Best Edible Flavored Lubes

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.

Our top performers provide delicious flavoring without the use of sugar-based sweeteners that can increase the risk of yeast infections, making them equally safe for both oral and vaginal sex.

→ 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

Top Pick (Flavored): Aloe Cadabra

Top Pick (Flavored)

Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant

5.0

$11.95 (2.5 oz)

[Note: Get Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant for only $10.16 and enjoy 15% off sitewide at Aloe Cadabra using code MyOrganicAloe until October 31, 2022 — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]

Pros:

• 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

Cons:

• 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

Osmolality: 172 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Standards)

pH Level: 3.8 to 4.2 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Keep sexy time wet and wild with a barely noticeable formula that mimics your body’s own lubrication — in the tastiest way! Personally reviewed by Women’s Health Interactive, Aloe Cadabra Natural Personal Lubricant is lightweight, versatile, and made with 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera so you can feel good about using it — inside and out! Available in 10 delicious flavors, Aloe Cadabra takes vaginal and oral sex to new heights.

$10.16 @ Aloe Cadabra -> CODE: MyOrganicAloe $16.99 @ HotCherry

When you purchase a product through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!

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:

“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*.

Runner Up (Flavored): Sliquid Swirl

Runner Up (Flavored)

Sliquid Swirl

4.8

$14.00 (4.2oz)

[Note: Get the 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.]

Pros:

• 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

Cons:

• 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

Osmolality: All flavors < 1200 mOsm/kg (Meets WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 4.1 to 4.4 (Safe For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Sliquid Swirl enhances your natural flavor instead of masking it, making it perfect for those who want to indulge in a little sweet treat without feeling like they’ve fallen face-first into a vat of fudge and caramel. With a sugar-free vegan formula available in 8 fruity flavors, this lightly-flavored yet delectable lube is the perfect accompaniment to oral delights.

$14.00 @ Sliquid $14.44 @ Lovehoney -> CODE: AFF-WH15

When you purchase a product through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!

One of the best lubes available, 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.

Also Good (Flavored): Good Clean Love Almost Naked

Also Good (Flavored)

Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant

4.5

$12.99 (4 oz)

[Note: Get 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.]

Pros:

• 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

Cons:

• 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

Osmolality: 250 to 400 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 4.2 to 4.7 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: There’s a reason Good Clean Love’s Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant is one of our top picks. Its long-lasting, smooth formula is perfect for oral sex although it only comes in one flavor, and because of its incredibly light flavoring made from non-irritating natural ingredients, it’s also safe to use for penetrative sex!

$10.40 @ Good Clean Love -> CODE: WHI20 $17.99 @ HotCherry

When you purchase a product through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!

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.

The only downside is that offers just one standard flavor — so if you’re looking for an edible lubricant that can suit a variety of tastes or moods, you won’t find that with this particular product.

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.

Best Edible Flavorless Lubes

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.

Top Pick (Flavorless): AH! YES WB

Top Pick (Unflavored)

AH! YES WB - Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant

5.0

$21.99 (5.1 oz)

[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.]

Pros:

• 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 An Unflavored Edible Lube
• Made With 96% Organic Ingredients As Certified By The Soil Association
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• 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

Osmolality: 260-290 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Standards)

pH Level: 3.8 to 4.2 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: This hydrating lube will make all of your fantasies a pleasure to explore — again and again. With a cushiony texture that’s thicker than you’ll find in most water-based lubes, AH! YES WB – Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant uses a luxurious formula made from organic ingredients you can trust.

$18.69 @ Lovehoney -> CODE: AFF-WH15 $31.00 @ GoodVibes

When you purchase a product through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!

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*.

Runner Up (Flavorless): Organic Glide

Runner Up (Unflavored)

Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant

4.7

$21.95

Pros:

• 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

Cons:

• 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

Bottom Line: Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant is a velvety oil-based lube that enhances almost any sexual activity and it’s one of the rare edible lubes that can be used in wet environments like the shower. This lube, made from organic ingredients, also helps vaginal dryness and unlike the majority of oil-based lubes, uses a non-staining formula that won’t wreck your bedding!

$21.95 @ Amazon

When you purchase a product through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!

10/04/2022 10:17 am GMT

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*.

Pros And Cons Of Flavored And Edible Lubes

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.

Flavored And Edible Lubricant Pros:

• 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)

Flavored And Edible Lubricants Cons:

• 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.

When To Use Flavored Or Edible Lube

A lubricant can be edible without any flavoring — but all flavored lubes are, by their very nature, edible.

So how do you know which one you need — and when?

If you’re seeking to experiment with flavors during oral sex, you’ll want to select an edible lube with added flavoring — ensuring that the ingredients are safe.

Such lubes should not be sweetened with sugar (or sugar-based additives) if vaginal or anal penetration might occur at any point.

As we’ll talk about later, sugar feeds yeast, which can increase the risk of yeast infections developing in the vagina and anus.

When you only want to add lubrication during oral sex without tasting anything but your partner, you’ll want to opt for an edible lube without added flavoring.

Is Flavored Or 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.

• Is Flavored Edible Lube Safe For Sensitive Skin?

It can be — but it ultimately depends on the formula.

Many flavored lubes include ingredients that can lead to irritation in those who have sensitive skin. For this reason, most of them are not going to be ideal.

Aloe Cadabra, however, is flavored yet formulated to be gentle — so much so that it is included in our list of the best lubes for sensitive skin.

Likewise, AH! YES WB made that list as well, and it is a safe edible (unflavored) lubricant for those concerned about skin sensitivity.

What Are The Safest Ingredients For A Flavored Or Edible 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.

• Safety Of Flavored And Edible Lubricants 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.

Flavored And Edible Lube Ingredients You Should Avoid

There are several ingredients you’ll actively want to avoid when shopping for an edible or flavored lubricant, including:

• Sugar (and sugar-derivatives)
• Glycerin (also known as glycerine or glycerol)
• Parabens
• DMDM Hydantoin
• Petroleum jelly 
• Capsaicin 
• Chlorhexidine gluconate
• Added dyes and fragrances
• Specific ingredients you have an allergy or sensitivity to

The first ingredient that should be avoided in flavored lubes is sugar or sugar-based additives, as these act as a food source for yeast in the vagina or anus.

This is especially important if you’ll be using your flavored or edible lube for any type of penetrative sex, as these ingredients can increase the risk of yeast infections.

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.

Additional Flavored Or Edible Lube Ingredients To Avoid

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 You Need Glycerin-Free Flavored Or Edible Lube

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 Lub

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.

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, saliva as lube 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!

The Texture, Consistency, And Performance Of Flavored And Edible Lubes

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.

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.

Additionally, you should always opt for a lubricant that is pH-balanced, has a safe osmolality, and is FDA approved.

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.