Best Flavored Lubes

When you’re in the mood for oral sex with a side of chocolate (or strawberry, mango, or even bacon, coffee, pizza, or cheese…yeah really!) 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 – but not anal sex.

Consensus Top Pick: Sliquid Swirl

Consensus Top Pick (Flavored)

Sliquid Swirl

$14.00 (4.2 oz)

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: Our testing team found that Sliquid Swirl enhances your partner’s natural flavor instead of masking it completely, 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 to suit any palate, this lightly-flavored yet delectable lube is the perfect accompaniment to oral sex.

$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!

Bold, fruity and satisfying, Sliquid Swirl is an absolutely scrumptious edible lube for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Out of all the flavored edible lubes we tested, I found the Sliquid Swirl line to be the strongest and most flavorful of the bunch.

Our editor-in-chief (and fellow consensus tester) Alison Huff, agreed.

“I like the flavor range, and I love the super smooth texture,” she said. “It never feels sticky and cleans up easily. I didn’t enjoy all the flavors (piña colada, I felt could be sweeter) but I LOVE the pink lemonade, in particular.”

Sliquid has an entire line of eight fruit-inspired lubricants to choose from so there’s something for every mood, depending on what you’re craving tonight.

The Sliquid Swirl flavors are supremely delicious. To me, they taste like melted popsicles.

It was hard to choose between them, but after tasting each one, my favorite flavor is their pink lemonade.

While I personally found the Sliquid Swirl lubes to taste particularly delicious, another tester on our team, Vanessa Russell, was not overly fond of the flavoring.

“It tastes like diet or sugarless soda, which I can’t stand the taste of,” she explained.

While I do agree that the Sliquid Swirl flavors taste artificially sweet — they are sweetened with aspartame, after all — it still scored the highest among all the flavored options we tested.

In practice, I found the blunt, sugary flavor in Sliquid Swirl to be a nice distraction from the sour or salty (but perfectly natural!) taste of oral sex.

This flavored lube is for you if you’re looking for a strong and noticeable sugary flavor that lasts without becoming sticky or tacky.

Available in delicious Cherry Vanilla, Green Apple Tart, Strawberry Pomegranate, Blue Raspberry, Pina Colada, Pink Lemonade, Blackberry Fig, and Tangerine Peach, a brand-new dessert can be on the menu every night of the week.

→ Learn more* about Sliquid Swirl or check pricing*.

Also Good: Aloe Cadabra

Also Good (Flavored)

Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant

$11.95 (2.5 oz)

[Note: Get Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant for only $10.16 and enjoy 15% off site-wide at Aloe Cadabra using code MyOrganicAloe — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]

[Read Our Full Review]

Pros:

• Easy To Use, Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
• Non-Sticky, Vegan, Edible, And Available In 12+ 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

Performance:

4.7

How It Feels:

4.8

Skin Compatibility:

5.0

Ease Of Cleanup:

5.0

Bottle Design:

4.0

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 12+ delicious flavors, Aloe Cadabra takes vaginal and oral sex to new heights.

$10.16 @ Aloe Cadabra -> CODE: MyOrganicAloe $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!

Unlike the bold and sweet taste in Sliquid Swirl, Aloe Cadabra’s flavored lubricant is subtle and perfectly balanced.

It’s no secret that here at Women’s Health Interactive, we absolutely love all things Aloe Cadabra.

Their unflavored aloe-based lube constantly makes it to the top of our best-of lists, so it’s no wonder that the flavored versions are also included in this round-up.

With more than 10 delicious flavors to choose from — including seasonal editions like Pumpkin Spice — this product offers something for every discerning palate.

They also offer a Natural Aloe formula without any added flavoring at all if you’re not in the mood for a sweet dessert, but still want to enjoy the benefits of one of the best lubes on the market.

Fellow writer and consensus tester, Vanessa Russell reviewed this intensely hydrating lubricant personally.

When she scored this product, she noted that “the flavor doesn’t overpower, it’s more like a watered down ‘hint’ of the flavor.”

Since Aloe Cadabra 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 — and the lack of aspartame makes it taste less like diet soda.

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 a great choice for sensitive skin.

