The Best pH-Balanced Lubes For Vaginas Prone To Irritation
If you’re prone to yeast infections, have sensitive skin, or experience vaginal dryness, a quality pH-balanced personal lubricant should be the first — and only — thing you reach for during intimacy.
After more than 150 hours of cumulative research and personal testing, we’ve concluded that Aloe Cadabra and AH! YES WB are the best pH-balanced personal lubricants available.
In A Hurry? Start With Our Top pH-Balanced Lubricant Picks
- Safety: All of our recommendations are free from glycerin, parabens, capsaicin, benzocaine, and added fragrances, sugar-sweetened flavors, and dyes. These ingredients can be irritating or toxic and some can increase the chances of developing a vaginal infection.
- How we chose: When choosing the best pH-balanced lubes, we weighed and tested: their intended use, performance, texture, consistency, ingredients, additives, and potential allergens.
- Other considerations: We reached out to every manufacturer to confirm the exact pH and osmolality of the products we recommended, listing their values with each. We’ll explain what these terms mean and why they’re important. Additionally, there were no pH-balanced anal lubricants that met our safety criteria due to incompatible pH and osmolality levels, despite those products being marketed for anal use.
- Lubricants we considered: Over the course of 2+ years, 87 water-based lubricants were considered, 23 made our final cuts, and 12 met our strictest criteria for personal testing.
*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!
Our Top Recommendations
|
Top Pick: Lightweight Formula
|
Top Pick: Thick Formula
|
Runner Up
|
Also Good: Fertility-Friendly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$11.95 (2.5 oz)
|
$21.99 (5.1 oz)
|
$12.99 (4 oz)
|
$19.99 (2 oz)
|
|
Description: Bottom Line: Aloe Cadabra is lightweight and versatile with a pH-balanced formula made from 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera you can feel good about using on your most delicate areas. Unlike chemical-heavy products that alter the vagina’s natural pH — harming vaginal health in the process — this lubricant keeps everything in balance for long-lasting comfort during sex and beyond. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: Using a luxurious formula made from 96% organic ingredients certified by the Soil Association, AH! YES WB is responsibly formulated to match vaginal pH. This hypoallergenic lubricant replenishes natural moisture while supporting vaginal health with a cushiony texture that’s thicker than you’ll find in most water-based lubricants, making all of your fantasies a pleasure to explore — again and again. [Read Full Review] |
Description: Bottom Line: This gel-like lubricant is formulated using Good Clean Love’s patented Bio-Match technology, which was specially designed to closely mimic natural vaginal moisture and lactic acid levels to help maintain a healthy pH balance. Certified 95% organic, this personal lube provides long-lasting moisture that feels like your body’s natural lubrication for optimal comfort and vaginal wellness. [Read Full Review] |
Description: Bottom Line: Working with your body to create an optimal environment for conception and a comfortable intimate experience, BioGenesis naturally adapts as higher pH sperm are introduced into the vagina to help balance its pH while simultaneously supporting sperm health and movement. Closely mimicking your body’s natural lubrication in texture, it promotes conception and healthy vaginal flora at the same time. [Read Full Review] |
Bottom Line: Aloe Cadabra is lightweight and versatile with a pH-balanced formula made from 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera you can feel good about using on your most delicate areas. Unlike chemical-heavy products that alter the vagina’s natural pH — harming vaginal health in the process — this lubricant keeps everything in balance for long-lasting comfort during sex and beyond. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: Using a luxurious formula made from 96% organic ingredients certified by the Soil Association, AH! YES WB is responsibly formulated to match vaginal pH. This hypoallergenic lubricant replenishes natural moisture while supporting vaginal health with a cushiony texture that’s thicker than you’ll find in most water-based lubricants, making all of your fantasies a pleasure to explore — again and again. [Read Full Review]
Bottom Line: This gel-like lubricant is formulated using Good Clean Love’s patented Bio-Match technology, which was specially designed to closely mimic natural vaginal moisture and lactic acid levels to help maintain a healthy pH balance. Certified 95% organic, this personal lube provides long-lasting moisture that feels like your body’s natural lubrication for optimal comfort and vaginal wellness. [Read Full Review]
Bottom Line: Working with your body to create an optimal environment for conception and a comfortable intimate experience, BioGenesis naturally adapts as higher pH sperm are introduced into the vagina to help balance its pH while simultaneously supporting sperm health and movement. Closely mimicking your body’s natural lubrication in texture, it promotes conception and healthy vaginal flora at the same time. [Read Full Review]
Our In-Depth Breakdown Of The Best pH-Balanced Lubes
After spending more than 150 cumulative hours over 2+ years researching water-based lubricants and verifying not only their ingredients but properly documented (and verifiable) pH and osmolality levels, we’ve narrowed our picks to the list below.
