal lubricant is made with 96% organic ingredients, making it one of a small number of water-based lubes that can be labeled as such.
This lubricant features a slightly thicker texture and cushiony feel compared to other water-based lubes. Take a closer look below:
After their first experience with AH! YES WB, one reviewer wrote:
“I have just finished a fantastic weekend with the girlfriend for the first time in three years and I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with this product, our sex life is back to how it was when were 22. Absolutely amazing.”
With a pH of 3.8 to 4.2 and no added flavoring or sweeteners in the mix, you can safely move from oral sex to vaginal penetration without risking irritation or infection.
→ Learn more* about AH! YES WB or check pricing*.
Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant
Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant
- Organic Probiotic Formula May Be Beneficial To Those Prone To Vaginal Or Urinary Tract Infections
- Relieves Vaginal Dryness & A Little Goes A Long Way
- A Rare Oil-Based Lube That Is Edible; No Added Flavors, Fragrances, Or Dyes
- Waterproof; Safe For Condoms Made From Polyurethane, Nitrile, Or Lambskin; Claims To Be Non-Staining
- Great For Oral, Vaginal, And Anal Sex
- Not For Use With Latex Or Polyisoprene Condoms, Dental Dams, Or Latex Diaphragms
- Inclusion Of Argan Oil Means Some People With Tree Nut Allergies May Need To Avoid It
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Can Stain Fabric
If you’re looking for an oil-based edible but flavorless lube, Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant will help to ensure that every second of your partnered or solo play is memorable.
Being edible, organic, and oil-based makes this lube a rare breed.
Organic Glide is an edible sex oil with a velvety smooth consistency and contains nourishing ingredients such as olive oil and argan oil.
Claiming that probiotics have been shown to “beneficially affect vaginal and urinary tract infections,” this product uses a probiotic formula that’s free from glycerin, parabens, flavorings, and fragrances.
Although we don’t usually recommend oil-based lubes for oral sex because their thick consistency can be a choking hazard, Organic Glide’s texture is light enough that it is safe to swallow — with ease.
Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant is a unicorn of sorts, claiming to be non-staining unlike other oil-based lubes, and this satisfied customer agreed:
“I enjoy sex again and my husband loves the stuff so much that we want to have 2 in the drawer at all times for fear of running out of it. It goes on smoothly and you never feel dry. If you are like me and were dried up on the inside (TMI) then have your partner put it on too and voila!!!! Glorious!!! It doesn’t stain the sheets…it doesn’t leave a yucky film on your fingers and there is no smell. You will not be disappointed!!!”
The only major downside is that, as an oil-based lube, Organic Glide isn’t safe for use with condoms made from latex or polyisoprene because it will degrade their material.
If you’re looking for an organic, edible lube that will let you enjoy your partner’s natural taste, Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant is an ideal product to reach for.
→ Learn more* about Organic Glide or check pricing*.
Why Use Flavored Lubes Vs. Others
Variety is the spice of life and with a wide range of edible lubes out there, it can feel overwhelming to find the right one — especially when you’re not sure why or when to use them.
But do you really need to use oral lube? Yes.
In this section, we’ll talk about:
Why Use A Flavored Lube
Flavored edible lube is perfect for those times when oral sex is on the menu but you’re looking for a little something-something that’ll take the flavor to new heights — or just make the experience a little more enjoyable if you’re not a big fan of giving oral.
Additionally, sometimes the oral lubrication from your own spit just isn’t enough. Maybe you didn’t drink enough water today, or your dinner was extra-salty and it’s left you parched.
An oral sex lube won’t quench your thirst, but it will make fellatio or cunnilingus easier.
Pros Of Using Flavored And Edible Lubricants:
- Flavored lubes add an extra dimension to oral sex and can “mask” the flavor of bodily fluids (if that bothers you at all)
- Flavored lubes are available in many flavors to suit any preference under the sun
- Edible and flavored lubricants are safe to swallow — of course!
