Top Pick (Lightweight Formula): Aloe Cadabra

Top Pick: Lightweight Formula

Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant

5.0

$11.95 (2.5 oz)

[Read Our Full Review]

Pros:

• Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
• Available In 18 Delicious Flavors & Scents
• 2-In-1 Vaginal Moisturizer And Personal Lubricant
• 95% Organic Aloe Vera, Non-Sticky
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• No Pump Dispenser
• Not As Long-Lasting As Others
• Not Waterproof

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 18 delicious flavors and scents, Aloe Cadabra takes vaginal and oral sex to new heights.

$10.16 @ Aloe Cadabra -> CODE: MyOrganicAloe $17.99 @ HotCherry

As we found out when we tried it ourselves, it’s perfect for even the most sensitive skin.

In her review, Vanessa Russell explained her concerns over using a lubricant because “even my own body’s fluids can cause itching and irritation.”

“I am happy to say that while using both the unflavored and flavored versions [of Aloe Cadabra], my skin never reacted once,” she observed. “That was definitely a first for me and such a pleasant surprise.”

Its lightweight formula is mess-free and silky to the touch and it won’t disrupt your vagina’s natural pH.

Additionally, it can be used with all kinds of condoms and sex toys, regardless of their material.

With a pH ranging from 3.8 to 4.5 and an osmolality of 172 mOsm/kg, Aloe Cadabra is designed for vaginal use.

Although its pH is too low for anal sex, there are many other suitable anal lubes to choose from.

Beyond aloe as its primary ingredient, Aloe Cadabra also contains vitamin E oil, making it extra moisturizing and ideal for those looking for optimal vaginal hydration.

Although aloe can be problematic for those with latex allergies, Aloe Cadabra removes the natural latex of the aloe leaves thoroughly from the gel during the manufacturing process to ensure the highest safety and quality.

This doctor-recommended product is a two-in-one lube and vaginal moisturizer that provides lasting hydration and excellent glide — giving you the best of both worlds.

We can’t recommend it highly enough — it is our favorite pH-balanced lube and it’s one we’re sure you’ll enjoy using just as much as we do!

→ Learn more* about Aloe Cadabra or check pricing*.

Top Pick (Thick Formula): AH YES WB

Top Pick: Thick Formula

AH! YES WB - Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant

5.0

$21.99 (5.1 oz)

Pros:

• Extra-Thick Formula, Cushiony Texture
• 96% Organic Ingredients
• No Added Fragrances, Flavors Or Dyes
• Ideal For Those With Sensitive Skin
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• Might Be Too Thick For Some
• No Pump Dispenser
• Not Waterproof

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 $21.99 @ Lovehoney

If you’re familiar with the AH! YES brand, then you know the standard of excellence their products live up to — and it’s why we recommend them so highly.

AH! YES WB is a great pH-balanced lube for those with sensitive skin, thanks to its short list of high-quality ingredients.

It offers a slightly thicker texture compared to other water-based lubes, making it ideal for those wanting a bit of extra glide and cushioning.

It’s also made with 96% organic ingredients with certification from the Soil Association — which makes this one of the most trustworthy products you’ll find anywhere.

Take a closer look at AH! YES WB below:

AH! YES WB is fragrance-free, tasteless, and odorless, so no strong scents or flavors will take you out of the moment when you least expect it!

With a pH ranging from 3.8 to 4.2 and a safe osmolality of 260-290 mOsm/kg, it’s perfectly balanced for vaginal use.

Another feature of this lube is its compatibility with all sex toys and condoms — you can use it with anything and everything, no matter where the night takes you.

Although its thicker consistency might feel like should be suitable for anal sex, AH! YES WB’s pH is too low for that activity — so stick with a pH-neutral anal lube instead.

Overall, AH! YES WB is one of the top-performing pH-balanced lubes and we’re sure you’ll love it, too!

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

Runner Up: Good Clean Love Almost Naked

Runner Up

Almost Naked

5.0

$12.99 (4 oz)

[Read Our Full Review]

Pros:

• Made From Just 7 Organic Ingredients
• Thick And Super Long-Lasting
• Light Lemon-Vanilla Scent And No Discernable Taste
• First Carbon-Neutral Personal Lube
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• No Pump Dispenser
• Not Waterproof

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

This silky lube is slightly sweet, turning oral sex into a treat for both givers and receivers alike, and being pH-balanced to the vagina, it provides an effortless transition to more penetrating activities.