I love how this lube blends in with your skin — it almost reminds me more of a moisturizer than a lube.

It’s noticeably hydrating and doesn’t leave any annoying or sticky after-feel.

This is a good thing, considering that over-application is really easy to do.

In fact, that was the one thing our editor-in-chief noted when she reviewed and scored Aloe Cadabra.

She explained that she had “a major issue with the product dispensing.”

“Every single time we used it, we’ve had to wipe away excess on a hand towel because overapplication is inevitable,” she said. “Every. Single. Time.”

The reason for this, she felt, was the size of the hole in the cap — it’s on the large side, particularly when compared to other lubricants she’s used.

“The hole on the bottle is just too big… you always squeeze out WAY more than you need,” she said.

That con aside, we love pretty much everything else about this lube.

Offering 12+ lubricant flavors, 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 Pumpkin Spice (seasonal).

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*.

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.

Perfectly safe to swallow during oral sex, flavorless edible lubricants offer plenty of slickness — without any of the sweetness.

Consensus Top Pick: AH YES WB

Consensus Top Pick (Unflavored)

AH! YES WB - Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant

$21.99 (5.1 oz)

[Note: Get AH! YES WB for only $18.70, 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

Performance:

5.0

How It Feels:

4.8

Skin Compatibility:

5.0

Ease Of Cleanup:

5.0

Bottle Design:

4.8

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

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

Bottom Line: As one of our team's favorite lubricants, this long-lasting, ultra-hydrating product provides incredible comfort and glide during vaginal sex and won't mask your partner's natural taste during oral sex. With a velvety texture that’s thicker than you’ll find in most water-based lubes while being kind to delicate skin, AH! YES WB uses a luxurious formula made from organic ingredients you can trust.

$18.70 @ AH! YES -> CODE: WHI $18.70 @ 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!

If you have no desire to mask your partner’s natural taste during oral sex, AH! YES WB is a fantastic edible lube that offers lasting lubrication with no added flavoring.

Even though we think that spit is “enough” lubrication during oral sex, the truth is that your mouth can get dry — and that’s when an unflavored edible lube is a perfect thing to reach for.

I really like this lube.

It is thick and slippery and its texture is most similar to vaginal lubrication so it feels perfectly natural once applied.

This product does have a very faint aloe scent — one that’s fresh but subtle — but all of our testers found that it was completely flavorless, exactly as advertised.

Alison Huff, our editor-in-chief and fellow consensus tester, said:

“For someone looking for an edible lube with no flavor, this is a great fit — this is one of my favorite water-based lubes, to begin with. Personally, for oral sex, I prefer something with flavor, but that’s just my own preference.”

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.

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.

This lube feels great on the skin and absorbs well.

Vanessa Russell, a fellow product tester, said that “it feels nice and velvety for being [water-based].”

She added that she “needed to apply a lot more than I thought and reapplied more than I expected” during vaginal sex.

I found that it does leave a noticeable film on the skin after use but being water-based, it’s very easy to wash off.

Because AH! YES WB is safely edible, odorless, flavorless, stain-free, and compatible with all kinds of condoms and sex toys, this lube is certainly one to keep stocked in your nightstand.

→ Learn more* about AH! YES WB or check pricing*.

Also Good: Almost Naked

Also Good (Unflavored)

Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant

$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.]

[Read Our Full Review]

Pros:

• Made From Just 7 Organic Ingredients
• Super Long-Lasting And Great For Those Who Prefer A Thicker Water-Based Lubricant
• Lemon-Vanilla Scent Isn’t Overpowering During Oral Sex; Has No Discernable Taste
• 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

Performance:

4.7

How It Feels:

4.3

Skin Compatibility:

5.0

Ease Of Cleanup:

5.0

Bottle Design:

5.0

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 team’s top recommendations. Its long-lasting, smooth formula is perfect for oral sex, and because of its non-irritating, natural ingredients, it’s also safe to use for penetrative sex. Additionally, its incredibly delicious scent is heavenly yet this lube has no discernable flavor — if you love the smell of cookies, this is one you’ll definitely want to try.

$10.40 @ Good Clean Love -> CODE: WHI20 $18.99 @ 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!