- Edible and flavored lubes can be used for penetrative sex if they don’t include glycerin, sugar, or sugar substitutes
- Edible and flavored lubricants are typically water-based and compatible with high-end sex toys, latex condoms, and dental dams so you don’t have to sacrifice safety for great taste
- If they are water-based — and most are — they are non-staining and easy to clean
- Many edible and flavored lubricants are made using organic or natural ingredients (including those on our list of recommended products)
Cons Of Flavored And Edible Lubricants:
- Flavored lubes generally shouldn’t be used for vaginal or anal sex if they include sugar or glycerin, which many often do, as those ingredients can increase the risk of yeast infections
- Although safe for oral sex and vaginal penetration, water-based edible and flavored lubricants tend to have a pH that is too low and a texture too lightweight for anal sex
- Edible and flavored lubricants are not always fertility-friendly, depending on their ingredients
- Since they’re primarily water-based, edible and flavored lubricants are not as long-lasting as silicone or oil-based lubes
- Most edible and flavored lubes are water-based — rendering them useless in the shower or bath; if they are oil-based, however, they’ll work well for that
- Some “edible” lubes are not tasty because they weren’t specifically designed to be eaten, but are safe to swallow
- Flavored lubes are not made using silicone-based formulas (although silicone lubes are edible in small amounts) so you’ll have to choose between what you need most: silicone or flavoring
What Is The Difference Between Flavored And Edible Lube?
It’s important to note that although many people conflate the two, there is a difference between an edible lube and a flavored one.
Just because a lube says it’s edible doesn’t mean it’ll taste like cotton candy. In fact, it may not have any flavor at all.
In other words, EDIBLE lube (meaning it is safe to ingest), does NOT mean that the lube is necessarily FLAVORED.
An edible lube is safe to swallow but may not taste like anything (or it might even taste foul!), while a flavored lube is specifically designed to taste good and be used orally.
→ Looking for flavored lubes? Click here for our top picks.
What To Look For In A Flavored Lube & Safety
While the flavors of edible lubricants run the gamut from sweet to salty and even spicy, they incorporate a variety of ingredients — and not all of those are ideal for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at what you should consider when you’re looking for an edible lube and the ingredients that should be avoided.
In this section, we’ll talk about:
Is Flavored Edible Lube Safe?
If you’re wondering whether or not flavored lubes are safe to use, the answer is a little more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no” — but they are safe when used as directed.
Edible and flavored lubes technically come in all popular formulas — meaning silicone, oil, and water-based, with the latter being the most common.
You’ll only find water-based or oil-based formulas in our list of favorites, however.
- Is Lubricant Edible?
If you’re using a flavored water-based lubricant from our list exclusively for fellatio or oral sex, rest assured that it’s safe to swallow and safe for vaginal sex.
Oil-based lubes generally shouldn’t be consumed since they can cause coughing or choking — and not the kinky kind — unless they are made using lightweight formulas, such as Organic Glide.
While a silicone lubricant can be edible or flavored and is safe to ingest in small amounts, many people don’t like the heavy, thick texture on their tongue, compared to the lightweight feel of water-based lube.
When it comes to vaginal penetration, flavored lubes may include sweet ingredients that taste great but can also raise your risk of getting a yeast infection if they are sugar-based — which we’ll talk more about in a bit.
What To Look For In A High-Quality Flavored Or Edible Lube
While edible lubricants come in a variety of flavors, not everyone wants to experience a taste sensation during oral sex.
Some people are sensitive to flavors or simply don’t want to mask their partner’s natural taste — and that’s totally fine!
When choosing an edible or flavored lube, you’ll want to select one that uses safe ingredients — which we’ll talk about in just a bit — and that doesn’t include anything you are allergic or sensitive to, whether it’s flavored or not.
Additionally, you should always opt for a lubricant that is pH-balanced, has a safe osmolality, and is FDA approved.
The final consideration is how that lube performs in the bedroom.
All of these are reflected in our ratings.
When choosing the best flavored and edible lubricants, we considered:
- Performance: Whether they include flavoring or not, edible lubes should enhance oral sex but ideally, they should also be safe for penetrative sex without risk of irritation or infection.
- Natural Ingredients: It is always best to choose lubes that have a short list of high-quality natural ingredients (organic optional) that won’t cause irritation or possible endocrine disruption. This includes avoiding ingredients like glycerin or parabens.
- Allergens: This is always a consideration of ours, particularly with aloe. Some lubricants may use oils derived from almonds or sunflowers, or incorporate other plant-based ingredients like aloe vera (which contains natural latex), as they may be a problem for folks with those specific allergies. In terms of aloe, it’s important to select products from reputable companies that remove the gel from the leaf thoroughly. Always check the ingredient list to spot other things you may be allergic to or sensitive to.
- Additives: The shorter the ingredient list, the better — and the same holds true for edible or flavored lubes. Flavors can be safe, even for penetrative sex, as long as they’re not sweetened using sugar-based ingredients, which can cause yeast infections. Regardless of flavoring, added fragrances and dyes are best avoided because they can irritate vaginal tissue. Additionally, glycerin can cause vaginal infections and pH disruption.