Aloe leaf juice provides hydrating moisture and mimics vaginal wetness with a texture that feels like your body’s own lubrication — only better.

Free of petrochemicals and other toxic additives, this 95% certified organic lube is a great option for those with skin sensitivities.

Take a closer look at Almost Naked below:

It’s also the first carbon-neutral lubricant!

With every bottle purchased, Good Clean Love donates to a U.S. soil restoration project in an amount that erases the carbon footprint from this lube’s manufacturing process.

With a pH of 4.2 to 4.7 and an osmolality ranging from 250 to 400, Almost Naked is perfectly balanced for vaginal use.

Although agar agar gives this lube a slightly thicker texture, its pH is too low for anal use. If you’re in search of a quality anal lube that won’t disrupt your anal pH, there are plenty of other options available.

Almost Naked is long-lasting, condom and sex toy compatible, easy to clean, and good for you and the environment. Hitting all of the bases, it’s a home run!

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

Also Good (Fertility-Friendly): Good Clean Love BioGenesis

Also Good: Fertility-Friendly

Good Clean Love BioGenesis Fertility Lubricant

4.8

$19.99 (2 oz)

Pros:

• Mayo Clinic Recommended Hydroxyethylcellulose Supports Sperm Viability And Motility
• Promotes Healthy Vaginal Flora To Create A Supportive Environment For Getting Pregnant
• Hydrating Texture Lasts As Long As You Do While Baby-Making
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• Applicator May Feel Clinical And Can Be A Mood-Killer
• Only 12 Applications Per Carton And Not Available In Larger Product Size
• Doesn’t Come With A Pump Dispenser And Is Meant To Be Used With The Included Applicators
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Osmolality: 300-400 (Meets WHO Recommendations)

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

Bottom Line: While closely mimicking the natural moisture in your vagina, this lube works with your body as added magnesium and calcium ions help to create an ideal environment for getting pregnant. Hydroxyethylcellulose is an ingredient recommended by Mayo Clinic to promote the motility of sperm — giving those little swimmers the best chance of reaching their destination.

$16.00 @ Good Clean Love -> CODE: WHI20 $33.99 @ HotCherry

Although lubricants can alter the pH in your vagina or anus, they can also affect sperm health and motility, which is why you have to be mindful about the lube you use when trying to conceive.

Good Clean Love’s Biogenesis Fertility Lubricant is an expertly formulated product meant to support sperm health.

While closely mimicking the natural moisture of your vagina, this lube works with your body to create an ideal environment for getting pregnant.

Take a closer look at BioGenesis below:

BioGenesis contains hydroxyethylcellulose and is free from aloe vera, parabens, and glycerin. With added magnesium and calcium ions, this patent-pending lube supports conception and matches the ideal fertile environment.

While this lubricant is pH-balanced for vaginal use with a pH range of 3.8 to 4.2, it actually adapts to the higher pH of sperm when they’re introduced into the vagina — supporting sperm health and movement as they make their way to the goal line (egg).

The magic of BioGenesis is that it maintains healthy vaginal pH levels even with the introduction of higher pH sperm.

With an osmolality ranging from 300 to 400, it’s safely within the WHO’s maximum recommendation of <1200mOsm/kg.

One downside to this lube is its application process — the tube is only 2 ounces in size and the product is designed to be applied with a sterile applicator that’s anything but sexy.

Still, you can apply it with your fingers — it’s just a little on the messy side.

If you’re trying for a baby, however, BioGenesis is one of the best fertility-friendly lubricants you’ll find anywhere.

→ Learn more* about BioGenesis or check pricing*.

Other Picks

Sliquid Naturals H20

Colorless, Odorless, Flavorless!

Sliquid Naturals H20

4.8

$14.00 (4.2 oz)

Pros:

• Mimics Your Body’s Own Lubrication — Only Better
• Long-Lasting Vegan Formula Is Kind To Sensitive Skin
• Colorless, Odorless, And Flavorless With Just 5 Body-Safe Ingredients
• 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: 500-700 mOsm/kg (Meets WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 4.0 to 4.4 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Sliquid Naturals H20 is a best-seller for a reason — it has an amazing vegan formula that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. Emulating your body’s natural lubrication, this product is incredibly slick and is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

$11.69 @ The Enhanced Male –> CODE: WHI10 $14.00 @ Sliquid

Being almost indistinguishable from your body’s own natural lubrication, this hypoallergenic water-based lube is completely odorless, tasteless, and non-staining.