All of the pH-balanced lubricants we recommend have met our very rigorous performance and safety standards and are made from safe ingredients, free from potentially harmful additives (such as glycerin) and preservatives (like parabens) while having body-safe pH and osmolality levels.
All of the pH-balanced lubricants we recommend are intended for vaginal use.
Anal pH (7-8) is vastly different from the vagina (3.8 to 4.5) and unfortunately, we have yet to find a water-based lubricant with an anal-safe pH — although our research is ongoing.
For now, let’s jump right into our top picks.
Top Pick (Lightweight Formula): Aloe Cadabra
[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.]
- 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
- 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
Certified organic, Aloe Cadabra offers a variety of luxurious (and delicious!) lubes that are pH-balanced for the vagina.
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
[Note: Get AH! YES WB for only $18.70, a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- Extra-Thick Formula With Guar Gum Provides A Luxurious, Cushiony Texture That Lasts As Long As You Do
- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice Brings Incredible Hydration To Every Sexy Spot
- No Added Fragrances, Flavors Or Dyes Make It Ideal For Those With Sensitive Skin Or Looking For An Unflavored Edible Lube
- Made With 96% Organic Ingredients As Certified By The Soil Association
- Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
- Might Be Too Thick For Those Who Prefer A Lightweight Texture
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
- Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower
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
[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.]
- 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
- 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
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
Good Clean Love BioGenesis Fertility Lubricant
[Note: Get Good Clean Love BioGenesis Fertility Lubricant for only $16.00. Use code WHI20 and get 20% off from Good Clean Love — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- 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
- 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
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
Sliquid Naturals H20
- 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
- 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
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
Good Clean Love Restore Moisturizing Vaginal Gel
[Note: Get Good Clean Love Restore Moisturizing Vaginal Gel for only $13.60. Use code WHI20 and get 20% off from Good Clean Love — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- 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
- 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
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
Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant
[Note: Get Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive 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.]
- 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
- 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
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*.
Why Trust Our Review
We’ve invested more than 150 hours (and counting) researching, evaluating, and testing the best pH-Balanced lubes over the last two years so we know exactly what to look for in terms of ingredients, performance, and most importantly — safety.
We began by speaking with several members of our medical review team, who consist of board-certified OB-GYNs, pelvic health experts, and sex educators about what makes a great pH-balanced lube and how to verify that a product is exactly what it claims to be.
To that end, we reached out to every manufacturer — directly — to verify that data.
We’ve investigated 87 water-based lubricants over the past two years, with just 23 making our final cuts based on safe ingredients and appropriate pH and osmolality levels.
Eventually, only 12 of those met our strictest criteria for personal testing, including documented pH and osmolality for verification.
During our search, we were only able to find, test, and recommend products that are pH-balanced for vaginal use — not anal.
Anal pH is considerably higher than that of the vagina (7-8 versus 3.8 to 4.5, respectively) and as such, a lubricant that is pH-balanced for vaginal use is not suitable for anal penetration.
Our research is ongoing, however — we constantly evaluate new entries to the market as they become available.
Finally, we do not accept paid placements, and all our recommendations are brand-neutral.
For accuracy and thoroughness, we also have an expert from our medical review board evaluate all reviews.
How We Made Our Picks & Features We Considered
When we first began researching pH-balanced lubes — all of which are water-based — we spoke with members of our medical review board to understand why pH matters so much — and how to verify that a lubricant meets that safety criteria.
In fact, Dr. Susan Milstein, a human sexuality health educator on our review board, wrote an article on the importance of using a pH-balanced lubricant.
She explained that a safe, well-formulated pH-balanced lube should be made with a limited number of high-quality ingredients that you are not allergic or sensitive to and that it should also be pH-balanced for the body part it will come in contact with (vagina or anus), have a safe osmolality, and be FDA approved.