Although this lubricant technically has what is considered to be a “subtle lemon-vanilla flavor,” all of our testers agreed on categorizing this one as un-flavored.

It smells truly amazing — but has zero taste.

None.

This is not a terrible thing by any stretch of the imagination — it IS delightful in spite of not being sweet — but upon smelling this lubricant, your brain will expect something sweet…but your mouth isn’t going to get that.

“I love this as a regular lube,” consensus tester and writer of our Almost Naked review, Alison Huff, said. “As an edible one (specifically), it smells like it should have an amazing flavor — like vanilla cookies.”

“It has no taste, though,” she noted. “That is the ONLY drawback to this one…it’s perfect in every other way.”

If you’re not a fan of dessert-like lubricants but still want something with a touch of “flavor” through scent alone, Almost Naked from Good Clean Love will likely hit just the right spot — although not always.

Fellow edible lube tester, Vanessa Russell, was not a particular fan of the way this product smells.

“I don’t know what it is, but the scent was unpleasant to me,” she explained.

Alison and I think it smells delicious — so it might be worth trying if you don’t mind using a lubricant with a strong, cookie-like scent attached to it.

This lube has a wonderful texture and Vanessa said that she “loved the way it absorbed into the skin.”

I concur.

I found it to be a bit more “gel-like” and less similar to natural vaginal lubrication compared to AH! YES WB, but it is cooling to the touch and feels light on your fingertips.

Alison said, “I’ve been tempted to try using this one as a lotion. It absorbs into the skin nicely but even after giving a handjob, you come away from it smelling like cookies.”

“It doesn’t feel sticky or tacky, your skin just feels soft and smooth,” she said. “It’s like some kind of magic.”

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.

Plus, with a pH of 4.2 to 4.7, Almost Naked is ideal for vaginal penetration if oral sex is being served as only the first course on the menu.

→ Learn more* about Almost Naked or check pricing*.

The Taste 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 — and that’s true of our testing team, as well.

Some people enjoy a heavy sweetness that’s almost candy-like while others prefer just a hint of flavor.

In most cases, edible and flavored lubricants are water-based, and these particular lubes tend to have a texture that’s similar to natural vaginal lubrication (although not always).

Many times, such lubricants feature a lightweight consistency that requires frequent reapplication, although some do carry a heavier, more viscous texture that lasts a long time.

During our testing, we found that even within the same product line (such as Sliquid Swirl or Aloe Cadabra), various flavors were hits or misses with our team.

We did not love them all equally.

If you’re searching for a flavored edible lube right now, it’s best to start with one that sounds like a taste you’d enjoy — but don’t judge the entire brand based on one flavor alone if it doesn’t work out for you.

In our experience, the texture and consistency of flavored lube remained exactly the same between products from any given manufacturer — with only the flavor profile being different.

So if you find you’re not a fan of Sliquid Swirl’s Green Apple, for instance, don’t be afraid to try their Pink Lemonade. (Trust us, that one is fantastic!)

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 approved by the FDA.

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.

All of the lubricants we tested were used orally and vaginally with no irritation reported by our team.

As a result of our exhaustive testing, we selected a variety of lubricants that offered exceptional flavor or none at all, across a range of textures, consistencies, and formulas to suit a wide range of preferences.

What Are Edible And Flavored Lubes?

Formulated to enhance oral sex, edible and flavored lubricants are specifically designed to be safe to swallow, but the best and safest ones will be appropriate for penetrative sex, too.

Although spit is generally considered to be “lubrication” of a sort, an edible or flavored lube adds moisture that can make oral sex easier and more enjoyable for both the giver and the receiver.

When Should You Use An Edible Or Flavored Lube?

Flavored lube is perfect for those times when oral sex is on the menu but you’re looking for something that will take the taste of it to brand new heights.

Additionally, a flavored lubricant can also be used to make the entire experience a little more enjoyable if you’re not a big fan of giving oral sex to another person.

Genital fluids, although perfectly natural, have a taste — and if that bothers you during oral sex, a flavored lube can make the act more pleasurable.

Both edible and flavored lubricants are a good choice for anyone who struggles to produce enough saliva when giving oral sex, as they provide plenty of lubrication on demand and are safe to swallow.