Free from aloe vera gel, Sliquid H2O is a great choice for those with severe latex allergies or concerns over using an aloe-based pH-balanced lube.

Explore Sliquid H2O below:

With a pH ranging from 4.0 to 4.4 and an osmolality between 500 and 700 (within the WHO’s maximum recommendations), H2O is beautifully suited and perfectly balanced for vaginal use.

And because it’s made with only five ingredients, it can be used with all sex toys, condoms, and dental dams.

H2O is a simple yet high-quality product that’s ideal for those looking for a no-frills pH-balanced and aloe-free lubricant they can trust.

→ Learn more* about Sliquid Naturals H20 or check pricing*.

Restore Moisturizing Vaginal Gel

Restores Vaginal pH!

Good Clean Love Restore Moisturizing Vaginal Gel

4.7

$16.99 (2 oz)

Pros:

• Extremely Hydrating Gel That Eases Itch, Irritation, Dryness, And Odor
• Formulated To Match A Healthy Vaginal Biome
• Organic Aloe Formula Is Ideal For Vaginal Use
• Limited Ingredient List And Free From Estrogen, Parabens, Petrochemicals, Glycerin And Artificial Fragrance
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• Tube Only Provides 15 Applications
• Meant To Be Used With The Included Applicator, Which Can Be A Mood-Killer
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Osmolality: 250-400 (Meets WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 3.6 to 4.1 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Designed to rebalance your vaginal pH, this restorative gel is a lifesaver for those with particularly delicate vaginas. It can be used for intimacy and beyond to help restore and maintain a healthy and balanced vaginal pH and it’s great for alleviating irritation, discomfort, and odor.

$13.60 @ Good Clean Love -> CODE: WHI20

Even though this product is marketed as a restorative gel for vaginal pH, it can be used as a sex lube — and works just as well!

Restore is supremely hydrating and soothing, making it a great option for those dealing with intense vaginal itching or irritation.

It’s especially helpful if your vaginal pH is off-balance as the result of hormonal shifts or lichen sclerosus.

This restorative gel lives up to its name in every way — working to restore your vagina’s natural pH — and using it daily eases itching and dryness at the same time.

Take a closer look at Restore below:

If you’re looking for a product that will help your vagina bounce back from a yeast infection or menopausal shifts, Restore is certainly one to try.

With a pH of 3.6 to 4.1 and an osmolality of 250-400, Restore is best suited to vaginal use as a daily refresher to hydrate and balance the vagina, and as a lubricant during sex.

Many women use this restorative gel as a multi-day treatment to get their vaginal pH back on track because it is safe for everyday use, even during periods of hormone fluctuations due to menopause or menstruation.

That said, Restore’s pH is too low for anal use, so if that’s what you need from a lube, there are more suitable anal lube options available.

If you struggle with vaginal irritation or pH imbalances, Restore is a must-have lube to keep on hand.

→ Learn more* about Restore or check pricing*.

BioNude Ultra Sensitive

Formulated For Sensitive Skin!

Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant

4.7

$12.99 (3 oz)

Pros:

• Great For Anyone With Sensitive Skin
• Sperm-Friendly — Safe For Those Trying To Conceive
• Long-Lasting
• No Added Fragrances, Flavors, Or Dyes
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• The Lack Of Pump Dispenser Can Make Reapplication Difficult
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Osmolality: 240 to 400 mOsm/kg (Meets WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 4.0 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a water-based lubricant thanks to Good Clean Love’s BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant. Long-lasting and safe to use when trying to conceive or when pregnant, this product will allow you to enjoy yourself without worrying about sensitivities.

$10.40 @ Good Clean Love –> CODE: WHI20

Good Clean Love makes some amazing pH-balanced lubes, and their BioNude formula is no exception.

Made with hydroxyethylcellulose, this personal lubricant supports sperm motility, creating a prime fertile environment that’s fit for conception.

Take a closer look at BioNude below:

It’s formulated with lactic acid and potassium sorbate to accurately match the microbiome of the vagina during ovulation, and added carrageenan offers moisture and soothing comfort.