That’s a tall order — and it’s also what eliminated a great many lubricants from contention and personal testing by our team.
When choosing the best pH-balanced lubricants, we considered:
- Natural, Safe Ingredients: Using a lubricant with a short list of high-quality natural ingredients will lower the possibility of irritation, infection, or endocrine disruption. Ideally, the ingredient list of any lube should never include glycerin or parabens, especially one claiming to be pH-friendly.
- Limited Allergens: Even if a lubricant is made from safe, natural ingredients, some of these can cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to them. This is primarily a concern with aloe as it pertains to latex allergies since aloe plants contain natural latex within their leaves. We chose products from reputable companies (like Aloe Cadabra) that remove the gel cleanly and without traces of latex left behind.
- No Unnecessary Additives: The best pH-balanced lubes are all free of additives like glycerin, parabens, or added fragrances and dyes that can cause irritation or infection. Some pH-balanced lubricants have flavoring, which can be safe as long as they’re not sweetened with sugar (an ingredient that can promote yeast infections from lube). All of our flavored recommendations for pH-balanced lubes are made with ingredients that are safe for vaginal sex.
- A Safe Formulation: This refers to the way the lube is formulated, how the ingredients work together, and the pH and osmolality of the product.
- Verification Of pH And Osmolality: The truth is that a company can say anything it wants in its marketing, and this includes claims about pH or osmolality. Only products that we were able to verify directly with the company (including FDA approval and other related documentation) were considered for personal testing because we value our team’s safety just as much as we value yours.
- FDA Approval: All of our pH-balanced lube recommendations either have a registered 501(k) clearance certificate on file with the FDA as of this writing or were exempt from providing one and are approved for sale in the US.
- Good Texture/Consistency: Some pH-balanced lubes are more lightweight with a natural-feeling texture, while others are thick and more cushiony. We considered both of these, as they are a matter of personal preference. Regardless, a good pH-balanced lube should feel slick and smooth while providing hydration and of course, be gentle on the skin without disrupting vaginal pH.
- Real-World Performance: Finally, our team personally tested the way each pH-balanced lubricant worked, using them on their skin and during oral or vaginal sex. They kept track of how they performed during a variety of sexual activities (masturbation, with toys, and during partnered play) as well as with condoms (when applicable) and during clean-up.
How a personal lubricant performs was the last feature we considered because even if a lube works great, its performance is secondary if it contains harmful additives or an unbalanced pH or osmolality that can increase the risk of irritation and infection.
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.
What Are pH-Balanced Lubes And Who Should Use Them?
A pH-balanced lube is one whose water-based formula is designed to match the natural pH of the body part it will come in contact with — namely the vagina or anus.
The vagina and anus similarly sustain their own microbiome, functioning best when remaining perfectly pH-balanced and undisturbed.
Using a water-based lubricant that isn’t pH-balanced can alter vaginal or anal pH, even if it’s made from safe ingredients.
A pH-balanced lube helps to maintain this delicate ecosystem, ensuring that the natural flora inside your body doesn’t get knocked off-kilter, reducing the risk of infection and tissue damage in the process.
Using pH-balanced lube is a great way to ensure an irritation-free experience, both during sex — and afterward.
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.
What You Should Look For In A pH-Balanced Lube And Safety
While pH level should be the starting point in your search, a pH-balanced lube should also be made from safe ingredients — always.
Additionally, it should have an osmolality that falls within the World Health Organization’s recommendations, as all of our picks do.
The important thing to note is that this information is not always freely available — some manufacturers provide it, but many (if not most!) do not.
As we mentioned earlier, we personally verified the pH and osmolality of each product we tested when selecting our top recommendations.
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.
In Conclusion
You might not think about it often, but the pH of your genitals is not something you want to overlook — especially when it comes to using a personal lubricant.
Choosing a properly pH-balanced lube will reduce your risk of vaginal discomfort and infection, and that makes sex so much more enjoyable!
Especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, a pH-balanced lube will help to ensure that your sexual experiences are nothing but pleasure from beginning to end — and happily ever after.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Everything Lube hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.
About The Author 
Editor's Picks:
Get The Newsletter