- Formulation: For all lubricant bases, this includes how the lube is formulated and the way the ingredients fit together. In water-based products, we considered the pH and osmolality of each lube to ensure it was not only safe for oral sex but vaginal penetration as well.
- Flavoring: In products that offer it, we sought those with lighter flavor profiles that don’t resemble liquid candy, and a range of flavors made possible using only safe ingredients and no sugar derivatives.
- Texture/Consistency: Finally, we considered a lightweight consistency that closely resembles your body’s natural lubrication and also included products that have a thicker texture for those that prefer one. Since edible lubes are meant to be used orally, their consistency should be thin enough that they won’t present a choking hazard when swallowed.
What Are The Safest Ingredients For A Flavored Lube?
Understanding the label on the back of your flavored or edible lube can be a little intimidating if you don’t know what to look for, so here are some ingredients you know you can trust.
Safe Flavored Personal Lubricant Ingredients:
- Water
- Hydroxyethylcellulose
- Propylene glycol
- Aloe vera juice or gel
- Plant-based oil such as coconut oil**
- Vitamin E oil**
- Xanthan gum
- Guar gum
- Natural flavors
**Naturally-derived oils may be used in trace amounts in some water-based lubricants. Barring allergies or personal sensitivities, they are completely safe.
Propylene glycol and hydroxyethylcellulose both sound a little scary but both are body-safe ingredients.
Hydroxyethylcellulose alleviates vaginal dryness, is derived from plants, and is used in fertility-friendly lubes because it doesn’t affect the motility of sperm.
Propylene glycol is a skin conditioning agent made from a noncarcinogenic, nontoxic type of alcohol.
Xanthan gum and guar gum are both naturally-derived thickeners typically used in food products and baking — most often in those that are gluten-free.
- Are Flavored Lubricants Safe To Use When Trying To Conceive?
You generally don’t want to use flavored lubes when you’re trying to conceive — at least during vaginal sex — unless they contain hydroxyethylcellulose that won’t hinder sperm motility and they’re made from safe ingredients otherwise.
Ideally, though, you’ll want to find a fertility-friendly lubricant that creates a protective environment for the sperm to make its way to the egg.
This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get pregnant when using flavored lubes, of course, so use protection to safeguard yourself from STIs — as well as a surprise pregnancy — if you’re not in the market for a baby.
If you’re specifically searching for a lube that is sperm-friendly and designed to promote fertility, you can check out our top pick here.
What Are Flavored Lube Ingredients You Should Avoid?
There are several ingredients you’ll actively want to avoid when shopping for an edible or flavored lubricant, including:
- Glycerin (also known as glycerine or glycerol)
- Parabens
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Petroleum jelly
- Capsaicin
- Chlorhexidine gluconate
- Cyclomethicone
- Added dyes and fragrances
- Specific ingredients you have an allergy or sensitivity to
Why You Need Glycerin-Free Flavored Or Edible Lubes
Lubricants that include ingredients like glycerin and sugar (or sugar-based derivatives) may increase your risk of yeast infections, which is why we don’t recommend them.
Sure, you might start things off with oral sex — and maybe even finish that way — but if vaginal penetration is on the menu, you need a lube that is free from glycerin and sugar.
None of the personal lubricants we recommend include glycerin or sugar-based ingredients so you can enjoy oral sex knowing that if it leads to more, you’re not putting yourself at risk of infection.
Why You Need A Paraben-Free Flavored Or Edible Lube
Unfortunately, parabens are found in all types of lubricants, and there’s been debate over the years as to whether or not they’re harmful.
Thought to be an endocrine-disruptor, it’s a good idea to avoid them because according to the CDC, the “health effects from environmental exposure to low levels of parabens are unknown.”
Better safe than sorry, which is why all of our recommended edible and flavored lubes are free from parabens.
Additional Flavored Or Edible Lube Ingredients To Avoid
DMDM Hydantoin is often used as a preservative in various cosmetic products, including certain flavored lubes, and releases formaldehyde, making it an irritant and a known carcinogen.
You’ll also want to look out for ingredients like petroleum jelly, which can increase your risk of infections, including HIV.
Capsaicin is the ingredient that gives hot peppers their heat. While it can add a touch of spice, it can also cause burning and irritation in your genitals and is best avoided.