BioNude has a pH of 4.0 and a body-safe osmolality between 240 and 400 mOsm/kg — making it perfectly balanced for vaginal use.

Like other pH-balanced lubes on our list, the pH of BioNude is too low for anal sex — so you’re better off searching for more suitable anal lubes.

If you’re searching for a pH-balanced lubricant with a texture that feels like your body’s own moisture and that won’t hinder conception, BioNude from Good Clean Love is one of the best.

→ Learn more* about BioNude or check pricing*.

The Performance Of pH-Balanced Lubes

Because they are typically water-based, pH-balanced lubes tend to feel very similar to your body’s natural lubrication — which is perfect for people who don’t enjoy a noticeably “fake” slipperiness during penetration.

Silicone and oil-based lubes are notorious for that — they typically have a silk-like texture that’s incredibly slick, but unnaturally so.

The texture of pH-balanced lubricants is generally too thin for anal sex and because they’re most often balanced for vaginal pH, they’re not well suited for anal use.

When considering a pH-balanced lube’s performance, we considered the individual preferences some may have for thicker or lightweight textures, offering a range to suit every need.

This also included formulations that were designed to promote — or at the very least, not hinder — fertility.

As a result, we chose a variety of textures, consistencies, and formulations in our selections.

Who Should Use A pH-Balanced Lubricant?

Everyone who intends to use a water-based personal lubricant should reach for one that is pH balanced for vaginal or anal penetration if that is the lube’s intended use.

The vagina and anus — whether you have one or both — have a delicate pH balance to maintain.

That balance promotes the optimal health of those body parts, which mitigates the risk of bacterial overgrowth, irritation, or infection.

pH is a factor only in lubricants that contain water, but a lube with an improperly balanced pH can alter your body’s natural pH in the process — putting you (or your partners) at risk for irritation or infection.

The Pros And Cons Of pH-Balanced Lubes

People use lube for a variety of reasons, but a pH-balanced lubricant will match that of your vagina or anus, keeping your tissues secure, safe, and comfortable.

A pH-balanced lubricant will work with your body and not against it.

The Pros Of pH-Balanced Personal Lubricants

• They reduce your risk of infection
• They prevent damage to delicate vaginal or anal tissue
• They reduce your risk of irritation
• They are safe to use with all condoms, dental dams, or diaphragms
• They are compatible with all sex toy materials, unlike silicone lubricants (which degrade toys made from silicone) or oil-based lubricants (which break down toys made from latex rubber)
• They typically have a lightweight texture that feels like your body’s natural lubrication
• They are often formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin
• They are easily reactivated with water or saliva
• They won’t stain fabrics and are easy to clean
• They are safe to swallow during oral sex, and some are flavored
• Some are designed to be used as daily vaginal moisturizers, alleviating vaginal dryness and irritation
• Some are made from natural and organic ingredients
• Some are safe for conception when hydroxyethylcellulose is an ingredient

The Cons Of pH-Balanced Personal Lubricants

• The vagina and anus have two very different pH levels; a lube that is pH-balanced for the vagina is not going to be pH-balanced for the anus so it can’t be used interchangeably
• Additionally, the lightweight texture of a water-based lubricant isn’t always ideal for anal sex, even if the pH is high enough for the activity — and we have yet to find one that is
• Being water-based, they are generally not as long-lasting as silicone or oil-based lubricants
• Because they’re water-soluble, they aren’t waterproof — so they can’t be used during sex in the bath or shower

It’s important to note that a personal lubricant can have a pH level that’s completely safe while having an osmolality that isn’t — which we’ll talk about in greater detail here.

pH Balance Vs. pH Neutral

Because pH refers to “the potential for hydrogen” in water molecules, it is a measurement unique to water.

For this reason, lube pH is generally relevant to water-based lubricant formulas — or those whose ingredient lists contain more than a trace of water, allowing for a measurement of pH to be acquired.

When a water-based lubricant is balanced to match the pH of what it is designed to come into contact with — such as the vagina (4.5) or anus (5.5 to 7), it is considered pH-balanced.

That said, pH cannot be measured in the same way for formulas that do not contain water, like most oil-based or silicone-based lubricants.

Such formulas are considered “pH neutral” because there is no pH value to their solution.