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

If you’re seeking to experiment with flavors during oral sex, you’ll want to select an edible sex lubricant 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 Candida albicans — fungi whose overgrowth can lead to yeast infections 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.

How Do I Use Flavored Or Edible Lube?

When it comes to sex, using saliva as lube can only take you so far.

Just before (or even during) oral sex, you can apply a few drops of lickable lube directly to the genitals of the person on the receiving end of cunnilingus or fellatio, or your own tongue if you prefer.

Typically, just 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 another drop or two whenever you notice a decrease in tongue slippage or flavor.

Quality edible lubes — with or without flavor — should enhance oral sex on their own, but also make it easier to switch from oral to penetrative sex effortlessly.

All of the flavored and edible lubricants we recommend are equally safe for oral and vaginal sex.

The Pros And Cons Of Edible And Flavored Lubricants

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
• They are not always fertility-friendly, depending on their ingredients
• Since they’re primarily water-based, they’re 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

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 formulas in our list of favorites, however, as flavorings are not typically added to silicone-based lubricants and most oil-based products pose a choking hazard if swallowed.

• During Pregnancy

Provided the lubricant is formulated with safe ingredients, yes — a flavored or edible lube is perfectly safe to use during pregnancy.

A mucus plug forms in the cervical canal (between the vaginal and uterus) during pregnancy, acting as a seal that protects the uterus (and fetus) from bacteria, viruses, or infections present in the vaginal canal.

The mucus plug also prevents personal lubricant from reaching the womb, so you can use any type of lubricant you wish — including edible or flavored lubes — without fear of harming the fetus.

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 lube 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.

• 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.

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
• Capsaicin
• Added dyes and unsafe fragrances
• Specific ingredients you have an allergy or sensitivity to

Additional Flavored Or Edible Lube Ingredients To Avoid

Finally, you’ll want to avoid lickable 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 part of the reason why we don’t recommend them.

The other reason?

Glycerin raises the osmolality of personal lube, which can put you at risk for vaginal irritation or infection.

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 products 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 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 recommendations 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.

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.

All of our personal edible and flavored lubricant recommendations have either a registered 510(k) clearance certificate on file with the FDA as of this writing or were exempt from providing one.

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!

People attempt to use weird lubes at times — and while some are safe, many others are definitely not.

Is All Lube Edible And Can You Eat It?

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.

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.

Although personal lubricants are safe to eat (swallow) in small amounts, ingesting too much — such as drinking half a bottle, for instance — could result in stomach upset or digestive issues.

If you’re wondering, “Can you lick lube?”, the answer is the same — it’s generally very safe to do so in small amounts.

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.

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.

Is Flavored Lube Safe For Anal Sex?

It can be — but not always.

Most flavored lubricants are water-based and have a pH that’s best suited to the vagina (in the range of 3.8 to 4.5).

To be used with safety in mind, water-based lubricants designed for anal use should have a pH between 5.5 and 7 to more closely match that of the anus (between 7 and 8).

Although many people use low-pH lubes for anal sex without incidence, doing so could lead to irritation (or subsequent infection) in the anus.

Additionally, as we talked about earlier, any flavored lube used during anal sex should be free from sugar-based ingredients that could promote candida overgrowth (yeast infections).

Can Flavored Lube Cause A UTI?

Lubricants with added flavorings or scents could cause a UTI (urinary tract infection) if they disrupt the genital microbiome, but most of the time, a UTI is caused by the sex itself.

UTIs can develop when bacteria make their way into the urethra, a common occurrence during penetrative vaginal sex because of the urethra’s close proximity to the area.

During vaginal penetration, the penis, sex toy, or fingers may rub against the opening of the urethra — transferring bacteria in the process.

Can Flavored Lube Cause A Yeast Infection?

If a flavored lubricant contains sugar or sugar-based ingredients, then yes — it can cause a yeast infection.

Sugar is a food source for Candida albicans, a type of fungi responsible for most yeast infections.

While normally kept in check thanks to the body’s microbiome, lubricants with sugar can feed candida — causing it to reproduce rapidly within the vagina (or anus) and leading to a yeast infection.