Chlorhexidine gluconate is an ingredient that’s commonly used to treat gingivitis, but it also sometimes shows up in lubes. It’s antimicrobial, meaning it reduces bacteria in the area where it’s applied and it’s been shown to irritate and dry out sensitive skin.
Cyclomethicone, a type of silicone that’s sometimes found in silicone-based or water-and-silicone lube hybrids, is an endocrine disruptor that can potentially affect fertility — and no one should have to risk their chances to conceive a child for a little fun in the bedroom!
Finally, you’ll want to avoid lubricants with added dyes and fragrances. These can make a mess if they stain your sheets, but they can also cause discomfort and itchiness in your nethers.
A good rule of thumb: just because your lube tastes like candy doesn’t mean it needs to look like it!
Why Lube pH Matters
A factor only in water-based lubricants, pH measures how acidic or basic a water-based solution is.
If it will be used for vaginal penetration, the pH of an edible or flavored lube should closely match that of the vagina, which generally shouldn’t be higher than 4.5.
Similarly, if intended for use during anal sex, a lube’s pH should be in a safe range of 5.5 to 7.
It should be noted that although the pH of all of our top edible and flavored lube recommendations are safe for vaginal use, their pH is too low for anal sex. If you’re looking for an anal lubricant, review our top picks here.
Using lube with a pH that’s too low can damage vaginal and rectal tissue, leading to irritation or increasing your risk of infection, so it’s wise to stick to using only pH-balanced personal lubricants.
Why Lube Osmolality Matters
Beyond examining a lube’s pH, you’ll also want to ensure it has a safe osmolality value.
Concerning water-based lube only, osmolality measures how many chemical particles have dissolved in the water.
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the safest lubes should have an osmolality of less than 380 mOsm/kg, and no higher than 1200 mOsm/kg.
That said, our recommended edible and flavored lubricants are safe for oral sex and vaginal intercourse.
Are Flavored And Edible Lubricants Approved By The FDA?
Personal lubricants used for sexual activity are classified as “Class II medical devices” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Manufacturers must either register their product for 510(k) clearance or be deemed exempt from requiring it.
For instance, a product may be marketed as a “personal moisturizer” rather than a “personal lubricant” — in such cases, the FDA will declare it exempt from being registered for 510(k) clearance.
Either way — whether a product has that clearance or is exempt from needing it — the FDA has considered the product and you can trust that it’s approved for sale in the U.S.
The FDA even offers a handy searchable database for checking the 510(k) clearance of any lubricant you have or intend to purchase.
All of our personal edible and flavored lubricant recommendations have either a registered 501(k) clearance certificate on file with the FDA as of this writing or were exempt from providing one.
How To Use Flavored Or Edible Lube
When it comes to sex, the wetness from saliva can only take you so far.
Quality edible lubes — with or without flavor — should enhance oral sex on its own, but also make it easier to switch from oral to penetrative sex effortlessly.
For this reason, texture and consistency are important features we considered.
Ideally, the texture of edible lubes should resemble your body’s own natural lubrication, offering slip that lasts. Additionally, the consistency should be thin enough that it won’t present a choking hazard when swallowed.
Just before or even during oral sex, you can apply a few drops directly to the genitals of the person on the receiving end of cunnilingus or fellatio.
When deciding how much to use, typically, a few drops are enough — but your mileage may vary as far as reapplication goes.
Depending on how long you’re engaging in oral sex, add a drop or two whenever you notice a decrease in tongue slippage.
- Should Flavored Edible Lube Only Be Used For Oral Sex?
Not necessarily, but it largely depends on their ingredients. If they include sugar derivatives or glycerin, it’s best to use them as a blowjob lube only.
Although oral sex on a woman may be an external activity, you don’t want to risk any sugar-based lube going inside the vagina because it can increase the risk of yeast infection.
Otherwise, edible and flavored lubricants can usually be used as an oral lube and for a variety of sexual activities, including vaginal and even anal sex — if their pH allows.
Lube Alternatives: Safe (And Unsafe) Home DIY Remedies
Although we think it’s worth the time and money to find an edible lube made specifically for what you want it to do, there are a few at-home lube alternatives you can try.
That said, you should not try to make your own flavored lubricant at home. Sugar is sweet, but it has no place in your vagina!
In Conclusion
Edible and flavored lubricants offer plenty of opportunities to experiment — no matter what you’re craving!
Even if you’re not in the mood for anything sweet but you’re down for oral sex, a flavorless lubricant might be exactly what you’re looking for.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth that just can’t be satiated, there are so many flavored lubes to choose from, you can enjoy a new dessert every night of the week!
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