Is pH-Balanced Lube Safe?

Absolutely — as long as you’re using it as directed.

It’s important to remember that a lubricant is pH-balanced for the body part it is meant to come into contact with.

Typical vaginal pH falls between 3.8 and 4.5 and a normal rectal pH lies between 7 and 8 — so lubes designed for either will have a pH that closely matches it — ~4.5 and between 5.5 and 7, respectively.

While it may not seem like a big deal to use a pH-balanced vaginal lube for anal sex — or vice versa — it actually can cause major irritation (and potential damage) to the tissues in your anus.

Additionally, pH normally applies to water-based lubricants only, which are safe provided you don’t have allergies or sensitivities to their ingredients, and as long as their formulas don’t include unsafe ingredients.

It’s a good idea to do a patch test of any new lubricant on an area of skin like your inner elbow before using it for sexual activity, just to make sure you aren’t sensitive (or allergic) to any of its ingredients.

Being water-based, pH-balanced lubes are safe to swallow and some (like Aloe Cadabra) offer flavored variations of their edible lube meant for use during oral sex.

What Are The Safest Ingredients For A pH-Balanced Lube?

Since most pH-balanced lubes are water-based, it’s important to explore the best and safest lube ingredients so you know what to look for.

Safe pH-Balanced Lube Ingredients:

• Water
• Aloe vera gel or juice
• Vitamin E oil**
• Plant-based oils like coconut oil**
• Hydroxyethylcellulose
• Cellulose
• Propylene Glycol
• Carrageenan
• Agar Agar
• Lactic Acid
• Citric Acid

**Naturally-derived oils may be used in trace amounts in some water-based lubricants. Barring allergies or personal sensitivities, they are completely safe. 

Water, aloe, Vitamin E, and coconut oil are among the most natural ingredients you’ll commonly find in pH-balanced lubricants.

Hydroxyethylcellulose and cellulose are derived from plants and are used as thickening agents.

The former is an ingredient often found in fertility-friendly lubes because it won’t hinder sperm motility — which we’ll talk about in just a moment.

Propylene glycol is a nontoxic and noncarcinogenic alcohol that works as a skin conditioning agent.

Carrageenan and ​​agar agar are also used as conditioning agents that add thickness to personal lubricants and are often found in pH-balanced products.

Lactic acid is an ingredient that is naturally produced in the body and lives in the vagina. When used in pH-balanced lube, it helps to closely mimic the natural environment of the vagina.

Finally, citric acid is a compound that naturally occurs in fruits such as lemons, limes, or grapefruits. It acts as a natural preservative in pH-balanced lube.

• Safety Of Lubricant Ingredients When Trying To Conceive

Even though the research isn’t conclusive, it is thought that the use of a pH-balanced (or neutral) lubricant is best when trying to conceive.

Likewise, the research is also inconclusive as far as the role any lubricant plays on fertility — and whether it has any negative (or positive) effect at all.

For this reason, it is suggested that a pH-balanced, water-based lubricant is safe to use when trying to conceive, although Mayo Clinic advises that lubricants should be hydroxyethylcellulose-based for best results.

That said, just because a lubricant includes hydroxyethylcellulose in its ingredient list doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe — it could contain other unsafe ingredients like glycerin or parabens.

All of the products in our list of recommendations are free from both.

What Are pH-Balanced Lube Ingredients You Should Avoid?

Many common lubricant ingredients are best avoided, including:

• Glycerin (also known as glycerine or glycerol)
• Parabens (also known as methylparabens)
• Capsaicin
• Benzocaine
• Petroleum
• Mineral Oil
• Added fragrances, dyes, or chemical flavorings
• Any specific ingredients you’re allergic or sensitive to

These ingredients are potentially toxic and are not used in any of the products we recommend.

Additional Lube Ingredients To Avoid

Other ingredients to avoid include synthetic capsaicin or benzocaine, which are typically used to create warming and cooling sensations in lubricants.

Although not often found in water-based lubricants, a pH-neutral oil-based lube may contain petroleum (a key ingredient in Vaseline) or mineral oil — both of which are sometimes used as lube alternatives but can be irritating to the vaginal or anal canal (not to mention they can degrade latex condoms in under a minute).

Lastly, artificial fragrances, dyes, or flavorings can irritate your genitals.

While one of our top picks (Aloe Cadabra) is available in many flavors, it achieves this with natural flavorings and without the use of sugar.

Why You Need Glycerin-Free pH-Balanced Lube

Glycerin may kill off good bacteria that are living in the vaginal canal and being a type of sugar alcohol, promotes yeast infections as well.

Additionally, glycerin also raises the osmolality of personal lubricant, which can make it much more likely to cause vaginal (or even anal) irritation and infection.

It’s a little-known fact, but the VAST majority of water-based lubes contain glycerin as one of the first few ingredients.

All of our pH-balanced lube recommendations are glycerin-free.

In fact, when we’re reviewing products, that is the first thing we look for when considering any lubricant.

Why You Need A Paraben-Free pH-Balanced Lube

Parabens are used as preservatives but unfortunately, they’re thought to be endocrine disruptors.

According to the CDC, the health effects from exposure are unknown — so they’re best avoided altogether.

All of our pH-balanced lube recommendations are free from parabens because your health and safety are our top priority.

Why Lube pH Matters

The vagina and anus each have their own normal pH values — 3.8 to 4.5 and 7 to 8, respectively. Using a lubricant that doesn’t match those pH levels can disturb their individual balances.

Yes — personal lubricant can throw off your pH balance.

When a lubricant’s pH is too low or too high for the area it’s being used, it can potentially damage the vaginal or rectal tissue it’s applied to, causing irritation or increasing the risk of developing an infection.

Because the pH of the vagina and anus differ so much, a lubricant that is pH-balanced for the vagina is NOT pH-balanced for the anus — and vice versa — so it should not be used interchangeably.

This is also why we can’t safely recommend any pH-balanced anal lubes, as we’ll talk about in just a moment.

During our research, we found several water-based products marketed for anal sex because of their thicker textures, yet their pH is in a range best suited for the vagina.

The pH-balanced lubricants in our list of recommendations are balanced for vaginal use only.

Why Is It Hard To Find A Safe, pH-Balanced Anal Lube?

Most water-based and pH-balanced lubricants are attuned to the pH of the vagina, including some that are being marketed specifically for anal sex, so always proceed with caution.

The pH of an anal lube should be between 5.5 and 7; most pH-balanced lubricants are in the 3.8 to 4.5 range, which is much too low for safe anal sex.

When anal pH is disrupted by a lubricant that’s not balanced for anal use, irritation or damage can occur in rectal tissue, making it prone to infection.

Beyond pH, ingredients are another primary concern. The vast majority of lubricants with a pH level contain glycerin, which may kill good bacteria and lead to yeast infections — which can occur in the anus.

In our search for pH-balanced anal lubes, we were unable to find any water-based products that met our strict requirements for safe ingredients, anal pH balance, and osmolality.

That said, anal lubricants made from oil or silicone are without pH entirely — and there are plenty of those to choose from!

Why Lube Osmolality Matters

Osmolality measures the concentration of ingredients in a pH-balanced lubricant that are not water.

The osmolality of vaginal tissue ranges anywhere from 285-295 mOsm/kg; the rectum is around 290 mOsm/kg. Lubricants for each should ideally have an osmolality that closely matches them.

The World Health Organization suggests the safest osmolality for personal lube is below 380 mOsm/kg, however, most products exceed that range — so the highest osmolality that’s considered safe is one that’s less than 1200 mOsm/kg.

All of the pH-balanced lubricants we recommend fall within the acceptable range, with an osmolality well below 1200 mOsm/kg, and in some cases below 380.

We verified this information with each company directly.

FDA Approval Of Personal Lubricants

Personal lubricants are classified as “Class II medical devices” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and manufacturers must register their product(s) for 510(k) clearance.

Unless a product is determined to be exempt from needing this clearance (FDA approval), a company may market and sell the lubricant in the United States after receiving 510(k) clearance.

All of our pH-balanced lube recommendations have a registered 501(k) clearance certificate on file or were exempt from needing one.

Lube Alternatives: Safe (And Unsafe) Home DIY Remedies

Ideally, it’s a good idea to opt for specially formulated lubes for the safest and most pleasant experience, but in a pinch, there are some mostly safe home lube alternatives you can use in the absence of store-bought lube.

• If you are thinking about using one, however, read through this complete list of lube alternatives first.